Key Takeaways
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If you are looking for a honeymoon destination outside India, Europe gives Indian couples plenty of options. You can spend your first holiday together among Greek islands, Italian coastlines, Swiss mountains, or historic cities in France and Austria.
Some countries are ideal for couples who want a luxury vacation with secluded stays and beautiful train journeys through mountains. There are also budget-friendly European countries, such as Montenegro, Slovenia, and Georgia, that offer a honeymoon at a lower cost.
Choose island hopping in Greece, road trips in Italy, mountain stays in Switzerland, wine tasting in France, or coastal holidays in Croatia and Portugal.
Among the 11 honeymoon destinations in Europe, choose the one that best matches the experiences you are looking for.
Quick Guide for a European Honeymoon
Note on Visa: Greece, Italy, Switzerland, France, Croatia, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Austria require a Schengen visa for Indian travellers. Georgia has a separate e-Visa, while Montenegro requires a Montenegrin visa; however, with a valid Schengen visa, you can enter the country.
| Country | Approx. 8 Days Budget in INR (incl. flights) |
| Greece | 2,30,000 |
| Italy | 2,50,000 |
| Switzerland | 2,95,000 |
| France | 2,65,000 |
| Montenegro | 2,00,000 |
| Croatia | 2,25,000 |
| Portugal | 1,90,000 |
| Slovenia | 2,00,000 |
| Georgia | 1,75,000 |
| Spain | 2,30,000 |
| Austria | 2,40,000 |
Important Note: Prices can vary based on the departure city, travel season, hotel category and activities. Make sure to check the detailed visa requirements for the countries you plan to visit.
The Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe For Indians
Just got married and planning a honeymoon, surprising your partner or picking a new destination for this Valentine’s Day? These listed countries suit all these occasions. Now, read in detail about each country and learn what they offer.
1. Greece
For Indian travellers, 8 – 10 days is ideal for two or three destinations in Greece without rushing. The best time to visit is generally from April to October, with May, June, September, and October offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.
Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete are some of the best places to include in your trip. You can visit ancient landmarks, enjoy Greek food, relax on beaches, go island hopping, or simply watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
The Best Experiences in Greece for Couples
- Book a sunset catamaran cruise in Santorini at around 3:30 PM.
- Take a walk together across the white volcanic clay rock formations at Sarakiniko Beach.
- Hire a traditional wooden sailboat and spend the day visiting the Kleftiko Caves.
- Head to the medieval hilltop village of Pyrgos for sunset, then dine at rooftop spots such as Franco’s Cafe and taverns like Penelope’s Ouzeri.
- Visit a traditional cliffside winery, such as Venetsanos, and try local white Assyrtiko wines.
- Swim in the enclosed natural pool of Papafragas Caves in Milos.
- Watch a movie at Kamari Open Air Cinema while you enjoy a cocktail or beer.
2. Italy
With historic cities, coastal towns, lakes, gelato, and delicious food, Italy offers you one of the best honeymoon experiences in Europe. Rome and Milan are the main entry points, with flights available from Delhi and Mumbai. From there, take high-speed trains to reach other places.
Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, the Amalfi Coast, and Lake Como are some of the places you can include in an Italy trip. Each offers a different experience, from ancient landmarks and art galleries to lakeside towns and coastal views.
Top Experiences in Italy
- Rent a traditional wooden gozzo boat with a private skipper to swim in quiet, emerald water and cruise around the cliffs of Capri.
- Arrange an intimate dinner inside the century-old citrus orchards of the O’Parrucchiano La Favorita.
- Join a handmade pasta and risotto cooking class in any major Italian city.
- Rent a vintage car to drive through the medieval hill towns and rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside.
- Board an evening gondola and float down the quiet, narrow canals of Venice.
- Take a workshop with master perfumer Lorenzo Villoresi to learn to blend a custom, personal fragrance that will remind you of your honeymoon.
