Spain’s best cities for St Valentine’s Day

St Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Spain in much the same way as in Anglophone countries. Couples, lovers and sweethearts buy each other gifts, exchange greeting cards professing everlasting love and go out for a romantic meal.

With many of its cities paved with cobbled streets and an enchanting mix of Roman, Moorish and Renaissance architecture, topped off by delectable food and mouth-watering wine, Spain has some seriously sexy settings.

Barcelona

Barcelona has amazing vistas for couples to behold. One is that of the Mediterranean Sea from the city’s beach in the Barceloneta district and there is also Mon Juic, a hill overlooking the city and the harbour. Parque Guell houses numerous examples of the work of Catalonian architect Antonio Gaudi, with his signature style of geometric forms and other shapes inspired by nature. The colourful buildings and statues make a perfect background for a special date with a special someone. The ideal place for an atmospheric nightcap in Spain’s second city is the dark and mysterious Gimlet cocktail bar. It is tucked away and hidden from the tourist masses and oozes 1950′s charm and sophistication.

Granada

Some very romantic memories can be made in Granada, in the south of Spain. Andalusia was the last stronghold of the Moors at the end of the 1400s as Spain was becoming part of Christendom once more. As a result the Moorish influence is very strong and one of the most beautiful palaces in the country is located here. The Alhambra is a 1100-year-old fortress turned palace and is an awe-inspiring place of interest for starry-eyed lovers, with its many water fountains and intricate decoration. The restaurant Las Estrellas Mirador San Nicolas located in the Albayzin district has phenomenal views of the Alhambra which is especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated by floodlights.

CC image courtesy of Bert Kaufmann on Flickr

Lead image: CC image courtesy of Ryan McD on Flickr

Toni

An inquisitive traveller who teaches, writes, and takes photos, based in Colombia.

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