With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's a good time to start thinking about booking that special trip.
The trouble is, finding something original in 2025 is challenging to say the least.
Sure, you could go to Paris, or Venice, or another place that the rest of Instagram has already conquered.
But it's no fun elbowing your way through crowds of other couples, just to snap an awkward selfie at a clichéd landmark.
10 Quieter Valentine's Day Weekend Breaks
So, here are my recommendations for ten quieter Valentine's Day weekend breaks for couples who crave connection over chaos.
1. Galesnjak, Croatia - The Heart Island
What's more romantic than a heart-shaped island?
Galesnjak is a secluded little gem, offering peace and privacy just off the coast of Croatia.
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Situated between the islands of Pašman and the town of Turanj on the mainland, there are no shops or hotels here. So pack a picnic and hire a private boat for the day.
It's just you, your partner and the sound of waves. The stuff of romantic daydreams.
Why it's perfect: I mean, it's shaped like a heart - what more could you want?
2. Champagne, Loire Valley, France - Romance in a Glass
Valentine's Day without Champagne? No, that doesn't sound right.
Instead of jostling for overpriced bubbly in London, head to the Loire Valley, where you can sip straight from the source.
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Wander through picturesque vineyards, raise a toast to love and grab a bottle or two to bring home.
Why it's perfect: Romance flows as freely as the Champagne.
3. Heart of Voh, New Caledonia - Nature's Love Letter
On to another heart-shaped destination, but this time, it's landlocked.
This naturally heart-shaped mangrove forest is about as close to a romantic postcard as it gets.
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It's not the most accessible place in the world. Public transport doesn't stretch to its remote location, but it's best seen from above anyway, so consider a helicopter tour to really get the full effect.
Far from the typical Valentine's Day hotspots, New Caledonia offers a tropical escape that feels like a well-kept secret.
Why it's perfect: It's nature's way of saying, "I love you." Plus, you get to ride in a helicopter – what's not to love?
4. Bruges, Belgium - A Chocolate Lover's Paradise
Question: what's better than giving your significant other a box of Belgian chocolates on Valentine's Day? Answer: Whisking them away, straight to the source.
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The romantic city of Bruges is home to some of the world's best truffle and praline ateliers.
Not only that, it's a picture-postcard city with medieval overtones and architecture that's sure to knock your socks off.
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Wander Bruge's cobblestone streets, enjoy a romantic canal cruise and indulge in Belgian chocolate so good that you'll never settle for plain old Dairy Milk ever again.
Why it's perfect: Chocolate -'nuff said.
5. Verona, Italy - Romeo and Juliet's Stomping Ground
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"Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?". That's right, Verona is the city that inspired Shakespeare's most iconic love story.
Skip overcrowded Venice and stroll hand-in-hand through Verona’s charming streets.
Visit Juliet's balcony and let the romance of the city work its magic.
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And while you're there, why not pay a visit to the Arena di Verona - hailed as the most Italian place on Earth.
Why it's perfect: It's literary, romantic and much less crowded than Venice.
6. Salzburg, Austria - A Symphony of Romance
Mozart's hometown is a winter wonderland in February.
Snow-dusted rooftops, cosy cafés and postcard-perfect Alpine scenery make the perfect backdrop for a romantic Valentine's Day.
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Take a horse-drawn carriage through the Old Town, where every corner looks like it belongs on the front of a chocolate box.
Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views, or escape into the hills for a Sound of Music moment. Just don't burst into song without giving your partner fair warning.
The city is romantic without trying too hard. It offers a mix of culture, history and breathtaking scenery, making it one of the best Valentine's Day trips for couples who prefer peace over packed piazzas.
Why it's perfect: Romance, music and stunning views.
7. Funchal, Madeira, Portugal - An Island Escape
Madeira might not be the first place that springs to mind when booking a romantic getaway. But that's exactly why you should give it a try.
With stunning coastal views, plenty of greenery and a climate that feels like spring year-round, Funchal is the island's laid-back capital.
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It's ideal for gift-hunting in the shops and markets, tasting local wines and gazing out over sunsets - the full Vanentine's package.
Why it's perfect: It's an island escape without the long-haul flight.
8. Sintra, Portugal - Fairytale Feels
A stone's throw from Portugal's capital but a lot less crowded, Sintra could have hopped straight out of a storybook.
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Ideal for couples seeking a bit of adventure with their romance, it's home to colourful palaces and misty forests that are just dying to be explored.
Spend the day exploring Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, then head back to a cosy guesthouse for the night.
And if at any point you fancy getting involved with the hustle and bustle of the city, Lisbon is a short train ride away.
Why it's perfect: It's a secluded fairytale come to life, with the convenience of the capital just down the road.
9. Kotor, Montenegro - Bay Views and Bliss
Kotor's stunning bay, medieval old town and laid-back ambience make it one of the best destinations for Valentine's Day 2025.
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Climb the city walls for breathtaking views, sail the bay and explore the secret water caves, wander the narrow cobblestone streets and enjoy Montenegro's impressive dishes in quiet squares.
Why it's perfect: Scenic, serene and seriously underrated.
10. Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy - Coastal Romance
Cagliari is perhaps one of the lesser-known Italian destinations. And for Valentine's Day, it offers sun, sea and a slice of Italian culture.
Amble along Poetto Beach, where golden sands meet crystal-clear waters – perfect for a romantic seaside stroll in the evening.
Wander through the ancient Castello district, a maze of narrow streets, impressive architecture and hidden cafés.
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Share a plate of fresh seafood at a waterfront trattoria as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.
It's a quieter alternative to mainland Italy and filled with romantic opportunities waiting to be taken.
Why it's perfect: Italian romance, but without the elbow-jostling tourists.
Don't Let Roaming Fees Spoil the Romance
Wherever love takes you this Valentine's Day, don't let connectivity problems ruin the romance.
With travel eSIMs from Airalo, you can share your best moments, navigate new cities and find all the most romantic restaurants without breaking a sweat - or the bank.
Visit the Airalo store, select your country or region and activate and install. Voila - one less thing to worry about on your romantic getaway.