3. Switzerland
Everyone knows Switzerland is known for its mountains. Only people with a better plan can combine train journeys, lakeside towns, local cuisine, and city stays into a single hassle-free itinerary.
Zurich and Geneva are common tourist destinations. Then Interlaken, Lucerne, Zermatt, Montreux, and the Bernese Oberland can be added if you have extra days, and they are well connected by Switzerland’s rail network from Zurich and Geneva.
June to September is suitable for hiking and lake activities, while December to February is better for skiing and winter stays.
Romantic Activities in Switzerland
- Board the famous Glacier Express in Zermatt to ride through mountain paths and over 291 bridges, in glass-roofed carriages to view the Alps.
- Experience the 72 waterfalls of Lauterbrunnen, walk up to Staubbach Falls, tour the underground Trümmelbach Waterfalls, and hike the valley.
- Travel inside a beautifully restored, 1930s-style wooden rail carriage that takes you through the green valleys of the Bernese Oberland.
- Walk along the quiet flower-lined lakeside promenade of Montreux to see Château de Chillon glowing in the evening lights.
- Try the cheese fondue at Chalet de Gruyères for medieval Alpine village dining.
4. France
Most Indians just imagine Paris, and no other places in France. The French Riviera, Provence, Bordeaux, the Loire Valley, and Alsace offer distinct experiences for honeymoon couples.
However, Paris is the city of love and cannot be missed, so spend three to four days there. Then, over 8 to 12 days, you can combine the capital with one or two regions.
The best time to visit France is May, June, September, and early October for comfortable sightseeing, while Provence’s lavender fields are at their best from late June to July.
French food is another highlight, with bakeries, cheese, regional dishes, and wine experiences varying from one region to another.
Top Experiences in France for Couples
- Have a picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg, beside the central fountain, with some of the French favourites like macarons and croissants.
- Walk along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice around sunset, following the Mediterranean coastline.
- Experience Paris by taking the riverboat from Pont Neuf to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and riverside monuments light up at night.
- See the lavender fields in Provence, especially on the Valensole Lavender Plateau in late June and the first half of July.
- Try wine tasting in Bordeaux in places like Bordeaux Wine Trails and Château du Taillan.
5. Montenegro
If you are looking to combine coastal and mountain destinations, Montenegro is a good option. It is a small country, so you can combine many places without spending long hours travelling between them.
A 7 to 8-day trip is enough for a first visit, with extra days useful if you want to include Lake Skadar or Durmitor National Park.
Montenegro is also more affordable than Croatia, especially for accommodation and dining outside the main waterfront areas.
This is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Europe, if you want a shorter vacation with coastal drives, old towns, boat trips, and mountain views.
Top Experiences in Montenegro
- Have a waterfront dinner at Restaurant Conte in Perast, with a stone terrace dining area overlooking the bay.
- Stroll the Kotor Old Town, a cobblestone maze, after 7 PM for the lantern-lit alleys.
- Drive up the famous Kotor Serpentine, a 25-hairpin road, while looking out over the entire coast from the peaks, and enjoy a picnic at Lovćen National Park.
- Have a glass of Montenegrin red wine at Restaurant Galion and watch boats pass through the bay.
- Spend an evening in Budva Old Town, walk through its medieval stone lanes and dine beside the Adriatic Sea in places like Secret Garden Budva and Citadela Restaurant.
6. Croatia
Croatia combines historic coastal cities, islands, national parks, and Mediterranean cuisine. Dubrovnik and Split are the main spots for the Dalmatian coast. June and September are good months for a coastal holiday, while July and August are hotter and have higher hotel prices.
Ferries and catamarans connect many of the islands, although travel times can vary depending on the route and season.
Croatia is a good choice for couples who want old towns, island trips, seafood, national parks, and time by the Adriatic Sea.
The Best Honeymoon Experiences in Croatia
- Walk through the car-free medieval streets of Rovinj Old Town in the morning, then browse the art galleries.
- Sit on the coastal rocks at Valentino Bar in Rovinj and have a glass of local Malvazija white wine beside the Adriatic Sea.
