The best European honeymoon destinations offer exquisite settings, comfortable amenities, and plenty of great things to do. This article considers everything newlyweds could want for a romantic honeymoon in a memorable location. You may find it difficult to pick just one place to visit!
Whether you choose to spend your honeymoon in one location or you’d rather sample several, you can be sure that the scenery will inspire you. Read on for our list of top places and the unique opportunities each one offers.
Portugal
With its temperate weather and coastal beauty, Portugal is a perfect choice for honeymooners. Sunshine abounds, hilltops offer stunning views, and miles of coastline provide you with dreamy ocean vistas to take in with your sweetie.
Portugal is one of the best European honeymoon destinations not just because it’s such a beautiful country – it offers so much in terms of culture, food, and a wide variety of memorable experiences. What’s more, Portugal is recognized for being friendly to LGBTQ couples, as much of Europe is.
Where To Go
The capital city of Lisbon is an architectural and cultural jewel where you can launch each day at one of the many lively local cafes. You can listen to live music and dance at one of many clubs, bars, and lounges. Lisbon’s charming downtown is not to be missed.
In Porto, you can explore the city center – a World Heritage site – that shines with historic Romanesque and Baroque architecture.
Be sure to venture out beyond these urban centers to the relaxing countryside. Consider visiting coastal Portuguese islands like Madeira and Porto Santo.
What To See and Do
- Visit castles like Belem Tower and Pena National Palace
- Tour wine country in the Duoro Valley
- Explore seaside towns like Lagos and Tavira
Greece
From ancient ruins in Athens to sparkling blue waters surrounding islands like Corfu and Ithaca, Greece is a veritable playground for honeymooners. Greece is the right choice if you’re looking for unique accommodations with spectacular views of the sea.
Greece is ideal for cuddling with your spouse and daydreaming a geologically diverse nation where cliffs meet seemingly endless blue seas. The country boasts friendly communities and delectable food, including vegan-friendly dishes.
Where To Go
In addition to seeing The Acropolis and other famous ancient sites in Athens, be sure to sample the capital city’s more contemporary offerings, including finding souvenirs at unique shops in the picturesque Plaka neighborhood and visiting the new Acropolis Museum, which opened in 2009.
At the port city of Thessaloniki you can enjoy waterfront living at its best, complete with romantic strolls along the water’s edge and spectacular sunsets.
The many Greek islands, each with its own personality, offer the perfect setting for a supremely romantic honeymoon.
What To See and Do
- Explore the islands via chartered yacht
- Take a guided tour of Greek ruins
- Go on an olive oil tour in Thessaloniki
Switzerland
Picture yourself high up in the Swiss Alps, breathing fresh mountain air while taking in the beauty of the majestic Matterhorn. Switzerland is one of the best European honeymoon destinations thanks to its inspiring vistas and picture-perfect setting.
The allure of Switzerland includes its serene lake regions that are beautiful any time of year. Enjoy garden settings in spring and the changing hues of fall in a place that’s so pretty you won’t be able to stop taking pictures. Say cheese!
Where To Go
There are so many beautiful lakes in Switzerland – make sure to see some of them, including Lucerne, Geneva, and Lugano. These lake districts are colorful and serene overflowing with flowers in the warmer months.
You’ll find many mountain resort towns to enjoy. In particular, check out Montreux, Interlaken, and Grindelwald.
In terms of activities, you can do everything from skiing to sailing in magical Switzerland!
What To See and Do
- View the spectacular Rhine waterfalls
- Rent a boat at Zurich or Locarno
- Explore a glacier
Bordeaux
The French city of Bordeaux invites honeymooners to unwind and be themselves in the heart of wine-growing country. Perched on the Garonne River, this city offers fountain-filled gardens and waterfront walkways ideal for romance.
If you’re based in Bordeaux, you can easily take day trips to the beaches of Arcachon by train.
Where To Go
In Bordeaux itself you can see many cathedrals, museums, and public gardens. Beautifully landscaped Parc Bordelais and Parc Floral are just two of the many public parks here that offer delightful picnic spots.
Outside of Bordeaux, you can spend time along the Atlantic coast or visit one of the many surrounding villas and wineries. You’ll fall in love with this tranquil region!
What To See and Do
- Visit a wine-producing chateau
- Go on a bike tour
- Enjoy an art museum
Scotland
Home of the mythical Nessie and legendary bagpipes, Scotland is a delight. Stay at a charming bed and breakfast establishment where you’ll enjoy comforting cuisine and guesthouse hospitality.
