Best Destinations for Luxury Honeymoons in Europe
Europe has long been a favourite destination for newlyweds on a honeymoon. With so many incredible places on the continent, couples will find a perfect destination to celebrate romance, whatever their preferences are. For those who want to indulge in the lap of luxury, you can visit places offering luxurious experiences, such as romantic cruises and fancy dinners with wine, making your honeymoon extra special.
From the picturesque regions of the South of France to the scenic coastlines of Ireland, here are the best destinations for luxury honeymoons in Europe.
1. France
France is home to picturesque towns and cities that are a joy to explore on your honeymoon. The good news is that you don’t need to visit only one destination. You can spend a few days discovering numerous places, hopping from one city to another.
The romantic city of Paris should be your first stop. Walk hand in hand along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and get to the top of the Eiffel Tower for the most breathtaking views. If you want to splash out on a fancy dinner, reserve a spot at the famous restaurant, Jules Verne.
Escape the crowds of Paris and venture on the French Riviera and stay in Nice. Book a luxury hotel with stunning coastal views and upscale amenities. Begin your day with a scenic walk along the elegant Promenade des Anglais, visit bustling markets, and end the day with a romantic dinner with champagne. Summers in Nice are perfect for a beach honeymoon, where you can frolic at the Plage Publique De l’Opéra beach, directly across Nice’s lauded Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur.
If you want to spend your honeymoon walking hand in hand in scenic lavender fields, Provence would be perfect. The stunning lavender region is one of the prettiest cities in France, especially if you visit between June and July when the lavender flowers are in full bloom.
2. Greece
Greece often tops the list of the world’s honeymoon destinations, and it’s easy to see why. There are plenty of things for couples to do here. Aside from discovering the ancient sights of Athens, you can drink and dine at the cliffside restaurants of Santorini, party in the beach clubs of Mykonos, or go on a food trip to Crete. Best of all, there are plenty of destinations for those seeking a luxury honeymoon in Greece.
The romantic sunsets of Santorini are among the things couples look forward to seeing the most on their enchanting honeymoon in Greece. One of the best ways to admire the view is to book a private cruise to the caldera of Santorini, where you can witness the sky change into magnificent colours as the sun hides behind the volcanic rock formation – a truly remarkable sight!
While Athens is renowned for its archaeological sites, couples visiting here on a honeymoon should consider hiking up the hill of Lycabettus to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Adventurous honeymooners can try numerous water sports in the various islands of Greece. You can go snorkelling in Zante, home to Gerakas Beach, a nesting site for loggerhead turtles. Meanwhile, some of the beaches in Rhodes offer the best spots for embarking on a stand-up paddleboarding adventure.
3. Italy
Honeymooning in Italy is just magical, with couples entranced by the enchantment of relaxing along beautiful beaches and strolling hand in hand through beautiful cities. Italy, with its wonderful cuisine, rich history, and romantic ambiance, provides an amazing setting for the start of a lifelong journey together.
Exuding romance, the Amalfi Coast is a stunning region for couples seeking a seaside honeymoon escape. Located about an hour south of Naples, it’s home to picturesque cliffside towns you can explore hand in hand. Stay in a fancy hotel in Ravello, nestled on a hill, and offers outstanding views of the coast and the colourful fishing villages below.
For art lovers, consider spending a day discovering Florence. Enjoy a romantic walk along its picturesque cobblestone streets and visit museums and art galleries housing a vast collection of Renaissance Arts.
4. Croatia
Boasting several miles of crystal-clear coastline, fascinating medieval architecture, and some of the world’s most picturesque islands, Croatia oozes romance, a perfect destination for a luxury honeymoon in Europe. Make the most of your romantic trip by taking a small-ship cruise across Croatia. It’s a great way to spend your honeymoon and see as many islands as possible.
Dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the picturesque city of Dubrovnik can make for a fantastic base for your Croatian honeymoon. After setting into your luxury hotel, head straight to the Old Town and walk hand in hand as you navigate its labyrinth of alleyways lined with restaurants, shops, and cafes.
If you’re cruising, Hvar should be one of those islands to include in your itinerary. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife scene, Hvar is home to fancy restaurants, rooftop bars, and dance clubs. If you’re not into partying, visit the beach or enjoy a scenic stroll around the beautiful harbour.
Couples who love nature should visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park to hike through its scenic trails and marvel at its gushing waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and vast rivers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice is home to 16 lakes interconnected by waterfalls.
5. Iceland
For outdoorsy couples who want to soak in hot springs and frolic on black-sand beaches on their honeymoon, Iceland is the perfect destination. The highlight of your visit will be snuggling under the Northern Lights as you witness the mesmerising sight! For a more luxurious experience, stay a night or two in one of Iceland’s ice hotels and enjoy breathtaking views from the comfort of your room.
Iceland is renowned for its hot springs, with the Blue Lagoon being the most popular. Located just outside Reykjavík, the lagoon has milky blue waters surrounded by lava fields, and where you can relax and indulge in relaxing treatments, such as the couple float therapy.
Your honeymoon to Iceland is not complete without exploring its giant glaciers. So, book a couples’ hiking adventure in Sólheimajökull or Svínafellsjökull along the south coast of the island. You can also go for a boat tour of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.
