Ultimate Couples Travel Guide to Sharm el Sheikh

How to Reignite Your Love Life Without Igniting Your Credit Card

1. Why Sharm el Sheikh Is Actually Trending This Summer

Hold onto your sunhats, Booking.com’s summer 2025 list crowns Sharm el Sheikh as the #1 trending couples’ hotspot. Yes, that desert oasis known for epic snorkels and sunsets perhaps rivals Santorini on the romance scale, without requiring a Greek mythology background for pronunciation.

Globally, Booking reports a massive shift: sun loving duos are jetting toward this Egyptian gem, chasing coral reefs, nightlife, and that perfect “we looked fabulous together” photo op. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific travel like Bali, Maldives, Phuket remains strong too, but if we’re talking sheer Booking momentum for couples, Sharm takes the crown.

2. Romance Meets Reef: Activities You’ll Actually Want to Do

Reef Safari at Sunrise

Swap hotel robes for wetsuits and glide over vibrant coral gardens holding hands. It’s intimate, Instagram worthy, and you won’t risk any awkward morning mimosas.

Desert Dinner Under the Sky

Roll out a Bedouin carpet, roast skewers by torchlight, and sample mint tea while the sky flaunts constellations. Pro tip: skip the cell phones and actually speak to each other.

Cable car Sunset at Mount Moses

Take an evening gondola ride with panoramic views of Sinai’s ridges, then slowly descend as dusk paints the desert burnt orange.

Spa scapes & Infinity Pools

Many resorts now brandish eco luxury certifications, think spa treatments using local oils and herbs, sunsets from private plunge pools, ideal for couples who want Instagram points and clean water.

3. Travel Hacks So Smooth You’ll Forget You’re in the Middle of the Sahara

Pick the Right Season

Avoid summer scorchers by visiting in shoulder periods (May–June or September–October). You’ll enjoy balmy, rather than blazing, temps.

Check Sustainability Credentials

81 % of eco aware travelers now look for green certified stays. Make it your mission to book resorts that ditch single use plastics, recycle desalinated water, or support local conservancies.

Book All‑Inclusive (But With Standards)

All‑inclusive doesn’t have to mean buffet boredom. Opt for resorts specializing in adult only packages, including gourmet meals, quality libations, and excursions bundled seamlessly.

Embrace Bleisure for Deux

If one of you works remotely, Sharm el Sheikh offers solid bleisure vibes, fast Wi‑Fi and work friendly lounges while the other explores. That’s a win win: one plows through emails, the other pools through snorkeling sites.

Treat Yourselves to a Private Guide

Split the seas with a local who’s fluent in both Arabic and passion for storytelling. That knowledge joint venture connects you to hidden beaches, Bedouin culture, and star filled namesakes that no travel brochure mentions.

4. Staying Connected (Without Glued to Your Phone Syndrome)

Yes, romantic travel trends are increasingly eschewing constant posting. In Sharm, embrace noctourism: camp by lantern light, gaze at the stars, share stories, ban phones (or at least silence them).

Your relationship will thank you for the rediscovery of conversation without the buzz of notifications drowning out your heartbeat.

5. Logistics (Because Without Them, You’re Just a Sappy Rom com Without a Plot)

Topic	Tip
Visas & Docs	Most nationalities grab one on arrival, but double-check before you pack swimsuits.
Health Precautions	Routine vaccines. Bring sunscreen & aloe—especially for couples who plan to overachieve on the beach posture.
Local Transport	Licensed taxis and official shuttles—skip anything that resembles a camel with Wi‑Fi hotspot.
Language Notes	“Shukran” (thanks) and “Afwan” (you’re welcome) go a long way. Smiling helps too.

6. Budgeting Without Starving Your Romance

Couples value experiences over tchotchkes, according to 2025 travel surveys. Sharm el Sheikh strikes gold here: upscale resorts, adventure tours, and private dinners often rival Mediterranean price tags, but rarely reach them.

