Tranquil last-minute Valentine’s Day getaways
Paris is the City of Love and Venice has an atmosphere perfectly suited to love stories, but they’re also at the top of everyone’s lists: picturesque as they may be, the sheer number of travelers flocking to these cities can simply add stress and make setting the mood a little bit harder. So this Valentine’s Day, you and your significant other should consider setting up your love nest off the beaten track in some lesser-known—but no less romantic—destinations. Whether it’s the grand settings of a bodice-ripper or showing a little skin on the beach that gets your blood pumping, here are our picks for the most romantic hidden gems throughout the world.
Reims, France
The façade of Reims Cathedral showcase some of Europe’s finest medieval artistry. (Photo courtesy of Pascal Bernardon/@pbernardon via Unsplash)
There’s no denying that the French really set the bar for amorous atmospheres—clinking a glass of Champagne with your lover, after all, is a Valentine’s Day classic. So why not get to the heart of the matter by visiting the Champagne region in person? Just to the northeast of Paris is the ancient city of Reims, the crown jewel (literally: the coronation of French kings took place here for over a millennium) of the famed wine region. Truly a city of architecture—from the Gothic Reims Cathedral to the Art Deco Carnegie Library—Reims has plenty to keep culture-conscious couples busy during the day and to set the scene in the evening. And of course the many prestigious Champagne houses based in and around the city offer tours of their facilities, including a walk through the chalk tunnels where Champagne gets its fizz. Actually being in the home of the world’s most famous sparkling wine adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the bubbly that you share over a romantic dinner.
Bruges, Belgium
The well-preserved center of Bruges is evocative whether it’s Valentine’s Day, midsummer, or Christmas.
The storybook beauty you can find in Bruges isn't exactly a secret, but if you're looking for romantic strolls along canals without the crowds, skip Venice in favor of this much more intimate medieval city. After all, Bruges may be best known to film fans as a place so beautiful that you need to see it before you die—and who better to take in the sights with than your lover? Walk hand-in-hand down quiet cobbled lanes lined with secluded alcoves, watch pairs of swans paddle down the canals, and share a kiss at the Lake of Love: a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is like living your own fairy tale.
Budapest, Hungary
The Hungarian Parliament is one of the most dramatic buildings on the Danube; despite looking older, it was completed in 1902.
Prague may be Central Europe’s go-to stop for lovers of evocative architecture and turn-of-the-century café culture, but it’s also one of the most touristed cities in the world: your romantic walk across Charles Bridge is more likely to turn into a frustrating jumble. Instead, try the Belle Epoch beauty of Budapest. When you aren’t gazing into each other’s eyes, you and your squeeze can enjoy the views of Budapest's UNESCO-recognized Danube waterfront, the towering Royal Palace, Sándor Palace, and the high-Gothic Matthias Church atop Castle Hill. These are just a few of the breathtaking buildings from nearly every era to be found in Budapest: another is The New York Café, considered "the most beautiful cafe in the world" (but do try to reserve a table to avoid disappointment!). And finally, you can’t visit "Paris of the East" without a visit to one of its many thermal springs—a feature unique among European capital cities—where you and your special someone can escape the February chill and pamper yourselves at the same time.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Nearly every building in Amalfi offers relaxing terraces and unbeatable views. (Photo courtesy of Sander Crombach/@sandercrombach via Unsplash)
Italy has passionate vibes to spare, but the Amalfi Coast may be the most ideal destination for your next dalliance. Because it’s not just Positano: there are plenty of smaller villages to hole up in throughout this sunny seaside region. Regardless of which town on the Amalfi Coast you choose to visit, you’re sure to find colorful houses and villas tumbling down dramatic Mediterranean cliffs—a candle-lit dinner with fresh seafood and limoncello, and that’s amore. Even if it’s not the main focus of your stay on the Amalfi Coast, be sure to take your beau to the gardens at Villa Rufolo in Ravello, which have been attracting romantics for centuries.
Phuket, Thailand
Dramatic geology and peaceful beaches coexist in Phuket. (Photo courtesy of Sumit Chinchane/@sumit_ac via Unsplash)
A hot and wild love affair needs a locale to match, and our recommendation is definitely Phuket, Thailand. Couples might write off Thailand’s largest island as a romantic destination because of Patong’s wild parties, but once outside the city lovebirds can find a little bit of everything. Relax in luxury at a beach resort in the north, or, if adventure is what gets you excited, head down to the more jungled south. Or take in all of the above: island-hopping excursions that check off the incomparable karst coastline, dense jungle treks, and culture-packed Phuket Town are ideal for particularly active lovers. If you’re a more chill pair, Phuket’s fusion of Thai, Chinese, and Malay cuisine will still offer much to love for gastronomic adventures.
