15 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe

Is there anything more romantic than a honeymoon? With the stress of wedding planning behind you, it's time to focus on what really matters – enjoying uninterrupted alone time with your new spouse. Some of the best honeymoon destinations are found in Europe.

Long touted as a romantic honeymoon destination, Europe's best countries offer a special allure for newlyweds. Be it their winding cobblestone streets, soft sandy beaches, clanging church bells, or historic towns, there's a lot to be said for holding hands through Europe's most dreamy honeymoon towns.

Choose the most romantic spot to celebrate your new life with our list of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe.

1. Santorini, Greece

Ooh, Santorini, we love you so. Your blue-domed churches, whitewashed homes, and vibrant floral bouquets compliment the azure Aegean Sea that flanks the shores of your caldera (a.k.a. crater). There are few places more dazzling and romantic than your picturesque isles.

One of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe, this gorgeous spot has a natural wow-factor you won't find on other beautiful Greek Islands. No wonder so many people choose to say their vows here as well. Spend the day soaking up rays on one of the unique black, white, or red pebble beaches.

At dusk, head to Oia. One of the most romantic things to do here is watch the sun set over this photo-worthy spot, oohing and ahhing as it paints the kaleidoscope of buildings with gentle pink and orange hues. Then, dine al fresco at one of the tiny local restaurants where you'll enjoy the freshest Mediterranean dishes.

Fira is the most exciting of the area's main towns, as well as the area's capital. This is where you'll find museums, shops, a bevy of restaurants, and some of Santorini's top sights.

At the highest spot on the caldera lies Imerovigli, a quieter, more serene village.

2. Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is literally as pretty as a postcard – a perfect setting for idyllic honeymoon photos. Lush, craggy mountains plunge into the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea below ancient villages bursting with color. The clang of church bells massages your ears, while fresh, delectable foods treat your palate.

Stroll hand in hand through the winding, cobbled streets of Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano, the area's most famous (and gorgeous) towns. Take a boat from Amalfi to Positano, or board a vessel to explore beautiful Capri. This is a lovely spot to spend a night (or more), but it's also a popular cruise ship and destination, so expect crowds.

Driving is another way to explore the Amalfi Coast. Although the twisting cliff-top roads aren't for the faint of heart – the drops are vertical. We'd suggest hiring a driver or taking a bus rather than attempting to drive it yourself.

The Amalfi Coast's beaches are as beautiful as you'd expect, so be sure to pack a swimsuit and spend a day lounging at the shore.

3. Paris, France

Famed for its romantic vibe, Paris is an obvious choice for an amorous honeymoon. Lovers have been historically drawn to dreamy walks along the city's Seine River. They've also been known to steal kisses by the city's most famous tourist attraction, the iconic Eiffel Tower.

If you're looking to add culture, excellent food, and avant-garde shopping to your honeymoon to-do list, Paris will check all these boxes. The Musée du Louvre is unmissable highlight of Paris, even if your only goal is to see the Mona Lisa and debate why she is smirking.

Take a boat cruise for the most impressive views of the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame. Then wander along the famed Champs-Élysées before enjoying a café at an outdoor patio. Be warned, the price is hefty to enjoy a cup of java on this popular strip. That said, where else can you gaze across at both your newly minted spouse and the Arc de Triomphe?

4. Hvar, Croatia

Croatia is a special place. And Hvar, an exquisite gem on the Adriatic Sea, is one of Croatia's most popular vacation destinations. Not surprisingly, this pretty Dalmatian Coast locale has also become one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations in Europe.

In Hvar, newlyweds are granted exceptional vistas – the scenery sparkles with bright turquoise waters, lush forests, hilltop towers, and ancient stone walls. Take unbeatable photos from romantic spots like the top of St. Nikola.

While visiting Hvar, honeymooners are also served an impressive dish of history, culture, and intricate Gothic palaces. Speaking of dishes, there's no shortage of great restaurants. Follow the winding cobblestone streets to find a good selection of meals to suit any budget.

Being one of Croatia's trendiest cities, you'll find a great variety of attractions to enjoy, as well as shops to peruse and plush hotels to rest in.

5. Florence, Italy

Italy features highly on this list of Europe's top honeymoon destinations. Packed with some of the world's most delectable food; impressive historic buildings; and stone streets filled with music, laughter, and the scent of fresh tomatoes, it's impossible to avoid the country's romantic charm.

In Florence, these Italian highlights flourish, romancing newlyweds with the spectacular Ponte Vecchio bridge, remarkable museums, and the ornate Piazza del Duomo that takes center stage.

Enjoy a gelato while wandering the winding laneways, then poke your heads into the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. At dusk, head to Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy a sunset so beautiful, you'd swear it was painted by an Italian master.

Though small in comparison to other Italian cities on this list, Florence is jam-packed with things to do, as well as some of the most romantic places to take a stroll, and it bursts with captivating art at every corner.

Don't even get us started on the food. It's pretty much impossible to eat badly in this exceptional town. Not surprisingly, Tuscany tops the list of the best foodie holidays.

