Tom Powell
FED up with the same-old box of chocolates/trip to the local Indian every Valentine’s?
Then despair no more. Olive Press reporters – and ultimate love gurus – Tom Powell and Rob Horgan suggest some alternative Andalucian dates for cash-strapped Romeos and Juliets that will set pulses racing without breaking the bank!
Foreplay in the city
THE way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, as the old cliché goes. And nowhere does tempting tapas, cosily-lit narrow streets and beautiful architecture quite like Malaga city. Begin by Picasso’s house and amble, hand in hand, through the maze of streets – one glass of vino and tapa at a time – until you end up in front of the cathedral, serenaded by street music.
Straight to the Point
BELIEVE it or not, the jagged limestone Rock has a terrific trysting place that should prove a soft spot for lovers. As the sun sets, take a stroll down to Europa Point, first packing a bag with wine and dinner from Morrisons, and watch the sun’s glowing rays 
splash over the Moroccan mountains as you snuggle up beneath the lighthouse. Simply stunning!
Canoodling under canvas
STRIP back to basics and whisk your lucky partner off for a night camping in the great outdoors (bring a tent or the ‘nightlife’ may ‘bug’ you). Spend the day out on a rowing boat on the Ardales reservoirs – aka Malaga’s Lake District – before heading ashore for marshmallows toasted over the campfire. If the weather’s warmed up, and you’re feeling brave, a midnight skinny-dip in the lake could round of a perfect day.
Smooching on the slopes
FOR a romantic date with a dash of adrenaline, slope off to the sunny Sierra Nevada for a day on the pistes and a night on the bubbly. After a few hours of skiing, there is nothing more romantic than splitting a bottle of champers and a bowl of strawberries on the Nevada Terrace as the sun slips behind the snow-capped peaks.
Star-gazing in Jimena
EVERYONE knows that stars are the eyes to the universe but this Valentine’s they can also be the key to your loved one’s heart. For a romantic night off the beaten track, head to 
the castle overlooking Jimena and let the night sky whisk you away. A good spot for a picnic, take a warm blanket and pray it doesn’t rain.
Pueblo blanco passion
THERE are few places in the world as heart-achingly romantic as an Andalucian pueblo blanco. Try Comares, atop a mountain in the Axarquia, where the only interruption to the sweet symphony of love will be the braying of a donkey (or ass). Quaint hotels provide the perfect overnight retreat, while sunset strolls past pretty orchards and the glistening sea below are enough to melt the hardest of hearts.
WIN WIN WIN!
NOT everyone is lucky enough to have someone who will read this article and then instantly whisk them away on one of our incredibly romantic dates… So if you’ve been left dreaming of Prince Charming, here is your chance at last.
All you need to do is name three different aphrodisiacs.
Send answers to [email protected] with the subject ‘date competition’.
Individuals or pairs may apply.
