Picking a honeymoon destination can be rough! With so many options it can feel a bit overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be! As a fan of unique and off the beaten path vacations, here are a few of my favorite suggestions for some epic European honeymoons. 

Portugal

From city lovers to nature lovers – Portugal has a destination for every type of honeymooner. Cities like Lisbon and Porto are charming, full of great food, and a lively nightlife scene. For those wanting more of a unique experience, the Algarve and the Azores are perfect destinations, especially for ocean lovers. Portugal even has it’s own wine country! It’s also easy to get around Portugal so combining destinations is the perfect way to get a well rounded trip.

Top experiences in Portugal:

• Visit the Azores: The Azores is an incredibly beautiful set of islands off the coast of Portugal. It’s best for whale and dolphin watching and has incredibly unique landscapes for nature lovers to explore.
• Tour the Palácio da Pena: One of the seven wonders of Portugal and a UNESCO heritage site!
• Visit the wine region in Douro Valley: Perfect for a quaint escape and to visit the smaller charming towns in the region.
• The Benagil Cave: You can kayak through this incredible cave in the Algarve and explore its epic coastline.
• Visit the old town of Obidos: Just an hour away from Lisbon is this charming town that will make you feel like you’re in a fairytale village.
• The beaches in Lagos: For the swimmers, surfers, and beach goers – this coastal city is known for its amazing beaches.

When should you honeymoon in Portugal?

• Peak season: July and August are going to be the busiest months, the most expensive, and the most crowded. (August is also a holiday month in Portugal so it is more crowded than usual)
• Shoulder season: April, May, September, and October are great for less crowds and saving money, the weather will also be mild and enjoyable!

Croatia

Croatia is a destination that is quickly rising in popularity. With it’s romantic medieval architecture, epic views of the ocean, and an incredible food and wine scene – it’s the perfect spot for honeymooners looking to experience something unique! The coast of Croatia as well as inland are both equally amazing and will cater to a wide range of interests.

Top experiences in Croatia:

• Istria: Visit the Istria peninsula for great food and wine and a unique off-the-beaten-path experience.
• The Blue Cave on Bisevo Island: Yes – it’s blue! It’s a small cave that’s enveloped with an insanely blue light that you can visit on a day trip.
• Plitvice Lakes National Park: Explore the natural waterfalls (there’s over 90!) and turquoise lakes.
• Party on Hvar Island: Lively beaches, great restaurants, and an excellent party scene!
• Dubrovnik Old Town: A ‘must do’ in Croatia – the old town of Dubrovnik is simply stunning filled with unique architecture and charming corners.
• Visit Rovinj: For a SUPER unique experience, visit the up and coming town in Istria, which is a great destination for those wanting to avoid the regular tourist destinations.

When should you honeymoon in Croatia?

• Peak season: Summer is going to have the best weather but also be more crowded and more expensive.
• Shoulder season: May, June, September, and October are still great times to visit though if you plan to spend a lot of time in the ocean I recommend the later months of the year.

Switzerland

A truly year round destination. It’s equally as charming in the summer as it is the winter. Small villages turn to ski villages during the winter and even when snowing the weather is usually quite enjoyable. Switzerland is truly a perfect place for lovers of nature, quaint towns, and beautiful landscapes. It’s also an incredible wellness destination for those that love to indulge in all things ‘spa’ related.

Top experiences in Switzerland:

• Visit Grindelwald: The charming town of Grindelwald is straight out of a fairytale book no matter what time of year you visit.
• Jungfraujoch: Visit the highest train station in Europe for incredible views!
• Cheese making in Gruyères: For all the cheese lovers, visit Gruyères on a day trip and see how it’s made!
• Glacier Express: Have the most epic train ride of your life with incredible views from the comfort of your seat.
• Swiss Fondue: You can’t leave Switzerland without having some authentic Swiss Fondue.
• Visit the Matterhorn: It can be visited no matter the time of year, but visiting Zermatt during ski season is a bucket list trip for skiers!

When should you honeymoon in Switzerland?

• For winter lovers: December to March is ideal for skiing and all things winter sport related.
• Peak Season: Summer is peak season with the highest prices and largest crowds but extraordinary weather as well.
• Shoulder season: April to June and September and October are ideal for those less crowded and more inexpensive months.

Mallorca

For a unique beach destination – check out Mallorca off the coast of Spain. It’s great for either a few nights at the beginning or end of your trip or for the entire stay, there’s no shortage of things to do in Mallorca. You’ll find phenomenal beaches and coves with charming resorts and hotels from the buzzing city of Palma to the quaint towns throughout the island.

Top experiences in Mallorca:

• Spend time in Palma: You’ll fly into this city and it’s worth spending some days in to experience the nightlife and the great food scene!
• Take the train to Soller: Take the cute vintage train to the town of Soller for a day trip.
• Visit Fornalutx: Visit the town dubbed as “Spain’s prettiest town”!
• Bodega Ribas: Check out the oldest winery on the island.
• Platja des Coll Baix: Some say this is the best beach in Mallorca!
• Palma Beach Club: Experience the luxe life at a beach club in Palma!

When should you honeymoon in Mallorca?

• Peak Season: June to September are going to be the most popular months to visit with the largest number of crowds.
• Shoulder Season: The less crowded and less expensive months are April to May and late September and October.

Ireland

The absolute perfect spot for a romantic countryside escape. From the stunning cliffs to the charming villages to the bustling city of Dublin – Ireland could be the perfect spot for your honeymoon. The country is scattered with old castles and estates that have been turned into unique hotels that are destinations within themselves!

Top experiences in Ireland:

• Stay at Ashford Castle: An 800 year old castle that has been reformed into an amazing hotel with tons of unique experiences.
• Cliffs of Moher: Visit the cliffs for the iconic coastline views.
• Kilkenny: Visit one of Irelands best preserved medieval towns.
• Irish Whiskey Tasting: Sample whiskey and get a premium tour at Jameson’s Old Midleton Distillery.
• Visit Kinsale: Visit the quaint and colorful town of Kinsale.
• Drive the Ring of Kerry: Ireland’s most scenic drive through epic landscapes and charming villages!

When should you honeymoon in Ireland?:

• Peak season: The summer months are the best time to visit Ireland for ideal weather.
• Shoulder season: For a bit less crowds and a bit more unpredictable weather March-May and September-November can also be good options.

Journeys by Nicole specializes in custom itineraries for all your travel needs! Contact me to start planning your honeymoon today!