6. Cinque Terre, Italy

The Cinque Terre is a spectacular spot filled with views to make you gape. Five picturesque Cinque Terre villages spot its rolling hillsides, adding both color and grandeur to this already impressive natural wonder. It's easy to see why hiking around the area is one of the top things to do in Italy for couples.

Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this region is a protected national park and marine area. It lies along the Italian Riviera, offering honeymooners endless opportunities to inhale salty sea air; devour tasty dishes; and wander along cliffs lined with medieval fortresses, olive groves, and towns dotted with cobblestone streets.

While you can take a train or boat between villages, many choose to hike their way along the coastline. Via dell'Amore, which translates to Path of Love, is one of the most popular trails, offering breathtaking vistas. It connects the towns of Manarola with Riomaggiore.

Vernazza lies in a truly captivating setting (we're talking stacked candy-colored buildings, turquoise water, and a historic piazza). Don't miss a visit!

• Read More: From Florence to Cinque Terre: Best Ways to Get There

7. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Another Croatian masterpiece, Dubrovnik features a walled Old Town, medieval fortress, and phenomenal views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Nicknamed the "Pearl of the Adriatic," this city's beauty has spanned centuries (from the 7^th century to today), leaving behind spectacular reminders of its storied past. Talk about a romantic setting!

Take the cable car up Mount Srđ for unbeatable vistas of the city below. Enjoy a cup of tea at the summit as you admire the scenery and plan your Dubrovnik sightseeing. Perhaps you'll cruise to the stunning Elaphiti Islands, or enjoy a day trip from Dubrovnik to Lokrum, a small isle just offshore, which features a well-preserved monastery and botanical garden.

Or maybe you'll spend the day wandering within the old city walls (now famous for their role in the TV series Game of Thrones).

When it comes time to eat, head to Stradun (a.k.a. Placa). This main pedestrian area boasts streets paved with white limestone and lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants.

8. Sardinia, Italy

If you're looking for tranquil sugar-white sandy beaches, vibrant azure waters, and rolling hills for a honeymoon backdrop, visit Sardinia. The second largest of the Mediterranean isles, this captivating spot is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and marvel in your newly wedded bliss. It's so gorgeous, you'll think you're somewhere more exotic, like Bali.

Sardinia offers a little of everything for travelers hoping for more culture than a beach has to offer. The island is spotted with prehistoric sites – you'll find nearly 7,000 round stone towers (a.k.a. nuraghi), ancient columns, and medieval walled towns. Meanwhile, its towns are havens for great food, shopping, and entertainment.

The most romantic place to use as a base is the upscale seaside resort, Porto Cervo, on the northeast coast. You'll find luxury hotels, fine dining, and spas a plenty. Just be sure to explore the rest of the island, so you can enjoy a true Sardinian experience.

As for Sardinia's best beaches, there are so many to choose from. Visit the dune-lined beaches spotted along the Costa Sud or venture to the pink sandy beaches of the Maddalena Islands (board a ferry from Palau).

9. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is inherently romantic. Stone bridges span the Vltava River, which is flanked by stunning Gothic, Baroque, and Roman buildings. Dubbed the "city of a thousand spires," its cityscape is peppered with towering church steeples and domes, begging your camera to start snapping.

Stroll across the Charles Bridge, one of the top things to do in Prague, at sunset; dance along the narrow laneways in the Old Town; or enjoy a meal at a restaurant in one of the town's main squares. Then visit the impressive Prague Castle, an iconic fortress that dates back to 870 CE.

As one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe, Prague offers visitors a much more affordable vacation than other honeymoon hot spots.

If you're looking for luxury, book a stay at one of the city's most exclusive hotels: the Four Seasons Hotel Prague.

10. Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca offers honeymooners the perfect mix of fun, culture, and tranquility. A Mediterranean island oozing with beauty, you'll find dramatic cliffs, rocky limestone mountains, vibrant seascapes, and verdant woodlands in this Spanish wonderland.

A perfect place to relax after your exciting nuptials, Mallorca boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Curl your toes in the soft white sand, marvel at nature's handiwork, and snuggle up to your spouse. Secret coves, sparkling sapphire waves, and tall craggy bluffs await your visit. No wonder this is deemed one of the best Spanish Islands.

Up your excitement level with a drive or hike through Serra de Tramuntana, a spectacular mountain range protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Then, tuck into a meal at one of Palma's fantastic restaurants. This capital of Mallorca is where you'll find the culture you've been craving. The sandstone Cathedral de Mallorca is an unmissable Mallorca sight.

Be sure to save time to visit the city's galleries and craft studios, as well as wander its lovely medieval streets.

11. Venice, Italy

It's hard to think of European romance without conjuring images of Venice. Picture yourself sitting with your new spouse in the back of a traditional gondola, floating along an enchanting Grand Canal as the gondolier sings. Pretty dreamy, isn't it?

Now add adorable stone bridges crossing said canals, flanked on either side by a kaleidoscope of buildings that look as if they're about to fall into the waves below. Don't forget the vast piazzas, lined with outdoor cafés and restaurants serving mouthwateringly fresh Italian dishes and the most delicious of gelatos.

