Many couples dream of a honeymoon in Europe, and for a good reason since European destinations offer spectacular scenery, beaches, fun activities and delicious cuisine. Whether you are visiting just one country or planning a trip though many famous vacation spots, here are some of the top romantic ideas in Europe. While you are probably excited to create a busy itinerary full of museums and sightseeing tours, remember to leave some time for relaxing with a massage, room service and romantic moments together on the beach or on the balcony of your room overlooking a historic city. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.
1. Portugal
Portugal is a diverse destination, home to sunny beaches, beautiful cities, romantic castles and vineyards producing some of the best wine in the world. Lisbon, the country's capital city, is the best place to start your honeymoon, featuring historic landmarks, warm weather, great shops and friendly locals. Afterwards, head to the nearby Sintra where you can see the famous Pena's Palace and other grand castles. Porto in northern Portugal is a vibrant coastal city where you can listen to live music, sip fine port wine and enjoy ocean views.
The historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the perfect place for a romantic stroll. For some of the best beaches and the most dramatic coastal scenery in Europe head to the Algarve region in the south. This is one of the most popular tourist spots, complete with great spas, restaurants and scenic hotels. Mild Mediterranean climate makes Algarve a great place to visit year-round. If you have time, fly to the Azores for some fantastic scuba diving and secluded beaches. Find more honeymoon ideas.
2. Finland
From incredible Northern Lights and clear night skies to cross-country skiing and scenic lakes, Finland is a destination for couples who like adventure. Helsinki, the capital city, provides a great base for exploring the southern part of the country.
Check into a stylish hotel to explore the city's Art Nouveau architecture, have drinks at a local bar and visit the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum which features centuries-old Finland buildings collected from all over the country. If you want to see the Aurora Borealis, head to Lapland in the north between late September and March where you can also experience raindeer safaris, go cross-country skiing and sleep in an igloo.
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3. Scotland
Some of the top attractions in Scotland include the National Museum of Scotland where you can admire ancient artefacts, Edinburgh Castle which towers high above the city, and Scottish National Gallery which houses famous art works by Raphael, Monet, Van Gogh and Scottish artists. Glasgow Science Centre is a great place for interactive exhibits, IMAX movies and shows at the planetarium.
Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness in the Highlands dates back over 1,000 years. Scotland is home to hundreds of islands, rivers, lochs and over thousands of miles of scenic coastline. Fly to Orkney Islands where you will find rugged cliffs, diverse wildlife, romantic beaches and 18 hours of daylight in the summer.
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4.Monaco
Monaco is a great destination for couples who enjoy luxury accommodations, clubbing, casinos, five star dining and boutique shopping. Stay in a hotel just steps from the beach or high up on the hill for a bird's eye view of the sea. Monaco is located on the French Riviera between Italy and France. Some of the top attractions include luxury casinos, opera performances, the Grand Prix which takes place in May and the Prince's Palace where you can watch the daily changing of the guard at noon.
The Oceanographic Museum houses a huge whale skeleton, shark lagoon pool and Tortoise Island. Port Hercule in Monte Carlo is one of the top photographed spots in Europe. Stroll through Jardin Exotique to admire huge cacti, a cave and spectacular views of the sea below.
Where to travel next: Vienna and Berlin
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5. Spain
From famous cultural attractions to some of the best beaches in Europe, Spain is one of the top honeymoon destinations with many romantic things to see and do. In Madrid, visit the Royal Palace, watch the best flamenco dancers in the world, taste delicious tapas and spend some time at the Prado, one of the world's top museums. Barcelona is home famous Gaudi buildings, including Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Park Guell and La Pedrera. The city has many grand music venues featuring classical music, jazz and other music performances. Visit the Museu Picasso in Barcelona to view the biggest collection of Pablo Picasso art.
Valencia is another amazing coastal city, home to Europe's largest aquarium, a beautiful old town with cobbled streets and many historic attractions such as the Valencia Cathedral and La Almoina Archaeological Museum. Beach lovers should head to La Concha in San Sebastian, a long stretch of sand lined with hotels, restaurants and cafes. If you have time, get away to the party island of Ibiza, Spain which has a great selection of beaches, night clubs and dining.
