Searching for the ideal European spring honeymoon destination? Look no further! Expat Explore has put together a list of the 10 best honeymoon destinations in Europe. There are a few important things to consider when choosing a honeymoon spot. Most importantly, the destination should be romantic. It should also appeal to you and your partner’s interests. Of course, price plays a big factor after the hefty cost of a wedding. At Expat Explore, we believe that spring is the best time to honeymoon! Not only is it absolutely gorgeous with flowers in bloom and lush greenery all around, it’s also generally less crowded and far more affordable.
Shoulder season is an excellent time to travel. While summer and winter certainly have their advantages, travelling outside of peak tourist season is extremely rewarding. You can enjoy great deals on accommodation, flights and activities as well as milder temperatures making those romantic strolls far more pleasant! Europe in spring (from late March to the end of May) is particularly beautiful and vibrant, making these stunning European locations perfect for a romantic honeymoon!
Here are our 10 top choices for spring honeymoon destinations:
1. Paris, France
Let’s start with the most obvious choice, Paris – the “City of Love”! Paris is extremely popular and for good reason. Truly one of the world’s romantic capitals, a honeymoon in Paris is what dreams are made of! Spring in Paris is glorious, particularly in April and May. Paris’s many gardens will be in full bloom and this is also the perfect time to experience Paris’s charming outdoor café culture. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a romantic movie!
2. Seville, Spain
Spain offers a variety of options for couples seeking a romantic getaway but the most romantic of all Spanish cities is probably Seville! Take a stroll through María Luisa park and admire the Glorieta de Bécquer – a monument dedicated to the great romanticist poet. Relax with a massage at the Arab baths or watch a vibrant flamenco show. Take a river cruise at sunset or ride through the streets with a real horse and carriage! Sounds like a delightfully romantic getaway to us!
Related: Enjoy a free day to discover Seville on our Spain & Portugal Explorer!
3. Santorini, Greece
If crystal-clear waters, sunny skies and whitewashed towns fit your idea of a dream honeymoon setting then Santorini is the place for you! Spring in Santorini offers wonderfully warm (but not too hot) weather, fewer crowds and plenty of exciting activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving. It’s also a fantastic place to simply relax and unwind. Not to mention that Santorini boasts some of the best sunsets in the world!
Related: If you choose to honeymoon in Santorini, perhaps you could return to renew your vows like this lovely couple!
4. Sicily, Italy
If, like many of us, you watched the second season of The White Lotus and became transfixed with the show’s mesmerising setting, then we have great news for you! While the wealthy characters of the show may make this destination seem out of reach, Sicily is actually one of Italy’s most affordable destinations. Sicily in the spring offers a mild climate, a countryside full of wildflowers and a range of unique festivals. Sicilian dishes are known for showcasing the region’s fresh produce and spring is when these local delicacies are at their freshest!
Related: Experience the beauty of Sicily and Southern Italy on this 10-day tour!
5. The English Lake District, United Kingdom
Discover the majestic region that inspired great romantic poets such as William Wordsworth and Samual Taylor Coolridge! England’s Lake District offers a tranquil countryside escape complete with quaint villages, gorgeous natural scenery and ancient castles. Spring is undoubtedly the most romantic time to visit the Lake District as this is when the gardens burst with colour and the bluebells and daffodils are in bloom! You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better location for picnics, boat trips, hikes or sunset gazing.
Related: Along with the Lake District, here are some of the best spring walks and hikes in Europe!
6. Prague, Czech Republic
The magical capital of the Czech Republic offers a city break unlike any other! Prague’s otherworldly architecture is incredibly romantic. From the fairytale-like Prague Castle and the medieval Charles Bridge to the cobbled streets of the Old Town, Prague is full of enchanting sights. April is the best spring month to visit Prague as this is when the city’s parks are full of cherry blossoms and magnolia trees!
7. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
If there is only one thing you see in Amsterdam during your spring honeymoon, make sure it’s the tulip festival! 23 March to 14 May is tulip season in Amsterdam and the best place to see these colourful flowers is at Keukenhof Gardens which is only open for 60 days each year. During this time, you’ll be able to see those storybook images of bright rows of tulips and traditional Dutch windmills come to life! Other fun, romantic activities include a canal cruise or renting bicycles and riding around this charming Dutch capital.
8. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Another true fairytale city, Ljubljana is known as the “City of Dragons”! While it is certainly one of Europe’s smallest capitals, Ljubljana has so much to offer its visitors. With its towering castle that watches over the city, its beautiful bridges and historic city centre, there are so many wonderful reasons to visit the Slovenian capital. While staying in Ljubljana, a trip to Lake Bled is also highly recommended! Admire the spring flowers while hiking and walking around this idyllic lake and enjoy a dip in the cool water.
Related: Discover more top things to do in Ljubljana!
9. Porto, Portugal
As the home of Port wine, Porto is an excellent place to toast to your new marriage! Porto is home to many cosy Port wine cellars where you can indulge in tours and tastings. A trip to the nearby rolling green hills of the Douro Valley is also highly recommended as the spring colours and weather are truly unbeatable! You’ll enjoy some truly spectacular sunsets in Porto and a great way to see this is from a river cruise. Are you and your partner foodies? The many restaurants lining the Douro River also offer some of the best cuisine in the country!
10. Bergen, Norway
For couples seeking a honeymoon against the backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty, Norway is the place to be! Bergen is a picturesque Norwegian city surrounded by mountains and fjords. From Bergen‘s idyllic harbour, take a fjord cruise and marvel at these true natural wonders. In the springtime, the ice begins to melt giving way to mighty waterfalls. Norwegians still enjoy skiing in the spring, particularly over Easter, and the world-class Voss ski resort is just a short, scenic train ride away.
Related: Visit Bergen and other top northern European cities on our Best of Scandinavia & the Baltics tour!
If you want all the itinerary planning taken care of on your honeymoon, why not join an Expat Explore tour? Check out our multi-country Europe tours to tick off multiple romantic destinations in one trip!