Save money by:

1. Booking shoulder‑season offers

2. Choosing mid range all inclusive plans

3. Prioritizing selective splurges (private dinner, personal guide)

4. Enjoying downtime at beaches or markets, free but full of charm

7. Cultural Intelligence: Tips to Keep Things Fun and Respectful

Egyptian culture leans conservative. Dress modestly away from resort zones. That doesn’t mean you have to pretend you’re auditioning for a Roman drama, but a respectful accessory or two never hurt.

Learn common greetings, tip discreetly (10 % is considered polite), and remember: kind jokes are fine, but sarcasm sometimes doesn’t translate.

8. Experience Over Everything: The Trend That’s Here to Stay

Studies show slow travel and experience first planning top Romantic Trends 2025. Sharm’s appeal lies in its mosaic of time slowed moments: yacht outings, Bedouin nights, reef dives where wave time slows and couples actually talk sometimes for hours.

9. Insiders Say: Here’s What Tour Guides Whisper to Lovebirds

A handful of ex-tour operator quotes during trend analysis:

1. “Couples love the contrast: early sail, afternoon spa, then starlit desert.”

2. “We see more partner focused itineraries, thoughtful, purposeful, personalized.”

3. “That combination of reef adventure and cultural heart beats louder than beach lounging alone.”

10. Final Pep Talk: Why This Trip Could Be Your Best One Yet

1. It’s not Las Vegas—no one offers champagne and chaos in the same sentence.

2. It’s not Santorini—trust me, your wallet will thank you.

3. It is Sharm el Sheikh—where love meets adventure, culture meets connection, and planning meets spontaneity.

Picture this: slippery reef walks with your beloved, followed by mint tea at desert dusk. Until you return to that infinity pool where you unwrap relaxed conversation and maybe even a bit more.

TL;DR in Three Lines

1. Sharm’s top trending couples destination status isn’t hype; data supports it.

2. Mix eco luxury stays, reef outings, desert dinners, and spa downtime.

3. Book smart (shoulder season + all‑inclusive) and ditch phones for starlit chats.

The Ultimate Couples Travel Guide to Malta

Buckle up your Mediterranean love story begins now, with mild sarcasm and some unsolicited relationship advice.

For Lovers Who Want Sun, Seafood, and Possibly a Heated Argument in a Kayak

Malta, the land of golden limestone, crystalline waters, and Instagram filters that practically apply themselves. It’s the ideal destination for couples who crave a romantic getaway, or at the very least, a location to dramatically storm off from one another while surrounded by Baroque architecture.

But before you pack matching swimsuits and delusions of "restful travel," here’s your no nonsense (but all facts included) guide to conquering this Mediterranean jewel as a duo.

Getting To Malta: Travel Together or Die Trying

First, let’s talk logistics. Malta International Airport is your tiny but mighty entry point. Direct flights are available from most major European cities. If you're flying in from the U.S., expect a layover. Probably two. Maybe three if your airline is feeling spicy.

Pro tip: Try booking seats together, unless you’d like to start your holiday with aggressive eye contact across the aisle.

Where to Stay: From Bougie to Budget

Your choice of accommodation says a lot about your relationship. Are you the type to whisper sweet nothings at a rooftop pool bar, or bicker over the air conditioning in a three star guesthouse?

Sliema:

Malta’s answer to “we want sea views and Starbucks.” Sliema is modern, walkable, and full of cafés where you can pretend to be digital nomads. Great for couples who like a mix of relaxation and retail therapy.

Valletta:

If you're looking to rekindle your love via cobbled streets, historic fortresses, and candlelit wine bars, the capital is perfect. Also great for couples who want a Renaissance backdrop.

Gozo:

Think of it as Malta’s calmer, prettier cousin. Ideal for couples seeking solitude, nature, or to test the limits of their GPS during an off road scooter ride.

Dining Together Without Causing a Scene

Malta’s cuisine is a magical collision of Italian passion, British awkwardness, and Arabic spice, much like many relationships.

Top Eats for Two (or One with a Good Appetite):

1. Ta' Kris (Sliema): Try the rabbit stew. Nothing rekindles passion like debating whether you're eating Bugs Bunny or local heritage.

2. Legligin (Valletta): This cozy wine bar specializes in small plates, ideal for couples who can *share food without resentment*.

