Looking for a romantic destination to surprise your Valentine with a culinary getaway this year?

Looking for something extra special to surprise your Valentine on Valentine’s Day or any other time during the month of love and beyond?

Why not whisking your special someone away on a romantic culinary getaway for a few extra days of love and indulgence?

Europe is a destination with nearly unlimited romantic locations, from lively cities to quaint countryside locations. Look out for special Valentine’s Day packages at local hotels including romantic dinners, breakfast in your room, and intimate spa treatments for couples.

12 best romantic culinary destinations for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, keep on reading to get inspired by my list of great destinations for a romantic culinary getaway that I’ve rounded up just in time to surprise your Valentine.

Venice, Italy

Did you know exchanging a kiss passing below the Bridge of Sights in a gondola the precise moment when Sankt Marks bell tower rings the bells on Valentine’s Day will assure your love will last forever?

Whether that legend is true or not, Venice remains a magnet for lovers from all over the world, and one of the most popular destinations for honeymoons. And certainly, Venice does not need much of an introduction or persuasion to visit.

This year, Valentine’s Day coincides with the start of the Venetian carnival (Carnevale di Venezia), with events kicking off on Friday, 14th February. While this means the city will be busy with tourists, there is nothing more romantic than admiring historic costume parades floating by the incredible sights of Venice.

It is also the time you can enjoy the incredible Venetian sweets made during the carnival season. In the evening, make sure to head to famous Harrys Bar for a pre-dinner aperitvo, then have dinner at one of the many excellent osterie digging into a delicious risotto al nero di sepia, scampi alle veneziana, or pasta ai bigoli to name just a few.

Verona, Italy

The city of Romeo and Juliet each year celebrates Valentine’s Day with the Verona in Love festival, which kicks off on February 9th and ends on Valentine’s Day.

The beautiful historic city core is a stunning romantic getaway anytime but it’s particularly enchanting during the festival when it’s adorned with romantic decorations. Enjoy live music on Piazza dei Signori and Mercato Vecchio and indulge in a romantic dinner. Most local restaurants offering special menus for the occasion while many hotels have special Valentine’s packages worth seeking out.

Enjoy a secluded mountain retreat in the Austrian, French, Italian, or Swiss Alps

Imagine breathtakingly beautiful views of snowcapped mountains from the comfort of your luxury resort or secluded cabin, a day (or more) spend on the slopes, later on hitting the local bars for an apres-ski cocktail, then getting pampered at the spa, while ending the day with a romantic dinner.

From Chamonix in France to the Italian Dolomites, St. Moritz or Zermatt in Switzerland, or Kitzbühl in Austria to name just a few, there are many exciting places offering the full winter-wonderland experience. And all of them are well known to offer exciting culinary experiences based on locally sourced food.

French Riviera, France

France’s sun kissed southern coast is a wonderful year-round destination. While it’s less likely you will spend time at the beach in February, you won’t have any problem to fill your day(s) strolling through the beautiful small alleys of Nice, Cannes, or Antibes, along with visiting some of mediaeval hilltop villages like Eze, Haute-Cagnes, or Saint Paul de Vence, make the best of the mimosa blossom season (the mimosa festival runs from 12th to 16th February this year), or make a detour to the lemon festival in Menton (which starts on 15th February).

Many of the local hotels offer special Valentine’s Day packages, and many restaurants will have special menus offering you the best locally sourced foods.

Bordeaux, France

The ninth largest city in France has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. Though again, February will be a time where you can expect to find much lower crowds.

Indulge in excellent wine tasting in one of the many wine bars across the city, or head to the Bordeaux vineyards stretching from the borders of the city where several local wineries offer wine tasting dinners. Or perhaps treat your better half and yourself to a wine and spa experience at one of the regions luxury retreats.

Stay at a romantic Castle Hotel in Germany

There are around 25,000 castles, palaces and historic manor houses in Germany, and while the total count includes also castle ruins there remains a large number of those still standing intact having been converted to beautiful, romantic hotels.