Where to travel next: Prague, Madrid, Dublin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Copenhagen and Budapest.
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6. Italy
Italy is home to some of the world's most photographed travel spots, such as the Colosseum in Rome, the Grand Canal in Venice, the cliffs of Amalfi, and Michelangelo's David in Florence. The country offers a diverse choice of romantic hotels for all budgets, from five star villas to more affordable hotels and B&Bs. Fly to Rome or Venice where you can spend a few nights taking in the sights. Italy has a very good train system which means that you can get almost everywhere without renting a car if you don't feel comfortable driving.
Next read: Best Time to Visit Stockholm, Sweden & Other Travel Tips
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7. Slovenia
Slovenia is a hidden gem, home to stunning lakes, valleys, fantastic hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. One of the first things you notice is that people are genuinely friendly and excited to share their stories with travelers. Whether you are interested in historic castles, caves, or local cuisine, your vacation in Slovenia will be filled with fun adventures. The capital city of Ljubljana is the best place to start your trip. In the summer, there are many outdoor music concerts, cafes next to the river, and scenic views from the castle above the city. In the winter, the historic city center comes alive with holiday decorations, music and unique open-air shops.
Bled is one of the most romantic towns in Europe, surrounded by picturesque mountain and lake views. There are several great hotels which offer rooms and suites with a view of the lake, perfect for honeymooners. Slovenian wellness centers are excellent and built around natural hot springs. Check into a spa resort for a few days and enjoy relaxing massages, pools and healthy cuisine.
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8. France
France is a diverse destination with many beautiful honeymoon spots, including the beaches in the south, famous attractions in Paris, the island of Corsica and the Loire Valley. In Paris, check into a five star hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower, visit famous museums and dine at gourmet restaurants. Explore the wine country, hike in the Alps and check into a romantic hotel on the French Riviera.
Romantic honeymoon ideas & weekend trips in the United States.
Next read: Best Time to Visit Paris, France & Other Travel Tips
9.Iceland
The scenery in Iceland is dramatic and beautiful. Couples get to choose from activities and attractions like the breathtaking Auroral Borealis displays, active geysers, beautiful coastal towns and rejuvenating spas. The capital city of Reykjavik is small but offers vibrant nightlife, beautiful parks and a charming city center.
Check into the Blue Lagoon for a few days, a famous spa resort powered by geothermal water. The north coast of Ireland is the best place in Europe to see whales. More vacation ideas: 16 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik.
Next read: 16 Best Things to Do in Reykjavik, Iceland and Best Time to Visit Reykjavik, Iceland & Other Travel Tips
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10. Greece
The Greek islands are scenic and romantic, offering spectacular sunset views, luxury honeymoon suites and great food. Santorini is the most famous of the islands, attracting a celebrity crowd in the summer.
Crete is the largest island in Greece where you can find busy tourist spots as well as empty beaches. Mykonos has amazing beaches and offers a diverse choice of activities. More trip ideas in Europe.
11.Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are located in the North Atlantic Ocean between Norway and Iceland. The 18 islands that make up the archipelago have a dramatic coastline, long summer days (the longest day is 19.5 hours) and a choice of unique activities. The islands are ideal for couples who love outdoor adventures such as scuba diving, hiking and bird watching.
Winter diving is magnificent because of crystal clear water, stunning caves and colorful marine life. If you are a fan of astronomy, travel to the Faroe Islands on March 20, 2015 to watch the total solar eclipse, a rare event well worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime. The Faroe Islands are accessible by ferry and by air (a two-hour flight from mainland Europe). Accommodation options include hotels and guesthouses.
Places to see: South America, El Salvador, Riviera Maya, Thailand, Macedonia, Laos, Iceland, Israel, Winnipeg, Beijing, Hungary, Florence, Paris
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12. The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers honeymooners historic sites, shopping, scenic tours and 12 UNESCO cultural heritage sites. Begin your visit in Prague, the capital city, which you can easily get to by air, train or car. Cross the famous Charles Bridge, have a romantic dinner with a view of the river, visit museums, theaters and galleries. Afterwards, drive to Ceský Krumlov Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, about two and a half hours south of Prague.
