Whether you love cities or beaches, there are plenty of romantic honeymoon destinations in Europe. Tuscany is a top choice thanks to the classic film Under the Tuscan Sun, while Porto appeals to lovers of Portugal’s famous port wine.
To avoid the crowds, try visiting a city or beach in the shoulder season in May or September. Northern Norway is also a great place to see the stunning Northern Lights from September to March.
Paris
Paris has long been a draw for couples looking to indulge in the finer things in life. Whether it’s enjoying a quaint cafe like Les Deux Magots or exploring the lovely neighborhood of Montmartre where you’ll find tucked away staircases, galleries and even a secret vineyard.
The Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame are both must-sees for newlyweds and the Hotel Lutetia is the epitome of romance. Berkson says the onsite spa is a must-visit for couples seeking a holistic escape while those looking to splurge should head to the Eiffel Penthouse and enjoy its sweeping views over Paris from the top floor.
Santorini
The Greek island of Santorini is a bucket-list destination for new couples and a must-visit during your honeymoon. The sparkling sea views, quaint towns and amazing sunsets will make for romantic memories you’ll want to frame on your wall after returning home.
If you prefer a more elegant European honeymoon, head to Italy’s glitzy Amalfi Coast. Kirker Holidays can arrange for you to stay on the Chichi island of Capri, which is often seen as a hangout for celebrities and millionaires.
France’s pastoral Provence is what countryside dreams are made of. Walk around the tranquil villages and soak up the scenery, before sampling the cuisine. Typical dishes include fritto misto, which is lightly battered seafood that’s likely to have been caught that morning. This is a great choice for foodies who love trying the local produce.
Porto
Pint-sized Portugal packs a whole lot of lively experiences into an approachable package. Here, riverside streets run through historic capital cities, imposing medieval castles dominate hilltop towns and, of course, the region is famous for its port wine.
Venice is a honeymooner’s dream with its winding canals, iconic bridges and beautiful palazzos. Couples can enjoy a relaxing gondola ride together and see the sea glow a vivid blue inside the Blue Grotto.
If you’re looking for a more active honeymoon you could head to the French Alps and ski away your days in Chamonix or Mont Blanc or visit northern France where you can walk the cliff-top trails of Mont St. Michel or admire the Bayeux Tapestry. Alternatively, if you’re an oenophile you could take in the wines of Provence or Champagne.
Switzerland
A trip to Europe has never been easier for newlyweds, with iconic cities and sun-soaked beaches all within a few hours’ flight time. You can explore the capitals of Paris, Rome, and Venice as well as the coastal towns of San Sebastian and Porto.
If you’d like to travel in style, consider a honeymoon cruise with Star Clippers or Windstar to sail along the Greek Islands or to the turquoise waters of Italy and Corsica. Or enjoy a city combination tour with Kirker Holidays and discover the likes of Rome, Florence, Siena and Granada.
A romantic getaway to Switzerland is a dream come true for newlyweds. Lucerne is famed for its storybook fairytale-like medieval old town while Lausanne is a charming honeymoon destination with views of Lake Geneva and the snow-capped Alps.
San Sebastian
Whether you’re looking to check major cities off your bucket list or enjoy the finer things in life like a luxe resort getaway, Europe offers countless romantic options. You can easily get around with a car or take luxury trains such as the Eurostar to Paris (book first class!).
For couples who want to be active on their honeymoon, the Swiss Alps are a dream. Lauterbrunnen is an Alpine paradise with plenty of opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. It’s also a hub for wingsuit flying, a form of base jumping.
Greece’s Santorini is a classic, with white-stone buildings and sunset views that are hard to beat. History buffs will appreciate Athens, where they can learn about ancient history at the ruins of the Parthenon and the Acropolis.
Germany
Whether you want to explore historic cities or simply relax on the beach, Europe is home to something for every couple. And it’s easy to get to, too.
Start by considering what you want from your honeymoon – do you prefer dynamic escapes exploring exciting cities or lazy days unwinding in a fairytale chateau?
You can do both in Barcelona, where you can admire art masterpieces like Parc Guell and Sagrada Familia one day, then tuck into a plate of paella by the sea the next. Or, you could visit Germany, where you’ll find stunning hiking trails and gourmet restaurants to enjoy. If you go in spring (particularly May), you’ll also see the cherry blossom in bloom and national festivals. And, in winter, you’ll be treated to a magical wonderland of Christmas markets and gluhwein.
Croatia
Located along the Adriatic Sea, Croatia has quickly become a hotspot for couples looking to experience Europe’s best beaches and stunning natural beauty. In Dubrovnik, you can explore narrow cobblestone streets and the historic walls before heading to one of the many nearby beaches. The area is also renowned for its beautiful Krka National Park, which is filled with walking trails and native flora and fauna.
For a more adventurous experience you could visit the Italian lake district, where you can ride in gondolas through the vivid sparkling blue canals, or dine on delicious dishes such as squid ink risotto and irresistible carpaccio. For a romantic escape, you could even stay in a luxury private palace in Dubrovnik that costs half as much as comparable hotels in Santorini or the Amalfi Coast.