50 Best Places To Go For Valentine's Day (That aren't just luxury beaches)

Wondering what are the best places to go for Valentine's Day? We put together our favourite 50 destinations which are romantic, beautiful and perfect for couples seeking to experience something different. Our list doesn't have just remote and obscure beaches, but affordable destinations, cities full of culture, hiking areas and exciting places for wine and food lovers. Our best 50 places to go for Valentine's Day are varied and exciting so you can definitely find your favourite based on your individual needs and preferences. Get ready to surprise your partner as having a romantic getaway is most certainly one of the best things to do on Valentine's Day.

Seychelles

It's fair to say that absolutely nothing beats gorgeous islands of Seychelles. This is by far one of the best honeymoon destinations and continues to attract couples from all around the world. If you are a beach lover and fancy some secluded romance, then Seychelles is one of the best places to go for Valentine's Day

Kyoto, Japan

Imagine exploring a maze of narrow streets, all lined with traditional wooden houses. Kyoto is one of the most incredible Japanese cities which preserved its old facade. It's the perfect place where old meets new. Known as the city of 10,000 shrines, Kyoto will take you on a spiritual pilgrimage where you and your loved one will get immersed in a true cultural experience.

Rome, Italy

Stroll through Rome's narrow and romantic streets or rent a scooter and explore like the locals. Rome is not just about sightseeing and learning about this historical city, but about relaxing, drinking good quality wine and eating delicious food. Rome is traditionally romantic and any couple visiting the Italian capital will definitely find plenty of things to do on Valentine's Day.

Nice, France

Nice has the best of three worlds: it has a great city scene, it's just by the beach and just a short train trip away will take you right on a mountainous hiking trail. Nice is a superb romantic destination which makes it perfect for Valentine's Day. As winter is off-season, you can find some epic deals and visit on a budget without any compromise on the quality of your Valentine's Day trip.

Seville, Spain

Named the top destination of 2018, it's easy to see why Seville is on this list. In fact, Seville is so beautiful that as a couple we even moved there for half a year. Exotic gardens, beautiful architecture and vibrant food scene, Seville is full of passion. The best part? It's an affordable city, with plenty of incredible accommodation and great eateries. Visit Seville for some of the best Valentine's Day pictures, we promise you won't be disappointed!

Granada, Seville

You can tell we love the way Spain looks like and that's exactly why we recommend Granada located in Andalucia. South of Spain sure is beautiful but Granada is truly special. Why? Because from the city you can enjoy remarkable views of the Sierra Nevada's peaks, Spain's tallest mountain. Granada is also home to the famed Alhambra.

Algarve, Portugal

Another destination we have picked as our temporary home in 2017, the gorgeous Algarve has a long stretch of perfectly fine sandy beach. This golden coast is home to beautiful rocky formations, whitewashed fishing villages and mysterious coves. For a bit of winter sun, there's nothing better than the affordable Algarve in Portugal.

Budapest, Hungary

One of the most beautiful cities in Europe? Budapest, the Hungarian capital, which is home to an array of cultural buildings and beautiful vista points. Budapest is super affordable which makes it one of the best places for Valentine's Day. You can access fancy hotels and Michelin Star restaurants, spoil your loved ones and enjoy a truly romantic getaway in one of the coolest European places.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo might not be romantic, but its chaotic streets will sure get your attention. Tokyo is famed for popular Japanese food and the best place on Earth when it comes to things to do, efficiency, infrastructure and customer service. Tokyo has so much to offer, that you can plan any type of Valentine's Day you wish. You can go to a fancy restaurant, decide to view Tokyo from above or even walk around the red district for adult-only entertainment.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is such beautiful city during winter with its historic centre covered in snow. Prague is known as “the City of a Hundred Spires" and has long been associated with its Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock. One of the best things to do for Valentine's Day is to walk on the Charles Bridge, all covered in snow and lined with statues of Catholic saints. Ah, Prague, so gorgeous and romantic!

Madeira, Portugal

Fancy an unconventional place to visit for Valentine's Day? Then you might want to consider Madeira, a beautiful island located in the Atlantic City. It's also known as the island of eternal Spring, which means the temperatures are in their 20s all year round. We recommend it for walking and hiking enthusiasts who love nature and want a sense of seclusion. You will find great customer service, an array of restaurants and hotels and plenty of trails for you and your loved one. We recommend renting a car in Madeira and trying a foodie tour so you can sample some local specialities.