In the winter, the country offers great skiing, relaxing spas and fun sports such as ice hockey and skating. Other historic sites include Villa Tugendhat in Brno, Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk, and the romantic town of Telc. Whether you like to stay in luxury hotels or country inns, there are many great options in the Czech Republic.
Next read: Best Time to Visit London, England & Other Travel Tips
10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
- Portugal, Photo: Courtesy of Kushnirov Avraham - Fotolia.com
- Finland, Photo: Thomas Kast
- Scotland, Photo: Courtesy of James Thew - Fotolia.com
- Monaco, Photo: Courtesy of Boris Stroujko - Fotolia.com
- Spain, Photo: Courtesy of pigprox - Fotolia.com
- Italy, Photo: VacationIdea
- Slovenia, Photo: VacationIdea
- France, Photo: Courtesy of Funny Studio - Fotolia.com
- Iceland, Photo: Courtesy of surangaw - Fotolia.com
- Greece, Photo: Courtesy of millaf - Fotolia.com
- Faroe Islands, Photo: Courtesy of Nick Fox - Fotolia.com
- The Czech Republic, Photo: Courtesy of seqoya - Fotolia.com
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of Nitr - Fotolia.com
More Ideas: Llechwedd Slate Caverns
Located in Gwynedd, Wales, Llechwedd Slate Caverns is a tourist attraction preserving the historic Llechwedd quarry area, offering funicular railway rides, an interpretive center, a recreated miner’s village, and underground ride attractions. Though inquiries into the resources of the Llechwedd Farm area began as early as 1831, the Llechwedd slate quarry was opened for mining and production in 1846 under the supervision of mining entrepreneur John Whitehead Greaves.
History
Greaves had been a prominent figure in the operation of the Blaenau Ffestiniog slate quarries and had been influential in opening the Ffestiniog Railway, which connected the quarries’ resources to the nearby port of Porthmadog. Development of the Llechwedd quarry began in 1847, with the installation of an incline to connect the quarry with the Ffestiniog Railway at Dinas. Throughout the second half of the 19th century, the quarry grew to an operational peak of producing 23,788 tons of slate in 1884, with peak employment of more than 500 employees. Electrical power was introduced to the mines in 1890, making the quarry the first in the area to utilize hydroelectric power generation. While production at the quarry continued steadily throughout the First and Second World Wars, the demand for slate as a resource fell steeply in the 1960s and supplemental income became needed to continue operation of the quarry as a viable business model.
In 1972, Llechwedd Slate Caverns was opened to the public as a tourist attraction, showcasing the history of the quarry as a historic resource for the Llechwedd community. Originally operating under the name “Quarry Tours,” the attraction first offered funicular rides for tourists to travel underground and see the mines as part of guided tours. The original Miner’s Tramway ride was closed in 2014, but a Deep Mine funicular still operates today. Substantial renovations were made to the attraction in 2014, including the addition of an interpretive center, miner’s village, and underground ride attractions.
Permanent Attractions and Tours
Today, the Llechwedd slate quarry is still operated on a limited mining-operations basis, owned and operated in conjunction with the nearby Votty and Bowydd, Maenofferen, and Rhiwbach quarries. Open cast mining techniques are utilized at all four of the quarries, though the tourist attraction serves as the primary means of income for the company. As a family-friendly entertainment park and living history museum, Llechwedd Slate Caverns has been named as one of the top ten visitor attractions in the North Wales area by the North Wales Tourism board and is the winner of a number of major regional tourism awards.
Several guided tours of the mining quarry areas are offered for visitors, including a Deep Mine Tour, which takes participants 500 feet down into the mine’s underground area on a funicular car railway traveling at a gradient slope of 30 degrees, the steepest passenger railway of its kind anywhere within the United Kingdom. Light projection technology and enhanced-reality multmedia designed by Eurodisney is featured throughout the ride, showcasing the history of the quarry, its founder, and the stories of its workers. A half-hour walkthrough tour is offered at the end of the ride’s descent, traveling through a number of the mines’ chambers and tunnels. Tours are offered every half hour throughout the day during park operating days and are available in Welsh and English. Other tour opportunities include a Quarry Explorer off-roading guided tour in a 4x4 military vehicle, a Slate Workshops Tour, which allows participants to try their hand at slate splitting, and a Walk In The Footsteps Tour, which takes participants on a walking excursion through mine areas. Specialized curriculum-incorporated tours are also available for primary and secondary school student groups.
