Honeymoons, anniversaries, engagements, make-ups. So easy to find an excuse for loving. Especially if your romantic compass is pointing toward Southern Europe.

Jump to: Croatia | Greece | Malta | Spain | Portugal | Turkey

CROATIA

Palmižana
Where: Palmižana
What's to Love: Artsy villas on a gorgeous and privately owned island a few minutes by boat from Hvar, one of Croatia's biggest party towns.
Good to Know: The island's owners, the Meneghello family, are committed to nature preservation and fostering the arts. The surrounding land is filled with private inlets to explore by foot.

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GREECE

Art Maisons
Where: Santorini
What's to Love: Incredible rooms you'll never want to leave with private terraces perfect for watching the famous Santorini sunset.
Good to Know: Book ahead; they only have eight rooms.

Perivolas
Where: Santorini
Whats to Love: Secluded location overlooking the Aegean Sea. Minimalistic décor: The rooms used to be housing for local fisherman. The Greek yogurt with honey and nuts is divine.
Good to Know: Book a private boat excursion around the caldera and stops to swim and explore the caves. There's no TV, so bring a novel and plan on really unplugging.

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MALTA

The Xara Palace
Where: Mdina
What's to Love: Seventeenth-century hilltop palazzo within the stone walls of a medieval city. Baroque architecture, exquisite furnishings, impeccable service.
Good to Know: It gets chilly, even in the summer, so bring a sweater. The property is family-run and you will feel like a guest in a noble's home — act accordingly.

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SPAIN

Hotel Itureggi
Where: Getaria
Whats to Love: You approach through rolling Basque vineyards with a view of the sea. You arrive to beautifully decorated rooms. The local food — jamòn and the freshest eggs you'll ever eat — from room service makes it cozy. 
Good to Know: San Sebastián and Bilbao are within driving distance. The port town of Getaria is worth a trip for the turbot and sardines grilling on charcoals outside the restaurants.

Hotel Alhambra Palace
Where: Granada
What's To Love: Feels like you're staying in the real Alhambra Palace.
Good to Know: Rooms overlooking the city have fantastic views. Ask to be on a higher floor for less noise.

Hotel Alfonso XIII
Where: Seville
What's to Love: Palatial digs with lovely ourdoor spaces in the heart of the city.
Good to Know: If you prefer quiet, ask for a room facing the courtyard (not the street).

Trasierra
Where: Seville
What's to Love: Grand old estate in the Spanish countryside converted into a 20-room hotel. Family run and usually packed with their fascinating friends.
Good to Know: It's especially exquisite in the spring when wildflowers color the hills.

Hotel La Residencia
Where: Mallorca
What's to Love: Beautiful twin manor houses situated on the edge of Deià, Mallorca's artist colony. Houses El Olivo, an award-winning restaurant.
Good to Know: Bring comfortable shoes. The hotel offers a wide range of walking tours, which are a great way to explore Deià and see what inspire local artists.

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PORTUGAL

Hotel Yeatman
Where: Porto
What's to Love: The Vinothérapie Spa, for starters. Because the hotel is situated so high up in the hills, there are truly breathtaking views of the city and river from the indoor pool.
Good to Know: It's a long and winding trek to the bottom of the hill, where Porto proper is. All the more reason to wander the narrow streets surrounding the hotel and spend your time tasting port.

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TURKEY

Gamirasu Cave Hotel
Where: Cappadocia
What's to Love: This may be the most fantastical place on earth, and you're living in an epic, mythical cave. Have a scrumptious traditional Turkish breakfast and watch the sunrise over the valley.
Good to Know: Wake up at 4 a.m. to go on a hot air balloon ride.

Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay
Where: Bodrum
What's to Love: Overlooks the most beautiful water you will ever swim in.
Good to Know: Hotel transportation will bring you to Bodrum, so there's no need to rent a car.
Read More on Fathom: Scott Conant in Bodrum. 

SHOP IT

Do you have the right kit for a romantic getaway?

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YOUR TURN

What's your favorite hotel for romantic romps? Tell us on Facebook.

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BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE

The World's Most Romantic Hotels: The Best of the Best
Most Romantic Hotels in Africa
Most Romantic Hotels in Asia
Most Romantic Hotels in Australia and the South Pacific
Most Romantic Hotels in Europe
Most Romantic Hotels in Latin America
Most Romantic Hotels in the United States and Caribbean

Contributors: Suzy Buckley, Scott Conant, Christina DiLaura, Julia Jaoudi, Devorah Klein Lev-Tov, Wendy Knight, Biba Milioto, Claire Milonas, Dina Rosembloom, James Truman, Jee Won Park.

Photos, from top: Courtesy of Perivolas; courtesy of Hotel Iturregi; courtesy of Trasierra; courtesy of Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay.