Valentine’s Day 2018: 10 most romantic places in the world to add to your bucket list

Valentine’s Day is an occasion to celebrate your love. And there are few things that can beat a trip with your partner to a location that is dreamy and picturesque. Make memories, rekindle your love, and experience the distinct charm of local Valentine’s Day celebrations. Here are 10 of the most romantic destinational from around the world you could head to when you are planning your vacation together:

Santorini, Greece

Known for its electric blue skies, white-coloured houses, and the dark blue ocean, and quaint churches, Santorini is the picture perfect destination for Valentine’s Day. Watch the sunset from Oia which offers views of Thirassia Island, the volcano of Palia and Nea Kameni. Visit Akrotiri, an archeological site dating back to 3000 BC, and destroyed by volcanic eruption in 1627 BC.

The glittering Eiffel Tower in Paris, the River Seine and the cafes are the perfect backdrop for V-Day selfies. (Shutterstock)

* Paris, France

The city that is now synonymous with romance is a great place to visit for Valentine’s Day. The glittering Eiffel Tower, the River Seine and the cafes are the perfect backdrop for V-Day selfies. Take a seat at a Parisian restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower, sip on wine and enjoy some delectable French delicacies and chocolates. Perfect holidays are made of these.

* Bali, Indonesia

The island of Bali boasts of beautiful beaches, lush greenery and a buzzing nightlife. You can opt for adventure sports or unwind at the beach with your partner. Bali also takes candlelight dinner to a whole new level by offering options such as cliffside/cave dining and dinner overlooking an ancient temple.

Kyoto in Japan is known for its shrines and wooden houses. (HT file photo )

* Kyoto, Japan

Interestingly in Japan, Valentine’s Day is an occasion for women to express their love for their partners. The men reciprocate with a gesture much later. Escape the madness of Tokyo and instead visit Kyoto with your partner. Explore its narrow streets lined with wooden houses and visit the innumerable shrines for a cultural experience. A visit to Kyoto may be even more rewarding as you might spot cherry blossom trees in full bloom (March onwards).

* Prague, Czech Republic

If your idea of romance includes Gothic churches, bridges, castles, houses in pastel hues, and cosy restaurants, then Prague is the place to head to for Valentine’s Day. You can stroll along cobblestoned roads lighted by gas lamps or take a romantic boat cruise down the Vltava and view the charming Old Town from the water.

The Procuratie Vecchie was built in the 16th century and is also the longest building in Venice. (AFP file photo )

* Venice, Italy

Venice, the city of canals and bridges (it has more than 350 bridges), is one of the most romantic places to celebrate Valentine’s Day. You can hop on to a gondola and ride through big and small canals at sunset, as you spot the quaint churches on the banks. Visit the Bridge of Sighs. Earlier, prisoners were led to the cells or execution chamber through here, and would sigh as they caught a glimpse of Venice. Indulge in some yummy seafood in the alleys, and go dancing in St Mark’s Square.

*Lisbon, Portugal

Pastel-coloured buildings, beaches and sweeping panoramas await you in Lisbon. Take a walk through the historic neighbourhoods from São Jorge Castle to Sé Cathedral, and visit Santo Antonio Church, the city’s matchmaking saint, for blessings. You can view sweeping panoramas from belvederes at Santa Luiza, Portas do Sol, Graça, São Pedro de Alcantara and Santa Catarina. Unwind with your partner at the terraces of public squares and gardens, such as Principe Real, Largo Camões and Avenida da Liberdade. You can also take a cruise on the ships sailing along the river.

Hawaii boasts of serene beaches, best views and natural wonders. (Shutterstock)

* Maui, Hawaii

Did you know that one of the meanings of aloha (the traditional greeting) is love? Hawaii is indeed the best place to enjoy some quality time amidst nature with your partner. Married couples can renew their vows on the beach in a private ceremony, or have a couples massage by the beach. If seclusion is what you are looking for, head to Kapalua Bay in Maui. You can also go camping with your partner to the Haleakala Crater. It also offers the best sunrise view in Maui.

* St Moritz, Switzerland

Get cosy with your partner at fairytale alpine resorts in St Moritz, a white winterland located at an elevation of 1,822m. It hosts a horse race on the frozen Lake St Moritz every winter and is also popular for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. St Moritz also boasts of more five-star hotels than any other Swiss resort. There are also lots of places to shop for your partner.

* Port Louis, Mauritius

If the sun, sand and sea are your thing, then Mauritius is the place to go. Relax on hammocks under coconut trees, rent a catamaran cruise, visit small islands, and round off the day with a candlelight dinner on the beach.

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