You did it, you planned and prepared for months for your wedding day and it all came together perfectly! Now it’s time to relax, take it all in, and enjoy this time with your partner as a married couple. The most common thing couples will do to celebrate this time together is go on a honeymoon together, and I for one am ALL for this. There is so much beauty and wonder to explore throughout the world, and today we’ll be taking a look at some of the best spots to honeymoon throughout Europe. Let’s not waste any time and get right into my top 6 locations for a European honeymoon.

My Top 6 Locations for a European Honeymoon

Greece and the Greek Islands

First on my list is likely a surprise to no-one, and that is Greece and the Greek Islands. Some of the most popular destinations for a European honeymoon are in Greece, many of which are the country’s breathtaking islands. I love recommending Greece as a honeymoon location for the fact that there is SO much to see and do here, especially if you plan on doing a bit of island hopping. If you have a shorter honeymoon planned I’d recommend choosing only a few of the islands to explore so that you can actually relax a bit. That being said, if you intend on or are interested in the idea of a longer honeymoon, island hopping through Greece is a literal dream!

What to Do

There’s so much to see and do throughout Greece that it’s practically impossible to list it all within a single blog, much less one like this where we still have 5 other locations to get to! Rest assured that each and every couple will find no shortage of things to enjoy throughout Greece. Whether you want to explore historic Athens, bask in the sun on the island of Zákynthos, take an ATV safari on Crete, or wine and dine in Mykonos, the opportunities are endless.

Where to Stay

As with things to do in Greece, choosing where to stay presents its own challenge as there really are almost too many options. Thankfully the options found throughout the islands are all remarkable in their own right. Some of my favorites include St Nicholas Bay on Crete, Amyth on Mykonos, and Calilo on Ios.

The Island of Capri

Just off the coast of Naples, Italy is the small and charming island of Capri! Capri is a magical island and a very popular destination for tourism and honeymoons alike. It makes sense too, as Capri features a relaxed and easygoing vibe, stunning beauty, breathtaking views at every turn, tons of activities to enjoy, and an inviting community that makes travelers feel right at home!

What to Do

As I mentioned above, there’s no shortage of things to do while in Capri! Whether you’re looking for a laidback and relaxing European honeymoon, or a more active and adventurous one, you can do it all here in Capri! Whether you go on an island boat tour or relax on the beach, head on a rowboat adventure to the Blue Grotto or casually sip coffee in Capri’s Piazzetta, there’s plenty to see, do, eat, and enjoy on Capri! Some of the best activities on Capri include:

• Socialize in the Piazzetta
• Peruse the Boutiques
• Explore the Blue Grotto
• Head to the Summit of Monte Solaro
• Visit Scenic Spaces like the Gardens of Augustus

Where to Stay

There are literally SO many options for your romantic getaway to Capri! Some of my favorites include the Luna Hotel, Grand Hotel Quisisana, and Hotel Punta Tragara. The options are endless though, so be sure to peruse before booking so that you find the hotel that best fits your budget and your taste!

The City of Sorrento (and the Amalfi Coast)

The Amalfi Coast sits on Italy’s southwestern shore and is made up of some of the most scenic and beautiful towns sitting between the mountains inland and the ocean surrounding the peninsula. These towns are some of my family and I’s favorite to explore in all of Italy, and many of them make for excellent honeymoon options as well. If I had to pick just one though it would have to be the city of Sorrento. 

What to Do

One of the best parts of the Amalfi Coast is the close proximity of all the towns that are found along the coast. This means that there are so many things to do and places to see all within a short drive from each other. Experience the local cuisine, peruse the different shops scattered throughout the towns, and maybe get a little adventurous with a hike to a hidden cove. 

Where to Stay

As you might have come to expect by this point, many of the locations on this list are going to be filled to the brim with fabulous hotel and resort options. Sorrento, and the Amalfi Coast towns as a whole, are no exception here as this is one of the most popular areas for a European honeymoon or vacation. Some of my favorite spots in Sorrento specifically include Grand Hotel la Favorita, Hotel Bellevue Syrene, and Grand Hotel Ambasciatori.

The City of Monaco

Couples looking for an oceanside city with a bit more hustle and bustle to it should look no further than stunning Monaco. This sovereign mini state can be found on the French Riviera and is only a few miles from the border of Italy. Monaco is a world renowned city known for its lavish style and elegance. Many of the world’s wealthiest people frequent the city, so there’s no shortage of excellent restaurants, shops, beaches, and experience to enjoy here! 

