Couple walking on a sandy beach at sunset
Couple embracing on a beach at sunset
Couple holding hands at sunset with palm trees
Couple holding hands against a sunset with palm trees.
Couple walks hand-in-hand along the shore.

Honeymoon

The most romantic honeymoon destinations: from the Maldives to Tuscany. Inspiration and tips for your wedding trip.

Where should you go on your honeymoon?

The most popular honeymoon destinations are the Maldives, Santorini, Mauritius, Bali, the Seychelles and the Amalfi Coast. Long-haul destinations like the Maldives are ideal from November to April, Santorini and the Amalfi Coast from May to October. Plan 6 to 12 months ahead and mention your honeymoon when booking.

What makes a honeymoon so special?

The honeymoon is more than just a holiday -- it is the beginning of a shared adventure. It is the first trip as a married couple, the time when you leave the wedding stress behind and fully enjoy being together.

Whether a tropical island paradise, a romantic Mediterranean coast or an exotic long-haul destination -- the perfect honeymoon is based on your shared dreams. Some couples just want to lounge by the pool, others seek adventure and culture.

In this guide we present the six most romantic honeymoon destinations and give you tips to make your honeymoon as dreamy as the wedding itself.

Which honeymoon destinations are the most romantic?

Dream destinations for newlyweds -- from close by to exotic.

1

Maldives

Maldives

The classic among honeymoon destinations: overwater villas, turquoise lagoons, private beach dinners, and absolute intimacy. The Maldives are pure romance – each island is its own resort, secluded from the rest of the world.

Best time: November to AprilBudget: $$$$Flight time: approximately 10 hours from Germany

Highlights:

Private overwater villas with glass floors
Dinner on the beach under the stars
Snorkelling at the house reef
Couples' spa treatments over the water
2

Santorini

Greece

The island with its iconic blue domes and white houses is a dream for lovers. Sunsets in Oia, wine tastings at the caldera, and romantic alleys make Santorini the perfect short-haul honeymoon.

Best time: May to OctoberBudget: $$$Flight time: approximately 3 hours from Germany

Highlights:

Sunset in Oia – the most famous in the world
Private cave hotels with caldera views
Wine tasting at Santo Wines
Catamaran tour around the island
3

Mauritius

Mauritius

A tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean with turquoise lagoons, luxurious resorts, and a fascinating mix of cultures. Mauritius offers more than just beaches: waterfalls, botanical gardens, and top-notch cuisine.

Best time: May to DecemberBudget: $$$Flight time: approximately 11 hours from Germany

Highlights:

Le Morne Brabant with turquoise lagoon
Chamarel waterfall and Seven Coloured Earth
Luxury resorts on the west coast
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
4

Bali

Indonesia

The island of the gods combines luxury resorts with a spiritual atmosphere. Private pool villas in Ubud, beach clubs in Seminyak, and temple visits at sunrise – Bali offers honeymoon experiences for every budget.

Best time: April to OctoberBudget: $$Flight time: approximately 14 hours from Germany

Highlights:

Private pool villas in Ubud
Tanah Lot temple at sunset
Spa treatments in tropical gardens
Tegallalang rice terraces
5

Seychelles

Seychelles

Granite rocks, palm-fringed beaches, and crystal-clear waters: the Seychelles are among the most spectacular islands in the world. Less touristy than the Maldives, but with unique nature and giant tortoises.

Best time: April to May, October to NovemberBudget: $$$$Flight time: approximately 10 hours from Germany

Highlights:

Anse Source d'Argent – the most beautiful beach in the world
Giant tortoises on Curieuse Island
Vallee de Mai National Park (UNESCO)
Island hopping by boat
6

Amalfi Coast

Italy

Colourful villages on steep cliffs, lemon groves, Vespa rides, and the best cuisine in the world. The Amalfi Coast is pure Dolce Vita and perfect for couples who want to combine romance with culture and culinary delights.

Best time: May to OctoberBudget: $$$Flight time: approximately 2 hours from Germany (+ travel time)

Highlights:

Positano – the postcard village
Boat trip to the island of Capri
Limoncello tasting in Ravello
Path of the Gods hike

How do honeymoon destinations compare on budget and season?

The 6 destinations differ mainly in budget, travel time and best season, for example Maldives (Nov–Apr), Santorini (May–Oct) and Mauritius (May–Dec). The table compares all values side by side.

