Europe is such a rich honeymoon playground with so much choice, it can be difficult deciding where to go. It has iconic cities, countryside and coastlines all waiting to seduce you both, and you’ll never have to fly more than four hours or so. Of course, if you want sunbathing weather, it’s best to travel in summer, although the further south you go, the better chance of finding year-round winter sun.

A good tip is to honeymoon in some of Europe’s most popular destinations in the shoulder seasons, which usually means May/June and Sept/October when the crowds have gone and it’s not so blazing hot. Of course a wintery Arctic honeymoon will be the ultimate in romance for some.

Here are some suggestions of the best places to go and where to book it. And remember to tell your hotel or tour operator that this is your honeymoon as there may be extras that they will include for you such as flowers or champagne in the room or perhaps a private dinner for two.
Cities
Europe’s cities are sought after by travellers worldwide, but here they are right on your honeymoon doorstep, so why not take advantage of them. What could be more straightforward than booking Eurostar (first class if you can after a night at the ultra romantic St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel) right to the heart of Paris. This selection of luxury hotels includes the five-star boutique Balzac in a former private residence and the charming Relais Christine hidden away on the Left Bank.

Venice is another classic example of a city that never disappoints. Take a gondola ride, sigh over the Bridge of Sighs, tour the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and sunbathe at The Lido

As well as the iconic cities, there are so many incredible ‘secondary cities’ that are often even more rewarding. When visiting Rome, why not add in Florence and Siena too? Andalucía in Southern Spain is a particularly rich in this respect with Seville, Cordoba and Granada to explore. Kirker Holidays offers great city combination honeymoons staying in historic boutique hotels that are infused with style and romance.

In Italy, Abercrombie & Kent recommends the Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte Hotel, in the heart of Florence.

See my pick of the best honeymoons in Italy.
Coast and countryside
Italy’s Amalfi Coast is perfect for honeymooners with iconic towns like Sorrento to explore, craggy coves and delicious cuisine, not to mention incredible history, culture and natural sights from Pompeii to Mount Vesuvius. Classic Collection can organise a honeymoon to the best hotels in the region including the contemporary Casa Angelina which has its own private beach.

In Tuscany, you can stay at the historic Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco set within the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia Natural Park, with truffle-hunting and pasta-making on offer, or take a  Tuscan Food & Wine private tour with your own car and driver.

Don’t forget the Canaries where Tenerife is my pick. It’s a great year-round option with direct flights from across the UK and lots of activities to keep you entertained, from whale watching to climbing Mount Teide. Best places to stay include the adults-only Red Level at Gran Melia Palacio de Isora, and the fabulous The Ritz-Carlton Abama.

Turkey has been climbing up the honeymoon hit list steadily as its hotels improve and the world wakes up to its authentic charms and value for money. It’s a four-hour flight with a reliably sunny year round climate, stunning coast and heritage to rival any Mediterranean destination. Turkey has a range of charming places to stay including the Kalkan Regency, which is for adults only outside of the school holidays, and the Mandarin Boutique Hotel in unspoilt countryside near the resorts of Fethiye and Oludeniz.

And don’t forget lakes – I’m talking about the gorgeous Italian Lakes which are great value in summer.  The classic include Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Iseo.
Islands
Europe has an incredibly diverse amount of island destinations. And I always think there’s something ultra romantic about honeymooning on an island.

Madeira is a great option, and surprisingly hip with everything from extreme sports to traditional quintas (manor houses) converted into boutique hotels, all with romantic garden settings.

The Greek Islands take some beating when it comes to honeymoons. Easy to get to and yet exotic, laid back and yet exciting, there’s an island for every kind of couple. For romance it’s hard to beat Santorini while party people should check out Mykonos. For under the radar hideaways in the Greek Islands, head to i-escape.

If you want more privacy, rent one of these villas for two in Greece, many of which have their own swimming pool. Or choose one of these charming boutique hotels for adults only including the Purple Apricot Hotel on the chilled-out island of Paxos.

I’m a big fan of the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera) as they all combine old school Med with innovative design and a happening vibe. They have that exciting feel you get from an island destination and all have strong cultures all of their own. Mallorca is the perfect honeymoon island where you can combine the hip capital of Palma with a rural idyll by the sea. Vintage Travel has a great collection of villas for two.

Ibiza is one of my favourite islands in the world – I love its laid-back vibe and artistic energy. This range of accommodation from i-escape includes this seriously hip retreat with a Balinese spa, three restaurants, chill-out area with day beds and DJs at night.

The Italian island of Sardinia is closer to Africa than Italy and a tried and tested honeymoon spot with charming hotels such as the small and friendly Hotel Villa del Golfo Lifestyle Resort set on a beautiful bay, and the Hotel Abi d’Oru, a luxurious resort overlooking the Gulf of Marinella.

Capri off the Amalfi Coast is one of those chichi islands known as a hangout for celebs and millionaires. You’re not going to find a bargain here, but you are going to find a classy, memorable honeymoon with superb service and style. Kirker Holidays features ones of the most elegant hotels in the Med, the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa with sensational views across the Bay of Naples.

The French island of Corsica has a sophistication and old world charm. Add in powder white sand, dramatic mountains and historic towns, and why would you bother flying long haul? Corsican Places is one of the leading specialists on the island offering hotels, villas and apartments across most budgets.

For something different, honeymooners can find romance in the Scottish islands with McKinlay Kidd who can send you off on an island odyssey to Arran, Islay, Iona, the Outer Hebrides, Orkneys or Shetlands.
Touring
Europe has a long tradition of touring holidays. The Grand Tour was an aristocratic institution in the early 20th century. These days, what better opportunity to take an extended tour of Europe than your honeymoon.

For something active, book a walking and cycling honeymoons for foodies. You can explore some of the most beautiful unspoilt regions of Europe – and the best thing is, your bags are taken from hotel to hotel for you. For example, you could walk in Catalonia or explore Burgundy by Bike with plenty of wine tastings along the way.

If you really fancy exploring destinations, a great solution is a honeymoon cruise. Star Clippers is one of the most romantic with its tall sailing ships. Itineraries include the Greek Islands, the turquoise waters off Turkey’s coastline, mini moons along the Riviera Coast and cruises to Italy, Corsica, Sicily, Montenegro and Croatia. As these ships are much smaller and more intimate than mega liners, they are able to drop anchor in picturesque bays and harbours. Find out more.
UK countryside
Scotland offers lush countryside, warm hospitality in country house hotels, dolphin watching, whisky tasting and moonlit kayaking. I love this indulgent Luxury Honeymoon  in Edinburgh, Loch Ness and a private island hotel.

For something different you could rent one of these big houses for a wedding or reception (then perhaps sneak away for some time to yourselves). Examples include the spectacular Chateau Romantic in France which can host up to 80 guests overnight, and XVIII Century Manor in Tuscany which sleeps 33.

Arctic
If you want to push further north, an Arctic honeymoon will have you oohing and arrhing at the snowy landscapes of Finnish Lapland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. Stay in a glass igloo and marvel at the Northern Lights above or chill out in a luxury tepee with a private hot tub after a day’s husky sledding. Regent Holidays also offers some fabulous honeymoons in Iceland where it recommends the Hotel Ranga, a cosy four-star rural retreat with great views of the Northern Lights. In Reykjavik, try the gorgeous art-deco Hotel Borg.

Mini moons
Europe is great for mini moons – romantic getaways of about two to four days when you don’t have enough time for a fully blown honeymoon or are saving your big trip until later. Of course the UK is a great choice. See my full list of mini moon ideas.