Valentine’s Day is upon us, and if you haven’t made any plans with your significant other, it’s about time you start planning. Sure, a romantic dinner is always nice, but if you have enough time and money, why not invest in something more memorable?
A Valentine’s Day getaway can be a remote adventure, but it can also take place somewhere close to your home. It can be an exciting expedition or a weekend of relaxation. Regardless of what you choose, it will be the ideal gift because both you and your partner will remember it forever.
A world this big and beautiful offers plenty of options, so we’ll narrow it down for you. Here are some of the most romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day.
Sicily, Italy
f you, like the rest of the world, have been in awe of the beautiful sceneries shown in the last season of the dark comedy series “The White Lotus,” now is the right time to visit this beautiful island. Don’t let the more twisted version of romance portrayed in the show discourage you from visiting. The hotel at the cliff top is real, and it is a former 14th-century monastery. It offers views of the coastline and the Etna volcano. On this island, you can also visit the village of Erice, considered the most romantic place in Sicily because of the Norman castle and the pink-colored sea. Other places to see are Ragusa Ibla, Syracuse, Cefalu, and Catania.
Hydra, Greece
What could be a better romantic getaway than the island that was the birthplace of one of the greatest love stories of our time? Hydra is the place where Leonard Cohen fell in love with Marianne and wrote some of his most beautiful songs. The picturesque island where cars are prohibited is ideal if you want a real escape from the haste of modern life. This is not a place for party people. It’s peaceful and charming. Off-season, it is nearly empty, since it has less than 2.000 inhabitants.
Seville, Spain
Seville is considered one of the most romantic cities in Spain. In February, the famous orange trees start to blossom, and the stunning architecture looks even more beautiful. The gardens of the Royal Alcazar are ideal for romantic strolls and watching the breathtaking peacocks pecking the ground. For relaxing, head to the Aire Ancient baths in a Mudejar-style palace. This part of Spain is also known for delicious food and a lively evening atmosphere. The vibrant nightlife of Seville might get you enthusiastic about learning some flirting expressions in Spanish, just for fun.
Costa Rica
Speaking of Spanish, here’s another destination where this language could be of use. If you are up for a more adventurous getaway, Costa Rica is the right choice. It is a tropical paradise with jungles, cloud forests, and picture-perfect beaches. One of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, with exotic wildlife and birdlife, this Central American country is almost completely sustainable, which makes it an eco-tourists dream. Some of the most romantic destinations are Nayara Springs, Talamanca Mountains, and Guanacaste.
African Safari
Here’s another adventure for you and your significant other. The African safari experience is tailored for those couples who can’t sit still and who wish to spend their time together exploring rather than relaxing. You will share a racing heart rhythm with your partner as you watch predators and their prey in the wild. What could be more romantic than that?
The natural beauty of Africa is unmatched, especially when it comes to destinations in East Africa such as Tanzania and Kenya, and Kruger National Park in South Africa. However, you should know that in February, a large part of the usual safari destinations is in its heavy rain period. Because of that, avoid Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Destinations that don’t experience heavy rains in this period are Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
Champagne, France
Imagine having a glass of champagne in the region where this drink was first made. Champagne-Ardenne is an intimate city located in the northeast of France. It is known for its vineyards, charming landscape, and houses of typical French architecture. In this beautiful region, you can visit the Reims Cathedral, the commune of Epernay, and the Monet vineyard. If you make your base here, you can easily take a train to Paris, since it is only 76 miles away. You can also rent a car for a scenic driving route to the city of lights, because “Paris is always a good idea.”
Mendocino, California
The United States has its getaway destinations, as well. Mendocino is a seaside Victorian village that overlooks the Pacific from atop rugged cliffs. There are plenty of couple-friendly activities here. You can enjoy the beach, visit a botanical garden, hike through the redwood forest, or go to one of the wineries in a region for a wine tasting. Pro tip: make sure you try the wine produced with grapes that grow along the coast — Pinot. Another romantic spot in California is the Big Sur Coast. It’s Italy outside Italy.
Final Thoughts
These were our tips for romantic destinations for Valentine’s Day. You may notice we listed some places that are not your typical Valentine’s getaways. The reason behind this is that many of the popular cities and resorts are already packed with tourists and booked ahead for the holiday of love. Of course, you can try the standard but still beautiful options, such as Venice, Maldives, Hawaii, or Paris.
About The Author
Sarah is a life enjoyer, positivity seeker, and a curiosity enthusiast. She is passionate about an eco-friendly lifestyle and adores her cats. She is an avid reader who loves to travel when time allows.