Planning a romantic weekend away often feels like an extravagant luxury, but it doesn't have to drain your savings. For 2026, numerous captivating cities across Europe and beyond offer intimate escapes at surprisingly accessible prices, with weekend stays starting from around £250. As Valentine's Day approaches, Metro's travel experts have curated a selection of destinations that combine charm, culture, and affordability, perfect for couples seeking quality time together without breaking the bank.
Riga, Latvia: A Fairytale Escape on a Budget
Riga, Latvia's capital, has recently been crowned Europe's best value city break, with a two-night trip averaging just £252.63 according to Post Office Travel Money analysis. This Baltic gem provides an opportunity to indulge in luxury at a fraction of Western European prices. For instance, the historic five-star Grand Palace Hotel offers double rooms from under £100 per night, situated impeccably in the heart of Old Riga.
Beyond its affordability, Riga enchants visitors with its rich history, being older than Stockholm and St. Petersburg. The city boasts Europe's finest collection of Art Nouveau architecture, with over 800 ornate buildings in vibrant shades. British tourist arrivals surged by more than 20% in early 2025, drawn by its energetic mix of raucous karaoke bars, Michelin-recognised culinary scenes, and cosy cafés. For traditional Baltic cuisine, Milda restaurant serves handmade dumplings and rye bread pudding with main courses under €35.
Cappadocia, Turkey: Soaring Romance Among Fairy Chimneys
Cappadocia offers an otherworldly romantic setting with its distinctive cone-shaped rock formations and ancient rock-cut churches. The region's most romantic experience involves a hot air balloon ride over the breathtaking landscape, with tours available from around £50 through operators like Get Your Guide and Viator. For those preferring ground-based views, Göreme's Sunrise Point provides panoramic vistas of the valley at dawn.
Turkey remains a relatively inexpensive destination, with Cappadocia offering particularly good value. According to Lonely Planet, a two-course meal for two costs approximately ₺1100 (£25), while hotel rooms start at ₺2000 (£45) per night. Visitors can save by sampling local Cappadocian wines and dining at pide salons, where filled flatbreads cost around ₺200 (£4.50). For unique accommodation, cave hotels like Euphoria Cave House offer double rooms with breakfast from £55.
Vilnius, Lithuania: Cobbled Streets and Cosy Bars
Vilnius, crowned Europe's most affordable city in 2024, combines cobbled streets and intimate cocktail bars with remarkable value. A city break including two nights' accommodation and an evening meal for two was estimated at just £236.51 last year. Lithuania's first Michelin guide in 2024 featured four starred restaurants, including Dziaugsmas, which offers a modern twist on local delicacies with a €67 tasting menu.
The city's romantic dining options extend to 14 Horses, a Bib Gourmand farm-to-table restaurant serving four courses for €55 per person. For post-dinner drinks, La Boheme wine bar in monastery vaults offers local wines from €28 per bottle. Bokšto Spa provides luxury at reasonable rates, with three-hour sessions including saunas, a jacuzzi, and swimming pool for €80. Accommodation ranges from the luxurious Hotel Pacai from £162 per night to value options like Comfort Hotel LT – Rock 'n' Roll from £57.
Marrakech, Morocco: Cultural Immersion in the Red City
Marrakech captivates culture-loving couples with its winding souks, opulent palaces, and vibrant street life. The bustling medina surrounds Jemaa el-Fnaa square, while historical sites include the 14th-century Medersa Ben Youssef Islamic school and Bahia Palace with its intricate mosaics. For relaxation, traditional hammams like Hammam Rosa Bonheur offer scrub and massage packages from £30 per person.
Authentic accommodation comes in the form of riads – traditional houses built around interior courtyards. Riad Noir d'Ivoire provides suites with private terraces and jacuzzis from £104 per night. February temperatures reach around 21°C, offering pleasant winter sun. For those seeking longer stays, Travel Supermarket estimates all-inclusive week-long holidays average £479 per person during winter months.
Piran, Slovenia: Coastal Charm and Wine Tasting
While Ljubljana attracts most visitors to Slovenia, the coastal town of Piran offers Venetian-Gothic architecture and romantic seafood dining. Restaurant Neptun serves fresh prawns and fish soup with main courses from €18, while seafood platters for two cost €47. The town's unique sparkling wine matures 18 metres deep in Piran Bay.
Nearby, the Vipava Valley provides wine-tasting opportunities reminiscent of Tuscany, with tours available from €79 per person. Accommodation includes Hotel Piran with sea views from £100 per night and MEMENTO B&B Piran from £79. The town's preserved medieval streets create an intimate atmosphere perfect for couples.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Historical Romance by the Neretva
Mostar's unique blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian history creates a fascinating romantic destination. The iconic Stari Most bridge spans the emerald green Neretva River, while traditional mill house restaurants serve dishes like cevapi and ajvar. Sadrvan restaurant offers main courses from just £4.30, while Cafe de Alma provides authentic Bosnian coffee experiences.
Compared to neighbouring Croatia, Mostar offers significantly better value with less crowding. Heritage accommodation includes Hotel-Restaurant Kriva Cuprija in a limestone house from £70 per night and Villa Cardak in the Old Town from £42. The city's Mediterranean lifestyle and historical complexity create a memorable romantic backdrop.
Palma, Mallorca: Balearic Beauty Beyond the Beach
Palma transforms into a romantic winter destination with its cafe-lined pavements, Art Nouveau architecture, and Gothic cathedral. Described as 'Paris-by-the-sea', the city offers tapas bars like La Botana with pinchos from €2.95 and glasses of wine from €3.50. Historical exploration includes the 14th-century Castell de Bellver and antique train rides to Port de Sóller through scenic landscapes.
February temperatures around 15°C permit pleasant strolls along palm-lined promenades. Accommodation ranges from the five-star beachfront Iberostar Selection Playa de Palma from £139 per night to INNSiDE by Meliá Palma Center from £89. The city's blend of Moorish and baroque architecture provides constant visual interest for couples exploring together.
These seven destinations demonstrate that romantic getaways need not be prohibitively expensive. With careful planning and consideration of off-peak travel, couples can enjoy intimate escapes featuring hot air balloons, wine tasting, historical exploration, and luxurious accommodation at accessible price points throughout 2026.
