If You Love ACOTAR, Here Are the Top Destinations That Feel Like Stepping Into Prythian
- melissa65938
- Dec 10, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 11, 2025
If you’ve ever read ACOTAR and wished you could step through the pages...then same! Whether you are dying to step into a real life velaris, or the beauty and warmth of the summer court call to you this is your guide to experiencing all the ACOTAR vibes in real life. These destinations capture the feeling of Prythian's courts with romance, atmosphere and a bit of magic.
Whether you're dreaming up a couples escape, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, these places will make you feel like you’re wandering with your favourite book boyfriend's world and there is no winnowing required.
The Night Court - Zermatt, Switzerland
If the inner circles famed Night Court had a real world home, it would look like Zermatt. The jagged beauty of the Matterhorn resembles the dramatic Illyrian mountains, rising sharply like the peaks surrounding the House of Wind. When night falls, the entire village glows like Velaris, the City of Starlight, quiet, luxurious, and humming with magic.
Things to See & Do:
Ride the Gornergrat Railway for panoramic views. This historic cogwheel train climbs high above Zermatt, delivering you to an observatory platform with one of the most jaw-dropping panoramas in Europe: 360° views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers. It feels like stepping into the Court of Night, where the sky feels endless, and beauty wraps itself around you.
Sunset in Winkelmatten (the old town of Zermatt). Slip into the hamlet of Winkelmatten, where traditional chalets lean close together and flowers spill from balconies. Order wine or hot chocolate at a tiny terrace tucked into the mountainside and watch the sunset over the Matterhorn. It’s intimate and cozy and oh so romantic.
Soak in a Spa with Night Court views. Many of the hotels in Zermatt offer outdoor heated pools and spas facing the Matterhorn. Float in the warm, steamy water with a book and enjoy the mountain views.
Enjoy a horse drawn carriage through town. Nothing screams romance like a horse drawn carriage and they are plentiful in Zermatt. Cozy up under some blankets while a carriage carries you though snowy lanes, twinkling lights and the epic backdrop of the mountains.
This destination is perfect for couples who love romance wrapped in snow, readers who crave epic landscapes, and travellers drawn to cozy luxury.
Visit December through March for full winter magic, or June through September for clear skies and spectacular hikes.
The Day Court - Paros & Naxos, Greece
Helion’s Day Court is all about warmth, radiance, and light, and we think the Greek islands of Paros and Naxos embody this beautifully.
Soft golden sunlight spills across whitewashed buildings, and the entire landscape feels touched by the High Lord of Day’s power.
Things to See & Do:
Wander the beautiful lanes of Naoussa. Whitewashed walls, flower filled balconies and hidden alleyways make you feel like strolling through a fairytale.
Take a private boat to the blue lagoon. With Crystal clear turquoise water and remote coves this place just sparkles. Swim and float together while the world fades away.
Watch the sunset from Kolymbithres beach. With smooth granite formations its perfect for a beautiful sunset. Bring a blanket and a bottle of wine to soak in the moment.
Explore Lefkes. A quiet haven tuked into the hills its perfect for couples craving a slow wander hand in hand through medieval lanes. Stop and grab a coffee from a local coffee shop and watch the world go by.
Enjoy a candlelit dinner on the waters edge in Naoussa Harbour. Choose a table with water views, drink some wine and enjoy the swaying fishing boats and romantic glow of the evening.
This is the perfect destination for slow, sun-loving romantics and couples who crave warm breezes and soft coastal days.
Visit in May, June, September, or October for the best light and calmest coastal scenes, or July–August if you love a lively island energy.
Dawn Court – Portugal (Lisbon & Sintra)
The Dawn Court, ruled by Thesan, is known for its gentle light and warm serenity. Portugal’s Lisbon coast and nearby Sintra echo this beautifully. Expect pastel-colored streets, and palaces that glow like the break of dawn. The atmosphere is bright and elegant, but still soft and romantic, exactly the tone of Thesan’s court.
Things to See & Do:
Explore Sintra (Pena Palace & Monserrate). This place would be where the Dawn Court gets their inspiration from. Pena Palace is perced high above the forest and is a blend of warm yellows, peach tones and whimsical towers that glow in the sun. Water through the terraces and feel like you have stepped into the Dawn Court.
Wander the Alfama District. Full of twisting alleys, and hidden courtyards this place is a step back in time. Let yourself get a little lost, stop into one of the tiny cafes and take in the slower pace.
Wander through Sintra's enchanted forests/the fairy woods. If a forest could be enchanted it would be this one. With moss covered boulders, arching ferns, winding paths and filtered sunlight it is perfect for a romantic hike (or stroll). Hike up to the Moorish Castle or just wander the gardens around the palace...it feels like Dawn court come to life.
Portugal is ideal for couples who want culture woven with romance, sunrise lovers, and anyone who feels drawn to the soft warmth of the Dawn Court.
Visit April–June or September–October for the most pleasant, glowing days.
Winter Court – Norway (Tromsø & Lofoten Islands)
If Kallias himself sculpted a kingdom from ice, it would look just like Norway. Dramatic snowy peaks, frozen lakes, deep-blue fjords, and air so clear it feels enchanted. The landscape feels ancient and untouched, like a place where magic runs beneath the ice.
Things to See & Do:
Take in the Northern Lights. In Tromsø, the Northern Lights dance across the sky in shimmering greens and violets, creating a real-life version of the Winter Court’s crystalline beauty.
