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Driving Advice
Valentine’s Day gifts that go beyond flowers: trips, picnics and road trips for two.
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Valentine’s Day is the most romantic time of the year, but the challenge is always the same: what makes the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Instead of the classic candlelit dinner, why not offer something more meaningful: time together, shared experiences and memories.
Start by renting a car and letting love guide the way. Couple getaways, outdoor picnics, or road trips with no fixed destination invite you to slow down, share the moment, and create memories beyond routine. With these experiences, romance can go the distance.
1. Surprise getaway.
Few Valentine’s Day gifts feel as exciting as a surprise getaway, especially when the destination remains a secret. Mystery is part of the magic.
Picture this: bags packed, playlist ready and the promise of something unexpected ahead. Whether it’s a countryside retreat, a coastal hideaway or a romantic city break, the experience begins the moment you hit the road.
With Guerin, love goes into "GPS off” mode and that "what if we just went…” is no longer a postponed plan, whether you don’t have a car for a getaway or simply prefer not to use your own.
Through a 100% digital process, explore a versatile fleet and choose the perfect model for your destination, maybe an SUV for the mountains or an elegant car for exploring the streets of Lisbon or Porto.
Valentine’s Day gift destinations to inspire you:
- Gerês, for nature, crackling fireplaces, and hidden waterfalls.
- Monsaraz, to see the Alentejo from above and dine under the stars.
- Óbidos, for a fairytale escape within medieval walls.
- Tavira, for sunshine, sea, and long riverside conversations.
To elevate this Valentine’s Day gift even further, the Pack Premium Gold adds extra comfort, protection and peace of mind throughout the journey, ensuring nothing distracts from the experience you’re sharing.
Here’s one final golden tip: add thoughtful romantic details, such as a bouquet of flowers on the passenger seat, chocolates in the glove compartment or even a personalised playlist filled with songs that tell your story.
2. A one-day romantic itinerary (from sunrise to sunset).
Not all Valentine’s Day gifts require a weekend away. A thoughtfully planned one-day road trip can feel just as special. Start with breakfast or brunch outside the city, continue with a scenic drive, and end with a memorable sunset.
A Douro route with viewpoints and wine tastings, a drive along the Costa Vicentina’s cliffs and hidden beaches, or an afternoon in Sintra, where every corner feels like a love letter, are all sure bets for a day that feels like a week.
With Guerin’s GPS service, exploring new spots is easy and safe. And if you book online in advance, you can skip the stress of last-minute planning. All that’s left is to choose your destination and enjoy the moment.
3. Sunset picnic: a timeless classic.
Not everything has to be elaborate. Sometimes all you need is a car, a blanket, good food, and the right spot to create a lasting memory. A sunset picnic at a viewpoint or a hidden beach is another charming Valentine’s Day gift idea.
Perfect picnic spots:
- Jardim do Morro, in Gaia, with views over the Douro River and Porto's historic centre.
- Santa Luzia Viewpoint, in Viana do Castelo, with stunning ocean views.
- Paiva Walkways, in Arouca, for couples who enjoy nature and adventure, with stops by the river to rest and share the moment.
- Arrábida Natural Park, in Setúbal, with viewpoints over the Atlantic, turquoise waters, and peaceful spots away from the crowds.
- Óbidos Lagoon, between Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos, a calm setting perfect for a late-afternoon picnic.
- Ursa Beach, near Sintra, for a cinematic end to the day.
- Sete Cidades Lagoon, on São Miguel Island, for those willing to travel a little further.
With Guerin’s flexible online booking, you can pick up your car in one city and drop it off in another, ideal for couples who love to improvise.
4. A foodie road trip: a Valentine’s Day gift for all the senses.
For couples who believe love is best celebrated around the table, a gastronomic road trip is a delicious Valentine’s Day gift. From northern flavours to southern wines, planning a route around food transforms the journey into an experience of discovery and connection.
Valentine’s Day road trip ideas.
North:
Plan a short route with two or three stops. Start with a relaxed lunch in Porto: a francesinha or tripas à moda do Porto to share, paired with a glass of Port wine.In the afternoon, stop at a winery in the Vinho Verde region, near Braga, for a light tasting or a snack with local cheeses and cured meats.
End the day in Amarante, by the river, with a calmer dinner, where convent sweets such as papos de anjo or toucinho-do-céu round off the experience. Booking in advance is essential at this time of year.
Centre:
In this region of the country, a Valentine’s Day experience for two also calls for time and a well-set table. A long lunch in the Bairrada region, featuring roast suckling pig and sparkling wine, is the perfect starting point.
Along the way, stop at a traditional pastry shop to share a regional sweet and a coffee. At the end of the day, choose a restaurant with sea views, for example, in Nazaré, where fresh fish, seafood, and tasting menus create the perfect setting for a memorable dinner for two. Be sure to book in advance.
South:
In the Alentejo, the couple’s experience unfolds at a slower pace. Begin with a lunch of comforting dishes such as migas, lamb stew, or black pork, paired with local wines. During the afternoon, visit Évora or Vila Real de Santo António and book a wine and olive oil tasting at a local estate.
In the evening, opt for an intimate dinner with a sharing menu or wine pairing, where regional desserts and a liqueur bring the romantic journey to a close.
With the Pack Premium Gold, comfort, protection and peace of mind are guaranteed, allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying every stop, every flavour and every shared moment.
Love travels better with Guerin.
The secret to a perfect Valentine’s Day gift is simple: plan just enough to stay comfortable, choose the right rental car and leave room for spontaneity. A shared journey, spontaneous detours and moments that belong only to the two of you.
That’s what Guerin car rentals are all about: the freedom to go wherever, whenever and to enjoy every kilometre together. Because the best Valentine’s Day gifts don’t sit on a shelf, they start on the road.
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