If you’re looking to surprise your loved one with a romantic break on the 14th February, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a Valentine’s Day holiday in Europe. Both mainland Europe and Northern Ireland are in easy reach when you travel by ferry, which makes planning a loved up break easier than you may think.
Here, we share the top romantic places for a Valentine’s Day holiday in Europe, and are confident that one of these will be perfect for you and your significant other.
Valentine’s Day holidays in Honfleur, France
When you conjure up a romantic holiday in your mind, we expect that it will look like the gorgeous French city of Honfleur. With flower boxes cascading with blooms from half-timbered houses, cobbled streets which are perfect for wandering along hand in hand, and a harbour filled with yachts and other boats to admire, Honfleur is the perfect place for a Valentine’s holiday in Europe. It’ll take you just under 3 hours to reach Honfleur from Calais port by car, which is perfectly manageable after a relaxing ferry trip across the Channel.
When it comes to finding romantic things to do in Honfleur, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Discover the beautiful St. Catherine’s Church and admire its 15th century timber structure, see the Notre Dame de Grace where you can admire sea views and the building’s striking stained glass windows, or simply explore the city’s collection of independent boutiques. If the weather’s nice, you might like to take a walk to the Jardin des Personalities which is around 10 minutes from Honfleur’s centre by foot. Boasting a pond, flower beds, and collection of busts linked to important figures in the city’s history, this garden offers the perfect place for a romantic Valentine’s day walk.
Valentine’s breaks in Haarlem, the Netherlands
The medieval city of Haarlem is ideal for couples wanting to see traditional Dutch features away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. Just 15 minutes from the capital by train, Haarlem is a maze of cobbled streets, ancient buildings, and flowing waterways which provide the perfect backdrop to any romantic getaway. Begin your trip with a visit to the Grote Markt, one of the country’s most attractive squares. Here, you’ll find the Grote Kerk which towers above the rest of the city and forms a prominent part of Haarlem’s skyline. On Saturday’s, the square is also home to a street market which is definitely worth experiencing for yourself.
There are plenty of romantic things to do in Haarlem during your Valentine’s holiday. Head to the Molen de Adriaan, a windmill that has been located in Haarlam since the 18th century. Although the original sadly burnt down in 1932, this was replaced by a reconstruction which you can still visit today. Another great activity for couples in Haarlem is seeking out the city’s 21 hofjes – or enclosed courtyards. Often hidden behind secret doorways or down unremarkable alleyways, these courtyards offer the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet together, and you can have fun trying to find as many as you can.
Valentine’s Day trips to Spa, Belgium
The Belgian town of Spa has been visited for centuries due to its famous spas which are thought to have therapeutic properties. For a relaxing Valentine’s day holiday, head to this stunning destination and spend some time in the truly relaxing and indulgent Les Thermes Spa. Featuring everything from expansive pools and outdoor steam baths to infrared treatment rooms and bubbling geysers, you’re guaranteed to leave this spa feeling like new people. You can even opt to have some fantastic spa treatments, including facials and massages, and don’t forget to admire the views across the town below.
Aside from soaking away aches and fatigue in the spa, you can visit the Leopold II Gallery and take a romantic walk through the Place Royale of Spa, where you’ll find tree-lined paths, a lake, and decorative fountains. You might also like to check out the Casino de Spa – the oldest casino in the world! Founded in 1763, this casino offers guests the chance to play on slot machines, try their hand at blackjack, and take on roulette wheels, among plenty of other games – so it’s sure to keep you entertained during your break.
Valentine’s getaways to the Fermanagh Lakelands, Northern Ireland
Couples looking for an active Valentine’s Day holiday will love the Fermanagh Lakelands in Northern Ireland. Boasting gorgeous scenery and picturesque waterways, this is the perfect destination for strolling hand in hand and forgetting all about the stresses of everyday life. Whether you want to marvel at landmarks, take part in thrilling activities, or immerse yourself in Northern Irish culture and traditions, the Fermanagh Lakelands have something for you.
Take to the water in a canoe, kayak, or cruiser to fully explore the area, or head out on your bike and discover all that the area’s varied landscape has to offer. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might like to try caving or potholing, at the Marble Arch Caves. Make your way through passages, past amazing formations, and along underground rivers, all whilst learning from an informative guide. Alternatively, try something completely different and give off-road driving, clay pigeon shooting, or archery a go. Following a day of adventures, you’ll find plenty of fantastic restaurants to try too, including unique spots, fine dining, and hearty pub food. The options really are endless during a romantic break for two in the Fermanagh Lakelands.
Now that you know where to find the best Valentine’s Day holiday destinations in Europe, book your ferry crossing and start planning your extra special trip today.
