A European honeymoon is the ultimate romantic adventure for newlyweds. With so many countries and cultures to explore, you can craft a trip tailored specially to match your interests as a couple. Let your love story unfold in fairytale castles, charming villages, dazzling cities, and stunning landscapes across Europe.

Crafting Your Custom European Honeymoon Itinerary

  • Focus on your top priorities as a couple
  • Weave in ample relaxation and romance
  • Strike the right pace to prevent exhaustion
  • Mix iconic sights with hidden gems

When planning your bespoke European honeymoon, the first step is to decide on your trip’s overall focus. Do you both love art, food, history, scenic nature or luxury pampering? Establish 2-3 top interests to theme your trip around.

Next, be sure to build in plenty of time for relaxation and honeymoon romance. Travel exhaustion is no fun, so make sure your itinerary sets a comfortable pace with some blank space for spontaneous adventure. Leave at least a few days free at each destination.

Finally, strike the right balance between Europe’s famous iconic sights and lesser known hidden gems. Though places like Paris and Tuscany are iconic for a reason, adding in some undiscovered spots will make your honeymoon feel special and intimate.

Top 10 European Honeymoon Destinations

Though Europe offers endless possibilities, these 10 destinations consistently top lists of favorite honeymoon spots:

  • Paris, France – The city of love and light sets the scene for romance with its sidewalk cafes, lush gardens like the Tuileries, world-famous museums like the Louvre, and iconic views of Notre Dame cathedral. Couples can stroll hand-in-hand along the Seine, share a kiss overlooking the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a picnic in the shade of the Arc de Triomphe, or simply get lost together in the winding streets of Montmartre.
  • Greek Islands – The bright white and blue island of Santorini provides a dreamy backdrop for romance with its famous sunsets over the sea-filled caldera, secluded red and black sand beaches reachable only by boat, and cozy waterside tavernas serving up fresh seafood and Greek wine as the sun dips below the Aegean Sea.
  • Tuscany, Italy – Rolling vineyards producing world-class Chianti wines, charming ancient hill towns like San Gimignano with its medieval towers, wine tastings offering a chance to savor bold reds and crisp whites, and mouthwatering regional cuisine including pasta, pecorino cheese, olive oil, and wild boar celebrate la dolce vita in this beautiful region of Italy. Couples can tour wineries hand-in-hand, wander narrow alleyways, enjoy long lazy meals, and raise a glass or two to their shared dolce vita.
  • Swiss Alps – Breathtaking snow-capped mountain vistas in resort towns like Zermatt, relaxing spas and thermal baths, quaint Alpine villages with timber chalets, lush green meadows filled with wildflowers in spring and summer, and activities like hiking mountain trails together and sampling chocolate and cheese all make Switzerland seem like heaven on earth for couples.
  • London, England – Take your love’s hand and explore the historic halls of Hampton Court Palace, enjoy a romantic night at the theater with outstanding West End shows, clink teacups over a refined afternoon English tea, and stroll through world-class shopping destinations like Harrod’s for everything from fashion to food and more, all in the bustling heart of London. After a day of exploring, relax over a pint at a traditional pub or take a romantic walk through one of London’s iconic parks.
  • Amalfi Coast, Italy – This dramatic 50-kilometer stretch of coastline along the Sorrentine Peninsula offers awe-inspiring scenery with towering cliffs, pastel-colored fishing villages, sprawling lemon groves, and crystalline blue waters. Top attractions include the charming towns of Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi, as well as access to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii and the glamorous island of Capri.
  • Budapest, Hungary – Hungary’s capital on the Danube river is brimming with architectural gems like the neo-Gothic Parliament Building, the medieval Matthias Church, and the 19th-century Chain Bridge. Soak in thermal baths dating back to the 16th century Ottoman era, take in a concert at the acclaimed Franz Liszt Academy of Music, and explore the continent’s largest parliament building, a testament to the country’s long history.
  • Dublin, Ireland – Between the friendly locals, lively Irish pubs with nightly live music, historic Trinity College, and a rich literary history tied to influential writers like Yeats, Joyce, Beckett, and Wilde, Dublin has something for everyone. Use the city as a base to see the stunning surrounding countryside as well, including the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher and the quaint coastal villages of the Emerald Isle.
  • Reykjavik, Iceland – Iceland’s colorful capital city offers a base to see volcanic landscapes like Þingvellir National Park, geothermal wonders like the Strokkur geyser, the famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, and potential views of the dazzling Northern Lights. The city itself features innovative Nordic cuisine, a flourishing art and music scene, and vibrant nightlife along the picturesque harbor.
  • Seville, Spain – The capital of Spain’s Andalusia region is a vibrant city steeped in history, from the Moorish architectural influences of landmarks like the Alcázar palace and the Seville Cathedral, to the rhythmic flamenco shows and authentic tapas bars. Wander the quaint old town, explore sites from Moorish and Spanish rule, and experience the passion and excitement of southern Spain.

