Is there any country on this planet that conjures up more romantic imagery than Spain? All that rich red wine, delicious tapas, and the scorching hot sun are enough to make any two people fall in love.
Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, is often overshadowed by the likes of Barcelona and Madrid when it comes to tourism.
Its cobbled streets, white beaches, and cute little squares aren’t full of German families or Japanese tourists, so there is far more of a sense of tranquility, making it a great location for a little romantic getaway.
Here are just a few ways you can pass your time in the beautiful city while gazing into your partner’s eyes.
Cycle through the park
Actually, it’s probably best to take your eyes off each other for a moment and focus on the path ahead, but if you’re both happy on a bike, cycling through the shade of the trees can be a great way to cool off.
You can even take a guided tour through the park, which is a dried up river bed, and stop off for tapas for lunch.
The terrain is flat the whole way, so you don’t have to be a mountain biker to be comfortable, and there are plenty of idyllic spots to take a break and marvel at the view.
You could even head out to the nature park at Albufera Parc and take a boat through the rice fields, watch the local wildlife, and share a delicious local paella for lunch.
Stroll on the beach
Only a couple of miles from Valencia town is beautiful, clean beaches and the warm sea. Strolling along, stopping for seafood in one of the many beachside restaurants is a great way to spend a morning.
The view at sunrise is particularly incredible if you can drag yourself out of bed in time.
Just a word of advice, the wind tends to pick up around four in the afternoon, so if you’re planning a few hours sunbathing, get it in before then.
Stay in a luxury boutique hotel
After a fairly short taxi ride from Valencia airport to city center, you’ve got a vast choice of cute hotels to choose from.
The Caro Hotel in a nineteenth-century palace is truly unique, and only a few yards from the stunning cathedral in the town center.
Otherwise, why not opt for a room with a view, and try one of the many beautiful seafront hotels?
Is there anything more romantic than breakfast on a balcony overlooking the water?
Discover hidden gems
Tiny tapas bars that only the locals know about, little boutique art galleries, and shops selling perfect souvenirs are hidden throughout the old town, just waiting to be discovered.
Walk the beautiful, historical streets in the heat of the day, stopping for sangria and olives, before going on to find more.
If you’re in the old town, you might even be lucky enough to discover the thousand-year-old traditional Water Court, where a judge settles irrigation disputes between farmers.
For a Valentine’s adventure, I love selecting places outside of the typical and Valencia can provide a unique experience for you and your partner.