- In Dubrovnik’s ancient city, walk along the medieval stone walls and limestone streets of Stradun.
- Ride the Dubrovnik Cable Car up Mount Srđ for sunset views of the walled Old Town and the Adriatic Sea.
- Visit the Marco Homemade Ice Cream shop for the best gelato in Korcula.
7. Portugal
If you are planning your vacation in September or October, you can enjoy Portugal’s autumn season, historic cities, beaches, wine regions, and islands with comfortable weather.
Lisbon and Porto are the main cities to include, as they serve as Portugal’s primary transport hubs. Sintra, the Algarve, Douro Valley, Madeira, and the Azores offer different experiences, from hilltop palaces and cliffside beaches to terraced vineyards and volcanic island adventures.
One major recommendation is to rent a car in the Algarve and Alentejo. It gives you easier access to beaches, villages, vineyards, and countryside areas that are not well connected by trains.
Portugal’s Romantic Activities
- Ride the yellow Tram 28 through Lisbon’s Alfama district, passing through narrow streets and some of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods.
- Take a day trip to Sintra to visit Pena Palace, then walk through its bright yellow-and-red terraces.
- Climb to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte in Lisbon around sunset for views of the city’s red rooftops, Castelo de São Jorge and the Tagus River.
- At Terra Nostra Garden on São Miguel Island, relax in a naturally heated geothermal pool surrounded by botanical gardens.
- Go horseback riding along the coastline of Comporta, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the surrounding dunes on the other.
- Walk in the Ribeira, Porto’s busy neighbourhood at sunset, then cross the Luís I Bridge for views of the Douro River and eat at the outdoor-setting restaurants lined up.
8. Slovenia
From Lake Bled and the Julian Alps to Ljubljana and the Adriatic coast, Slovenia is small enough to cover several different landscapes in one trip.
Lake Bled is the primary choice for couples, while Ljubljana is for a city stay and Piran is a coastal point.
With 6 days, couples can cover Bled, Ljubljana, Postojna, and Piran without spending too much time on travelling.
May to September is suitable for outdoor activities, while December gives you lively Christmas markets and winter settings around the Alpine towns.
Top Honeymoon Experiences in Slovenia
- Climb the 99 stone steps to Bled Island’s 17th-century church and ring the wishing bell three times, which is a local tradition for good fortune.
- Have dinner on the terrace of Bled Castle Restaurant with Slovenian dishes and views across Lake Bled and the surrounding mountains.
- Walk the 6-km paved path around Lake Bled early in the morning, stopping at a lakeside cafe for coffee and a traditional Bled Cream Cake.
- Sit at a riverside cafe in Ljubljana’s car-free Old Town beside the Ljubljanica River, with views of the city’s bridges and Baroque buildings.
- Ride the underground train through Postojna Cave to see its large chambers and limestone formations, and continue on foot.
9. Georgia
For a European honeymoon trip with a lower budget, delicious local food, mountain landscapes, and a wine culture, Georgia is a good choice.
Tbilisi, the capital city, is the starting point, while Sighnaghi, Kazbegi, Batumi, and Kutaisi can be added depending on how much time you have.
The best time to visit Georgia is May to June and September to October because the weather is comfortable for city sightseeing and mountain trips.
A 8 to 10-day Georgia itinerary can combine Tbilisi, Kazbegi, Sighnaghi, and Batumi without spending too much time travelling between destinations.
Romantic Experiences in Georgia
- Book a private room in the Abanotubani Sulphur Baths and spend an evening relaxing in naturally warm thermal waters.
- Enjoy Tbilisi nightlife by visiting the bars and live-music venues around Shardeni Street and the Old Town.
- Visit a family-run wine cellar in Sighnaghi to taste Georgian wines made in traditional qvevri clay vessels.
- Experience Batumi by walking along the Black Sea Boulevard and stopping at a seaside cafe.
- Eat fresh Adjarian khachapuri in Batumi, the boat-shaped cheese bread topped with butter and an egg yolk.