This list just scratches the surface of European honeymoon options. Places like Venice, Cinque Terre, Lisbon, Vienna, Prague, Barcelona and the French Riviera also top many travelers’ lists.

Best Times to Honeymoon in Europe

Europe’s diverse climates and seasons means there’s no one perfect time for a honeymoon. The best time depends on which regions you want to focus on during your trip:

Mediterranean Destinations
The Mediterranean region, including popular honeymoon spots like Greece, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and Spain, has mild weather from April to early June and late September through October. These shoulder seasons provide:

  • Pleasant average temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit
  • Smaller crowds compared to the busy summer months
  • Lower hotel and airfare prices
  • Blooming spring flowers or autumn foliage, depending on when you visit

Avoid the hot and more crowded peak summer months of July and August. Swimming is still comfortable in the fall as ocean temperatures remain warm into October.

Mountain Destinations
To honeymoon among the Alps, Iceland or other European mountain regions, aim for summer between June and August. Benefits include:

  • Warmer weather for comfort while hiking and sightseeing
  • Snow-free passes and accessibility to more mountain trails
  • Long daylight hours to maximize your time

The tradeoff is larger crowds and higher prices during these popular months. If you don’t mind bundling up, September still offers beautiful mountain scenery with fewer tourists.

Central Europe
For a honeymoon focused on iconic cities like Paris, Budapest or Prague, target late spring (May/June) or early fall (September/October). Benefits include:

  • Mild weather in the 60s Fahrenheit
  • Smaller crowds than in summer
  • Lower hotel and airfare costs
  • Stunning spring flowers or fall foliage as a backdrop

River cruises in these regions also tend to be better in the warmer summer months.

Scandinavia
Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden and Denmark are best visited in the summer (June to August) when temperatures are mildest. Benefits include:

  • Average highs in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit
  • Nearly endless daylight to take in the sights
  • Best chance to see the Northern Lights on a fall honeymoon

Be sure to pack plenty of layers no matter when you visit Europe. Summer heat waves are common, as are cooler temperatures and rain showers even in the warmest months.

Special Touches for an Extra Magical Honeymoon

Beyond location, add special touches to elevate your European honeymoon:

  • Private tours – Whether it’s a wine tasting, food market visit or walking tour, private guides provide personalized attention and flexibility.
  • Luxury hotel perks – Some hotels offer honeymooners free champagne, room upgrades, spa credits, romantic turndown service and more upon request.
  • First class flights/trains – Upgrade your lengthy flights or train journeys to Europe with lie-flat pods or private cabins when possible.
  • Honeymoon registries – Register for honeymoon experiences like hotel stays, tours, meals and more in lieu of traditional wedding gifts.
  • Couples photoshoots – Hire a local photographer for a session capturing you two against Europe’s romantic backdrops.
  • Destination wedding/vow renewal – Host an intimate destination wedding ceremony or recommitment ceremony on your trip for extra romance.

Sample 10-Day Italy Honeymoon Itinerary

Though each couple’s perfect European honeymoon will look different, this 10-day Italy itinerary provides inspiration on blending iconic cities with hidden gems at an unhurried pace:

Rome – 3 Nights

  • See Ancient Roman ruins like the Colosseum and Forum
  • Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain
  • Indulge in Italian food like pizza, pasta and gelato
  • Marvel at the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Wander romantic piazzas and narrow alleyways

Florence – 2 Nights

  • Gaze up at Michelangelo’s David
  • Stroll medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge at sunset
  • See the Gothic Duomo cathedral dome
  • Sample Chianti wines in a Tuscan vineyard
  • Admire views from Piazzale Michelangelo hilltop

Lake Como – 2 Nights

  • Relax at a peaceful lakefront resort
  • Cruise by ferry to picturesque villages
  • Hike and funicular up mountainsides for stunning vistas
  • Explore aristocratic villas and lush gardens
  • Indulge in Apertivos hour

Venice – 2 Nights

  • Get lost wandering tiny canals and bridges by foot
  • Glide down the Grand Canal on a gondola ride
  • Marvel at Byzantine mosaics inside St. Mark’s Basilica
  • Watch the sunset over the lagoon with a spritz in hand

Let Us Handle Your European Honeymoon Planning

With so many amazing European destinations and nearly endless customization options, the honeymoon planning process can feel overwhelming. Let the experts at Destination Europe Online handle everything for you!

Our seasoned team of travel planners will get to know you as a couple to craft the perfect European honeymoon tailored just for you. We’ll then handle all logistics like flights, hotels, tours and more to give you the trip of a lifetime with effortless ease.

Contact Destination Europe Online today to unlock a magical bespoke European honeymoon!