In this guide
Why Europe is a good destination for a honeymoon
Europe is a great choice for a honeymoon, especially if you’re travelling from the UK.
One of the biggest benefits is how close everything is. Countries sit side by side, so you can travel far without going far. That means less time in transit and more time together.
A short flight can take you somewhere completely different. In just a couple of hours, you could be drinking champagne in Paris, soaking up the views along the Amalfi Coast or eating outdoors while people watching in Rome. All on the same day you leave home. You get unforgettable places without a long haul flight.
Here are some other reasons why Europe works great for honeymooners:
- Easy to get around: Short distances and great rail links make travel simple. You can visit two or three dream destinations without feeling worn out
- Endless romantic settings: Candlelit dinners in old town squares, boat rides at sunset, fairytale villages and peaceful walks through centuries old streets. Pure honeymoon romance
- Rich culture and experiences: Europe offers world‑class food, wine, art, history and architecture. Ideal if you want to soak it all in together
- Something for every budget: From good-value hotels to five‑star resorts, you can plan a honeymoon that feels special without overspending
- Relaxation and adventure in one trip: Unwind on sun‑drenched beaches one day. Then explore iconic landmarks the next. You get both, without rushing
- A place for every season: Travel straight after the wedding or wait a few months. Europe works year round, from summer coasts and spring cities to autumn vineyards and cosy winter breaks
What type of honeymoon trip do you want to take?
There are many things to consider when booking your honeymoon. You might look at:
- The types of things that interest you both as a couple
- A European bucket list country or countries to tick off
- A place to simply bask in the sun for relaxation after all the wedding planning
From romantic capitals to scenic coastal resorts, vineyards, mountains and secluded countryside retreats, Europe opens a world of possibilities. You can tailor your honeymoon to your mood.
We’ve pulled together some honeymoon trip types to inspire you.
Slow, scenic and romantic honeymoons
Dreaming of a honeymoon with picturesque views and a chilled vibe? These destinations suit honeymoons where the pace slows down and days revolve around where you are, not what you’ve planned. Popular picks include:
- Tuscany, Italy: Tuscany offers mesmerising landscapes, vineyards, olive groves and hill towns. It’s easy to explore without rushing. Long lunches are the norm. Evenings tend to be quiet, especially if you stay outside the bigger cities. It’s perfect if you want simple days with lots of food, wine and scenery rather than sightseeing
- Provence, France: Provence intertwines countryside calm with everyday French life. Markets, bakeries and cafés give days an easy rhythm. Meanwhile, small towns make ideal bases for day trips. Summer brings colour and warmth. Spring and autumn are calmer, with fewer visitors and more space to wander. It boasts romantic charm without trying too hard
- Lake Bled, Slovenia: Lake Bled is compact and peaceful, with a focus on walking, boat trips and lakeside cafés. Everything is close, so there’s little travel stress. Lots of couples pair it with the capital, Ljubljana, adding food, culture and nightlife without losing the relaxed feel. It works well for shorter honeymoons or as a calm stop between busier places
- Austrian or Swiss Alps: In summer, alpine regions transform from ski resorts into idyllic outdoor escapes. Lakes, cable cars and well-marked trails make it easy to spend days outside without intense effort. Towns are tidy and tranquil, evenings are quiet and views are astonishing. It suits couples who like nature, fresh air and a slower daily routine
Bring a prepaid travel card on your honeymoon
Culture-rich city honeymoons
Craving a honeymoon filled with walking, galleries and eating out late? These cities reward curiosity, especially when you give yourself time to explore neighbourhoods rather than just ticking off sights. Popular picks include:
- Paris, France: Paris is best enjoyed at street level. Morning walks for coffee. Afternoons spent browsing neighbourhood shops. And evenings that stretch over dinner. Staying outside the main tourist areas can make it feel more local and relaxed. A perfect place for honeymooners with high travel energy
- Rome and Florence, Italy: These cities combine history with everyday life. One moment you’re walking past world-famous landmarks. The next you’re sitting in a small café people watching. Starting early helps avoid crowds, leaving afternoons free for slower wandering and long meals. They suit couples who enjoy atmosphere as much as attractions
- Lisbon and Porto, Portugal: Lisbon and Porto feel laid back for capital cities. Hills and viewpoints shape the pace of each day, while wine bars and riverside walks set the tone in the evenings. The train connection between them is easy, making it simple to combine both without much planning
- Prague, Czech Republic: Prague is very easy to navigate. Most of its centre is best explored on foot. Architecture, riverside walks and cosy restaurants create natural moments to slow down together. It’s a great option if you want culture without the scale or cost of larger capitals
Read our tips on how to plan a European city break on a budget. And check the best value cities on the continent in our City Costs Barometer.
