Venue - check. Rings - check. Cake - check... What's missing? The honeymoon! Let's be honest (although we may be slightly biased), it's one of the most important parts of the whole wedding process. If you're seeking inspiration for that perfect post-wedding getaway, why not look a little closer to home with some seriously romantic destinations right on our doorstep...here's a handpicked selection of top destinations for honeymoons in Europe....
Glorious Greece
For a classic honeymoon getaway, it doesn't get much better than Greece. One of our top spots in this gorgeous sun-soaked country is the Cyclades, a seriously dreamy archipelago within easy reach of Athens, and an ideal summer Greek honeymoon choice. For a ridiculously romantic getaway, make the stunning island of Santorini your base. Towering cliffs cut with secret staircases, volcanic sand beaches, steaming hot springs and blissful boat trips all but guarantee a honeymoon from heaven. After days spent soaking up the sun and swimming in glittering waters, return to a blissful boutique hotel. One of our top picks for honeymooners is Grace Santorini, where days revolve around champagne breakfasts, dips in the infinity pool and alfresco dinners under the stars. For seclusion-seeking 'mooners, try out the lesser-known but equally idyllic islands of Naxos and Paros where you'll find the same glorious nature and sleepy seaside towns but with a fraction of the crowds.
Passionate Portugal
Portugal's bustling cities, secret beaches and rich culture make it a post-wedding destination to really brag about. If you're craving a city break, head to Lisbon. With steep streets criss-crossed with tram lines and crumbling buildings adorned with fabulous azulejo tiles, the country's uber-cool capital is perfect for hip honeymooners. After a day seeing the sights, enjoy a slice of seclusion at Areias de Seixo, a quirky boutique hotel an hour outside of the city with its very own Love Room complete with a crackling fireplace and Jacuzzi. For the ultimate honeymoon in Portugal, pair your slick city getaway with a rural retreat to Alentejo. Spend your days wandering through wine estates, exploring along the unspoilt coastline and losing yourself in cork oak forests. Then, come evening, nab a room at Sublime Comporta, a chic country house surrounded by forests.
Intimate Italy
In a roundup of the top honeymoon destinations in Europe, it would be criminal not to include what is widely accepted as the world's most romantic destination: Italy. Home to richly-indulgent food, cinematic landscapes and blissful beaches, who wouldn't want to begin married life here? One of our favourite spots for a honeymoon in Italy is the Amalfi Coast, a storybook-style destination with picturesque hilltop towns and dramatic cliffs bordering sandy coves. Soak up the stunning sea views from a luxurious hotel high above the sea for the ultimate stay in this Italian haven. Alternatively, you may prefer to set your sights of Rome. Pass the days trotting between historical sites, wandering the tangle of cobbled streets and eating plenty of pizza before retiring to a sleek central hotel (we recommend Hotel de Russie where many of the top attractions of the Eternal City are within easy walking distance).
Captivating Croatia
There's a lot to love about Croatia with its glorious coastline and crumbling medieval towns tucked within towering city walls. There's even more to love about Croatia when it comes to honeymoon holidays; this is the place for a truly intimate escape. In the north, the heart-shaped peninsula of Istria is honeymoon foodie heaven with truffles and oysters galore, while the Dalmatian Coast is home to tranquil islands and the Lesic Dimitri Palace Hotel, a restored 18th century Bishop's palace within the walls of the old town. From vintage sailboat rides around the Korcula archipelago to sipping wine at their seafront bar, this little boutique bolthole is the perfect mix of romance and luxury. All our Croatia Honeymoon Holidays.
Sensual Spain
For sunny, sunny Spain, we're making a beeline for Mallorca. Stay with us a second here - we know the mentioning of Mallorca can often spark images of towering all-inclusive hotels and elbow-to-elbow sunloungers - but not on our watch. Tucked away into the little hilltop village of Deia, and commanding panoramic views of the landscaped gardens and glistening coast, sits the Belmond La Residencia hotel. This little piece of paradise is a newlywed's dream, from romantic sunset walks through the surrounding olive groves to dining in the restored 16th century manor house. Alternatively, head north and take a romantic road trip from San Sebastian to Girona, stopping off in Michelin-starred restaurants, local tapas bars and vineyards of the Basque Country along the way for the ultimate gastronomical honeymoon. All our Spain Honeymoon Holidays.
Forever France
What better destination to round-off our top honeymoon destinations in Europe, than France. Beautiful beaches, chic cities, mountain retreats, and then, of course, there's all that delicious food; a honeymoon in France is enough to make any newlywed weak at the knees. There's the fashionable French Riviera where sun-seekers laze on luxury yachts, the rolling hills of Champagne - perfect for sparkling post-wedding celebrations - and let's not forget Paris, where we can arrange private tours for two of the world-famous Louvre Museum and book you tables at all the finest restaurants in town. Alternatively, head into the country's hinterland for a stay in a chateaux fit for royalty. Chateau de Bagnols, set among vineyards, forests and green hills in the heart of the Beaujolais countryside, is one of our personal favourites, the sort of place where fairy tales come true.
Original Luxury Honeymoons
If you're considering a European honeymoon, take a look at our bespoke luxury honeymoon service which includes your own dedicated honeymoon planner who is happy to visit you at your home or office laden with maps, insight and in-depth knowledge, and will work with you for as long as it takes to perfect your dream honeymoon.
