Fall in love with travel – 11 romantic destinations with return flights from Manchester Airport that are cheaper than a bouquet of roses
It’s Valentine’s Day this weekend and if you’re hunting for a last-minute gift for your significant other, it could be tempting to fall back on something tried and tested – but you might just be missing out on the trip of a lifetime.
YouGov data shows that flowers remain one of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts, with men in particular opting for them more often than any other type of gift. The cost is soaring though – a bouquet of a dozen red roses could set you back as much as £69 at a high street florist this February.**
For that price, or even less, you could whisk your special someone away for a romantic break – and the expansive route network on offer at Manchester Airport means you can take your pick from scores of destinations that are ideal for loved-up couples.
Here we look at some of the classic romantic getaway options – and some other less obvious choices that might just surprise you. What they all share in common is that a return flight could set you back under £69 – and in some cases, less than half that.
If you need any further persuasion that a flight ticket is the ideal treat for your partner this Valentine’s Day – or you want some pointers on where you might take them – read on.
Oslo
Fly with Ryanair from £27pp return.*
There’s a chill in the air in the Norwegian capital at this time of year – so it’s the perfect time of year to cosy up to your better half in a log cabin in the woods, complete with a sauna or a hot tub. This kind of accommodation is plentiful in the scenic pine forests that surround Oslo and makes for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, while keeping its cultural attractions, like the Munch Museum, within easy reach.
Paris
Fly with Ryanair from £33pp return.*
If you’re thinking of booking a romantic getaway, Paris is arguably the first place that would spring to mind. It’s been described as the ‘City of Love’ since Victorian times and although it’s a bit cliché, the twilight river cruises, fancy restaurants purpose-crafted for date nights, and a dash of French sophistication are a combination that’s hard to beat.
Copenhagen
Fly with Ryanair from £33pp return.*
Enjoy a stroll around the Danish capital’s harbourfront, lined with colourfully painted townhouses and vibrant cafes. The picture-perfect Rosenborg Castle and its surrounding gardens look like something from a Jane Austen novel, and make for the perfect setting for a romantic stroll and a picnic.
Porto
Fly with Ryanair from £35pp return.*
Wine aficionados will be in their element in Portugal’s second city, renowned as the home of Port wine. The city’s famous tipple has a legally protected geographical indication, meaning it has to be produced in the waterfront neighbourhood of Vila Nova de Gaia – which makes it very easy to take a tasting tour of the various Port houses, all in close proximity to one another. The city is also a starting point for boat tours up the river to the Douro valley – a famous wine region in its own right.
Brussels
Fly with Ryanair from £35pp return.*
If chocolate is your love language, look no further than Brussels, sometimes described as the cocoa capital of the world. Brussels is the home of praline, and you’ll find dozens of chocolatiers here, each offering something slightly different. The city’s parks and museums make for an enjoyable date day too, culminating with taking in panoramic views from the Atomium’s viewpoint at sunset.
Venice
Fly with Ryanair from £38pp return.*
Venice’s unique character, with its classical architecture and network of canals, make it one of the most popular destinations on the planet for a romantic getaway. Enjoy fine dining by candlelight, take a gondola around the city, or go island-hopping across the lagoon to Burano and Torcello. Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, is just an hour away by train and makes for a great day trip.
Pisa
Fly with Ryanair from £39pp return.*
Pisa’s world-famous leaning tower sits at the heart of the Piazza dei Miracoli, sandwiched between the city’s cathedral and a museum dedicated to the site’s history. At dusk, stroll along the banks of the River Arno and watch the winding medieval streets begin to light up. Plan a daytrip into the Tuscan countryside for breathtaking scenery and field-to-fork dining.
Jersey
Fly with easyJet from £42pp return.*
Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, is a great option for a last-minute break if you or your partner don’t have a passport. It’s in the Common Travel Area (CTA), so you can travel there with just a valid photo driving license or citizen card. St Helier’s Esplanade is dotted with trendy bars, restaurants and spa hotels, and the three historic fortresses on the island - Elizabeth Castle, Mont Orgueil Castle, and the ruins of Grosnez Castle – all make for a fantastic date setting.
Nice
Fly with easyJet from £45pp return.*
Nice is the gateway to the Cote d’Azur and well worth a visit if you’re looking for a city break where you can also enjoy a beach day. In the city itself, explore the Old Town (Vieux-Nice), Matisse Museum and the Molinard Perfume Workshop. The city has its own shale beach too, the Plage de Carras – but for the most scenic spots, travel further along the coast to Cap Martin and Cap d'Ail. The tiny country of Monaco also makes for an intriguing day trip option.
Split
Fly with easyJet from £57pp return.*
Another coastal city with plenty of charm, Split’s old town is set around the 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace, the retirement home of a Roman emperor. Watch the sun drop over the Adriatic Sea on the Riva Promenade, and enjoy the great outdoors in the forested Marjan Park, on a headland that overlooks the city.
Mykonos
Fly with easyJet from £65pp return.*
Mykonos’ charming, whitewashed streets provide a perfect backdrop for a loved-up holiday. Many of its resorts are adults-only and geared towards romantic breaks for two. Traditional Greek tavernas are globally renowned for their hospitality and Mykonos is packed with them. The island’s beaches aren’t bad either.
*Prices quoted are the cheapest available return fare on the specified route before 31 January 2027, when booked directly through the named airline, and accurate at the time of publication. Prices quoted may not include hold baggage, seat selection or other optional extras.
**Price of a Valentine’s Day Luxury 12 Red Roses bouquet listed by Interflora as of 12 February 2026 - https://www.interflora.co.uk/category/valentines-flowers