A Valentines getaway is a great excuse to get in a bit of a holiday and max your time for some luurvin’. But where to take her?
February in Europe isn’t the best time for a beach break. So impressing your loved one (or your current squeeze) with a romantic Valentines break does mean thinking outside the box a little bit. If you’re wondering what makes a good romantic break we reckon these are some of the best features for a Valentines escape.
- Luxury accommodation. This is pretty much the minimum expectations for a Valentines break so make sure you don’t scrimp on this factor.
- Things to do. BUT, crucially, not too much to do… You want some energy for that lazy loving right?
- Great food. A romantic Valentines meal is essential.
With all that in mind, here are our best ideas for a romantic Valentines getaway from the UK.
Bruges, Belgium
If you’ve seen the movie In Bruges (and if you haven’t you really should) then you’ll know that this medieval town is a good looking town with a picturesque centre. Some of its key features are the belfy, which you can climb to get an incredible view of the surrounding area, lots of incredible chocolate and the opportunity for romantic canal cruises.
Crucially, there is enough to do here to keep you amused for a long weekend, but the town is very walkable and you’re not going to be too exhausted when you get back to your luxury hotel room. A great option close to the UK, easily accessible via Eurostar or flights to Brussels.
Bordeaux, France
Forget Paris; if you’re looking for a romantic French city to escape to this is your best option. Why? It’s got much of the great stuff that Paris has but without that big city stuff (pollution, graffiti, the feeling of being in the rat race etc). Browse awesome art, stroll along the romantic waterfront, sip incredible wine in an al fresco restaurant and enjoy a more authentic French feel without struggling against the tide of tourists.
South Hams, UK
Devon’s south coast is one of the most naturally beautiful parts of the UK and is made for romantic weekends. Walk hand in hand along deserted beaches and breathtaking coastal walks, take a boat ride up the River Dart and warm up next to the fire in a local pub with a delicious local brew.
Salcombe and Dartmouth are the two most popular towns, easily accessed from Totnes train station. We recommend, if you can, the Burgh Island Hotel which is an absolute gem. This hotel sits on its own island and the art deco vibe is very 1920s.
Verona, Italy
Yeah you could go to Venice, but that’s so cliché. Instead take her to the town of Romeo and Juliet and enjoy a more sedate and less maze like holiday (if you’ve been to Venice you’ll know getting lost is kinda inevitable). Verona is a classic Italian gem and featuresRoman ruins, a stunning old town, beautiful hotels, top notch food and the options to explore places like Lake Garda. Plus there are ski resorts less than an hour from the city so that’s a bonus too.
Cadiz, Spain
Another gem that is a bit different to the norm but still awesome. Cadiz in Andalusia is a romantic gem on the Spanish Atlantic coast. In February it’s kinda warm, with temperatures averaging 16°c, but you’re probably not going to end up on the beach. This is more a romantic strolls around the old calles, supping a sangria while nibbling tapas kinda town.
Cadiz sits on its own island and features museums, old forts and plenty of opportunity for waterfront strolls. A proper kisses at sunset kinda town. Fly to Jerez de la Frontera or Seville and it’s around a 1 hour transfer to Cadiz.
Essauoira, Morocco
Go a bit more exotic in Morocco. This stunning little seaside town is a great place to wander for a few days, exploring the buzzing souk, devouring fresh seafood and getting cosy in your luxury riad, which is a traditional local house. Essaouira is a bit more sleepy than nearby Marrakesh, and less of a package style resort than Agadir. The whitewashed stone buildings, the old fort and the nearby countryside make a great romantic getaway any time of year.
Flights to Marrakesh will require a transfer of around two hours, or fly direct to Essaouira.
Have you been inspired to treat your better half this Valentine’s day? If you have any other great romantic getaway suggestions that are perfect for a long weekend from the UK then we’d love to hear them.
