The 10 most romantic honeymoon destinations in Europe

Europe is often considered one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in the world. With its immaculate landscapes, indulgent local cuisine and a variety of incredible luxury accommodation options to choose from, there’s no better place to celebrate your newlywed status this year.

As Europe is made up of 44 different countries, finding the perfect fit for you and your partner can be slightly overwhelming. To make things easier, we’ve hand-selected 10 of the most romantic honeymoon spots on the continent for you to choose from. From passionate Italy to spellbinding France, Greece and the adjacent islands, there’s a little bit of something for all couples.

Europe’s most romantic honeymoon destinations

From private beaches to striking hillsides and pristine vineyards, some European cities and towns truly offer it all. Dialling up the romance in these locations is effortless when you have access to a private seaside villa that is equipped with a wide range of unparalleled amenities.

Honeymoon destinations in Italy

There’s something special and unforgettable about exploring Italy by sea. Its lush waters sparkle gently near the wide-spanning coastline, offering everything from sandy beaches just waiting to be explored, right through to mesmerising boat trips and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Mainland Italy is also worth adding to your travel itinerary. Expect to find quaint cities bursting with adventure around every corner and local delicacies just waiting to be enjoyed.

1. Sicily

The host city for countless romantic films, Sicily has long been a popular travel destination. Its pleasurable local experiences are what make it a special place for honeymooners from all over the world. From an adrenaline-inducing Mount Etna helicopter tour to sipping wine and dreaming about your future together, Sicily does all it can to help newlyweds spend quality time together. Here are some of our favourite romantic Sicilian activities for honeymooners:

• Sailing at sunset - No guide to Sicily is complete without recommending the perfect duo: a romantic sunset boat trip in Cefalu coupled with a stay in the enchanting Il Gabbiano

• Spice up your relationship - Noto can be just as passion-inducing, with honeymooners frequently taking part in an intimate cooking class with Katia Amore before calling it a day in the fairytale-like I Lentischi

• Feel your heart all aflutter - A 4x4 tour of Mount Etna in Giarre will get your blood pumping, while gazing out over the jaw-dropping panoramic views of Camelia is the perfect way to immerse yourself in serenity afterwards

• Relax amid nature - For something a little more calm, we recommend a hand-in-hand walking tour of the fascinating Taormina

2. Puglia

Puglia is easy to locate on a map, considering it forms the heel of the “boot” shape Italy is well known for. The region boasts a very pleasant year-round climate , making its hilly towns and ancient farmlands perfect for a romantic getaway at any given time. A honeymooner’s guide to Puglia should always include special experiences that will help create long-lasting memories. Here are some of our favourite cities and activities:

• Gallipoli - An intimate dinner in Gallipoli is the perfect way to end a day spent exploring and appreciating all the culture and history the city has to offer.

• Matera - Visiting Matera for a walking tour is a great way to connect with your new spouse while you discover the area’s historical roots.

• Monopoli - A romantic cooking class for you and your partner at the beautiful Masseria Garrappa is easy to enjoy when you’re staying nearby at Fichimori, which comes complete with a luxurious indoor spa. Imagine a day spent cooking with your significant other before relaxing in the Jacuzzi tub together, a celebratory glass of champagne in hand.

• Morciano di Leuca - A private snorkeling tour around the Salento coast is another great option for couples who want some well-deserved time alone. We also recommend Leucasia as a superb villa choice. It’s popular among newlyweds looking for their own private sanctuary while still being close enough for a beach trip whenever they feel like it.

Honeymoon destinations in Greece

An abundance of sun and sea makes surfing and scuba diving perfect for more adventurous couples looking to spend their honeymoon in Greece. Thanks to its dependable weather, pristine beaches and a vast range of enthralling local experiences, it has become a popular destination for newlyweds from all over.

3. Meganissi

Meganissi is a sparsely populated Greek Island that is ideal for couples looking for privacy without having to forfeit the experiences that make for a well-rounded honeymoon, such as watersports, sailing and dance classes. Getting out and trying something new is easy with the right guide to Meganissi.

As the island is just 20 square kilometres, exploring won’t take away from the precious alone time you’re there to enjoy. We recommend staying at Galatea, as it is the perfect home base to soak up every minute with your sweetheart. It even comes with an in-villa cook for the days when you don’t feel like leaving the comforts of your own private sanctuary.

