Images like this are a dime a dozen in Europe:  Lovers walking hand-in-hand, eyes locked over a sumptuous dinner and a bottle of homemade wine; a tight embrace with the Trevi Fountain as a backdrop; cozied together on a gondola. Yes, Europe is overflowing with romantic options.

It’s been pounded into my head that the best place ever for a romantic holiday is Paris. The Eiffel Tower. The sidewalk cafes. The gothic architecture against a cosmopolitan city. The pastries. And, there is good reason this city ranks as high as it does for romantic gestures like popping the question. However, not every romantic getaway starts with researching flights to Paris.

There are plenty of other gorgeous places in Europe that are great locations to propose…or be proposed to. How about on a balcony in the Swiss Alps, as the sun sets over the white peaks of the jagged mountains? Or in the soft waves of a tropical paradise on the Mediterranean?

In Europe, the opportunities to create a special and romantic moment are seemingly never-ending, and can be a lot more creative then getting down on one knee in a gondola as it passes by the Bridge of Sighs.

The Gardens of La Alhambra (Granada, Spain): La Alhambra is one of the most romantic spots in the country.  The old Moorish buildings with their intricate architectural details, coupled with the striking views of the mountains and the Spanish countryside are a beautiful backdrop for a proposal. The gardens of the historic site are a serene place to ask for someone’s hand in marriage. Stroll the grounds, take a seat on one of the many benches, listen to the bubbling of the fountains and smell the fresh flowers … and enjoy the moment. At La Alhambra, the world keeps spinning, but it is easy to get caught up in your special moment. Privacy is easily found off the well-manicured paths.

The Old City Wall of Dubrovnik (Croatia):  The ancient stone walls of Dubrovnik provide some of the most stunning and enchanting views in Croatia. The waters of the Adriatic kiss the cliffs of the city, and you are high above it all. The spot is touristy, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find a space to plan the perfect romantic gesture. Grab a glass of wine from one of the bars nearby and head up to the wall. The colors of the town catch fire at sunset, when the ceramic tiled roofs take on a deep orange, the stones become more beige, and the water glows blue. Then, once you’ve reached that perfect spot – and there are plenty of them in the one-plus mile walk around the wall – ask.

The Bridge in Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina): Spend an afternoon strolling through the streets of the old city that was torn apart by the war less than 20 years ago. A true tale of re-birth and overcoming adversity, Mostar is a storybook city with gorgeous little spots to catch the beauty of the Neretva river cutting through the town. Stari Most (Old Bridge) stood for more than 400 years before being destroyed during the war in 1993. It was re-built and opened again in 2004. Stop at the top of the bridge for a breathtaking view of the river below. The bridge is also a hotspot for dare-devils … you never know when someone will pay the fee and jump off into the water, 68 feet below.

Verona, Italy: This quaint Italian town near Venice is an intimate spot for a proposal. Seeped in history, it is easy to get caught up in the old cobblestone walks, the historic Arena in the heart of the city and the stunning Piazza Bra square where it lies. The gem of the city, the Piazza Bra, features not only gardens and monuments, but palaces and more that create a surreal (and UNESCO World Heritage) spot to propose. The entire city is awash with romance – it is also home to where star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet’s story takes place. Romantics across the world make pilgrimage to Juliet’s house and famed balcony. And while the balcony was added in the 1930s to attract tourists, there is no shortage of people who visit the attraction.

The London Eye: Perhaps the most touristy spot in this list, London brings together metropolitan, big city life and blends it with history. Take a walk through any of the city’s parks featuring rolling green hills, well-manicured floral displays and quaint buildings, or wander through Westminster Abbey, retracing the steps of the royals on their wedding day. Head over to the London Eye and, as it crests, with the city glowing below, ask to spend the rest of your life with that special somebody.

Flickr: Michael Caven