Venice is a land filled with fairy tales, and you'll need at least a few days (better yet, a week) to absorb its art, music, culture, and style. Basilica di San Marco (the iconic mastery of a church) will make you feel small while you hold hands on a tour of its glamorous insides.

Piazza San Marco is vast, gorgeous, and is another utterly unmissable place to visit in Venice.

12. Seville, Spain

Seville exudes romance at every turn. From the undulating sound of horse hooves on cobblestone to the fairy-tale buildings to the narrow, secret laneways, there's little not to love about this Spanish town.

Less crowded than Spain's bigger cities (we're looking at you Madrid), you won't have to jostle through crowds to enjoy the beauty offered in this lovely spot. Palm-lined walkways lead visitors to Seville's best attractions.

The most romantic spot in all of Seville is arguably the Parque de Maria Luisa, home to the 5,000-square-meter Plaza de España. Here, you'll find horse-drawn carriages lapping a grandiose fountain and boats you can ride through its lovely canal. Balustraded balconies and ceramic-tiled pavilions highlight the massive Renaissance building created for the Ibero-American Exposition in 1929.

Save at least a couple of hours to explore the remarkable Seville Cathedral. Then, gaze at Flamenco dancers, engage in an afternoon siesta, and munch on tapas at a café. It's impossible not to fall in love in (and with) Seville.

13. Lisbon, Portugal

Set at the mouth of the River Tagus, Portugal's capital boasts a lovely waterfront. Visit the Doca De Santo Amaro to enjoy a meal with a view in one of the trendy converted warehouses. While here, book a ride on the uber-fun HIPPOtrip, an amphibious vehicle tour that passes Lisbon's most iconic sites on both land and sea. You'll be granted a prime view of the Torre de Belém.

Known as the "city of seven hills," Lisbon offers a bevy of spots to enjoy incredible views, especially from the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge, near Alfama.

Also known as the Old Quarter, Alfama is especially alluring. Its narrow, winding streets are peppered with offshoots of steep stairways leading to museums; 17^th-century churches; stone arches; and terraces, cafés, and restaurants. Other things to do include visiting the bi-weekly (Tuesday and Saturdays) flea market if you're into scavenging for a good find.

The Barrio Alto neighborhood proffers a quieter vibe, as well as artists' studios and quaint cafés. No matter where you choose to wander, do it slowly, as the locals do, so you can soak up the city's overwhelming charm.

Up the romance with a ride on Telecabine Lisboa, a gondola that soars 30 meters above the river and rewards visitors with a breathtaking vista. And if you're a fan of aquariums, don't miss the Oceanário de Lisboa. This contemporary building is amazing to see if only for its architecture, but inside you'll be treated to impressive displays of marine creatures.

Hoping to hit the beach on your honeymoon? You're in luck. There are plenty of sandy beaches near Lisbon.

14. Crete, Greece

It's easy to see why Crete is one of the best places to get married in the world. In addition to boasting incredibly romantic sunsets, you'll find Crete beaches so serene, you'll have trouble tearing yourself away. Elafonissi Beach is a top beach in Greece, and it boasts the most impressive pink sand. Be sure to pack a camera, and lots of sunblock.

Want a break from the beach? There are plenty of interesting attractions in Crete to keep you occupied. From iconic archeological sites like the Palace of Knossos to the magnificent Samaria Gorge, which lies in The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Samaria National Park, you'll never get bored.

If you're looking for a place to settle, Agios Nikolaos is an overtly charming small town rimmed by stunning beaches and the sparkling Mirabello Bay.

If you're hoping for a bit more bustle with your honeymoon, you'll find more things to do in Chania and Heraklion, which are larger, more popular towns. They're chock-full of romantic alleyways, breathtaking vistas, and plenty of tasty restaurants, so you really can't go wrong.

15. Lucerne, Switzerland

We've never understood why more people don't choose Switzerland for their honeymoon destination. This majestic European destination is incredibly romantic, with an idyllic locale set on the shores of Lake Lucerne.

One of the most amorous things to do in Lucerne is travel through the Kapellbrücke (aka Chapel Bridge), one of Europe's oldest covered wooden bridges.

Altstadt, the city's Old Town, lies on the right bank of the River Reuss. This is where you'll find the historic burgher's houses, small squares boasting fountains, and romantic stone streets. St. Peter's Chapel is also in this section of town, in an area called Kapellplatz. It is the oldest church in the area.

A boat trip is always enjoyable, and the Lake Lucerne Panoramic Sightseeing Cruise offers tourists a 60-minute yacht trip with commentary to explain the phenomenal vistas along the route.

While you're in town, be sure to take the cableway up Mount Pilatus from Krien. The view from the summit of Esel, which is about a 10-minute climb, is unbeatable. If you still have energy, hike the 30 minutes to the Tomlishorn, the highest point (2,132 meters) on this marvelous mountain.

Take the cog-railroad back. You'll travel through four tunnels and Alpine meadows, among other spectacular terrain. Not surprisingly, this is one of the best things to do in Lucerne.

Lucerne is the perfect place to enjoy a day trip from nearby Zurich. That said, there are so many stellar attractions here that you'd be amiss if you didn't stay at least two nights.

Map of Honeymoon Destinations in Europe

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