A beach remains the quintessential honeymoon destination. Nothing beats that relaxing feeling of lying in a comfortable sun lounger and cooling off with a dip in the clear seawater with your loved one. And while most couples would immediately think of the Maldives or the Caribbean, Europe also has its share of stunning beaches perfect for a honeymoon. Boasting several miles of rugged coastlines with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, Europe is one of the world's best destinations for a beach honeymoon.
If you're looking for inspiration, here's our list of the top five destinations in Europe for beach honeymoons.
Greece
A beach honeymoon in Greece is one of the best ways to begin your life of happily wedded bliss. Home to numerous islands with incredibly stunning beaches, Greece offers endless for your beach honeymoon. Aside from frolicking at the beach, you can combine your honeymoon with fun activities like sightseeing and hiking.
You'll find some of the best beaches in Greece in Crete. Head to Elafonisi Beach, a small islet connected to the rest of the island through a shallow reef you can cross when calm. The islet lies about 82 km northwest of Chania, which you can reach on a boat ride from Paleohora or by driving from Vathi. Another beautiful beach in Crete is Balos, a secluded beach perfect for couples looking for privacy. Beside it is Gramvoussa, an island with a medieval castle.
While in Crete, don't miss the chance to hike the stunning Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's longest canyons and a popular hiking spot in Greece. Visit archaeological sites and museums to learn more about the island's history and culture. Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum are two of the top attractions to see on the island.
Turkey
Turkey is famous for its rich culture and history, but it also has over 7,000 km of coastline, with some of the world's most beautiful beaches. So, if you plan to go to the beach for your honeymoon, you should consider jetting off to Turkey. You'll find the most beautiful beaches in Antalya and Bodrum, flanked by world-class resorts offering luxury amenities for couples. There are also plenty of beach breaks with SNO, great for those looking to plan a trip here with ease.
Sitting in the heart of the bustling city of Antalya, Mermerli Beach is a small city beach right next to a beautiful port. You can stay in one of the luxury hotels in Antalya and access the beach on foot. Here, you'll find facilities like sun beds, restaurants, and bars, making it an ideal option for relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing.
Yahsi Beach, near Bodrum, is a fantastic place to chill out with the love of your life. It has a stunning stretch of golden sands with clean and clear waters and an accessible strip of land. The beach has amenities and offers many fun activities in the surrounding area. It's long and winding, giving you plenty of space to relax and work on your tan.
Italy
Italy is home to some of the world's most romantic cities, making it a popular destination for a honeymoon. But those who prefer a honeymoon by the beach will find numerous options in the country. Italy's beaches range from wide open sandy bays to remote and rugged.
Sardinia offers the ultimate destination for a beach honeymoon in Italy. The Mediterranean Island boasts several miles of picturesque coastline. For a day of relaxation, visit Spiaggia di Is Arutas, a stunning white sand beach with a wooden boardwalk, perfect for romantic walks. You can relax in its calm and clean waters or visit the nearby lagoon, where you can spot flamingos and other bird species.
Sicily is a picturesque tropical island with stunning sandy shores and sunshine gleaming off a sparkling sea. What's great about a honeymoon in Sicily is you will have the opportunity to explore historical sites and indulge in exceptional cuisine, thanks to the wide range of restaurants on the island. For a relaxing day at the beach, visit San Vito Lo Capo in the north-western corner of the island, famous for its fine white sands and crystal-clear waters.
Portugal
Home to some of Europe's most beautiful beaches, Portugal is the perfect destination for a beach honeymoon. From the famous beaches of the Algarve to the sun-soaked bays off Lisbon Coast, Portugal is home to an array of breathtaking shorelines waiting for you to explore on your honeymoon. You will also discover some fantastic villa options in Portugal, great for those staying here.
Albufeira is the most popular destination for a beach holiday in the Algarve region. It's home to Praia da Falésia, one of the region's most stunning beaches, featuring a long stretch of golden sand backed by towering rugged cliffs. The scenic port city of Portimao is another fantastic destination for a beach honeymoon. Head to Praia da Rocha, a golden sand beach with amenities like sunbeds, bars, and restaurants.
If you're in Lisbon, visit Praia dos Galapinhos in Setubal. The sheltered sandy beach boasts crystal-clear waters and sits in the middle of a protected nature reserve - a true paradise on Earth! While in Setubal, take the time to explore the city's historic centre and check out its restaurants and cafes.
Spain
When it comes to a European honeymoon, many couples choose to go to Spain. But aside from exploring its historic cities and discovering its cuisine, take the time to visit its breathtaking sandy beaches. Spain has over 3,000 miles of coastline, making it an ideal choice for a European beach honeymoon.
You'll find some of Spain's beautiful beaches in the rugged region of Asturias. Of these, Playa del Silencio is considered the best. It features a sandy cove backed by natural rocks. While it's not particularly ideal for swimming because of underwater rocks, it's a stunning spot to enjoy a romantic stroll.
The Balearic Islands, which lie on Spain's eastern coast, are home to picturesque islands with incredibly stunning beaches and are an ideal choice for a beach honeymoon. While Ibiza and Mallorca are the most popular, the island of Formentera has its share of quieter and more beautiful beaches, such as the Ses Illetes and Cala Conta.