In Scotland you can experience a relaxed style of city life on the historic streets of Edinburgh or retreat to the stillness of an island where sheep outnumber people.
Where To Go
Scotland is home to over 30,000 freshwater lochs (the word loch is Scottish Gaelic for lake). Spending time by a deep, still loch, whether it’s Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, Loch Tay, or any other, is a must.
So is being by the sea, and what better way to enjoy the soul-stirring desolate beauty of this region than by staying on a Scottish island? With more than 900 offshore islands, including Iona, Sky, and Staffa, you’ll find great quiet places to escape to for the privacy you crave on your honeymoon.
What To See and Do
- Take a Scottish Highlands tour
- Visit tea factories and gardens
- Stay in a Scottish castle
Spain
Its sunny location and rich cultural heritage make Spain one of the best European honeymoon destinations. Located on the Iberian Peninsula, this nation benefits from abundant coastal access.
As a crossroad of cultures, Spain offers unique architectural styles that blend African and European influences. Spain is an enchanting destination from the sun-drenched south to the lush north.
Where To Go
In the heart of Spain is Madrid, where you can experience Flamenco dancing, tapas bars and bodegas, and lively food markets with colorful produce. You can also spend time at Museo del Prado, one of the top art museums in the world, and take romantic strolls through exquisite gardens.
South Spain boasts upscale seaside resort areas like Malaga and Marbella. Along the eastern coast you’ll find the enchanting cities of Barcelona and Valencia, which tantalize the senses with unique architectural styles and sweeping ocean views.
What To See and Do
- Party on the Spanish island of Ibiza
- Tour a palace, like the Royal Alcazar of Seville
- See the Picasso Museum in Malaga
Croatia
Directly across the Adriatic Sea from Italy, the Republic of Croatia sits at the juncture between Southeast and Central Europe. Blessed with over a thousand islands and a dramatic coastline, Croatia is a dreamy destination for honeymooners looking for just the right blend of local charm and scenic beauty.
This may not be the first place that pops up when you think about a honeymoon in Europe, but it is well worth considering. There’s much to enjoy here.
Where To Go
Beach lovers will want to sample Croatia’s many exquisite beaches. Bijeca Beach is great for swimming and sunbathing, while Lopar Beach is a peaceful gem offering hidden coves to explore.
Beyond the beaches, you’ll find national parks with unspoiled beauty, regions with a rich historic past, and World Heritage sites worthy of sightseeing. Croatia is a great honeymoon destination for couples who want to enjoy sunny days immersed in nature.
What To See and Do
- Take the footpaths through Plitvice Lakes National Park to waterfalls and emerald lakes
- Enjoy blissful seaside living on the Dalmatian islands
- Explore the Old Town area of Dubrovnik
Netherlands
Also called Holland, the Netherlands is commonly thought of as the place where tulips grow and old-fashioned windmills turn – and this iconic image certainly adds to the country’s charm – but there’s so much more here to see and experience.
Home to Amsterdam, the Netherlands provides a tranquil setting for honeymooners who want to relax, but also a vibrant night scene for having fun after the sun sets.
Where To Go
Amsterdam is a must-see, but you’ll also want to explore other areas, including the Hague and Rotterdam.
The Hague offers piers and boardwalks for strolls by the sea and art museums with unique collections. In nearby Rotterdam you can dine at the eclectic Market Hall, enjoy the waterfront at Old Harbor, and get an unsurpassed view of the region atop the Euromast Tower.
What To See and Do
- Take a romantic canal boat ride in Amsterdam
- Stroll through flower gardens and arboretums, like the Utrecht Botanic Gardens
- Go on a free walking tour in Rotterdam
Italy
With epic places like Venice, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast, Italy has to be one of the most romantic destinations in the world!
Everywhere you go in Italy, you’ll find something new to fall in love with. The Tuscan hills, the fountains in Rome, the Venetian gondola rides, quaint villages, and rugged coastline all combine to make this country one of the absolute best European honeymoon destinations.
Where To Go
Every region in Italy is a great place to celebrate your honeymoon. You may want to start in Florence, where the lovely scenery, sweeping views, and Romanesque architecture beckon.
Or you may want to start in Palermo, where the dramatic coastline meets the deep blue sea for some of the best photo ops anywhere.
With miles of coastline, cities teeming with culture, and many islands to explore, Italy is truly a dream destination for honeymooners.