Stay in a glass igloo or panoramic cabin under the stars. Nothing screams romance like cuddling up in your own private igloo with snow falling outside while you sip wine and stay warm curled up in blankets.
Take a Reindeer sledding adventure through the forest. I don't think it really gets more winter court than this...unless you were being pulled by one of winter courts great white bears.
Take a winter fjord cruise through the icy blue waters. Surrounded by frozen waterfalls and Arctic light. If your lucky and get a calm day the water mirrors the landscape so perfectly it barely seems real.
Venture to the Lofoten Islands, where red fishing cabins sit at the base of snow-covered mountains. The fjords are quiet and hauntingly beautiful, offering the same commanding power that Kallias brings to his realm.
Norway is perfect for adventurous couples, winter romantics, and readers who crave frost magic.
Visit December through March for peak snow and aurora season, or choose the summer months if you prefer icy-blue landscapes under the midnight sun.
Summer Court – Croatia (Dubrovnik & Dalmatian Coast)
The Summer Court. If I had to choose a court just for the weather it would be the summer court...plus seeing Tarquin around wouldn't be so bad lol. Croatia captures the beauty of the summer court with the sparkling Adriatic surrounded by The Old Town it feels just like Tarquins castle.
Things to See & Do:
Walk the walls of Dubrovnik's old town and grab some fresh caught seafood from a local restaurant. With Panoramic views and views of the Adriatic this is a jaw dropping spot is sure to make your jaw drop.
Take a Cable Car to Mount Srđ for Sweeping Coastal Views. A short ride up the cable car will reward you with views that will make your heart soar. The city, the walls, and the endless blue Adriatic stretch before you, like a Summer Court panorama crafted for romance.
Escape to Lokrum Island for Secluded Nature and Coastal Magic. Take a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik to Lokrum Island for a lush, green oasis surrounded by the glittering Adriatic. Wander botanical gardens, discover hidden coves, and climb rocky paths for ocean views. The island feels like a secret Summer Court garden, perfect for stolen moments and long, lazy afternoons.
This destination is ideal for beach lovers, sun chasers, and couples who crave a mix of old-world charm and coastal fantasy.
Visit May–June or September to enjoy warm weather with fewer crowds, or July–August if you want full Summer Court vibrance.
Spring Court – Ireland (Killarney & Wicklow)
With its rolling meadows and endless wildflowers, Ireland is a natural reflection of Tamlin’s Spring Court. Everything feels alive here, from lush, mossy forests to mist-covered lakes, and blooming landscapes that make you feel like magic is tucked between the petals.
Things to See & Do:
Visit Killarney National Park. It looks like a painter crafted it by hand, with emerald hills and gentle lakes that reflect the sky.
Explore Muckross House & Gardens. This beautiful manor and its surrounding gardens feel like a Spring Court palace. Stroll past roses, daffodils, and manicured lawns, peek into hidden nooks, and breathe in the sweet scent of blooms. The gardens’ tranquil beauty mirrors the calm, romantic energy of Tamlin’s court.
Take a Boat Ride on Lough Leane. A gentle cruise on Killarney’s largest lake is like gliding through a Spring Court chapter. Mist rises in the morning, sunlight glimmers on the water, and the surrounding mountains frame the scene perfectly.
Cycle or stroll through the charming villages, like Avoca and Enniskerry are sprinkled throughout Wicklow and Killarney, full of colourful stone cottages, and inviting cafés.
Spring Court travellers tend to be cozy, cottagecore romantics, readers who adore flowers, folklore, and soft green beauty.
Visit April through June for peak blooms, or September for cooler days and golden countryside.
Autumn Court – Germany’s Black Forest
Rich amber forests, shadowy woodlands, and fairy-tale towns give the Black Forest an Autumn Court Vibe.
Things to See & Do:
Walk through the towering trees of Black Forest National Park. Aim for late September and you’ll be surrounded by a blaze of autumn colour worthy of Eris’s fiery presence.
Visit Triberg waterfalls, Germany’s tallest waterfalls. They are dramatic and breathtaking, especially when mist swirls in the morning light. The sound of cascading water, surrounded by fiery forest hues, feels like the raw, untamed energy of the Autumn Court.
Stroll through the storybook town of Schiltach. You will be met with a quaint timber-framed village that looks plucked from a fairy tale. With lantern-lit streets, winding alleys, and cozy cafés tucked into corners. Sip warm mulled wine in the town square and let the golden evening light wrap around you like a spell.
This destination is perfect for fall lovers, cozy travellers, and couples looking for a forest-filled escape.
Visit in late September through October for the boldest colours, or return in December for magical winter market evenings.
Ready to plan your ACOTAR inspired escape?
Whether you’re dreaming of a wintery Night Court getaway, or want to feel the warmth of the Summer Court, I would love to help you plan your ACOTAR themed getaway. I can help you find the right guided tour that meets your vision, or help tailor your stay to one (or more courts).
Oh and you don't even have to tell your partner the trip is so you can live out the pages of your favourite ACOTAR courts, I won't tell :)
Click the link below to schedule a complimentary consultation so we can chat more about your ACOTAR vacation dreams!
Which Court are you wandering to first?
Hi, I’m Melissa, founder of Chapters & Chill Travel and your romatasy-obsessed travel advisor. Whether you are looking for a beach vacation to read a few chapters (or books!) or a family adventure to write a chapter of your own, I help make planning your vacations as easy and stress free as possible.
I would love to help you plan your next vacation & maybe chat about books along the way :)
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