Romantic Rovinj

Still chilly Croatia may not be the first place you think of to spend Valentine’s day but rest assured that romance is in the air in these five special Valentine’s Day treats:

Rovinj
The rambling old streets of this fishing port catch the sea breezes and wind up to glorious old St Euphemia church. Gaze in tranquil wonder at the Adriatic coastline while sea gulls swoop overhead. Weather permitting, drink a glass of champagne at Valentino seaside cocktail bar or snuggle into cosy Veli Joze, a favorite fishermen’s bar. Stay at the Hotel Lone and indulge yourself in the luxurious spa.

Opatija
This favorite watering hole of the Austrian aristocracy recently served as the movie set for ‘Diana’, a bio-pic about the late Princess of Wales. Protected by Mt Ucka, the climate is always mild enough for a romantic seaside stroll along the 12-km long Lungomare. Stay at the five-star classic Hotel Mozart, reserving a room with a beach view and balcony of course. For dinner, head to the neighbouring village of Volosko and dine at Plavi Podrum, one of Croatia’s finest restaurants.

Zadar
What is more romantic than a sunset? Very little and, according to Alfred Hitchcock, Zadar’s sunsets rank among the world’s best. While admiring the celestial light show, tune your ears to Zadar’s unique sea organ that transforms the movement of the sea into a sort of music. Stay in the old town center at the Hotel Bastion to best appreciate Zadar’s unique blend of antiquity and cutting edge nightlife.

Plitvice Lakes National Park
This splendid national park is jammed with tourists from April to October but in February you’ll have it mostly to yourself. The winterscape is icily spectacular particularly after a snowfall or if the waterfalls freeze. Bundle up! After a bracing walk around all 16 lakes, warm up around the fireplace in Licka Kuca restaurant, making sure to sample the hearty specialty, lamb stewed under a bell.

Dubrovnik
The gorgeous architecture of Dubrovnik loses none of its luster under the winter sun and it’s the time of year when residents reclaim their city from visitors, crowding into the cafes and filling restaurants. The cultural life is in full swing as the Dubrovnik Orchestra tunes up and there are sure to be a full menu of art exhibitions. A stay at the fabulous five-star Villa Dubrovnik will set any romance on fire.