Last-minute romantic getaways: where to go for Valentine's Day Travel ideas in Italy and Europe to fall in love again while discovering secret villages and cities on the water

Let’s forget for a moment fixed-menu dinners, glittery hearts, expensive gifts, and phrases copied from Google. Valentine’s Day can be so much more. It can turn into an elegant excuse to drop everything, turn off notifications, hop on a train or a plane at the last minute, and give ourselves precious time with the person we love, leaving suddenly, without expectations, with the simple desire to walk hand in hand. Last-minute romantic getaways are like this: imperfect, spontaneous, often unforgettable. They represent a kind of romance that doesn’t love bookings made months in advance, but instead is born in front of an open map on a phone and a shared urge to escape together. No expectations, just a city to explore, a village to get lost in, a walk that begins without a destination. Whether it’s a romantic weekend or a couple of days stolen from routine spent in a secret village, a European capital, or a city of water, the important thing is to let go.

Last-minute Valentine’s Day trips for 2026

Nesso, romance on Lake Como

If romance were a sound, in Nesso it would be the water sliding over the rocks. This tiny village overlooking Lake Como is one of those places that seem made for those who love to get lost slowly. There are no glittering shop windows or loudly advertised attractions here, just cobbled alleys, steep stairways, and sudden views opening onto the lake. The beating heart of the village is the Orrido di Nesso, a natural gorge where two streams meet and plunge into a spectacular waterfall that splits the town in two, visible from ancient bridges like the Civera Bridge and from quiet viewpoints. Walking between Borgovecchio and Coatesa means crossing centuries of history, among stone houses, the remains of a medieval castle, and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. It’s the perfect place for a romantic weekend made of shared silences, spontaneous photographs, and walks along the Strada Regia, where the only real agenda is the rhythm of your own steps.

Terni, the city of Saint Valentine

Terni is a city that surprises, especially if you look beyond the label. Yes, it is the city of Saint Valentine, and that makes it an almost inevitable symbolic destination in February. But reducing it to that alone would be a mistake. The historic center is compact and livable, crossed by Roman remains, ancient churches, and squares that tell a long, layered story. The Basilica of Saint Valentine (which houses the saint’s remains) is a natural stop, but it’s also worth wandering among the Roman amphitheater, the cathedral, and quieter streets where the city shows its everyday side. The real twist comes just outside town with the Marmore Falls, which in winter are less crowded and even more dramatic, with water bursting into the landscape like a passionate, spontaneous declaration of love. Valentine’s Day in Terni is the right idea for those seeking a romantic weekend that combines spirituality, nature, and a discreet sweetness, perhaps enhanced by the scent of chocolate during the February celebrations.

Bruges, a Flemish fairytale

Who said romance has to be showy? Bruges proves that very little is needed: a canal, a stone bridge, soft light reflected on the water. This Flemish city is one of the most charming in Europe and seems suspended in time. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of cobbled lanes, quiet squares, and brick façades that tell centuries of trade and art. The Markt, with its bell tower, dominates the scene, but the real magic is getting lost without a goal, perhaps reaching the Rozenhoedkaai, one of the most photographed spots, or wandering along quieter canals like the Groenerei. The Minnewater, the Lake of Love, adds a melancholy and poetic note, perfect for Valentine’s Day. Bruges is ideal for a romantic weekend filled with artisanal chocolate, shared beers, and walks that feel straight out of a fairytale.

Bordeaux, for toasts to love

Bordeaux is a city that takes its time, and invites you to do the same. Walking along the river, crossing Place de la Bourse, and waiting for the Miroir d’Eau to come to life is one of those moments worth the journey. The water reflects the buildings, the light shifts, and the square transforms. The historic center is elegant yet lived-in, with neighborhoods like Saint-Pierre perfect for getting lost among bistros, wine bars, and small squares. The Cathedral of Saint Andrew and the Pey-Berland Tower add height and history, while the Cité du Vin tells the story of the region in a contemporary language. A cruise on the Garonne or an excursion to the vineyards of Saint-Émilion completes the picture. A last-minute romantic escape to Bordeaux is the perfect idea for those who love to toast to love in style.

Granada, Andalusian poetry

Granada is a city that doesn’t ask permission. It simply takes you. The Alhambra dominates the imagination, and it’s right to devote time to every one of its wonders: the Nasrid Palaces, the water features, and the Generalife gardens are a declaration of love to nature, art, and beauty. But Granada truly lives beyond its most famous monuments. The Albaicín, with its white streets and sudden panoramic openings, is the perfect place to get lost, while the Mirador de San Nicolás offers one of the most iconic sunsets in Europe. In the evening, among tapas, tea houses, and flamenco venues in Sacromonte, the city changes rhythm and becomes more visceral. The Arab hammams are the ideal pause to recharge as a couple. Granada is an intense romantic escape, perfect for those who love places that leave a mark.

Praga, romantic melancholy

Praga is not immediate. It doesn’t seduce at once,it conquers slowly. And that is precisely its strength. It’s a city that reveals itself through walking, crossing bridges, climbing hills, and stepping into historic cafés where time seems suspended. Charles Bridge remains a must-see, but experienced at the right moments (at dawn or in the evening) it offers an almost unreal atmosphere. Climbing toward the Castle lets you see the city from above, with copper-colored rooftops and the Vltava tracing its course. In less-traveled neighborhoods, among jazz clubs and bookshops, Prague shows its most intimate side. Symbolic gestures matter too, like kissing beneath the statue of Karel Hynek Mácha, the poet of love, a small ritual that makes the trip even more personal. Prague is perfect for Valentine’s Day, especially for those seeking a romantic weekend with an irresistibly melancholic flavor.

Galway, wild romance

Galway is wind in your hair, music spilling out of pubs, and an ocean that never stops making itself heard. Considered one of Ireland’s most romantic cities, it wins you over with its authenticity. Romance here is born while walking along the Salthill Promenade with the Atlantic crashing against the coast, listening to a band play live on Quay Street or in the Latin Quarter, or exploring the colorful houses of the Long Walk. The village of Claddagh tells stories of love and loyalty, while the surrounding areas, from Connemara to the Aran Islands, offer wild, powerful landscapes. Galway is perfect for a romantic escape that’s different from the usual, made of real emotions, nature, and human warmth.

Budapest, between thermal baths and the Danube

Elegant and sensual, Budapest is a city that invites closeness. Divided between historic Buda and vibrant Pest, it offers spectacular views from the Fisherman’s Bastion and romantic walks along the Danube, especially at sunset. The Széchenyi Baths are an almost obligatory stop, particularly in winter, when the steam creates a surreal atmosphere. Between historic markets, elegant cafés, bohemian ruin pubs, and illuminated bridges, Budapest is one of the most complete and accessible European capitals. Ideal for a romantic weekend that blends beauty, relaxation, and a touch of adventure.