What To See and Do
- Visit the island of Capri
- Relax at Lake Iseo
- Go dancing in Rome
Iceland
Technically a part of Europe, this Nordic island nation situated in the North Atlantic Ocean offers a magical blend of natural wonders, from the dancing northern lights to the Blue Lagoon, where you and your sweetheart can pamper yourselves in the soothing warmth of a geothermal spa.
Waterfalls abound in Iceland, and you’ll want to see as many as you can. You can also watch active geysers, explore ice caves, and take self-drive tours to discover everything Iceland offers at your own pace.
Where To Go
Your Iceland honeymoon will probably start in Reykjavik, the island nation’s capital city. This coastal city offers museums and cultural landmarks to visit, along with a thriving nightlife scene that includes pub crawls and disco bars.
Beyond Reykjavik, you can explore and have fun in a number of small towns, including picturesque Vik, artsy Seydisfjordur, and nature-loving Holmavik.
What To See and Do
- Go on a whale watching tour
- Explore glacier caves
- Visit arctic botanical gardens
Santorini
We touched upon the Greek isles earlier, but Santorini deserves special mention as one of the best European honeymoon destinations. This Greek island in the Aegean Sea is truly picture perfect, with gleaming, white-washed buildings perched atop cliffs overlooking cobalt-blue waters.
Here, sunsets and swimming pools are second to none. Picture yourself relaxing with your sweetheart in an infinity pool that seems to blend with the sea, the two of you watching the sun dip into the waters on the horizon. Sheer perfection.
Where To Go
This island is the ideal size for exploring on your honeymoon. You can spend time at local museums and ride a cable car down to the old port in between taking in the million-dollar views in the main city of Fira.
Be sure to see many of the other quaint towns and villages of Santorini, including Oia, Emporio, and Firostefani.
What To See and Do
- Hike a volcano
- Visit lighthouses
- Enjoy the sunsets
Luxembourg
Have you heard of Luxembourg? It’s a small but lovely nation tucked between Belgium, France, and Germany. This beautiful country might be the perfect size for exploring your romantic honeymoon.
Supremely scenic, this is a place where you can truly pamper yourselves, take it easy, and take in the sights at your leisure. You won’t have to rush here and there – you can travel through the region slowly, soaking up everything it has to offer.
Where To Go
Visiting Luxembourg is a genuine treat. A great way to explore this country is by taking a cycling tour. You can also visit local vineyards and go on a river cruise.
The capital city, aptly named Luxembourg City, is the perfect spot to establish your home base. Here you can tour castles and enjoy sumptuous meals at high-end restaurants. Or have a cozy picnic in a gorgeous garden setting.
What To See and Do
- Enjoy an Old Town walking tour
- Tour the Grand Duchal Palace
- Visit villages along the Moselle Valley
Norway
Friendly yet casual. Progressive but rooted in tradition. Home to spectacular fjords, dramatic landscapes, and abundant natural beauty. These are some of the ways to describe Norway as a great place for a honeymoon.
You may come here for the northern lights, great skiing in alpine resorts, or cruise in luxury through scenic fjords. Whether or not you choose Norway, this destination offers plenty to create beautiful honeymoon memories.
Where To Go
There is much to do here every season of the year. In spring and summer, you may opt for beautifully remote places like North Cape, sometimes referred to as the edge of the world. Or you can hike to Langfossen, considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the planet.
In Oslo, you can experience Norway’s culture through museums, the royal palace, and the opera. Lovely botanical gardens are worth your time. Many of the area parks offer breathtaking views.
In winter, spend time in great resort areas like Geilo and Hafjell.
What To See and Do
- Experience the midnight sun in Svalbard
- Tour the Viking Ship Museum
- Explore the coastal city of Bergen
Paris
The City of Light radiates romance wherever you go, making Paris, a truly quintessential beauty, one of the best European honeymoon destinations.
Your Paris honeymoon will include everything that defines romance! Whether you’re sharing crepes at a local café, gliding along the Seine on a champagne river cruise, or enjoying a picnic next to the Eifel Tower, you’ll definitely feel like it’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done. It can’t be helped!
Where To Go
There are thousands of things to do in Paris, so what you do depends on what you both want from your honeymoon.
For world-class art, visit the Louvre. Notre-Dame is impressive day or night. A stop at the famous Moulin Rouge for cabaret shows can be fun.
But even simple pleasures like buying fruit at an open-air food market or dancing at an outdoor festival will take on a whole new dimension of wonder in a place as special as Paris.
What To See and Do
- Dine at world-class restaurants
- Spend a day at Disneyland Paris
- Enjoy leisurely strolls gardens like the Jardin des Plantes