Beach-first honeymoons
Perhaps you’re looking for exotic honeymoon destinations in Europe with swimming, sea views and slower days. These places work best when you choose one base and let the setting shape how your honeymoon unfolds. Popular picks include:
- Amalfi Coast, Italy: The Amalfi Coast is all about contrast and vibrancy. Bright coastal towns sit against steep cliffs, with boats and buses linking them together. Staying put in one location makes the experience calmer, leaving time for boat trips, sea swims and unplanned stops for discovery. It’s perfect for a chilled honeymoon escape
- Sardinia, Italy: Sardinia offers clear water, wide beaches and a quieter feel than other Mediterranean destinations. Outside peak summer, it’s especially good for couples who want beach days mixed with relaxed evenings and local food. Hiring a car gives you more freedom to explore less busy stretches of coast
- Greek islands beyond the busiest names: Islands like Naxos, Milos and Paros offer the charming beauty people expect from holidays in Greece, without the higher cost of Santorini or Mykonos. Days tend to revolve around swimming, short drives and eating near the water. They tick all the boxes for simplicity, sunshine and space
- Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast: Croatia’s coast combines beaches with historic towns and island hopping. You can split time between waterfront swims and old town streets, often without long journeys. It’s ideal if you want variety but still want most days to feel relaxed
Food and wine focused honeymoons
Perfect if you love food and want a honeymoon built around great meals and local flavours. These places are ideal if you enjoy long meals, wandering through markets and meeting small, local producers. Popular picks include:
- Northern Italy: In regions like Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna, daily life centres around food. Vineyards, family-run restaurants and local markets shape how you spend your time. Distances are short, making it easy to stay in one place and explore nearby towns without rushing
- Basque Country, Spain: The Basque Country blends coastal scenery with deep food traditions. San Sebastián is especially well known, offering relaxed beach time alongside some of Europe’s most respected restaurants. Even simple meals are given real care, making food a daily delight
- Bordeaux and Southwest France: This area suits honeymoons built around slow travel. Vineyards, rivers and small towns create easy days, while food focuses on quality rather than show. It’s a good option if you want rural charm with enough structure to feel looked after
- Douro Valley, Portugal: The Douro Valley feels secluded and calm. River views, terraced vineyards and quiet hotels make it ideal pausing after a busier part of your trip. Days tend to blend together, shaped by scenery, food and rest. Plan fewer stops and book key meals in advance
Honeymoon destinations by budget
Finding a romantic and special honeymoon destination doesn’t need to cost a fortune. There are plenty of parts of Europe to suit different budgets, giving you a honeymoon experience to remember.
Lower-cost honeymoons
If you’re looking to take in beautiful scenery and landmarks without a high daily spend, these places are a good choice. Food, transport and accommodation costs are generally quite affordable, leaving room to book nicer hotels or enjoy longer stays.
- Budapest, Hungary
- Krakow, Poland
- Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Valencia, Spain
Mid-range honeymoons
If you’re looking for places that offer stunning coastlines, vibrant culture and rich cuisine, these places are a wonderful choice. You can manage balanced spending on transport, food and accommodation with plenty of options to explore in style.
- Lisbon or Porto, Portugal
- Barcelona, Spain
- Southern France (outside peak season)
- Croatia’s coast
Higher-budget honeymoons
If you want to splurge and are after a bit more luxury on your honeymoon, these iconic spots won’t disappoint. Known to be more expensive than other European spots, these are more suitable for longer stays.
- Amalfi Coast or Lake Como, Italy
- Santorini, Greece
- Paris, France plus countryside stays
- Swiss lakes, Switzerland
When doing your honeymoon research, you can find out where your money goes furthest and compare popular destinations across Europe and beyond in the Post Office Holiday Money Report.
What time of year is best to go on honeymoon?
Once you’ve chosen your honeymoon destination, you’ll want to decide when the best time is to go. The time of year you choose to go can have an impact on many things. Late spring and early autumn often give you:
- Better prices
- Fewer crowds
- Nice, moderate weather
- More availability
As July and August is peak season, it can be busier and more expensive, especially in popular honeymoon spots. If you do want to book your honeymoon in peak summer, book well ahead and expect busier attractions.
When and where to go for sun
If you’re a sun worshipper and it matters most, timing and location make a real difference. Southern Europe stays warm for much of the year, but crowd levels and temperatures change by season. Choosing carefully can mean better weather, fewer people and easier days.
Need some inspiration? We can help with that.
Where is hot in March, April and May in Europe?
Where is hot in September, October and November
Which bookings should I prioritise?
