You don’t need to be feeling flush to whisk your partner off for a budget Valentine’s getaway in the sun. There are plenty of affordable destinations that make indulging in some good old fashioned romance that little bit easier, so today I’m going to be giving you a few tips on where to go.
Of course, the key to finding a wallet-friendly holiday isn’t only picking the right place – you also need to search for the best deals on things like hotels and flights. You can do this easily online through companies like Holiday Nights, which can help you save a bundle.
Malaga
Let’s begin with Malaga, which is on the Costa del Sol in Spain. This gorgeous city has it all, really – think beautiful secluded beaches, bags of culture and great food. What more could any couple want?
Thanks to its location near the Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s well sheltered, which means it can be quite warm even in February, making it one of the most reliable bets for winter sun if you’re keen to stick to the mainland. That said, it won’t get as hot as destinations like the Canary Islands, which I'll talk about briefly in a moment.
Back to Malaga itself, though – even if the sun isn’t shining enough for you to want to strip off and sunbathe, I really recommend hitting one of the quiet local beaches.
One option is Guadalmar Beach, which is near to the city but doesn’t see the crowds that the more central stretches of sand receive. Another option is Penoncillo Beach, which is around 40 minutes away from the city centre in the town of Torrox, and is one of the few local beaches that isn’t fringed by big buildings, making it nice, quiet and private.
Lanzarote
Next on my list is Lanzarote, which is one of the Canary Islands. A really reliable choice if you’re looking for sunshine and warm temperatures, this island is famous for its dramatic landscapes, which are perfect for romantic trips. On the one hand, you’ve got beautiful beaches, while on the other there are absolutely spectacular lava fields and mountains that need to be seen to be believed.
Timanfaya National Park is the best place to go if you want to check out some of the most striking landscapes, and you’re best off heading up to Montana Ragada for the ultimate views. This is a natural lookout point, and the perfect spot for couples to soak up the scenery together.
In terms of beaches, it’s definitely worth heading to El Papagayo Beach. As well as being very picturesque in itself, it’s also located in what’s often said to be the prettiest village in Spain – Yaiza.
Cyprus
My final suggestion is Cyprus, which generally sees temperatures of between 17 and 18 degrees C in February. Plus, it’s got heaps of free and low-cost attractions that are absolutely perfect for couples seeking romance, not least the opportunity to visit Aphrodite’s Rock and Beach.
Indeed, this island has ties to the goddess of love herself. According to legend, she rose from the sea at Aphrodite’s Rock – though whether it’s true or not, the place is beautiful enough to be ideal for romance anyway. Plus, visiting is free of charge.
Cyprus is also a lovely place for romantic walks. The many beaches are, unsurprisingly, one option, but you can also take gentle strolls along Paphos’s harbour, or around the Venetian walls of the capital, Nicosia.
This article was originally published on www.travelison.com. Read the original here.
*Image of colorful sea beach sunset via Shutterstock
*Image of Lanzarote architecture via Shutterstock
*Image of Cliffside coastline on Corfu via Shutterstock
