Valentine's Day 2026: The best romantic getaways for couples from London Southend Airport

You meant to plan ahead. Life happened. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a romantic date night… it’s suddenly right around the corner. All the best restaurants are booked up, the florists are sold out, and the only cards left on the shelf say “get well soon.”

If you’re going to come up with something more thoughtful than a heart-shaped box of chocolates, you’ll have to think fast.

But take a breath. Because if you can get to London Southend Airport, you can still turn this around.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect place for a grand romantic gesture, or a cosy, quiet escape, these are the most romantic destinations you can get to from London Southend Airport – whether you’re planning for Valentine’s Day or a spontaneous romantic getaway.

Explore London Southend Airport’s destinations.

Paris, France – for couples who secretly love the cliché

It’s a classic for a reason. Paris is the city people picture when they think of romance. Plus if you end up going in February for Valentine’s Day, you’ll find the restaurants and hotels are less hectic, and getting around on foot feels much easier.

Romantic hotels to book in Paris

Shangri-La Paris is the big-gesture option, with Eiffel Tower views, grand interiors and a reputation that does a lot of the romantic atmospheric work for you.
Scribe Paris Opera by Sofitel is a stylish, central choice close to the Opera and major boulevards, ideal if you want classic Paris without feeling stuffy.
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel is a strong pick if you want modern comfort, great views and easy access to the Seine and central sights.

Romantic restaurants to book in Paris

Le Comptoir du Relais serves classic French bistro dishes like steak frites, terrines and rich sauces, and is ideal for lingering over dinner.
Benoît focuses on traditional French cuisine, including dishes like duck confit and slow-cooked meats, in a small, candlelit dining room.
Chez Janou is a Marais favourite for Provençal-style cooking, known for sharing plates, generous portions and a strong wine list.
Frenchie offers modern French food with seasonal ingredients and creative plates if you want something more contemporary.

Book your flights to Paris.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – for couples who love cosy cafés

Couple sat on a bench along the canal in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is perfect for creating romantic memories. You can walk everywhere, duck into cafés when it’s cold, and spend most of your time eating, drinking and talking rather than travelling across the city. If you’re looking for walkable, cosy vibes, Amsterdam should be top of your list.

Romantic hotels to book in Amsterdam

Hotel Estheréa is a favourite with couples thanks to its canal views, candlelit interiors and genuinely cosy feel.
Pulitzer Amsterdam works well for romantic occasions, combining classic Dutch style with warm lounges and excellent hotel bars.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is the luxury pick if you’re planning a Valentine’s splurge, with elegant rooms and a spa right on the canals.

Romantic restaurants to book in Amsterdam

De Kas is one of the city’s most popular romantic spots, serving seasonal dishes in a greenhouse setting that feels special without being formal.
Rijsel is a strong choice, known for French-influenced comfort cooking and a relaxed, candlelit atmosphere.
De Belhamel is a cosy canalside restaurant serving French and Italian-inspired dishes that work well for a romantic evening.
Clos is a wine-led restaurant offering a set menu designed for sharing, making it a great low-key date night option.

Book your flights to Amsterdam.

Malaga, Spain – for couples who just want the sun back

A couple sat on the grass by the sea, in Malaga.

Sometimes romance is simple, so let’s not overcomplicate things. Most of the year in Britain is cold. Most of the year in Malaga is hot. That’s as good a reason as any for couples to ditch the dark skies and head to Spain’s sunny south coast.

Romantic hotels to book in Malaga

Santos Gran Hotel Miramar is a standout Valentine’s choice thanks to its beachfront setting, grand interiors and on-site spa.
Room Mate Valeria works well if you want something stylish and central, with harbour views and easy access to the old town.
Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro is ideal if you want views over the city and a quieter, more romantic feel above the centre.

Romantic restaurants to book in Malaga

El Pimpi is a Malaga classic, serving traditional Andalusian dishes in a lively but atmospheric setting that suits a long evening.
José Carlos García is the fine-dining option if you’re planning a special meal, with modern Mediterranean cooking and a harbour location.
Los Patios de Beatas is a good choice for sharing plates, wine and a relaxed but romantic atmosphere in the old town.
Cambara is ideal if you want something unfussy but memorable, focusing on fresh seafood and simple Mediterranean flavours.

Book your flights to Malaga.

Marrakech, Morocco – for couples who want rooftop dinners and desert sunsets

A romantic getaway to Marrakech feels like a proper escape. It’s always warm enough to sit outside with a drink, the city is full of atmosphere, and everything about it leans romantic without even trying. Think rooftop dinners, candlelit riads, hammams, and day trips into the desert. If you want a break that feels different from the usual European city cliché, Marrakech is the one.

Romantic hotels to book in Marrakech

La Mamounia is the iconic romantic option, known for its gardens, pools and world-famous spa.
Royal Mansour Marrakech is the luxury option, offering private riads and one of the most memorable hotel stays you can book.
Les Jardins de la Medina is a strong choice with romantic rooftop dining, spa facilities and a location close to the medina.

Romantic restaurants to book in Marrakech

Le Jardin is a classic couple-friendly spot, with a leafy courtyard setting and Moroccan dishes that suit a long, relaxed evening.
Nomad is a rooftop favourite with modern Moroccan plates and views across the medina.
Dar Yacout is the big Valentine’s dinner pick, known for its candlelit rooms, traditional food and full-on romantic atmosphere.
Comptoir Darna is ideal if you want dinner with music and a livelier vibe without losing the “date night” feel.

Book your flights to Marrakech.

Barcelona, Spain – for couples who don’t mind sharing plates

Barcelona is for couples who want a proper city break, but still want sunshine and sea air. You can spend your days walking, eating, drinking wine, and dipping between architecture, tapas bars and beach walks without needing a big itinerary.

Romantic hotels to book in Barcelona

Casa Bonay is a stylish boutique hotel that feels cool but still intimate, with great food and cocktail spots on site.
Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection is perfect if you want classic Barcelona glamour, with elegant rooms and a grown-up, date-night feel.
Ohla Barcelona is a sleek, modern option with rooftop views and a central location close to the Gothic Quarter.

Romantic restaurants to book in Barcelona

Disfrutar is the high-end choice if you want tapas for your big romantic dinner.
El Nacional is a great pick if you want atmosphere and variety, with multiple dining spaces that feel special without being overly formal.
Bodega Biarritz 1881 is ideal for a cosy tapas-heavy date night in the Gothic Quarter.
Can Culleretes is one of the city’s oldest restaurants and a great option if you want classic Catalan dishes in a properly traditional setting.

Book your flights to Barcelona.

Want to learn more?