- Try Kutaisi’s famous activities and attractions, such as the Kutaisi Botanical Garden and take the cable car over the Rioni River, then visit the iconic Colchis Fountain.
10. Spain
When people think of Spain, Madrid and Barcelona often come to mind. However, Andalusia, the Basque Country, Mallorca, Valencia, and the northern coast offer a variety.
Andalusia is known for Moorish architecture and flamenco. The Basque Country is famous for pintxos and coastal towns, Mallorca for beaches and mountain villages, Valencia for modern architecture, and the northern coast for green landscapes and seaside towns.
Include Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Granada, and Malaga since they are connected by high-speed trains, making itineraries easier to plan.
Food is a major part of the experience, from tapas and pintxos to paella, churros, regional wines, and traditional dishes in each city.
Top Experiences in Spain
- Book a small sailboat in Barcelona to cruise along the coast at sunset with snacks and drinks.
- Watch a live flamenco performance at a tablao (venue) in Seville’s Triana neighbourhood.
- Take a hot-air balloon ride over Segovia at sunrise for views of the medieval city and surrounding countryside.
- Visit a winery in Rioja Alavesa for a tasting of Tempranillo wines and lunch among the vineyards.
- Stay in a cave house beneath the rock overhangs of Setenil de las Bodegas in Andalusia.
- Take a boat across Lake Martel inside the Caves of Drach in Mallorca and listen to a classical music performance inside the cave.
11. Austria
Vienna and Salzburg are the main stops because they offer Austria’s history, classical music, palaces, museums, and historic old towns.
Hallstatt is ideal for lakeside stays, Innsbruck for Alpine activities, Zell am See for mountain and lake views, and the Wachau Valley for vineyard visits and Danube cruises.
Also, Austria is one of the best countries to visit in December if skiing, snowy Alpine landscapes, Christmas markets, and mountain stays are your priority.
The Best Romantic Experiences in Austria
- Have an afternoon coffee and Apfelstrudel at Cafe Central in Vienna, one of the city’s historic coffeehouses.
- Attend a classical concert at Vienna’s Musikverein to hear works by composers such as Mozart and Strauss inside the historic concert hall.
- Take a train through the Semmering Pass along the historic Semmering Railway, crossing stone viaducts and mountain tunnels between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag.
- Visit the ice caves at Eisriesenwelt near Werfen and take the cable car and mountain path to reach the entrance of the world’s largest ice cave system.
- Take a traditional boat across Lake Hallstatt and see the Dachstein mountains and houses along the shoreline.
Conclusion
A European honeymoon can be planned around the kind of activities you both want rather than choosing a country only for its name.
Greece and Croatia are best for couples who want beaches and island trips, while Italy and France have the best food culture and romantic stays.
Switzerland and Austria are better suited to couples who want mountains, lakes, and train journeys. Portugal and Spain offer a mix of beaches, historic cities, food, and countryside, while Montenegro, Slovenia, and Georgia give you a reasonable trip cost.
To plan your honeymoon with ease, contact Dimaak Tours. We will sort out the flights, hotels, activities and romantic dinners so you have a memorable honeymoon.
FAQs on the Best Places to Visit in Europe for a Honeymoon
1. Which European countries are good for a budget honeymoon?
Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia, and Georgia are good options for a low-cost European honeymoon. Accommodation, food, activities and local travel can be less expensive than in destinations such as Switzerland, France, and Italy.
2. How to choose the best honeymoon place in Europe?
Choose based on your budget, preferred experiences, trip duration, visa requirements, travel season, and flight connectivity from India.
3. Which European destination is best for beaches?
Greece, Croatia, Portugal, Montenegro, Italy, and Spain are the best for beaches. Greece is suitable for island hopping, while Croatia and Montenegro offer Adriatic coastlines and boat trips.
4. Which European honeymoon destination is best for mountains?
Switzerland is the best choice for couples who want an Alpine setting with glaciers, lakes, and mountain towns.