What to Do

If you’re looking for a more active and engaging European honeymoon then Monaco may just be the place for you. The summer months are definitely the busiest in terms of tourism and activities, but there is always something to do here. From yearly events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix, to mainstay attractions like the Monte-Carlo Opera House, the possibilities are seemingly endless! Some other great things to do around Monaco include:

• Relaxing on the Larvotto Beach
• Hop on a Yacht Cruise
• Visit Monaco’s Old Town
• Peruse the Shops
• Enjoy Endless Fine Dining Experiences
• Literally SO Much More!

Where to Stay

As you might expect with Monaco there are an abundance of elegant, romantic, and luxurious hotels to stay at. Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort, and Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo are some of the best found in the stunning city.

Spain

Spain is another incredibly popular country when it comes to European honeymoons. It’s is one of the larger countries in western Europe, so it’s no exaggeration to say there is something for everyone to enjoy here. Spain is a country of romance, with a rich and historic culture, and is home to some of the most beautiful sites and cities in all of Europe. With that in mind it’s easy to see why so many couples choose to celebrate their love in Spain!

What to Do

What can’t you do in Spain? Seriously though, whatever your heart’s desire it’s more than likely you’ll be able to experience a phenomenal version of it in Spain. Wondrous historic cities, relaxing oceanside towns, charming countryside villas, and more can be found throughout the country. Each of these cities and towns are also home to local shops, fine dining experiences, entertainment, and a beautiful culture that permeates throughout it all.

Where to Stay

When deciding where to stay in Spain during your honeymoon it’s important to consider what you envision your trip looking and feeling like. Do you want to spend your time enjoying a historic and bustling city? The capital of Madrid may be a good fit! Are you looking to enjoy some much needed R&R? The coastal city of Barcelona may be right for you! Or you can head out to the countryside where any number of smaller towns would be able to host you for a romantic getaway! There’s no wrong answer here, and SO many options to choose from that it all comes down to what YOU want!

The Cinque Terre

We’re heading back to Italy for the 6th and final location on my list, The Cinque Terre. The Cinque Terre, which translates to The Five Lands, is a string of 5 incredible towns along the shore of Italy’s northwest coast. Much like the Amalfi Coast, The Cinque Terre offers endless opportunities to enjoy between the towns which are all just a short drive from one another! Home to lovely small shops, picturesque views, authentic Italian cuisine, and more there are many reasons why The Cinque Terre sits amidst this list of the best places for a European honeymoon!

What to Do

When honeymooning in The Cinque Terre I recommend choosing one of the five towns to make your “home base” and venture out from there. Explore the town you’re staying in, and then enjoy the nearby towns which are easily reachable for day trips. Some of the activities you can expect to enjoy in the Cinque Terre include:

• Visit a Local Vineyard
• Relax on the Beach
• Enjoy Local Cuisine
• Explore Local Landmarks
• Take in the Jaw Dropping Views
• Go Shopping
• A Whole Lot More!

Where to Stay

As I said, I recommend choosing one town to call your home for the honeymoon and visiting the others during your stay. Thankfully each of the 5 towns that make up The Cinque Terre all include amazing hotel and B&B options to choose from. Some favorites of mine include Santa Marta in Vernazza, Alla Marina in Riomaggiore, and Villa degli Argentieri in Monterosso al Mare.

Planning Your European Honeymoon

Choosing a Date

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your European honeymoon is deciding when to take it! You can of course head out immediately after your wedding day, but you don’t necessarily have to. It can be very beneficial to hold off on your honeymoon if your wedding day happens to fall during peak tourism season for your chosen location. For many countries and spots across Europe this is the summer months, but it does vary a bit. Before booking your flights for your honeymoon take a look at when tourism peaks for your chosen location and decide if braving the crowds and higher prices is worth it, or if you’d like to wait until off season for a more intimate experience.

Choosing Where to Stay

I mentioned this above when talking about Spain in particular, but deciding where to stay for your European honeymoon depends greatly on what you want to experience the most. If you’ve envisioned a romantic vacation on a sandy beach you’re probably not going to choose Madrid for example. On the flip side, if you’re the type of couple that loves to explore a lively city and immerse yourselves in the excitement of it all, a remote island of Greece probably isn’t the right fit. Consider what you both want to experience on your honeymoon and decide where you’re staying around that.

…or plan to include a bit of both!

Deciding Whether to See Multiple Countries

One of the best parts about a European honeymoon is that everything is relatively close together! Couples from the continental US will find that traveling from country to country in Europe is much like traveling from state to state back home. This gives you the option to include multiple countries, locations, and styles of vacation into your honeymoon. I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re planning a shorter honeymoon as you’d probably rather spend more time relaxing than traveling each day, but that choice is up to you!

Those are 6 of my top locations for a European honeymoon, as well as some general tips to help with your planning. For wedding planning tips check out some of my other articles on my blog. If you need a photographer either in Hawaii or Europe be sure to inquire through my contact page!