Many places around the world compete for the title of “most romantic,” but where you choose will depend on your shared interests, budget and how far you’d like to travel. There are cities where you can stroll hand-in-hand by the river, beaches to relax on together, and unique destinations where nature will put on a show. In need of inspiration for your next Valentine’s Day getaway? Here are our suggestions of the best Valentine’s Day destinations for 2024.
Paris, France: The City of Love
No list of the most romantic destinations to visit would be complete without the City of Love. In February, Paris is likely to be chilly, so wrap up and walk hand-in-hand next to the River Seine, dipping into the Tuileries Garden and stopping for a chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). Then, spend a romantic afternoon ambling around the cobbled Montmartre district, where the Sacré-Cœur at its summit has fantastic views over the city.
If you’re a first-timer, a visit to the Eiffel Tower is a must, but up the romantic stakes and avoid the crowds by visiting its champagne bar or Michelin-starred restaurant in the evening. A day trip to the Palace of Versailles should also be on your itinerary on an extended stay.
If you’d like someone to plan your itinerary for you, making sure you visit all of the city’s key sites, take a look at our most popular France tours and trips, which include a Paris and Versailles cultural getaway and an extended Romantic France tour.
Reykjavík, Iceland: Natural Wonders for two
Embrace the cold in February and whisk your other half to the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík, for your next Valentine’s Day getaway. Winter is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights here, so plan a trip away from the bright lights of the city to witness this natural phenomenon together. One popular place is the Island of Grótta, a nature reserve with a lighthouse, less than an hour’s walk from the city or a short bus ride away.
You’ll also be able to soak in thermal waters together in Iceland—top spots are the Sky Lagoon just outside Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon around a 50-minute car journey from the city.
Make sure you allow time to explore the city itself too, refueling with Icelandic specialties such as hot dogs, slow-roasted lamb, and Skyr (a cross between yogurt and cottage cheese). If you’re feeling brave, you could try fermented shark too.
Still looking for inspo? Check out these romantic tours and around Iceland.
The Maldives, Indian Ocean: Ultimate Romance
The Maldives is perhaps the most romantic destination if you’re looking to make a big impression this Valentine’s Day and it’s a perennial favorite on any best valentine’s day destinations list. The nation of more than 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean is a place to relax in a luxurious villa while walking barefoot together down a white-sand beach or over dinner looking out to sea.
February is one of the best times to travel to the Maldives as it’s one of the driest months, with low humidity and temperatures hovering at around 77-86F. While you’re here, book an excursion to an uninhabited island for a romantic champagne picnic, admire the technicolor underwater world together (you might be lucky enough to see a spotted ray!) while diving or snorkelling, or learn a new water sport. Sound too strenuous? Lounge side-by-side under a beach umbrella while gazing out over the turquoise water then enjoy dinner under the stars on the sand.
Be inspired by our Maldives tours and trips, pack your bags and go!
Maribor, Slovenia: Romance in the Vineyards
If you’re wine enthusiasts, consider a romantic trip to Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city for a Valentine’s Day getaway. In the country’s northeast corner, Maribor boasts romantic sites aplenty. It’s home to the world’s oldest vine, which is more than 450 years old and has its own dedicated museum, the Old Vine House. As well as learning about the vine and winemaking in the region, you can enjoy tastings here, too.
Nearby, in Maribor’s center, you can also venture underneath the city streets in the Vinag Wine Cellar, one of the oldest wine cellars in Europe. Here, you can explore its underground passages and peek (or squeeze) inside its biggest barrel.
To really wow your loved one, plan a trip to the nearby vineyards for tastings. Here, in Slovenske Gorice along the Austrian border, you’ll find a heart-shaped road that’s been named one of the most romantic roads in the world. One theory behind its shape is that an extra turn was added to the path to make it less steep. Pose for a photograph above it then sample some fizz nearby.
Combine a trip to Maribor with other destinations in Slovenia on a tour.
Verona, Italy: Romeo & Juliet Cosplay
Head to the home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet this Valentine’s Day for history, culture, fine food, and romance. Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage city and you can start a trip here with a tour along its ancient city walls. Once you’ve got your bearings, head to Juliet’s House where there’s a bronze statue of Juliet in the courtyard. Local legend says that she is the keeper of true love and if you touch her breast, you’ll enjoy the luck in love that Romeo and Juliet missed out on.
If you’re literature lovers, head to S.I.M next to find out more about the author and the characters in his tragedy. Or book a Romeo and Juliet tour of the city to discover sites that featured in the tale of the star-crossed lovers. Away from Shakespeare, you could book a night at the opera or the theatre. Start your evening by sipping an aperitivo and sampling the city’s fine food such as risotto al tastasal made with pork.
Plan a romantic break in Verona and other sites in Italy here.
Marrakech, Morocco: Sunshine and Souks
Morocco suffered an earthquake recently but that shouldn’t stop you from planning a romantic break in the land of casbahs as it’s a top valentine’s day getaway for a reason. Escape for some much-needed February sun on a romantic break for two in Marrakech. Here you can embrace the buzz of the Red City while shopping in its souks and bazaars, then take a breather in the medina’s Le Jardin Secret, which is divided into an exotic and an Islamic garden.
Later in the day, enjoy an invigorating trip to a hammam (bathhouse) to be scrubbed and moisturized together before watching the sunset. Then head to the heart of the medina, UNESCO-listed Djemaa el-Fna square, as it gets dark. Here you can watch performers ranging from snake charmers and storytellers to acrobats.
For the perfect romantic retreat, book a stay in a bijou traditional riad and explore historic sites together such as the impressive ruins of El Badi Palace or the 19th-century Bahia Palace. In the evenings, enjoy drinks and food on a roof terrace overlooking all of the action below.
Explore Marrakech and more on a Morocco tour.