Paris, France

We all know Paris is always a good idea, but when can it be better to visit than during the most romantic time of the year: Valentine's Day, of course. We actually recommend a romantic weekend in Paris, during witch you can perhaps book tickets for the Opera, have a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower and end the evening with some great wine and cheese. You can't go wrong with Paris, the true city of romance.

Edinburgh, UK

The first time we visited Edinburgh I was seriously so impressed by it. I didn't know what to expect, but overall, the Scotish capital has to be the most beautiful city in the UK. Gorgeous streets lined with Georgian houses, hiking trails where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, great restaurants and old streets, the whole experience was incredible. Edinburgh will be cold in the winter, but still a great place to go for Valentine's Day. P.S. one of the best things to do on Valentine's Day is to stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh. It has some of the most spectacular glass houses we've ever seen.

Santorini, Greece

Does Santorini even need an introduction? The island of epic sunsets has long captured our romantic imagination. We believe Santorini is a great place to go for Valentine's Day as the trip to the island should be short and sweet to best enjoy it. Santorini has amazing vista points and it makes one of the most photographed Greek islands.

The Maldives

This is for you luxury seekers who truly want to impress your loved one. A fantastic honeymoon destination, The Maldives are some of the most beautiful islands on Earth. Endless white sandy beaches, beautiful ocean villas and lush vegetation, make The Maldives the absolutely best place to go for Valentine's Day. Just remember that it's not the cheapest, hence we recommend staying for at least a few days to truly make the most of it.

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Are you into cultural travel? The Florence is the best for you and your loved one. Florence is beautiful from all angles and it's not short on things to do. One glance at the city and you will fall in love with it. So much so, that you won't even want to ever leave. Florence is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. You can also spend a day discovering the wonderful wines & foods of sunny Tuscany.

Oahu Island, Hawaii, USA

Say "Aloha" to a romantic place to go this Valentine's Day where you can find incredible beaches, trails, epic nightlife and an array of resorts and restaurants. In fact, Hawaii truly has something for everyone as it's extremely varied to match all tastes and budgets. Also known as the "Rainbow State" Oahu Island has frequent rainbows due to the quick rain showers. Temperatures never drop below 20C (60F). The island's northeast side has some of the World most beautiful beaches, like Lanikai Beach.

Napa Valley, California

Wine lovers, we're sending you to Napa Valley in California for Valentine's Day. For high-end restaurants and sparkling wine, head over to Yountville, a town located Northwest of Napa. Otherwise, enjoy hundreds of hillside of vineyards and delicious regional gourmet food.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora needs no introduction as it has been featured in so many luxury destination magazines. You can relax on the beach, snorkel, enjoying hiking activities and generally have the best Valentine's Day ever. If you are into scuba diving, this is also the place for you. Let's get serious, who can possibly find any faults with a Bora Bora romantic trip?

Fiji Islands

Another romantic paradise where Cast Away was filmed, the Fiji Islands are blessed with over 300 tropical islands. If you want an exquisite Valentine's Day trip, then Fiji Islands should be on your list. You can get a bungalow over the ocean, dive, snorkel and laze on the beach. Better yet, you can also take sailing excursions to other remote islands and have a secluded Valentine's Day for you and your loved one.

The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are our most wanted paradise destination, for Valentine's Day and otherwise. It's hard to imagine anything more alluring than this secluded paradise right in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. We recommend the rugged mountains for soft adventure lovers, the vast lagoons encircled by corals reefs and the many snorkelling and scuba diving sites. Isn't this the best place to go for Valentine's Day? We sure think so.

Aoraki Village, Mount Cook, New Zealand

If the idea of a remote village in New Zealand's mountains appeals to you, then we promise you are going to absolutely adore Aoraki Village in New Zealand. We, of course, recommend a 7-day itinerary around New Zealand, but if you want to visit just for a Valentine's Day, then we say go to Aoraki. Not only you will enjoy hiking trails and million dollar views but during night time you can see one of the darkest sky reserves on the planet. This means you can picnic under the night sky and clearly see the Milky Way.