3. Ix-Xini (Gozo): A hidden seafood shack by the bay. You’ll hike down a winding cliffside road, nearly break up from dehydration, and then declare it the best fish of your life.

Word of caution: Maltese portions can be unpredictable. Order carefully, unless your relationship thrives on “I told you so” energy.

Romanticish Activities You’ll “Both Enjoy”

Here’s the thing: you could just lounge by the pool all day. But you're not paying €200 a night just to nap aggressively in the sun. Here are some ways to keep your itinerary spicy, and not just because someone forgot sunscreen.

1. The Three Cities Ferry Ride

Depart from Valletta and explore Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. It’s like a Venetian romance, only cheaper and with less gondola singing. Bonus: You can play “which city are we most like as a couple” on the ferry ride over. (Spoiler: it’s never Cospicua.)

2. Mdina: The Silent City

A walled city of medieval architecture and zero traffic. Whisper sweet nothings through the alleyways—or just enjoy the eerie silence between long-term couples who ran out of things to say in 2019.

3. Comino & The Blue Lagoon

Rent a boat or take a catamaran tour to this translucent turquoise dreamscape. It’s breathtaking, romantic, and slightly horrifying if you're prone to sunburn or existential thoughts about jellyfish.

Bring reef shoes. Nothing kills the vibe faster than limping back to shore because you stepped on a sea urchin while posing for a photo.

4. Diving for (Emotional) Depth

Malta is one of the best dive spots in Europe. Whether you’re a certified diver or just someone who once snorkeled in a hotel pool, there’s something underwater for you. Bonus: it’s hard to argue when your mouth is full of oxygen tank.

Drinking Without Oversharing

Wine, cocktails, and sunset views, the holy trinity of couple travel. Malta does alcohol well, and you can enjoy it while pretending you’re in a perfume commercial.

1. Bridge Bar (Valletta): Live jazz on Fridays. Ideal for couples who think they’re cultured, even though they met on Tinder.

2. Kinnie & Cisk: Local drinks! Kinnie is a bitter orange soda that divides people like pineapple on pizza. Cisk is the national beer—surprisingly drinkable, even during minor relationship crises.

Language, Culture, and Why You’ll Feel Like You’re in Ten Countries at Once

Malta’s official languages are Maltese (a Semitic tongue that sounds like Arabic and Italian had a baby) and English (with a mild island accent that makes even complaints sound polite).

Malta has been ruled by literally everyone, Romans, Moors, Knights of St. John, the French, the British, and probably your in laws. The result is a cultural melting pot with surprisingly few meltdowns.

People are friendly, and public displays of affection are generally fine, as long as you keep it PG-13. This is not Ibiza. Save the heavy petting for your hotel’s rooftop jacuzzi.

Money, Transportation, and Other Things You’ll Argue About in Malta

1. Currency: Euro. Keep small bills. Malta has more small vendors than you’d expect, and nobody wants to break a fifty for a €3 espresso.

2. Transport: Buses are affordable but *might* show up on time. Renting a car? Remember: they drive on the left. The arguments you’ll have about roundabouts will be legendary.

3. Taxis vs Bolt: Bolt (their Uber equivalent) is cheaper, faster, and doesn’t require you to mime “drive me to the beach” to a confused cabbie.

Instagram Moments That Might Save Your Relationship

1. Upper Barrakka Gardens (Valletta): Cannon salute at noon. Historic, loud, and free just like your last vacation.

2. St. Peter’s Pool: Natural rock pool in Marsaxlokk. Perfect for “candid” couple photos. Warning: your jealousy toward the photogenic influencer next to you may spiral.

3.Blue Grotto: Take a boat through the caves. It’s pretty, peaceful, and you’re less likely to argue in close quarters with strangers present.

What to Pack for Malta (Besides Emotional Baggage)

1. Lightweight clothing (but nothing sheer, it will blow in the wind)

2. Reef safe sunscreen

3. Two bathing suits (because no one likes soggy spandex)

4. Portable charger (you’ll need it for Google Maps and ignoring each other during transit) 

5. A lightweight scarf or shawl for religious sites (and spontaneous beach picnics)

Bonus Insight: Local Quirks Worth Knowing About Malta 

1. The Maltese love fireworks. There’s always some random village “feast” with loud bangs and street food. Ask around. Join in. It’s delightfully chaotic.

