Top 5 things to do on Valentine’s Day on the Costa del Sol

Note:
Keep in mind that on the night of February 12th 2025, there will be a full moon, so the week of Saint Valentine's will be the perfect opportunity to watch the moon rise out of the sea, to add to the magic.

• Table of contents
• Romantic plans for Valentine's Day on the Costa del Sol
• 1. Take to the skies in a hot air balloon over the Serranía de Ronda
• 2. Visit the “Balcony of Europe” in Nerja
• 3. Explore an authentic wine tour in Málaga
• 4. Indulge in a luxurious couples spa experience
• 5. Dine in style at Michelin-starred restaurants
• Your dream lifestyle awaits

What could be more romantic than soaring over the beautiful Andalusian countryside in a hot air balloon? Glovento Sur offers magical private experiences for just you and your partner, with VIP treatment and panoramic views that stretch from rolling hills to sparkling coastlines. Flight locations include Ronda, Granada, Geoparque de Granada, Sevilla, Antequera and Arcos de la Frontera.

Ronda is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Andalucía from above. Surrounded by the Sierra de las Nieves, Grazalema and Serranía de Ronda mountains, its vast majestic valleys are as impressive as its Roman city scape. Flying over the city of Ronda, you can admire its historic buildings with its baroque churches, its bullring and the 120-metre deep Tajo gorge, whose world-famous Puente Nuevo bridge connects the two halves of the city. Or the wind may take you over the ruins of Acinipo, a majestic Roman theatre that rises above the valleys of Ronda la Vieja.

For a more bespoke route, you can request to fly over a specific area that might be significant to you or your date, such as a particular village or town, then complete the trip with breakfast, tapas or a romantic dinner. This adventure is a serene and intimate experience, providing a relaxing yet exhilarating setting to share with that one special person. 

Learn more about Hot Air Balloon rides here.

For a touch of old-world charm, head to Nerja and visit the famous “Balcony of Europe” (Balcón de Europa). This large circular balcony is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the Sierra Almijara mountain range, and the stunning beaches, including the secluded coves and rugged rocky outcrops along the coastline.

Stroll hand in hand along the picturesque promenade and spend some time soaking in the vistas before heading into one of the nearby cafés or restaurants. We recommend a seafood dinner at Puerta del Mar, a restaurant just a few steps from the viewpoint and well known for its exceptional quality. Enjoy more sea gazing (in between gazing into each other's eyes of course), as the restaurant features floor to ceiling windows that provide an epic front-row view of the deep blue. Don’t forget to snap a photo or two at one of the most iconic spots on the Costa del Sol!

Plan your visit to the Balcony of Europe.

The standard tourist trail doesn’t always do much in the way of romance, but keeping things authentic and diving into the traditions of an area can really spark a deeper connection to your surroundings and by extension, the person you’re experiencing it with. There are so many options for wine tasting, wine tours and olive oil tours available in the area, due to the region being flush with olive groves and vineyards. Many tour companies, and self employed guides offer private excursions and experiences, and can assist you in designing your ideal romantic date. You can even book overnight stays at some vineyards, such as Doña Felisa and La Perla Blanca in Ronda, to make the trip even more special.

If you just want to keep it simple and tag along in a group tour, you can still carve out alone time with a 1-1 dinner after the event, or book a romantic hotel or airbnb in the area. Whether you choose to join others, or book a slot for just you and your partner, it’s a great opportunity to get out in nature, immerse yourself in culture and taste some delicious locally made wines. If you both love the outdoors, you could even combine your wine tasting with a trail in Frigiliana, considered one of the most beautiful white villages in Málaga, offered by Málaga Activa Tours.

Plan your wine tasting tour in Málaga

Treat yourselves to a day of pampering and relaxation at one of any of the Costa del Sol’s luxurious spas. Many resorts and wellness centres offer Valentine's Day packages, complete with couples’ massages, hydrotherapy pools, and champagne. A spa day is the perfect way to unwind together and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. For the best five-star experiences, look no further than Anantara Villa Padierna or The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa in Benahavís-Marbella, or in the heart of Marbella Puente Romano Beach Resort and Marbella Club Hotel.

Alternatively you can have a qualified therapist come to you, so that you don’t have to even leave your home or hotel room. The Full Vitality Spa is one of these companies that offer at-home massage treatments from Deep Tissue to Reflexology, and Ayurvedic Treatments to Four Hand Massage, and of course, Couples Massage. Nothing says “I love you” like a home-cooked meal and a 90-minute massage. Who says you have to go out to feel pampered?

Fine dining on Valentine’s day is a tradition that will never get old. Luckily for us, the Costa del Sol boasts some of the best restaurants in the whole of Spain. In Marbella alone there are 15 Michelin-starred restaurants worth considering, from Dani García's establishments such as Leña in Puente Romano, with 3 Michelin stars, to more tucked away gems like Skina, with two Michelin stars, located in Marbella’s Old Town. Whether you’re craving Sushi, Mediterranean cuisine, meats and grills or farm to table authenticity, there’s guaranteed to be a restaurant that caters to your specific cravings.

To see the full list of Michelin-Starred restaurants in Marbella, check out what the Michelin guide has to say about our local hot-spots. In addition, there are 2 Michelin-starred restaurants in Ronda, 13 in Málaga city and 2 more in the picturesque coastal town of Nerja.

A newer addition to the culinary scene in Marbella worth a mention is Florentine. Located in The Forum opposite Puente Romano, this high-class 70s vibe Italian Trattoria is perfect for any special occasion. With a glamorous and theatrical interior, artisanal cocktails, and lively music, its modern twist on authentic Italian cuisine really puts this place on the map. Whilst the restaurant doesn’t have any Michelin stars, you can still delight in a generous serving of caviar with crème faîche, or opt for an oyster sharer with Fine de Claire no 3, mignonette sauce & shallots for starters. They even have a caviar pizza! Haute culture indeed.

From soaring over ancient Roman ruins in a hot air balloon to savouring Michelin-starred cuisine, the Costa del Sol is a curator of unforgettable memories. Whether you choose to spend the day being pampered at a world-class spa, sipping local wines in picturesque vineyards, or watching the full moon rise over the Mediterranean, this stunning region provides the perfect backdrop for romance. Discover the unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and luxurious amenities that make every day feel special here.