Istanbul, Turkey

An unusual city for Valentine's Day, this is for culture lovers who want to enjoy a city of many faces. Meander around the Old City and see cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled the land. Of course, nothing beats the sight of the beautiful Hagia Sophia, a true wonder with its soaring 6th century-dome and truly unique mosaics.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a romantic but still affordable luxury destination with its gorgeous volcanic mountains, rice paddies, outstanding beaches and coral reefs. An upcoming destination on many nomad lists, you are guaranteed to find your piece of paradise on this beautiful and diverse island. Walk on the beach, explore the fruit markets or enjoy a day of relaxing spa and wellness on this beautiful tropical island in Indonesia.

Positano, Italy

Taking you back to Europe, this time to the cliffside village of the southern Amalfi Coast. Positano is a well known holiday destination, especially amongst couple looking to enjoy a romantic time off. Positano has an array of beautiful streets, lined with independent boutiques and coffee shops. You can even hike to other coastal towns, whilst admiring the perfect Italian panoramic vistas.

The Bahamas

Did anyone say coral archipelago in the Atlantic? Where do we sign up? The Bahamas is a dream destination and it's fair to see one of the best places to go for Valentine's Day. It's a perfect destination for beach lovers who just want to take it easy and explore amazing scuba diving sites. It's also home to the Thunderball Grotto used in James Bond films and the black-coral gardens off Bimini.

The Cotswolds, UK

Cute English village with romantic gardens and picturesque streets? That's definitely the Cotswolds. Never had we seen a cuter rural area in England. Imagine medieval villages, rolling hills, beautiful churches and plenty of walking trails. There are fabulous pubs with great food and epic ales. Rent a cottage and enjoy a well deserved romantic Valentine's Day. We know how much we loved the Cotswolds.

Vienna, Austria

Oh, Vienna, we love you so much! Austria's capital is the perfect place to go for Valentine's Day if you love amazing architecture and art. The sheer array of museums and art galleries made our trip to Vienna so pleasurable. In just 3 days we did so much, yet we are still so keen to go back and explore more of its palaces, gardens and attractions.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

We didn't know what to expect from Slovenia, but during our trip across Europe, we decided to explore this very interesting country. Little we knew how much we are going to love it. It has mountains, rolling hills, perfect vista points, epic cities and amazing food. For us, this is the recipe for an epic destination. We strongly recommend a romantic weekend away around the Lake Bled area, especially in the winter when the country transforms into a true fairy tale.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

It's important to remember that this is a summer destination, and not many places will be open. We still recommend it for Valentine's Day because prices are lower and the Old Town is still a wonderful place to visit, even during winter. Croatia became popular after The Game of Thrones picked it as a filming location. We believe that it's a magical gem awaiting to be discovered.

Malta

History and culture lover? Then Malta is for you. Malta is known for historic sites related to a succession of rulers including the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French and British. It has numerous fortresses, megalithic temples and a wonderful subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating to circa 4000 B.C. don't forget to check where to stay in Malta before your trip.

Aspen, Colorado, USA

A skiing Valentine's Day? Yes, please. Aspen is located in the Rocky Mountains and it's a ski resort town. It's perfect for outdoors lovers and we think you are going to truly enjoy your romantic getaway here. If skiing is not your thing, you can still rent a chalet in the mountains, drink wine in front of the fireplace and cuddle up with your loved one.

Iceland

The land of fire and ice where you and your loved one can explore the outdoors and marvel at some seriously beautiful glaciers, peaks and waterfalls. Imagine a vast land of raw nature which will take your breath away. For added romance, you can marvel at the Aurora and organise for a soak in the beautiful Blue Lagoon.

Aysen, Chile

Can you imagine anything more exciting than admiring lakes, caves and glaciers? We think Chile is a great spot for Valentine's Day if you are an outdoorsy couple who wants something more unconventional. We recommend visiting the Laguna San Rafael National Park which encompasses the Nothern Patagonian Ice Field. Everything in Aysen is simply stunning.

Siena, Italy

Siena is a city in central Italy's Tuscany, distinguished by its beautiful medieval brick buildings. The centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site so you can expect some beautiful sights all around. Don't forget to check the Piazza del Campo, the Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia, a slender 14th-century tower with sweeping views from its distinctive white crown.

Tromsø, Noway

Want to enjoy a major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle? Then head over to Tromsø, a city famed for its night sky usually lit up by the Northern Lights. If you are feeling adventurous, you can take a trip to Svalbard from here and photograph polar bears together. That's a wild Valentine's Day for sure.