2. Cats. Everywhere. If you're a cat-loving couple, you’ll feel like you're in purring paradise.

3. Siesta culture is real. Shops may close mid-day. Use that time to nap or argue in your Airbnb about why you didn’t get groceries earlier.

Should You Go to Malta as a Couple?

Short answer: Absolutely.

Long answer: Only if you’re prepared to mix sunshine, baroque buildings, seafood, and low-stakes arguments into a genuinely memorable experience. Malta is gorgeous, accessible, and overflowing with historical intrigue, beachy bliss, and opportunities for romance, both sappy and sarcastic.

Plus, you’ll leave with shared memories, matching tan lines, and at least one blurry photo where you look almost as in love as your Instagram caption says you are.

Still not convinced? Just go. Worst case, you break up under a palm tree. Best case, you come home more in sync than ever, possibly speaking bits of Maltese and fully addicted to pastizzi.

You're welcome.

The Ultimate Couples Travel Guide to Villajoyosa: Where Love Meets... Fish Markets

A Haphazard Lovers’ Guide to Surviving (and Maybe Even Enjoying) Villajoyosa, Spain

Welcome, hopeless romantics and reluctant plus ones! If you're on the verge of booking a “life changing” couples getaway and accidentally stumbled upon Villajoyosa, Spain, congratulations. You’ve either been influenced by a suspiciously serene Instagram reel or you've confused it with Ibiza. Either way, you've landed in the technicolor fever dream of coastal Europe, and your relationship may never be the same.

Why Villajoyosa?

Let’s face it. Paris is overrun with influencers and pigeons, Venice is 90% humidity and 10% overpriced gondola, and Santorini has more photo shoots than sunsets. So why not pack your emotional baggage and jet off to the underrated, over tiled, painfully charming town of Villajoyosa?

Nestled along Spain’s Costa Blanca which translates roughly to “Where sunscreen becomes a second skin”, Villajoyosa boasts a romantic appeal best described as: If a gelato shop married a crayon box and their kid got into coastal architecture.

Day 1: Arrival & Mutual Bickering

As you arrive one of you lugging a suitcase large enough to hold a third regret, the other pretending not to sweat, you’ll immediately notice the riot of pastel buildings. Locals say they were painted bright so fishermen could see their homes from the sea. You’ll say it’s cute. Your partner will say you already posted the same photo twice on Stories. Love is alive.

Where to Stay

Book a converted fisherman’s house, now marketed as a “boutique villa” (read: 400-year-old plumbing with linen drapes). There’s no better way to test your relationship than sharing a bathroom designed during the Spanish Inquisition. Charm? 10/10. Wi-Fi signal? Ha.

Pro tip: If you’re hoping for a modern resort, you’ve confused Villajoyosa with Benidorm. Please return to your search for “Top 10 resorts with buffet and zero cultural interaction.”

Day 2: Chocolate, Sunburn, and Silence

Begin your romantic itinerary with a visit to the Valor Chocolate Museum, because nothing says “eternal devotion” like watching cocoa beans being ground into oblivion. You’ll learn fun facts like: “The founder of Valor once consumed 2 kilos of chocolate in a single sitting and still lived to 87,” which raises more questions than it answers.

Romantic Activity #1: Public Sweating

Take a stroll along the palm lined beach promenade, Playa Centro. You will think it’s romantic. Your partner will realize they forgot to bring flip flops. Now you're arguing next to a nudist in snorkeling gear. Classic Mediterranean tension builder.

Lunch: Seafood Roulette

Head to the fish market for lunch. Locals recommend asking what’s fresh, which means your waiter will bring you a tentacled creature you must now pretend to enjoy. Your partner, who told you they were “totally adventurous eaters,” is Googling “is this fish or alien?” under the table. Smile. This is love.

