Top 10 Romance Films Set on Vacation

Vacations are a time to escape routine, and romance films set in these fleeting getaways capture the magic of love sparked in unfamiliar places. The backdrop of sun-soaked beaches or charming cities adds a dreamy layer to stories of connection and heartbreak.

I’ve explored a world of cinematic love stories to bring you the top 10 romance films that unfold during vacations. From lighthearted flings to deep bonds, these movies will sweep you away with their holiday charm.

10. ‘The Holiday’ (2006)

Two women, one from LA and one from England, swap homes for Christmas to escape their romantic woes. In their new surroundings, they each stumble into unexpected love with locals who shake up their lives.

Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet shine in this cozy rom-com. The film’s dual storylines and festive vibe make it a heartwarming escape.

9. ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ (2008)

Two American friends vacationing in Spain get entangled with a charismatic artist and his volatile ex-wife. Their summer fling spirals into a complex web of desire and self-discovery.

Scarlett Johansson and Penélope Cruz deliver magnetic performances in Woody Allen’s sultry drama. The vibrant Barcelona setting fuels the film’s passionate energy.

8. ‘Letters to Juliet’ (2010)

Sophie, an aspiring writer, travels to Verona, Italy, and joins a group answering love letters left at Juliet’s courtyard. A letter from decades past leads her to help an elderly woman find her lost love, sparking her own romance.

Amanda Seyfried’s charm carries this sweet story. The Italian countryside and heartfelt quest make it a perfect blend of nostalgia and new love.

7. ‘Two Weeks in September’ (1967)

Cécile, a French model, takes a two-week trip to London, where she begins an affair with a young Englishman. The fleeting romance forces her to question her marriage and her sense of freedom.

Brigitte Bardot’s radiant performance anchors this lesser-known gem. The swinging ’60s London backdrop adds a stylish flair to the bittersweet tale.

6. ‘Summertime’ (1955)

Jane, an American spinster, vacations in Venice, hoping for adventure. She falls for a charming Italian antique dealer, but their romance is complicated by his hidden truths.

Katharine Hepburn’s heartfelt portrayal shines in David Lean’s lush drama. Venice’s canals and vibrant streets make every scene a visual love letter.

5. ‘A Room with a View’ (1985)

Lucy, a young Englishwoman, travels to Florence with her chaperone, where she meets the free-spirited George. Their brief connection challenges her repressed upbringing and shapes her future.

Helena Bonham Carter and Julian Sands bring quiet intensity to this E.M. Forster adaptation. The Tuscan landscapes add a dreamy glow to the slow-burn romance.

4. ‘Roman Holiday’ (1953)

A princess escapes her royal duties for a day in Rome, where she meets an American journalist. Their whirlwind adventure through the city blossoms into a tender, fleeting romance.

Audrey Hepburn’s iconic charm and Gregory Peck’s warmth make this a timeless classic. Rome’s vibrant streets feel like a character in their love story.

3. ‘Call Me by Your Name’ (2017)

Elio, a teenager, spends a summer in 1980s Italy with his family, where he falls for Oliver, a graduate student staying at their villa. Their intense bond unfolds against a backdrop of lazy, sunlit days.

Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer deliver raw, unforgettable performances. The film’s lush Italian setting and emotional depth make it a modern masterpiece.

2. ‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008)

Sophie, preparing for her wedding on a Greek island, secretly invites three men from her mom’s past, hoping to find her father. Amid the chaos, her mother rekindles an old flame.

Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried lead a joyful cast in this ABBA-fueled musical. The sparkling Greek isles and infectious energy make it a feel-good triumph.

1. ‘Before Sunrise’ (1995)

Jesse and Céline, two strangers, meet on a train and decide to spend one night wandering Vienna together. Their deep conversations and growing connection create a fleeting but profound romance.

Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy’s natural chemistry drives Richard Linklater’s intimate gem. Vienna’s moonlit streets turn their night into a timeless love story.

Which vacation romance film stole your heart, or is there another getaway love story I missed? Drop your favorites in the comments!