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is a Spanish Island which will offer not just a bit of winter sun, but a great laid-back atmosphere. enjoy long walks on the beach or rent a car and explore the most secluded parts of the island. You will discover an array of coves, limestone mountains and beautiful Roman and Moorish remains.

Azores, Portugal

For walking and soft adventure enthusiasts, the Azores are fantastic. Imagine hiking on a quiet trail which will reward you with incredible vista points. The Azores have lots of wildflowers everywhere and the weather is mild year round, which makes it a paradise for outdoors lovers. We think the Azores is the perfect spot for a Valentine's Day trip.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is a city in Bavaria, known for its medieval architecture. For photography and culture enthusiasts, Nuremberg is the place to go for Valentine's Day. You can sample local specialities and immerse in a variety of cultural activities. Don't forget to check the Kaiserburg Castle and the Hauptmarkt which contains the Schöner Brunnen, the gilded “beautiful fountain” with tiers of figures, and Frauenkirche, a 14th-century Gothic church.

Taipei, Taiwan

Another unconventional place to go to for Valentine's Day: Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. Taipei is excellent for foodie lovers, city enthusiasts as well as outdoorsy couples. Taipei is a modern metropolis with upscale shops and lively street food scene. Taipei is bustling with life, and whilst it may not be the most romantic place to visit, it's definitely one of the coolest.

Seoul, South Korea

If you love Asia just as much as we do, then you will understand why we put Seoul on the list. We think it's indeed a great place to go for Valentine's Day because of its bustling nightlife, exciting food scene and efficient infrastructure. There is so much to do in South Korea's capital city, that we think you should extend the trip to at least a week of exploring.

Cairns, Australia

We always dreamt of seeing the Great Barrier Reef, hence we can appreciate how romantic it must be to spend Valentine's Day in sunny Australia. We recommend heading to Cairns, which is one of the best places for day trips to the Reef. Let the scuba diving begin!

Banff National Park, Canada

On the opposite end of the spectrum, spending Valentine's Day in Canada can be a snowy business. Banff National Park sure looks out of this world. An alien planet, almost too beautiful to be found here on Earth. February brings a lot of snow, so be prepared for long cuddles with your loved one. This is great for photography lovers.

Lapland, Finland

Lapland is Finland's northernmost region, known for its amazing wilderness, resorts and Northern Lights. If you are an outdoorsy couple who doesn't mind the snow and wants to experience something different, we recommend heading to Rovaniemi, home to Sami people. Don't forget to try the saunas after a long walk in the snow.

Langtang National Park, Nepal

The Langtang National Park was established in 1976 as the first Himalayan national park. Here, you will see beautiful peaks, wonderful lakes and beautiful night skies. For adventure lovers, I can't imagine a better place to go for Valentine's Day than in the Himalaya mountains. It's most certainly not conventional, but if you are a couple who loves to explore, then this is the destination for you.

Tunis, Tunisia

Tunisia is a country in North Africa and Tunis is its capital city. It is home to the centuries-old medina and its location will provide you with a warm and lovely Valentine's Day.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen is also known as the blue city, a beautiful place with blue-washed buildings. The colour has long been a subject of interest as there are several theories to why the walls were painted blue. Some say it's a spiritual reason as the blue symbolises the blue skies and heaven. Others think the blue simply keep the mosquitoes at bay. Whatever the reason, the result is simply stunning, and Chefchaouen is one of the most beautiful places for Valentine's Day getaway.

Bucharest, Romania

Fancy a cheap but awesome Valentine's Day trip? Then head over to Romania's capital city: Bucharest. There so many things to do in Bucharest, whether you visit for its food, cultural or nightlife scene. It's been associated with Paris due to its incredible architecture, as well as Berlin because of its grittier neighbourhoods and vibrant bars.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is sometimes referred to as the city founded on the seven hills and we couldn't agree more, as Portugal's capital is a hilly coastal city. Expect a historic centre full of pastel-coloured buildings, warm locals and explosive nightlife. Lisbon truly has it all as its vibrant, cultural and sunny. Don't forget to eat traditional food and drink local wines. From Lisbon, you can take a train to explore the romantic and colourful Sintra Castle.

Your turn now: what do you think is the best place to go for Valentine's Day? Leave a comment and tell me about your preferences as a couple.