Day 3: The Scenic Walking Tour You’ll Never Finish

After a hearty breakfast of espresso and something suspiciously dry labeled “artisan toast,” you’ll set off on a guided historical walk. Your guide is an ex philosophy professor named Roberto, who will explain in great detail how Villajoyosa has withstood pirate invasions, economic collapse, and worst of all, package tourism.

You will begin the hike up to the Torre de San José, an ancient Roman funeral tower, because nothing screams honeymoon like contemplating mortality under a blazing sun. If your relationship survives this walk, consider upgrading your commitment to joint mortgage status.

Pro Tip:

At some point, one of you will suggest turning back. The other will insist, “We’re almost there.” You are not almost there. You are now in a performance of emotional resilience.

Day 4: Market Day & Deep Relationship Reflection

It’s market day! Time to wander through endless stalls selling linen pants, oversized sunhats, and objects labeled “artisan” that may or may not be glued pasta shells. Buy matching straw fans and argue over whether that makes you “cute” or “basic.”

Couples Challenge: Shared Shopping Decisions

Watch the love of your life try to haggle in broken Spanish for a ceramic plate you’ll break in transit. Then spend 20 minutes arguing whether it’s ethical to buy a “handcrafted” tambourine from a vendor wearing Crocs and blasting reggaeton.

Day 5: When in Spain, Drink Like the Spanish (Responsibly, Please)

Time for a winery tour! Because nothing improves communication like several glasses of locally fermented honesty. Head to a small, family owned vineyard nearby where a man named Esteban will pour you glasses until your relationship achieves a transcendent level of clarity... or chaos.

You’ll discover your partner’s nuanced opinion on your toothbrush etiquette. You’ll respond with an impromptu flamenco move. The wine is working.

Later, dine al fresco on tapas. Your partner will mispronounce “gambas al ajillo”, and the waiter will smirk just enough to start a new inside joke you’ll carry into your 80s (or at least to the flight home).

Day 6: Cultural Immersion or Mild Discomfort

Visit the local church, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, because spiritual architecture has a way of silencing the ongoing debate about who forgot to pack the sunscreen.

Sit in the pews and absorb the peaceful atmosphere while considering if this could be your future wedding venue. Or just Instagram the stained glass and call it “deeply moving.”

Then pop into the Vilamuseu, the local archaeological museum, where you’ll marvel at ancient amphorae and Roman sandals that somehow still look trendier than your Birkenstocks.

Day 7: Beach, Reconciliation, and Strategic Nap Time

Your final day. Head to Playa El Paraiso, less crowded and more “we might skinny dip if no one’s looking.” Bring wine, olives, and emotional baggage from last night’s tapas fueled conversation about who’s more “emotionally avoidant.”

Lie side by side on the warm sand. The waves crash gently. You look at each other and realize: this town, with its sensory overload of colors, smells, and mismatched tile patterns, may not have healed your relationship. But it did provide endless distraction from it. Which is arguably better.

Parting Thoughts from the Love Trenches of Villajoyosa

You came to Villajoyosa for romance. You found mismatched ceramics, existential hikes, and a sea urchin you accidentally sat on. But between the shared gelato, mildly traumatic hiking excursions, and late-night confessions over sangria, you discovered something sacred:

Your partner has questionable taste in souvenir T-shirts, but impeccable taste in choosing you.

And that, dear readers, is the real journey.

The Ultimate Villajoyosa Packing List (for Couples Who Think They’re Ready)

1. SPF 50 and patience

2. Phrasebook with “Where’s the nearest pharmacy?”

3. Extra suitcase space for two dozen handmade mugs you will never use

4. Open heart. Closed mouth (during arguments in public).

5. Portable charger (because someone *always* forgets)

6. A flexible attitude toward hygiene and historical plumbing

7. Zero expectations. 100% snack budget.

Final Rating:

Romance: 8.3/10 (discounted for sun rash and tapas induced arguments)

Instagrammability: 9.7/10 (as long as your angles are tight and your captions vague)

Likelihood of proposing here: 3.2% (but 84% chance of a very intense DTR conversation)

Will you come back?: Probably not. But you’ll talk about it like you lived there for a year.