The best destinations for a romantic February holiday

Paris

How could we not mention Paris? To many, the French capital is synonymous with all things romantic, making it an ideal destination for a Valentine's Day getaway. Plus, it's super easy to get to, via either a short one-hour flight from London or a relaxing trip on the Eurostar.

Once in Paris, there's no end to what you can get up to, from admiring artworks at the world-renowned Louvre to wandering the atmospheric streets of Montmartre, one of the prettiest areas in the city. Top it all off with a visit to the Eiffel Tower - the ideal spot to get a photo with your special person.

Sintra

With its colourful buildings, striking ruins and dense forest landscape, Sintra looks like something straight out of a fairytale. It's an unforgettable destination for a romantic weekend away. A popular day trip from Lisbon, you'll get a lot more from your time in Sintra if you stay for a few days.

There's the multicoloured Pena Palace, which sits high up on its hilltop allowing you to see incredible views over the area. Castelo dos Mouros is right next to it; these unmissable ruins are worth a lengthy visit. With many eateries and bars in town, you'll be able to continue enjoying Sintra long after the daytrippers leave.

Santorini

This Greek island should be instantly recognisable due to its all-too-familiar whitewashed walls, hilly landscapes, blue-domed roofs and views over impossibly blue seas. And, in this case, the hype is completely justified. Santorini is a magical place for any type of trip but especially for couples seeking a romantic holiday.

Located in the Aegean Sea, the island is full of spectacular sights; join the crowds to watch the sunset at Oia, marvel at the ancient ruins of Akrotiri and hop on a boat tour to really see Santorini in all its glory. Don't forget to set aside plenty of time to discover this island's excellent foodie scene.

Verona

You may know of Verona thanks to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet; this beautiful Italian city was the setting for this famous romantic tragedy. So much so that people flock here for this very reason, making stops at places like Juliet's Balcony or going on Romeo and Juliet-themed walking tours.

But there's so much more to this fascinating city. It has delicious food and drink, an impressive Roman amphitheatre that hosts live events and you can get the best views from Torre dei Lamberti. What's more, at about 40 minutes away, the ultra-stunning Lake Garda is an easy day trip from Verona.

New York

Want to go a bit bigger for Valentine's Day this year? Head to New York for one of the most-loved city breaks; this is a top choice for couples that love a faster-paced getaway. Plus, there's so much to do in New York that you won't have a spare second to feel bored.

Granted, it's a tad cold at this time of year, but there are plenty of indoor attractions to explore, from the Empire State Building to the Met and the many shows on Broadway. Or simply bundle up in layers to enjoy famous outdoor spots like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park.

Prague

A serious contender for one of Europe's most popular - and most affordable - breaks, Prague is also a great choice for a romantic holiday with someone special. Fall in love with this city's gorgeous architecture, from the centuries-old buildings of Prague's Old Town to the spectacular Charles Bridge.

Even though it'll definitely be cold in February, Prague makes winter look good. Once you've explored renowned places like Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral, head indoors to try out the local beer and warming dishes like goulash, bread dumplings and chimney cakes.

1. Barbados

🌡️ Average temperature in February: 26°C

Fancy a trip to the Caribbean? With its pristine white beaches, Barbados is still enjoying its dry season in February, promising glorious warm weather with highs of 29°C, low humidity and warm seas. Do a walking tour of Bridgetown, sample rum at the West Indies Rum Distillery or visit the village of Oistins for a Friday Night Fish Fry, when the streets come alive with street vendors and live music.

2. Melbourne

🌡️ Average temperature in February: 21°C

February is one of the best months to visit Australia, where most destinations offer warm weather and sunshine all month long. In Melbourne, temperatures peak at around 26 °C, followed by cooler evenings. Explore this exciting city by strolling through Queen Victoria Market, grabbing some third-wave coffee or chilling on the beach at St Kilda.

3. The Maldives

🌡️ Average temperature in February: 29°C

Paradise awaits in the Maldives in February - hands down the best time of the year to visit - with daily temperatures hovering between 26°C-32°C. This is also the country's driest month. Choose one of the gorgeous atolls and stay in an overwater bungalow to really make this the trip of a lifetime. You'll be spending your days here on pristine white beaches; you can also do activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, dolphin spotting and snorkelling.

4. Rio de Janeiro

🌡️ Average temperature in February: 27°C

Rio de Janeiro enjoys its sunniest month of the year during February, with scorching temperatures of around 31°C at their peak; expect balmy nights during this month. For first-time visitors to Rio, take a tour to the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, visit the Christ the Redeemer statue and then unwind with a cocktail or three on Copacabana or Ipanema Beach. Thanks to the weather, there's no end to what you can get up to during Brazil's summer.