Castle hotels are scattered across all parts of Germany, though some of the most romantic are certainly found in the beautiful UNESCO site of the Middle Rhine Valley, and along the Mosel River.

So why not enjoy a stay in a lavish suite, overlooking beautifully curated castle grounds, get pampered at the spa, and indulge in a romantic dinner.

Edinburgh, Scottland

World-renowned for its historic centre and scenic views, Edinburgh is the perfect city for a romantic getaway. Stroll through the enchanting old town and visit Edinburgh Castle then go ice skating at Murrayfield.

During the day make sure to squeeze in a whisky tasting then enjoy a romantic Valentine’s themed dinner. Most hotels offer special Valentine’s Day packages including accommodation and romantic dinners, or head to one of the many local restaurants to enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is rightly considered one of the most romantic cities in the world.

Make sure to exchange a kiss in front of the The Kiss, Gustav Klimt’s famous painting at the Belvedere Museum. Couples even can get photographed by a professional photographer in front of the painting on the 14th from 6.30 pm to midnight for free.

Or you take inspiration by one of Valentin’s Day traditional main attractions and tweak the traditional chocolate present into a spa chocolate treatment at famous Hotel Sacher spa. The spa is located at the same address then Café Sacher, so once you are done with your chocolate wrap, cocoa peel, chocolate body mask and relaxing massage, why not end your visit with a delicious Sacher cake.

For dinner, had to one of the city’s amazing gourmet restaurants to enjoy a special love-themed menu.

Bruges, Belgium

Fairytale Bruges with its small winding cobble-stoned alleys and medieval buildings is a dream destination for lovers any time of the year. But what day would be more perfect for a romantic horse carriage ride through the historic centre or a boat tour by night along the winding canals romantically lit by the streetlights. Off course, make sure you stop by Minnewater (Lake of Love) during the day and cross its bridge, which is said to bring eternal love to couples.

During the day there will be many opportunities to indulge in the delectable Belgian waffles drizzled with melted hot chocolate, the delicious Belgian pralines and chocolates, and a cup of hot steaming coffee or hot chocolate. End the day at one of the many local restaurants to explore the Flemish cuisine, including off course mules and fries.

Porto, Portugal

Portugal’s second largest city is no longer a hidden gem, but you might not have it on the radar for February. Instead, chances of already balmy day temperatures are high. Which makes a stroll along the riverbanks and exploring the historic city centre all the more exciting.

Otherwise, there are plenty of wine tasting opportunities at Vila Nova de Gaia or pay a visit to the chocolate museum at WOW (World of Wine). Meanwhile, in recent years the city has seen many excellent restaurants opening their doors turning it into an outstanding gourmet destination. Many restaurants offer special themed Valentine’s menus.

Mallorca, Spain

Mid-February is perfect for capturing the local almond blossom, with the whole island tinged in white and pink offering an incredible scenery.

So, start your day with ensaimadas filled with sweet cream, the local equivalent of flowers and chocolate for Valentine’s Day. Then take the vintage train between Palma and Soller to admire the beautiful landscape. In Soller, head to a seaside café to enjoy a slice of the delicious gató de almendra, the local almond cake. Alternatively, you can plan a day trip to the charming medieval towns of Valdemossa or Deia or simply stroll the streets of Palma’s historic centre.

For dinner, most of the local restaurants will offer special Valentine’s Day menus featuring the islands traditional dishes.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

February is a great time to have this popular tourist destination almost to yourself. During the day, enjoy the breathtaking views over the Adriatic Sea from the ancient walls of the historic city and stroll the small winding streets of the UNESCO site old town.

During the day, enjoy some fresh seafood at the harbour and in the evening a romantic dinner based on the local cuisine influenced by the coastal Mediterranean cuisines of Italy and Greece in particular.