Well, will she say yes?
To what? …..Your marriage proposal of course – St. Valentine’s day is just around the corner – next month – so if you’re going to do it – then propose in style in Spain. A weekend away as well as a sparkling diamond? How can she turn you down?!
Plan February 14th with sunshine in mind – take a trip to Romantic Spain and choose a special place to spring your surprise!
St Valentine´s day in Spain - why not?
Even if marriage is not on your mind, a romantic weekend in this beautiful and varied country is the perfect start to the New Year. An overpriced meal in a crowded restaurant in wet and cold London – versus a weekend in the Winter sunshine with the relaxed lifestyle of Spain and wonderful food - now, there’s really no competition! So, where to go?….
Just log on to Spain-Holiday and let’s see…
Romantic Retiro
Madrid is an obvious contender for lots of reasons.
Ever read the book Winter in Madrid by C.J.Sansom? A spy novel with it’s fair share of romanticism, set against the background of 1940′s Madrid in the Wintertime. Read it if you get the chance…or take it with you for some in flight entertainment!
Madrid with it’s historic buildings, palaces, and of course, the way to any woman´s heart…Gran Via. Nothing like the sound of a cash register and the rustle of a bag to woo a woman! Or maybe that’s just me…
Retiro park is an open space of greenery set within the capital city, tree lined avenues with couples strolling, glistening lakes and a crystal palace – a place to fall in love all over again. The two of you boating on the lake… Take a couple of hours out to just stroll amongst the Madrileños after a visit to the nearby Prado, having first viewed the collection of Neoclassical and Romantic period paintings, of course!
A private penthouse? No problem! Check out that one and this list of other places of places to stay in Madrid city centre.
El Retiro Park, Madrid
Toledo
Picture a fairy tale city for a romantic weekend and you might imagine a walled city, high in a hill, a river running beneath and maybe a medieval castle? Then travel to Toledo, and your wish is granted!
Narrow winding cobbled streets, intimate restaurants and bars, this magical city has it all and more. History, art, culture – a candlelit dinner for two within the city walls, and all just 70kms from Madrid, what are you waiting for?
Your own private place for the weekend in terrific Toledo is here….
Toledo standing tall....
Location, location!
If you have decided to make an honest woman of her, then do pop the question somewhere unforgettable. Majorca is a wonderful island, full of surprises and discoveries – what about a place with a view?
From Deiá – a cliff-top village – you will have views for miles and a location to remember , The scent of orange blossom will help with the ambience – the sweeping landscape of Orange and Olive groves down to the sparkling Mediterranean – how can you possibly be turned down?! The village, although small has more than twenty little bars and restaurants in which to celebrate – or commiserate – afterwards.
You might find yourself in good company too – the place is famous for literary and musical visitors, including Robert Graves, who lived there until he died, Mick Jagger, Mike Oldfield and Mark Knopfler have all visited and even Richard Branson has a place here. Watch out for him ballooning over your head….
If a five star accommodation is your choice, – browse this list of Majorcan hideaways and feel like a celebrity yourself!
Barcelona
Often called one of the most romantic cities in Spain, Barcelona is stacked with great locations for a February getaway. Art lovers will be in their element – it’s Gaudi all the way!
Stroll hand in hand along the Rambla, see the sights, shop and taste the tapas of Catalonia. For location, we’re heading up and away again, try the top of Tibidabo mountain, for far reaching views and a spectacular setting. At 512 metres high it offers you commanding views across the city limits – but you might not be alone! At the summit you’ll find an amusement park, a temple and a Catholic church. You won’t need to bring any climbing gear either, you can drive all the way to the summit, or take the funicular train – so you shouldn’t be too out of breath!
For some arty places to stay in Barcelona, browse these holiday home rentals.
A view of the splendid lover´s city by night
Galicia
If your idea of beauty is wild and rugged, and nature is your thing, then Galicia would be the perfect choice for St Valentine’s and a romantic break. I challenge you not to be seduced by the verdant rugged coastline, as you and your loved one spend entire days without seeing another soul exploring the National Parks ….or what about exploring the medieval route of Santiago de Compostela?
The green coastline and stunning scenery, including lonely coves and deserted beaches – to say nothing of the local gastronomy. How about a plate of fresh oysters to share with a bottle of cold Godello white wine? Aphrodisiac heaven on a plate!
Somewhere to stay in Galicia? After all that food and wine find a Galician bed here…
The green coastline of Galicia
Wine tasting
Now, I’m not suggesting you have to get her tipsy first! But what about a wine tasting tour for a romantic weekend? ….Well, it works for me!
Take in the sights of La Rioja and taste the most famous wines in Spain. Or stay in Galicia for more of that white Godello, red Mencia or the famous Albariño – Cambados is a perfect place for the job – read more about it in a post here.
The wild and beautiful Alpujarra is ideal for a rural romantic break – a truly get away from it all location and also the producer of some very famous wines from the Contraviesa – Marques de la Contraviesa – where the grapes are so sweet no sugar needs to be added in the fermentation process.
Choose from white villages or rural farmhouses – here’s a list of places to stay in the Alpujarras region of Andalucía.
A glass of white from the Rias Baixes
A clear light
There is nowhere in Spain with that clear, superb light that is the same as the Costa de La Luz – well named. Picture yourselves gazing across the sea to Africa at sunset….Try a weekend in Cadiz – that city of the south that will make you feel as though you have set sail on a cruise liner.
Whether you choose a beach house, a city apartment or a penthouse perfect for proposals then the Costa de La Luz will not disappoint – here’s another list of lovely holiday homes from which to choose.
The magic of Cadiz on the Coast of Light
More Andalucía
Of course, Andalucía is the most evocative region of Spain – and does passion with style! The home of Flamenco, vibrancy and immense energy. Granada is a hotbed of real flamenco music, and home to the most romantic monument in Europe – my vote anyway! The Alhambra Palace bathed in the pink light of sunset is a hard one to beat for a romantic location – the sheer beauty of the preserved buildings and the tranquil rose gardens make the perfect spot – guaranteed acceptance!
The city itself is easy to walk around, how about a table for two in one of the little Moroccan Teterías for the afternoon, mint tea and sticky honey cakes sprinkled with fresh almonds?
Walk the city and find a wealth of intimate restaurants and little bars where you can experience a weekend or longer in Granada style. Late at night wandering in the maze – like Albaicin discover your own Duende with a flamenco night to spark your passion!
Great Granada accommodation is listed here.
The Alhambra - in a romantic light
So, hopefully we have given you some ideas for that February break – and of course, seduced you by all that is Spain!
Flickr credit for this post goes to: Tomorrow Never Knows/