DestinationBudgetFlight timeSeasonType
Maldives$$$$10hNov–AprLuxury Island
Santorini$$$3hMay–OctRomantic Island
Mauritius$$$11hMay–DecTropical Versatility
Bali$$14hApr–OctSpiritual Luxury
Seychelles$$$$10hApr–MayNature Paradise
Amalfi Coast$$$2hMay–OctCulture & Culinary

What tips help when planning a honeymoon?

These 10 tips help most, above all: Take Advantage of Honeymoon Offers, Don’t Fly Directly After the Wedding and Get Travel Insurance. The details for each point follow below.

1

Take Advantage of Honeymoon Offers

Many luxury hotels offer special honeymoon packages with upgrades, champagne, and spa treatments. Always mention that it’s a honeymoon when booking.

2

Don’t Fly Directly After the Wedding

Plan for a 2-3 day buffer between the wedding and departure. After the wedding stress, you’ll need some sleep before heading to paradise.

3

Get Travel Insurance

Especially for expensive long-haul trips, travel cancellation insurance is essential. A foreign health insurance policy should also be standard.

4

Use Monetary Gifts for the Trip

Instead of wedding gifts, ask for contributions towards the honeymoon. Many platforms allow you to offer individual travel experiences as gifts.

5

Choose Off-Peak Season

The Maldives in May or Santorini in October are just as beautiful but up to 40% cheaper. The off-peak season is ideal for honeymoons – fewer tourists.

6

Plan a Surprise

Surprise your partner with a special experience: a private dinner on the beach, a helicopter flight, or a couples massage. Hotels are happy to assist with the organisation.

7

Check Visa and Vaccination Requirements

For long-haul trips, check visa requirements and recommended vaccinations in advance. Some vaccinations need to be done weeks beforehand.

8

Avoid Double Last Names

Your passport and flight ticket must match. If you change your name after the wedding, it could cause issues. The safest option: book your travel under your old name.

9

Experiences Instead of Just Beach Time

The best honeymoons are those you remember. Plan adventures alongside beach days: snorkelling, cooking classes, sunrise hikes.

10

Book a Photographer

A professional photoshoot at your honeymoon destination is a beautiful keepsake. Many destinations have affordable local photographers.

Which tools help you plan?

3 free HolidayGenie tools help you plan: Budget-Rechner, Packliste and Urlaubsfinder. They run directly in your browser and complement the destination tips on this page.

Frequently asked questions

Which are the best honeymoon destinations?

The most popular honeymoon destinations are the Maldives with private overwater villas, Santorini with its iconic sunsets, the Seychelles with their granite beaches, as well as Bali and Mauritius. Within Europe, the Amalfi Coast is a romantic alternative with a short journey. The choice depends on your budget, preferred travel season and whether you prefer beach, culture or adventure.

When should you start planning your honeymoon?

Ideally, start planning 6 to 12 months before the wedding. Especially for long-haul trips to the Maldives or the Seychelles you should book early, as popular resorts fill up quickly. Allow 2–3 days between the wedding and departure so you can leave the wedding stress behind before heading to paradise.

How much does a honeymoon cost on average?

Honeymoon costs vary greatly by destination and expectations. A week in Bali costs from about 2,000 euros per person including flights and a pool villa, while the Maldives or Seychelles cost 4,000 to 8,000 euros per person. Santorini and the Amalfi Coast are mid-range at 2,500 to 5,000 euros. Many hotels offer special honeymoon packages with upgrades and extras.

What makes a honeymoon different from a normal holiday?

A honeymoon is your first trip as a married couple and therefore a special occasion beyond an ordinary holiday. Many couples deliberately treat themselves to more luxury than usual, such as private villas, candlelit dinners on the beach or couples’ spa treatments. Many hotels also offer free honeymoon extras such as champagne, flower decorations or room upgrades if you mention your honeymoon when booking.

When is the best time for a honeymoon?

It depends on the destination: the Maldives are ideal from November to April, Santorini and the Amalfi Coast from May to October, and Bali from April to October. Travelling in the off-season can save up to 40 percent and means fewer tourists. For a winter wedding, tropical destinations such as the Maldives or Mauritius are particularly suitable.

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Which other holiday types might suit you?

If you like Honeymoon, you may also enjoy Pärchenurlaub, Luxusurlaub and Strandurlaub. For every holiday type we show the best destinations with travel season, budget and insider tips.

Couples' holiday
Luxury holiday
Beach holiday

Ready for the trip of a lifetime?

Plan your dream honeymoon and start married life with unforgettable memories.