Posted on Monday, 23 January 2017

February 14: it sneaks up on you like love itself – without warning. But it's a great opportunity to keep the flames of amour burning - especially at such a chilly time of year. Sure, that M&S bottle-of-wine-and-meal-for-two is great, but if you really want to dazzle your lover, a passionate sojourn overseas is just the ticket. Here are five adorable cities that are perfect for a Valentine's Day treat.

Marrakech

Love may be in the air around this time of year – but so is wind and drizzle. Why not whisk your favourite person off to Marrakech, where the weather is a good deal more palatable? With your loved one in hand, pick an ornately-decorated riad then explore the hubbub of this labyrinthine city. Many hotels have roof-top restaurants from which you can survey the thronging streets below.

Paris

Paris doesn't come cheap, but nor does true love – emotionally speaking. Invest in a break in this most romantic of cities, bursting with fabulous restaurants and fascinating historic sites such as the Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame. Just over two hours from St Pancras by Eurostar, reaching the French capital with your ‘schnookums' beside you is easy and hassle-free. Although paying off your credit card bill afterwards may not be.

Bruges

Chocolates for her, beer for him – or perhaps it's the other way round? Either way, Bruges has a lot of both, along with an abundance of beautiful architecture, charming cobbled streets and romantic canals.

San Sebastian

If music be the food of love, play on, said Shakespeare. But food can also be the food of love – which is why San Sebastian in Spain's Basque region is such a wonderful place for a romantic getaway. With more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than any other city, couples who love top-class cuisine will delight in this city's taste-bud-tingling eateries. Elegant bridges over the River Urumea and eye-pleasing architecture complete this city's Valentine's Day appeal.

Tuscany

In warmer months, Tuscany's charm can be somewhat diminished by the presence of many other Brits. In February, however, you may encounter fewer of your countrymen and women – especially if you seek out a rural hideaway. Consider the delightful village Comano or the captivating Roman town of Luni. In the evenings you can sample Tuscany's rustic, hearty, yet thoroughly delicious cuisine, after which you'll be glugging down that Prosecco in double-quick time – for the kind of early night that would make St Valentine himself blush.

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