5 Underestimated Romantic Getaways

February = Valentine’s Day. The thing is, you don’t always want to spend your long weekend surrounded by other couples, or going somewhere ‘typical’ like Paris or Santorini. So we’ve done some research - here are five alternative destinations you can visit if you want to get away from it all and truly spend time with your loved one.

  1. Polignano a Mare, Italy
Right at the heel of Italy’s boot lies a seaside town by the name of Polignano a Mare. Spend your days sailing around the bay or soaking up poetry painted on stone, then take a stroll at dusk with your loved one to bask in the natural romance of the cobbled old town streets. Dine in unique restaurants, visit 13th century architecture, and indulge in traditional wine bars to your heart’s content at this truly overlooked Italian getaway.

2. Milos, Greece
One of the more remote Greek islands, Milos is a true lovers’ haven. Magical beaches, cave swims, port towns, and spectacular sunsets - not only is there enough seclusion to truly be in each others’ company, the island is plentiful in unique experiences you can do together. You’ll even find the goddess of love - Aphrodite - in the Venetian Castle museum in Plaka. What more could you ask for?

3. Talinn, Estonia
Estonia is probably not your first thought at the term ‘romantic weekend’, but the capital city Tallinn might just change your mind. The medieval alleys and courtyards of the Old Town are perfect to meander and get lost in, while places like Kadriorg Park will leave you playing at Pride and Prejudice. Hand-in-hand, head-on-shoulder, you can sit on the promenade with your beverage of choice, watching the sun set across the Noblessner seafront. Not bad!

4. Ticino, Switzerland
This Swiss reason feels surprisingly Italian, which is perhaps why it lends itself to sophisticated, wine-and-dine-style romance. Ticino is home to the ‘Maldives of Switzerland’ - the Verzasca Valley - where you can laze in crystal waters with your dearest, before you spend more time together at one of Ticino’s many Michelin star restaurants. Spoil yourselves by candlelight, glass of wine in hand, spoon poised over a shared dessert. Aand, relaaaaaaax.

5. The Cotswolds, UK
Ah, the Cotswolds - a classic, yet still underrated. It’s easy as pie to find accommodation full of character, near a picturesque village, laden with country pubs and fine dining, just minutes from walks through nature that make you feel you’re the only people in the world. There’s nothing quite like Cotswold stone to make you feel like the love interest in your own story.

5th February 2024