5. Costa Rica

🌡️ Average temperature in February: 28°C

February is one of the very best months to visit tropical Costa Rica, where daily temperatures range between 26°C-32°C. This is also a good time to spot the country's famous wildlife - think toucans and sloths - or for simply taking some time to relax on the beach. The Pacific beaches, Guanacaste and Central Valley areas are the places to be during the month of February. And, if you didn't know, Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for an eco-friendly retreat.

6. Cuba

🌡️ Average temperature in February: 22°C

Cuba is a great holiday destination - and this is especially the case in February, when sunny days reach an average high of 27°C and a very low chance of any rainfall. So why not take a tour around Havana in a classic vintage car or enjoy a sunset walk on El Malecon? Santiago de Cuba is the cultural capital of Cuba, with lots of sightseeing opportunities on offer, whereas Varadero is the place to be for powder-soft beaches flanked by crystalline waters.

7. Dubai

🌡️ Average temperature in February: 21°C

Widely considered to be the best time to visit Dubai, a February holiday here means sunny days that can reach highs of 25°C and evenings that remain warm. This is far more pleasant than the scorching 40°C temperatures that Dubai experiences in the summer. February is a great time to hit the city’s beaches, along with iconic experiences like a visit to the impressive Burj Khalifa or shopping until you drop at Dubai Mall. Top it all off with a thrilling desert safari and overnight glamping stay.

8. Zanzibar

🌡️ Average temperature in February: 28°C

With its white-sand beaches, far-stretching spice plantations and rich history, February is an ideal time to experience all that fascinating Zanzibar has to offer. You can expect average temperatures of around 28°C during the day, with evening temperatures still hovering at around 26°C. Stroll around Stone Town, search for wild dolphins during a boat tour or visit the birthplace of the legendary Freddie Mercury.

9. Hawaii

🌡️ Average temperature in February: 23°C

Although temperatures can vary between the different islands of Hawaii, you can rely on finding balmy weather in Oahu and Maui. Here, the daily temperatures sit in the mid-20°Cs and, aside from Valentine’s Day, you'll see fewer crowds at this time of the year. As an added bonus, February is humpback whale season, and you can also see cherry blossoms in bloom on Big Island. Meanwhile, over at Oahu, surfing tournaments will be in full swing due to some epic waves.

10. Cape Town

🌡️ Average temperature in February: 22°C

Known as the dry season, February is a top month for visiting Cape Town, where temperatures can reach a pleasant 26-29°C every day. You'll be catching this city at its best, as Cape Town truly comes alive during its summer. You can watch the cute African penguins at Boulders Beach, hop on the cable car to Table Mountain for the best views of the city below or, for some insight into South Africa's history, catch a boat to Robben Island.

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Catch the tail end of the New Zealand summer by planning a trip in February, when the peak summer heat is just starting to cool as the transition to autumn begins. This sweet spot is the ideal weather for a multi-day hike through one of New Zealand’s many national parks, and there is none more beautiful or untamed than Fiordland National Park. With stunning views of not only fiords but also rich, green forests, sky-high peaks and deep, blue lakes, it truly is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Skip the super-popular Milford Track, which is sure to be in high demand over summer and opt for the Kepler Track instead; this 3/4-day trek shows off all the wonders the park has to offer.

Mexico City, Mexico

Avoid both the cold weather of early winter back home and the crowds of the peak March-May season that descend on Mexico City by booking a trip in February. You’ll snag discounts on accommodation, and can still enjoy warm days and stay cosy in local bars and restaurants when the nights grow chilly. Wander through the city's markets, sipping micheladas and sampling tortas and tacos while you peruse the wares. Take advantage of the sunny daytime hours to take a trip to the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán, about an hour outside the city. At the end of your long day of exploring, live music, carefree dancing and strong, cold drinks await you at bars across this vast metropolis.

Muscat, Oman

With almost non-stop sun, warm-but-not-too-hot weather and plenty of beaches on which to enjoy them both, Muscat is an ideal destination for February travellers looking for a break from bleak wintry days. During your time in the city, take a walk through the cool, shaded halls and bright, gleaming atria of the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. For a lazy afternoon, stop by an open-air market to pick up a bag of dates, an Omani specialty. Muscat is an ideal base for day trips, such as the golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands or the whitewashed rocks of the Wadi Shab Gorge.

Dallas, United States

Sultry Texas hits its stride in the winter and spring, when it’s cool enough for a stroll around brightly colored Dallas in the American South. Check out a live rodeo show at AT&T Stadium, which hosts two major rodeo championships at the end of February. Stop by to sample your way through the tacos at Torchy’s before heading off for a beer at one of the many establishments in town with fireplace-heated patios. Or, if you want a more mobile dining experience, explore the food stalls at the Legacy Food Hall in Plano, found on the outskirts of the city.