Valentine's Day with a Twist: Romance and Sustainability Across Five Countries

The village at the heart of the Tokaj wine region reveals an intimate, "slower" side in February. While its famous storks are still resting in warmer climates, the winter tranquillity of Bodrogkeresztúr provides the perfect backdrop for quality time together.

• Treasures underground: Valentine's Day romance here reaches its peak in centuries-old wine cellars adorned with noble mould. Local, sustainability-focused family wineries (such as Füleky Estate, Bene Winery, or Bott Cellar) offer not only exquisite aszú wines but also share insights about protecting the vineyards and the importance of chemical-free viticulture. A wine tasting in the cool cellar corridors is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

• Winter walks along the Bodrog: If you're craving fresh air, take a stroll to the Bodrog riverside viewpoint or climb the hills above the Lebuj Bend. The frosty floodplain forest and the slow-moving river create an especially mystical atmosphere at this time of year.

• A culinary adventure: Don't miss out on the local produce! The village's famous vinegar manufactory, Acetánia , offers an exciting visit where you can learn how wine is transformed into premium culinary gifts. Visiting Emese's Dream Bakery or the Csicsörke Jam Workshop also provides a unique experience – not to mention the excellent restaurants awaiting visitors here.

Bodrogkeresztúr proves that sustainability begins with respecting traditions – and what better shared experience than supporting local farmers while toasting to your love with world-renowned Hungarian wines?

Pompeii is not just a ruined city but a snapshot preserved for eternity by the ash of Mount Vesuvius. In February, when the fresh breeze from the sea sweeps through the ancient forum, the site reveals a quieter, more intimate side, perfect for deep conversations and shared discoveries.

• Living memory of the past: As you walk hand in hand along the over two-thousand-year-old cobblestones, the daily lives of ancient Romans unfold before you. The beautifully preserved frescoes, courtyard villas (domus), and spacious theatres seem to echo the sounds of the once-bustling city. The low-angled winter sunlight stretches the shadows of the columns, creating a mystical and intimate atmosphere.

• Sustainability and preservation: Today, Pompeii is a leading example of sustainable heritage conservation. The project is not just about saving stones but also about restoring the ecological balance of the landscape. Thanks to the collaboration of archaeologists and botanists, native plants and grape varieties that adorned the city before the disaster have been reintroduced to its gardens. The "archaeological wine" produced here symbolises the sustainable meeting of past and present.

• Romantic moments: Find a quieter spot on the edge of the city, where you can gaze at the often snow-capped peak of Mount Vesuvius in the distance. This view reminds us of life's fragility and that true values – like love and shared culture – endure through all challenges.

This destination is perfect for couples who love history and want to celebrate in a place where the concept of time takes on a whole new meaning.

One of the most treasured gems of Székelyvarság, the Csorgókő Waterfall, reveals its most dramatic side in February. At this time, the cascading water often freezes into giant, glistening icicles, creating a natural glass palace around the rocks, while the crystal-clear spring water continues to murmur below.

• The wild journey: Even the walk to the waterfall feels like a shared meditation. The path through frost-covered pine forests, with the crunch of fresh snow underfoot and the purity of mountain air, instantly pulls you out of the everyday. This location isn't about man-made attractions but the genuine, direct connection between people and nature.

• Sustainability in everyday life: Székelyvarság is a model of "dispersed settlement," where farming and tourism still follow traditional, small-scale practices. Protecting the waterfall is a central concern for locals: there are no paved roads or noisy food stalls here, just untouched nature. By visiting, you support the survival of local, eco-conscious communities.

• Romantic experience: Standing at the foot of the waterfall, surrounded by snow-covered rocks, you can experience the perfect sense of seclusion. With a steaming cup of tea made from local herbs, the winter sunlight glinting off the icicles offers a view no digital filter could replicate.

This destination is ideal for couples who want to spend Valentine's Day not in the buzz of the city but in the quiet of nature, focusing on each other and their surroundings.

Rising above the city of Athens, the Acropolis Rock reveals a different side in February. In the soft winter sunlight, the white-gold tones of Pentelic marble seem to glow against the blue sky, and among the columns of the Parthenon, it's not the murmur of tourists but the whispers of history that can be heard.

• A walk above time: As couples ascend through the monumental Propylaea gateway, they tread the same stones that have felt the steps of lovers, philosophers, and conquerors for millennia. In February, the first wildflowers begin to bloom in the cracks of the rock, reminding us of life's eternal cycle. The crowd-free season allows you not just to "see" the monuments but to truly feel their grandeur.

• Conscious heritage preservation: The Acropolis is a flagship of sustainable cultural tourism. Restoration work uses only materials and techniques that respect the original structures while employing modern, eco-friendly technologies to protect the stones from urban environmental impacts. Visitor pathways are designed to ensure that, despite the immense interest, the site's ecological and structural integrity is preserved.

• Romantic moments: The most beautiful experience awaits in the late afternoon. As the sun dips low, the view of the sea and the distant island of Salamis turns golden behind the Parthenon's colonnade. Watching the sunset together from the hilltop, as the lights of modern Athens slowly flicker on below, creates a moment where past and present converge in a single, unforgettable point.

This destination is recommended for couples who want to spend Valentine's Day in a place where nothing in the world feels more enduring.

Escape the bustle of Kobe city via an elegant ropeway that ascends the steep slopes of the Rokko Mountains. The Nunobiki Herb and Botanical Garden is one of Japan's largest facilities of its kind, where sustainability is not just a guideline but a philosophy reflected in the care of every plant.

• A harmony of scents and colours: Upon entering the garden, you're immediately enveloped by the fragrance of over 75,000 plants and herbs. In February, the outdoor gardens still bear traces of winter, but life flourishes in the elegant glasshouses. Couples will be especially drawn to the "Lavender Room" or the spice exhibition halls, where strolling among tropical plants and Mediterranean herbs makes you forget the chill outside.

• Sustainability on the mountainside: The garden's operations are closely tied to the local ecosystem. Water is sourced from the nearby Nunobiki Falls, and plant selection prioritises biodiversity and education. Visitors can not only admire the beauty but also learn about the sustainable use of medicinal herbs, rooted in ancient Japanese traditions.

• "Kobe's Million Dollar Night": While the garden is stunning during the day, the most romantic moments come at dusk. From the garden's terraces, you can see Kobe's harbour and the sea as the city lights begin to sparkle. This panorama is considered one of Japan's most beautiful views. Watching the city's lights together in the crisp winter air, with a cup of hot ginger tea in hand, is a true celebration of peace and closeness.

This destination is perfect for those who love the harmonious coexistence of technological progress and the fragile beauty of nature.

The garden and ropeway undergo annual maintenance. In 2026, this will take place from January 24 to February 13, according to their website, so it will be open for Valentine's Day.