4. Kea

Couples who are not looking for a long commute after their plane lands will be happy to know that Kea is very close to the capital’s airport. Contrary to the bustling atmosphere of city life in Athens, visitors to Kea can relax amid the natural landscapes, warm and welcoming beaches and endless hillsides for a truly unique honeymoon experience. A stay at Piedra is a short walk from the local sandy shores, as well as just a stone's throw away from a cultural excursion to the revered local Archaeological Museum.

5. Mykonos

Mykonos is the perfect destination for couples who enjoy basking in the sunshine during the day, but also appreciate the local nightlife once the sun goes down. The island is alive with buzzing tavernas, noteworthy shopping spots and crystal-like sea waters that ripple gently in the ocean breeze, day in and day out.

Romantic activities are not in short supply on Mykonos. From watching the sunset at Lia Beach to enjoying true luxury dining at Baos or Krama, the island offers a unique experience around every corner. Newlyweds can even book a local sailing adventure to make for a truly unforgettable honeymoon memory.

6. Aegina

Aegina is famous for three very special reasons:

• Firstly, the island is known for being the former capital of Greece

• Secondly, it is known for minting the earliest coins in the country

• Thirdly, it is named after the mother of its prominent former king, Aeacus

This historical hero happens to share a name with our newest luxury villa in the area - and for good reason. Our villa Aeacus is perfect for a stylish honeymoon experience that the king himself might have even appreciated. Expect a sleek contemporary design, luxurious infinity pool, inspiring sea views and the unparalleled privacy that is paramount for newlyweds. 

Aegina itself offers a diverse selection of activities for couples to indulge in, including a gentle boat ride to Moni and its secluded beaches, watching a moonlit movie at the local cinema or traversing the footpaths of one of its marked hiking trails together. For an energy boost after your hike, head to Mourtzis for a mouth-watering fistikato - a famously  sweet and pistachio-based treat that has visitors coming back time and time again.

7. Zakynthos

The pristine island of Zakynthos is best known for Navagio Beach, where an old shipwreck that washed ashore in 1980 is still partially visible today. The nearby Blue Caves are a sight to behold too, in all of their natural wonder. Accessible only by boat, the caves are particularly romantic during sunrise or sunset.

A stay at Ibid is ideal for newly married couples looking to mimic the romantic atmosphere found near these caves. The outside patio ticks all the boxes in this regard, featuring an enchanting view of the stars at night, two charming outside dining areas and comfortable sun loungers to soak up the Greek sunshine together.

8. Kastos

Thanks to its diminutive size, stunning beaches and unspoiled beauty, Kastos is an ideal destination for honeymooners from all over the world. Couples who relish their privacy will appreciate a stay at the captivating Gaia, a spacious villa on the hideaway island.

The villa offers superb sea-views, sunny rustic terraces and tranquil surroundings that will delight guests. It is also within walking distance to local tavernas in the village for an evening out, or to the local beach for day-time relaxation.

Honeymoon beach destinations in Corsica

Corsica is a stunning island made up of a mixture of coastal towns, which typically contain large forests and rugged mountain ranges for the adventurous at heart. Warm Mediterranean waters splashing delicately on sandy beaches provide the perfect getaway for a string of sunny adventures. Our guide below shares two spots in particular that are ideal for a truly romantic experience.

9. Pianottoli

With over 200 Corsica beaches to choose from, honeymooners are spoilt for choice in this area. Pianottoli is popular, with a proven track record among more active couples, who will be able to participate in a variety of watersports.

Alternatively, laid-back honeymooners can spend a day on La Pelosa, long believed to be the most breathtaking beach on the island. We recommended a stay at our beautiful  L'Alpana villa, which features nearby beaches and sea views that are simply to die for.

10. Palombaggia

Palombaggia is also known for offering one of the most exquisite beach experiences in Corsica. The area is just three kilometres long, and a stay at the nearby Fontana promises nearby access to the shore. Expect sublime coastal and sea views, a heatable infinity pool and the gentle sound of the ocean tide creeping in as you and your partner sip on a magnificent glass of bubbly.

Making your honeymoon experience as special as possible is easier than ever with one of the 10 romantic destinations in Europe we’ve shared here today. Start your mornings with a majestic sunrise and end your evenings by resting your head on a set of soft pillows, ever so slightly dizzy from the indulgent local wines and the love you and your partner share. Each of these locations has the ability to elevate your honeymoon, creating an unforgettable experience as you and your loved one embark on the next chapter of your lives together.

Our beautifully presented villas will help make it a stay to remember. Get in touch with us as soon as you are ready to embark on a honeymoon as special as your significant other.