Beyond the Ordinary: Three Unique Romantic European Adventures

For those who love adventure and traveling off the beaten path, but are also looking to spend some time away with that special someone, here are three unique and romantic European destinations that you should consider. There are times for lying on a beach in the sun and sipping margaritas, and then there are times for exploration and experiencing new things. If your prefer the latter, these vacations will provide you with several ideal options.

Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye in Scotland, is not only a romantic paradise and a perfect honeymoon destination, it is an adventure lover's dream. The island is part of the Inner Hebrides, just off the west coast of Scotland, and connected only by the Skye Bridge, that opened in 1995.

The beautiful isle is full of the greenest greens your mind can imagine, with unique rock formations sitting atop rocky mountain peaks and waterfalls cascading down sheer jagged cliffs to the turquoise sea below. Here you'll have the opportunity to visit ancient castles, and a fantastical world known as the Fairy Glen.

If the weather is a little chilly, take a tour of the Talisker Whiskey Distillery, and warm yourself up with a taste of some of the best single malt Scotch in the world. You'll also find a wealth of museums to explore, and art galleries featuring many of the island's local artists.

The best activities can be found outdoors on Skye, with endless trails to hike, seashells and other gems to discover, horseback riding on the beach, and whale watching in the surrounding waters of the Hebrides.

The Isle of Skye offers some of the most romantic accommodations as well. Here you can rent a cottage overlooking the sea, and rest your weary feet at the end of the day while snuggling with your loved one in front of a fireplace.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

There are few better places in the world to experience more spectacular scenery than the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway. Here you'll find craggy mountain peaks soaring higher than the clouds, with emerald colored seas and white sand beaches below.

The islands are located in the Arctic circle, but with the warming effect of the Gulf stream, the area actually experiences a fairly mild climate. What could be more romantic then watching the Northern Lights from the comfort of a Rorbu? A rorbu is a cabin, and they were originally used by the fisherman who would travel the islands during the winter fishing season.

Many of the rorbus offer luxurious amenities, such as jacuzzi suites, and are fully stocked with everything you need. The Lofoten Islands are also one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. They are also a paradise for wild life watching, with sea eagles, killer whales, seals, puffins and more regularly spotted in the area.

With many of the restaurants here using fresh ingredients straight from the sea, this is also a great place for food lovers to experience heavenly meals with views of an ancient harbor, fjords and snow-capped mountains. Sip a glass of wine and toast some of the world's greatest wonders.

Iceland

Iceland is another of the world's most ideal romantic destinations, and here you can relax your cares away in the soothing waters of the famous Blue Lagoon. The hot and steamy waters are part of a lava formation, and are said to communicate special healing powers. Whether or not that is true, I can say that you might just feel more relaxed and at peace then you have in your entire life.

In Iceland you can explore black sand beaches, view glaciers and lava falls, or take a ride on the island's Icelandic horses. Sail through the serenely drifting ice while viewing a wide variety of both marine life, and experience a bird lover's wonderland at the same time.

Hotel Glymur is one of the most romantic hotels in Iceland, stay in one of the luxurious villas with views of Whale Fjord, and relax in a geothermal Jacuzzi under the stars. Hotel Glymur also offers a world renowned restaurant, featuring gourmet delights fresh from the surrounding water and the land. If you've never tried reindeer, here's your chance, and be sure to try smoked puffin, a delicacy on the island.

K.C. Dermody is a freelance writer and a Featured Contributor for Yahoo!Travel. She has traveled to nearly all 50 states, and many countries worldwide, and has a passion for imparting what she has learned from her experiences to others.

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