10 romantic honeymoon destinations in Europe
Updated 23 July 2026.
Don't want to fly far for your honeymoon? Europe has plenty of perfect romantic spots. From Tuscan vineyards to Greek island sunsets.
The cheapest romantic honeymoon destinations in Europe are Porto, the Algarve, Croatia (Hvar + Dubrovnik), Montenegro and Prague: all achievable from 700-1,200 euros per person including flights for a week. The best times are May and September: warm enough for beach and sitting outside, 20-40% cheaper than August and significantly less crowded.
1. Santorini, Greece
Whitewashed villages on volcanic cliffs, sunset at Oia, infinity pools. Best in May-June or September. €1500-€2500 for a week.
2. Tuscany, Italy
Vineyards, cypress avenues, Renaissance towns. Rent an agriturismo. Combine Florence + Siena + Chianti by car. €1200/week.
3. Algarve, Portugal
Hidden coves, golden cliffs, fresh seafood. Less crowded than Greece. €900/week. Best months May, June and September.
4. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Positano, Ravello, Amalfi. Cliff hotels with sea views. Premium prices in high season (€2500+/week). Quieter and cheaper in May.
5. Mallorca interior
Skip the beach resorts; go to Soller, Deia, Valldemossa. Olive groves, mountain villages, tiny coves. €1100/week.
6. Lake Como, Italy
Villas of George Clooney and friends. Belaggio and Varenna are most romantic. €1300/week.
7. Provence, France
Lavender fields (June-July), Côte d'Azur villages, Aix-en-Provence markets. €1400/week including a rental car.
8. Lisbon + Sintra, Portugal
Romantic city break with fairytale castles in Sintra. €700-€1000 for 5 days. Year-round.
9. Croatia: Hvar + Korčula
Greek-island vibes at lower prices. Sailing day trips, lavender fields, hidden beaches. €1200/week.
10. Scottish Highlands
If you prefer dramatic landscapes over beaches. Stay at Glen Affric or Skye. €1100/week.
Top honeymoon cities in Europe
Venice is the classic choice but extremely crowded and expensive in summer. Consider instead Verona (Romeo and Juliet, the Arena, Lake Garda) or the Amalfi Coast in September-October for a quieter alternative. For a special experience: the Algarve coast at Praia da Marinha in spring, or Dubrovnik in early June before the cruise-ship crowds arrive.
Santorini is iconic but costs 300-500 euros per night in August. September and October are considerably cheaper (200-300 euros) with virtually identical views and far fewer crowds. Oia has the most beautiful sunset; reserve 6-12 months ahead for the best restaurants.
How to save money on a European honeymoon
Travel in shoulder season (May, early June, September, October): prices at top hotels drop 30-50% compared to August. Book flights early (3-4 months for summer travel). Look for hotels with included breakfast - often a saving of 30-50 euros per day. For a luxury experience at a fraction of the cost, choose boutique hotels over famous chain brands: a four-star boutique hotel in Dubrovnik old town can cost 120-180 euros per night while comparable rooms in big hotel chains start at 250-350 euros.
Best months for a honeymoon in Europe
May is the best overall: warm weather (20-26 degrees in Southern Europe), less crowded than summer, spring flowers in bloom, and prices 20-40% lower than August. September is the runner-up: sea temperatures are at their peak for swimming, crowds thin out, and most attractions are still fully open. Avoid August if budget matters - it is the most expensive month for accommodation in all of Southern and Eastern Europe.
Cheap honeymoon destinations in Europe: by budget
A honeymoon in Europe doesn't have to be extremely expensive. These are the best options by budget level:
- Budget up to 1,000 euros p.p.: Porto (romantic river city, port wine, azulejo facades, Douro Valley day trip), Prague (medieval architecture, great food for little money, romantic bridges), Montenegro (Kotor Bay, Boka Kotorska, swimming in the Adriatic)
- Mid-range 1,000-1,800 euros p.p.: Algarve (golden cliffs, hidden coves, the Algarve's secret beaches), Croatia-Hvar (lavender, sailing day trips, historic city walls), Lisbon + Sintra (fairy-tale castles 30 minutes from the city, fado cafes)
- Luxury 1,800-3,000 euros p.p.: Santorini (infinity pools, caldera sunset in Oia, best in September for fewer crowds), Tuscany (agriturismo in Chianti, Florence day trip, late-September atmosphere), Amalfi Coast (Positano, Ravello, Capri ferry)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a honeymoon in Europe?
May and September are the best months: pleasantly warm (20-26 degrees in Southern Europe), less crowded than the summer peak and 20-40% cheaper than August. The sea is at its warmest in September for swimming. Avoid August if budget matters - it is the most expensive month for accommodation across Southern and Eastern Europe.
What are the most romantic destinations in Europe?
Venice, Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, Dubrovnik and the Algarve are the classic romantic destinations. Alternatives for fewer crowds and lower costs: Verona, the Azores, Montenegro (Kotor) and the Croatian islands (Hvar, Brac) outside high season.
How expensive is a European honeymoon?
A week-long honeymoon in Europe costs roughly 800-2,500 euros per person, depending on destination and accommodation level. A romantic week in Prague or Porto costs around 800-1,200 euros p.p. including flight and 4-star guesthouse. Santorini or Venice in summer easily costs 1,800-3,000 euros p.p.
What are the cheapest romantic honeymoon destinations in Europe?
The most budget-friendly romantic destinations are Porto, the Algarve (Portugal), Croatia (Hvar, Dubrovnik), Montenegro (Kotor), Prague and Verona. Porto and Montenegro are the real hidden gems: beautiful architecture, good wine, fantastic food and not yet overwhelmed by tourism. A week of romantic Prague or Porto costs from 700-1,000 euros per person including flights and accommodation. Compare this with Santorini (1,500-2,500 euros) or the Amalfi Coast (2,000+ euros) in summer.