hero places in europe valentines day.jpg

Teddy bears, flowers, chocolates – it was all there. This year, surprise your other half with a trip together. They say love is about facing the same direction together. So this Valentine’s Day, plan a trip to… But where to?

Mijas – Horse-drawn carriages you’ve never seen before

Between the white houses you will find donkey taxi stands. As early as the 1960s, residents of the Costa del Sol noticed the interest of tourists in donkeys. This quickly turned into a business now known as Burro Taxi. During your Valentine’s Day trip, you can take a donkey taxi and ride through the streets of the city in a horse-drawn carriage.

Burro taxi, Mijas street © shutterstock
Burro taxi, Mijas street © shutterstock

As you ride or walk, you will notice blooming bougainvilleas and colourful flower pots that add colour to the narrow, white alleys. In the Plaza de la Constitución, surrounded by cafes and small shops, you will hear the sounds of flamenco and smell the aroma of freshly fried churros. Sit down in one of the local restaurants and try some paella. It’s not far from here to a small chocolate factory. You can treat yourself to it later. It won’t be ordinary chocolate, because you’ll be making it yourself.

Lake Como – like the heroes of a romantic novel

“If you write a story about happy love, let it take place on the shores of Lake Como”, said Franz Liszt, the famous Hungarian composer and pianist. He was one of many artists who frequented Lake Como in the 19th and 20th centuries, with Stendhal, Mark Twain, Alessandro Manzoni and Flaubert, among others, finding inspiration here. By choosing Lake Como for your Valentine’s Day getaway, you too can feel like a character in a romantic novel.

Dozens of towns. And in each of them, life is centred on the shores of Lake Como. A single trip is not enough to visit them all, therefore it’s better to concentrate on two or three towns and get a real feel for their atmosphere. Stroll the cobbled streets of Bellagio, discover historic buildings such as Villa Melzi and sample fresh fish and local wine in the lakeside taverns.

Young couple by the Como Lake © shutterstock
Young couple by the Como Lake © shutterstock

In the charming fishing town of Varenna, the water reflects the colourful houses. There is a romantic seafront promenade, perfect for a sunset stroll and you can also hire a boat or take the ferry. As you glide slowly across the surface of the lake, you will relax and see the surrounding towns from a new perspective.

Lisbon view
Lisbon view © Creativeroamers

Lisbon – Relax in the sun in the city of seven hills

The yellow number 28 tram climbs the streets of Alfama. The ever-changing views out the window and the monuments you pass along the way are the perfect backdrop for conversation. What are the romantic attractions of Lisbon and its surroundings? First and foremost, the picturesque views, which are best admired from one of the many beautifully located viewpoints with a glass of wine in hand – we particularly recommend S. Lucia and da Graça. You can also take a sunset cruise on the River Tagus to enjoy Lisbon from a different perspective.

Cabo da Roca is said to be the perfect place for a proposal. It is the westernmost point of continental Europe, just a stone’s throw from Lisbon. There used to be a lighthouse on a high cliff here and you can see the open sea from the surrounding paths while listening to the waves breaking on the rocks. Even if you’re not planning a proposal, it’s definitely worth a walk. From here you are close to atmospheric Sintra, full of fairytale castles and palaces. Be sure to visit the Pena Palace, the Quinta da Regaleira Residence and the Moorish Castle, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Vienna © Creativeroamers
Vienna © Creativeroamers

Vienna – the city of art

The whole city of Vienna is like one big museum full of charming streets, grand buildings and cosy cafes. It’s a good place to wander aimlessly as you discover interesting alleys , pass monuments and admire baroque architecture and contemporary street art. There are over 100 museums to choose from. At Belvedere you can see, among other things: “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt and works by Monet, Dürer and Picasso in the Albertina Gallery.

The gardens of Schönbrunn Palace are even more enchanting when the surrounding area is covered in snow that crunches beneath your feet. Spend the evening on a romantic cruise on the Danube, enjoying a starlit dinner with the city panorama in the background. Another option is the ice rink beneath City Hall, where you can try your hand at skating under the Christmas lights. You can also attend one of the many Valentine’s Day concerts taking place in the city.

Dolomites
Dolomites © Creativeroamers

The Dolomites–  Valentine’s Day on the slopes

Here you can combine blissful relaxation with active leisure as countless ski runs and hiking trails await you. Recommended ski resorts include Plan de Corones, Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val di Fiemme. After an active day, relax in one of the many local spas that this region’s hotels are famed for. Enjoy a couple’s massage or soak in the jacuzzi before breakfast in the heated outdoor pool or a walk with alpacas.

Z widokiem na ośnieżone szczyty

If you don’t like winter sports, you can still visit the romantic Lago di Braies or conquer the Passo Rolle, which offers breathtaking views of the Cimon della Pala and is known as the Matterhorn of the Dolomites. Equally romantic is a walk through the highest meadows in Europe – the Alpe di Siusi, from where you can admire the rugged Langkofel mountains.


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