Traveling on Valentine’s Day – the most unusual & romantic travel spots for lovers

Every year on the 14th of Februar we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Named for the Christian martyr,  Valentine’s Day dates back to the 5th Century, but has roots even earlier in the roman holiday, Lupercalia. So it’s safe to say February has been the month of romance for a very long time. People swap cards, sweets or flowers with their ‘Valentines’. Some use the opportunity to go on a couple’s vacation together. We’ve collected the craziest and romantic travel spots for you lovers, which are sure to be romantic, beautiful and perfect for couples who like to live something a bit different – whether you budget is on the higher or the lower end of the scale.

First couple’s trip? Check out this guide on travelling together… without killing each other!

The most romantic travel spots worldwide for couples

Travel to an original place and suprise your partner with a romantic dinner on the other side of the world, with the most beautiful sun-set or with a declaration of love set to an idealic background. Love doesn’t need a reason, but Valentine’s Day is perhaps the best ever excuse for an extra special vacation and an unforgettable experience with your partner. There are so many places around the world to celebrate the passion you share. Whether you prefer a secluded beach, an affordable destination, cultured cities, idyllic hiking areas or exciting places for wine lovers and foodies, you’re sure to find the best places this Valentine’s Day for a varied and exciting vacation – and what’s more they’re tailored to you! Go ahead and suprise your partner with a romantic Valentine’s Day vacation.

Rome – the “Eternal City” for every romantic

Even the ancient historian Ammianus Marcellinus saw the power, the virtue and the happiness shining from every stone of this city, dubbing it the ‘eternal city’ – could that be any more romantic? When you read Roma – the Italian word for Rome – backwards, you get “Amor”, meaning love, which quite honestly is ready to be encountered anywhere in this romantic city. Love simply permeates Rome. “La dolce vita”, or the sweet life, is celebrated in Rome on every corner. Stroll close to the quaint and romantic streets of Rome on a couple’s holiday or rent a Vespa and explore Rome the “A Heart and a Crown” way, the famous Roman romance comedy.

Tuscany – cultured cities and eye-catching landscapes

Another true Italian highlight is, without fail, Tuscany. The legendary cypress landscape seems to gently collide from hills to horizon, satisfying any longings you may have to see this particular kind of a Italian life. The possibilities are thrown wide open for your couple’s holiday: take a ride in an open convertible, with the fresh air blowing your hair or undertake a bike ride through the Chianti wine region. If you like it more cultural, travel on to Florence, Pisa, Siena, Lucca, Arrezzo, San Gimignano, Montepulcano, Livorna, Volterra. The rich culture here is packed with world-famous buildings, first-class museums, historic city centers and inimitable Italian way of life which makes for an unforgettable couple’s holiday.

By the way: you can read about the best beaches in Italy here. Let’s get inspired!

Madeira – a combo of green hues and sea views on the atlantic

Prefer your Valentine’s Day rather more on the unconventional side? Then consider Madeira, a beautiful island in the middle of the Atlantic. It is known as the Island of Eternal Spring, with temperatures year-round of above 20°c – so ideal for those who love nature and seek seclusion. Experience the aquatic channels dating back to the early 16th century, the levadas, which carry water from the rainy and wet regions of the north of the Madeira to the drier, sun-drenched regions of the south. You can walk here to your heart’s content on your couple’s holiday. Keep a slow pace and relax.

TOP activities in Madeira:

It’s super hard to pick the best and most interesting sightseeing points but here you can find some really good ones, especially in the capital city of Madeira, Funchal.

• Jardim Tropical Monte Palace – Visit this colourful garden in the district Monte in Funchal. Inspired by oriental design the Jardim Tropical Monte Palace convince with a many-sided flora and a lot of exotic animals, for example koi fishes and peacocks. It costs 10 € per person.
• Avenida Arriaga – let’s have a relaxing walk on the avenue of Funchal. Next to little cosy cafés you can find other interesting sightseeing spots of Madeira’s capital city.
• Cape Ponta de São Lourenço – the way to this cape is not the easiest one (8 kilometers) but you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view. What you can find on your way? Sparse vegetation, succulents and after 3 kilometers of walking you can find the little beach Praia das Sardinhas.

Santorini – or the sunken Atlantis

The unique geography of Santorini is undoubtedly among the main reasons visitors flock to the island. The Caldera is famous, this sea-filled crater created by a volcanic eruption in the prehistoric age, is one of the largest in human history! This catastrophic event meant the downfall of the Minoan civilization, while others even believe that the fabled Atlantis was lost here. The archaeological site of the ancient Akrotiri is also known as “Greek Pompeii“, since the city was buried under the ashes after the eruption – it has been preserved like this until today. As well as this unforgettable cultural highlight, you’ll experience endless sunsets against a background of the incomparable blue of the Aegean Sea and the pitch-black lava beaches – the perfect couple vacation!

A Must-Visit is the Red beach (11 kilometers far away from Fira). You’ll be impressed by the colours! It’s definitely time for a picure! The red of the rock face meets the red and black beach sand and the clear blue water.

For the early birds: Why not making a hiking tour along the coast? The 10 kilometer way from Oia to Fira has an amazing view to the sea. But be sure that you wear solid shoes because of the rough structure of the landscape. After taking the walk you can take the bus for 1,80 € back to your accommodation.

The tropical island paradise known as Bali

In addition to our European unmissable destinations, are tons of romantic destinations spread through the rest of the world. Bali is one of the most beautiful with its stunning volcanic mountains, vast rice fields, gorgeous beaches and unique coral reefs. Basically, a destination that should absolutely be at the top of your list of romantic destinations. Find a little piece of paradise on this beautiful and varied island in Indonesia. For your couple’s vacation, you’ll be able to take long romantic walks on the beach, get familiar with the local fruit markets or spend a whole day enjoying yourselves in a relaxing spa and wellness location on this beautiful tropical island. Because, despite the distance and the paradisiacal environment, Bali is actually a budget-friendly destination with cheap air connections and affordable accommodations.

Romance = Luxury = The Maldives

An ideal destination for anyone wanting something extra special for Valentine’s Day. The Maldives will do the job with its beautiful beaches and dense forests, coupled with crystal clear water which is simply begging you to get started on your water sports. There are simply so many places worth exploring. The island offers wonderful natural attractions, plus architectural wonders of Buddhist and Islamic origin. There is no doubt you’ll find an intriguing choice of activities for your couple’s holiday. Added to which, popular in the Maldives are luxurious hotels which seem to float in atolls over the Indian Ocean, with endless access to sun and sea. If you are traveling for pure luxury then look no further past the Maldives.

1001 nights in Marrakech

Enjoy an unforgettable Valentine’s Day with 1001 nights in Morocco – and that, at affordable prices. Visit the Medina with its beautiful souk, let yourself be carried away by exotic scents, stay in a classic traditional riad or visit a real hammam on your couple’s holiday. Free (that’s right!) options include a visit to one of Marrakech’s public gardens – one of which is the Kotoubia gardens. Buy cheap yet beautiful flowers or a bottle of wine for your loved one in the Central Market. Explore the old town from the back of one of the typical horse-drawn carriages while enjoying the sunset on the Kasbah, where you can eat like a king – even on a low budget.