Some parts of a European honeymoon book up quickly, especially during peak season or in smaller destinations. To give yourself more control over timing, budget and where you stay, prioritise booking these early:
- Flights during school holidays or summer months
- Hotels in small towns, islands or rural areas
- Trains between countries, especially high-speed routes
- Car hire in popular regions
Leaving these too late to book can run the risk of higher prices or fewer options.
Once your plans are locked in, a holiday packing and pre-travel checklist can help you stay organised, particularly if you’re visiting more than one place.
Sorting out the important things ahead of your honeymoon
Before you jet off on your honeymoon and soak up that blissful just married feeling, don’t forget to sort out the essentials. A little admin now means you can switch off completely once the honeymoon begins.
The Post Office can help with getting your travel money, insurance and eSIM sorted before you go to give you peace of mind and will save time at the airport.
A prepaid travel card
Taking a prepaid currency card like the Post Office Travel Money Card on your honeymoon means you don’t have to worry about carrying a large amount of cash while abroad. This convenient, reloadable card has many benefits including:
- Use it anywhere in the world with the Mastercard Acceptance Mark
- Load it with 22 supported currencies including euros and US dollars
- Lock in exchange rates before you go and even whenever you top up via the free travel app
- Track spending and manage funds during your honeymoon in the app
- Block or freeze your card if it gets lost or stolen for extra security
Read more on how prepaid currency cards work and how to use them. You may also find it useful to compare card options for spending abroad.
Foreign currency
Even though you’ll have your travel card, bringing some cash is a good idea to help pay for things where card isn’t accepted. Bringing foreign currency might be useful for:
- Small cafes
- Local markets
- Taxis in quieter places
- Tipping for services
Ordering foreign currency from Post Office means you can choose from a range of over 60 currencies, benefit from readily available currency in selected branches and competitive rates when you order online. You can also get a better rate the more currency you buy.
Thinking ahead about spending patterns can make your honeymoon more enjoyable knowing you’re prepared and not restricted. Our guide on how to make the most of your money on holiday covers practical tips for managing costs abroad.
Travel insurance and health cover
Remember to bring your UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic), which gives you access to emergency or state healthcare in some European countries for free or at a reduced cost. If you don’t currently have one, it’s a good idea to apply.
You’ll also need travel insurance for your honeymoon trip as remember the Ghic doesn’t cover all medical expense.
If you’re unsure about when to get covered, read our guide on when to buy travel insurance.
Staying connected on your honeymoon
Even if you’re trying to have a digital detox, having mobile data while travelling around on your honeymoon will still be useful for things like:
- Maps and transport
- Checking bookings and tickets
- Translating menus
- Sharing photos as you go
- WhatsApp messages
Choosing a travel eSIM can help you save money on roaming charges abroad. It’s a virtual SIM you set up in your phone settings. This connects you to local networks so you can continue to use your apps and mobile data just like you would at home.
Getting an eSIM before you head away can help you stay connected without paying expensive roaming fees.
Key takeaways
- Europe’s one of the most popular places for a honeymoon. It’s close to the UK, easy to get around by train and full of countries, cultures and romantic places to explore
- Honeymooning in spring or autumn often means better prices, fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. Availability’s often higher when booking places to stay and things to do
- Book early where you can, especially flights during school holidays or busy months, hotels in small towns, islands or rural areas, train tickets on fast routes and car hire
- Get organised before you go. Sort your Post Travel Money Card, foreign currency, travel insurance and eSIM in advance so you can relax as soon as you arrive
Sort your foreign currency for your honeymoon
Common questions
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Yes, Europe has some of the best places to go on honeymoon including a mix of romance, culture, food and scenery, from dreamy cities and sun‑soaked coastlines to countryside hideaways. Plus, with short flight times from the UK and a great rail transport system, you can explore more than one country during your trip.
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It’s a good idea to plan a European honeymoon between 10–14 days, which gives you enough time to explore a few destinations without feeling rushed. This works well for combining cities and slower-paced spots, with enough downtime to relax and celebrate your newlywed bubble.
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Yes, it’s a good idea to bring some cash as well cards. Even though cards are widely accepted in most European countries, some places might only accept cash like markets, cafes, taxis, independent shops or other small tourist attractions. If you’re taking card, consider a prepaid currency card plus a debit or credit card as a backup.
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No, a Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) sometimes does not cover all medical expenses while on honeymoon, so it’s important to still take out travel insurance. In some cases, it can cover the healthcare treatment you need, but sometimes it might only cover part of the medical fees.
Other travel products
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Passports
Order your first adult or child passport or renew an existing one. Get your application right the first time
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Travel eSIM cards
Save money on international roaming charges with an eSIM card to suit your travel needs
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Travel insurance
Find cover for your trip abroad for yourself, partner, friends or family
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