Your Ultimate Guide To Planning A European Honeymoon
You’ve said ‘yes,’ the wedding plans are coming together, and now it’s time to turn your attention to the trip of a lifetime – your honeymoon!
A European honeymoon, especially in the Mediterranean, promises sun-drenched coastlines, charming historic towns, and the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. But before you start picturing yourselves sipping wine in Tuscany or sailing the Amalfi Coast, there are a few key things to consider to make sure your trip is as magical as the big day itself.
1. Setting a honeymoon budget
Your European honeymoon should be nothing short of unforgettable, but before you get lost in a sea of Pinterest-worthy destinations, it’s important to set a realistic budget alongside your wedding budget. If your wedding costs start to escalate, would you be prepared to use some of your honeymoon budget, or is it a non-negotiable? Consider how much you want to spend overall and break it down into key areas that are a priority for you: flights (do you want to upgrade), accommodation, food, experiences, and transport. Planning ahead means fewer surprises and more room for indulgence, because champagne toasts at sunset are a necessity on your honeymoon!
2. Choosing the perfect destination
The Mediterranean is packed with honeymoon-worthy destinations, so how do you choose? Start by asking yourselves what kind of experience you want. Are you dreaming of iconic romance in Venice? Secluded beaches in Croatia? Wine-tasting in Tuscany? If you want a mix of adventure and relaxation, destinations like Mallorca and the Amalfi Coast offer a good balance of exploring and unwinding. Also, don’t be afraid to mix and match, some countries are just a quick plane hop away or a drive across a border —Italy and Greece, or France and Spain, pair beautifully together.
3. Timing your trip
The beauty of a European honeymoon is it will be magical no matter when you go, but timing makes all the difference. Summer (June–August) may offer the best beach weather but it also sees the biggest crowds and highest prices. For a more relaxed and romantic experience, consider the shoulder seasons (May, September, and early October), when the Mediterranean is still warm, but the crowds have thinned, and hotel prices are a little kinder. When you get married doesn’t have to dictate when you go on honeymoon. Maybe you have a small local break and then plan your honeymoon weeks, or months, later.
4. Planning your itinerary (without overdoing it)!
It’s tempting to cram in as many dreamy locations as possible, but remember your honeymoon is about celebrating you two. After months (or years) of wedding planning, you may find you simply want to fly to a beautiful hotel or resort and chill. Try to avoid the temptation to over-schedule. Whether you’re hopping between Greek islands or road-tripping through Tuscany, leave room for spontaneous moments like a long, lazy lunch in a sunny piazza or stumbling upon a hidden cove in the South of France. A mix of sightseeing and downtime will give you the best of both worlds.
5. Picking the right accommodation
Where you stay sets the tone for your honeymoon. The Mediterranean is home to some of the world’s most romantic stays, from cliffside villas in Positano to charming riads in Lisbon. Decide whether you want the all-out luxury of a five-star resort, the charm of a boutique hotel, or the privacy of a honeymoon-worthy Airbnb. And if you’re staying in multiple destinations, consider splurging on at least one extra-special stay, maybe a sea-view suite with a private plunge pool in Santorini or a vineyard estate in Tuscany.
6. Dining experiences
A European honeymoon wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some of the world’s most incredible food and the Mediterranean is a dream for food lovers. My mouth is watering just thinking about fresh seafood by the coast, rustic Italian pasta in a family-run trattoria, or wine and cheese tastings in Provence. Research a few must-visit restaurants but leave room for spontaneous discoveries—sometimes, the best meals come from a tucked-away taverna you stumble upon while exploring.
7. Getting around
While the Mediterranean is easy to navigate, it’s worth considering how you’ll get from A to B. If you’re island-hopping in Greece or Croatia, ferries and speedboats are your best bet, while in Italy, high-speed trains make city-hopping effortless. Renting a car in regions like Tuscany or Provence allows you to explore at your own pace, however car hire isn’t always the best option in places such as the Amalfi Coast where roads are tight and parking is tricky. Private transfers can definitely add a touch of luxury when you just want to relax and enjoy the scenery.
8. The extras that make it special
Little touches can make your honeymoon even more magical. Think of booking a private boat trip along the Amalfi Coast, a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards of Spain, or a couples’ spa day in a clifftop resort. Never be afraid to mention you’re on your honeymoon, many hotels offer honeymoon perks like champagne on arrival or room upgrades.
9. Packing smart
Packing for your Mediterranean honeymoon is all about effortless style. Lightweight fabrics, breezy dresses, comfortable sandals, and chic swimwear are essentials during the summer months. A stylish sunhat and a good book for beach days are must-haves, and don’t forget a portable phone charger for all those stunning sunset shots. Keep luggage light if you’re moving around a lot, and never pack medication or valuables in your hold luggage, always keep it in your hand luggage (yes, I’m talking wedding and engagement rings). Always check the weather for your destinations so you have a good idea of what to pack – my go-to is AccuWeather for their 10 day forecasts.
10. Don’t wait to get travel insurance
It’s definitely not the most glamorous side of honeymoon planning, but travel insurance shouldn’t be a last-minute tick box. As soon as you book anything – flights, accommodation, transfers, even experiences, it’s wise to get insured. This will protect you if anything unexpected crops up before you travel. Think of it as peace of mind for both your trip and your planning process. Get it arranged early so you can then focus on the exciting bits.
With its mix of romance, adventure, and laid-back luxury, a European honeymoon in the Mediterranean is the perfect way to start your new chapter together. The key is to plan just enough, but leave space for those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Now, where to first?
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FAQs
The ideal time is during the shoulder seasons; late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October),when the weather is pleasant, and crowds are fewer.
It’s recommended to start planning at least 6-9 months in advance to secure the best deals on flights and accommodations.
Plan special experiences like private dinners, sunset cruises, or scenic walks. Choosing accommodations with charm or a view, and including activities that reflect your shared interests, can make the trip extra memorable.
Yes, travel insurance is definitely recommended to cover unexpected events such as flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. It gives peace of mind while traveling abroad.
