Valentine’s Day provides the perfect excuse to get away with your loved one and spend some quality time together. If you don’t fancy fighting the crowds in Paris, Venice or Rome read on! Here at MIA we’ve got some wonderfully quirky destinations for you to consider for your well-earned romantic break.
Our first suggestion is Italy, birthplace of St Valentine himself and home to all things romance. We’re avoiding clichéd Rome and heading to Camogli in Liguria, a region in the north west of Italy - possibly the most romantic place to be on Valentine’s Day.
The people of Camogli go all out for Valentine’s Day, with a weeklong love themed festival, leading up to the big day itself. The streets are adorned with hearts and flowers, the local market is transformed into a huge Valentine fest with gifts for your loved one, ranging from handcrafted jewellery, ceramics and fripperies to exquisitely made chocolates, cakes and sweet treats.
Local restaurants and bars are also keen to impress, with competitively priced traditional food and wine served to the lovebirds.
Average February Temp: 11 degrees
If you thought Malaga was just a summer beach resort, you’d be wrong – the city is full of wonderful architecture, art, culture and of course some delicious Tapas.
Malaga itself has an ancient Arabic past; this Moorish history is encapsulated in the exquisite architecture of the newly renovated Hammam Al Andalus Spa. A trip to the spa is an essential part of your stay in Malaga, with sessions available throughout February. Enjoy the steam rooms and thermal spas or if you’re feeling fancy, book one of their luxurious treatments or massages – spoil yourselves!
Once you’re fully relaxed, take a trip one of the many art galleries or museums that are dotted around the city, the jewel in Malaga’s crown is the Picasso Museum. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, and you’ll see his influence throughout this charming city.
Average February Temp: 18 degrees
While sunshine may be a distant memory for us here in the UK, it’s still shining bright in Tenerife. The island averages, a vitamin D busting, 11 hours per day in February. The only drawback is that, while the Canaries are a Spanish territory, the Islands are just off the coast of east Africa, meaning a four-and-a-half-hour flight – still worth it in our opinion.
With the warm weather comes the romantic walks along the beach, exploring the local markets together and sipping on cocktails but, there’s lots more to Tenerife than these activities alone.
Tenerife is home to Mount Teide, an active volcano. Now don’t be alarmed, while Teide is classed as active, it’s been sleeping since 1909 so it’s pretty lazy. You can enjoy trips to the surrounding National Park from most resorts, but if you’re hiring a car it’s worth a drive up to the UNESCO World Heritage Site yourself, you’ll pass through typical Canarian Villages, that are very different from the touristy towns in the south.
If you’re looking for more of a relaxing activity, you could book a session in Siam Park – the world’s number one waterpark according to Trip Advisor. There’s something in this Siamese themed park for everyone, from Floating Thai inspired markets, to high thrill water rides and even a Champagne Club, where you can relax on the canopied day beds and enjoy a glass of bubbly, or two!
Average February Temp: 20 degrees
Now, we realise that Iceland probably isn’t the first place that springs to mind when we say romance, but it should be. This wonderous landscape is stunning all year round but it really comes into its own in winter. Think cosy fires, warm blankets and hot coca with the one you love – romance at its best.
Due to the country’s high latitude, daylight is limited to around 7 hours a day at the beginning of February increasing by 6 minutes every day. This limited light does come with a benefit, because the sun is so close to the horizon it creates a lovely golden light, generally only seen around sunset here in the UK.
The weather isn’t as bad as you may think either, average temperatures are a few degrees above freezing, so you won’t need specialist cold weather clothing, just an extra layer or two.
If you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights while you’re there, you’ve got a good chance of success in February. Why not take a trip to the Secret Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s geothermal pools and enjoy natures most spectacular show, while relaxing in waters that are around 38 degrees all year round? You won’t regret it.
Average February Temp: 3 degrees
Wherever you choose to go, make sure that you and your loved ones are covered by an insurance policy that's right for you. MIA specialises in medical travel insurance for customers with pre-existing medical conditions, so get in touch today and see what we can do for you!