Other attractions at the facility include an interpretive center, which documents the history of slate mining in Wales and the operation of the Llechwedd quarry through a variety of interactive exhibits and multimedia experiences, and a recreation of the original miner’s village at Llechwedd, which allows visitors to explore traditional building replicas and experience the daily lives of miners in the 19th century. Several underground ride attractions were added to the park in 2014, including a Bounce Below underground trampoline, the largest of its kind in the world, a Zip World Caverns underground wire course, and a mountain biking track area. An onsite cafe area offers traditional Welsh dishes using locally-sourced ingredients, including slate-cavern aged cheddar from South Caernarfon Creameries, while a recreated quarryman’s pub serves adult beverages from Great Orme and Purple Moose Breweries. An onsite gift shop also sells a variety of products using slate sourced from the quarry’s mines, including wine racks, coasters, tea lights, and key rings.
A470, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB, UK, Phone: +44-17-66-83-03-06
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More Ideas: Great Orme Tramway
Located in Llandudno, Wales, the Great Orme Tramway is the United Kingdom’s only cable-operated classic street tramway, offering scenic rides from Llandudno Victoria Station to the Great Orme headland seasonally between March and October. The history of the Great Orme Tramway dates back to the late-19th century, with the passing of the Great Orme Tramways Act of 1898, which authorized the construction of a cable car route to transport passengers and goods along the Great Orme limestone headland of Wales’ north coast.
History
Construction on the cable car project began three years later in 1901, with the route’s first lower phase opened in the summer of 1902 and its second upper portion opened the following July. Seven cars initially served the route, which was used for the transport of local passengers, the haul of merchant and industrial goods, and as a processional route for coffins ready for burial at the nearby St Tudno’s churchyard. In addition to the route’s Great Orme terminus and its original Halfway Station, an additional station was constructed in 1904 to serve as an origin point along Church Walks, built on the former site of the Victoria Hotel. After several decades of successful operation, the line saw multiple hardships in the 1930s, with a fatal 1932 derailment accident that killed two people and ensuing financial difficulties as a result of its tarnished reputation. In 1935, the line was sold to the Great Orme Railway corporation, which revamped the route with improved safety and security measures. The line was sold several more times throughout the 20th century, first in 1949 to the Llandudno Urban District Council and later to the Aberconwy and Conwy County Borough Councils. The line’s steam power source was upgraded to electric operation in 1958, and in 1999, the European Union granted £1 million in funds for the complete renovation of the line’s Halfway Station, control room, and power plant and implementation of an induction-loop system to replace its outdated wire telegraph system.
Routes and Attractions
Today, the Great Orme Tramway is recognized as a landmark of the North Wales community, carrying more than 200,000 annual passengers from its origin at Llandudno Victoria Station to its terminus at the top of the Great Orme headland. As the United Kingdom’s only extant cable-operated tramway system, the route is divided into two separate sections that serve as independent funicular systems, converging at Halfway Station. The route climbs approximately one mile up into the land of the Great Orme County Park and Nature Reserve, offering passengers dramatic views of United Kingdom landmarks such as Blackpool, the Isle of Man, and the Lake District.
The Great Orme Tramway operates annually between late March and late October, with exact operating dates dependent on weather and staff conditions. Visitors may purchase tickets seven days a week, with trains operating daily between late morning hours and early evening work commutes. Three main stops are offered along the route: one at its origin point at Llandudno Victoria, one at Halfway Station, and one at its Great Orme Summit terminus. Though three other stops were constructed throughout the 20th century at Killen’s Hill, Ty’n-y-Coed, and Black Gate, they are not currently in use by the route. The route’s lower section operates at a 26.15% gradient along a single track, with its upper section ascending a less-steep 10% gradient along a double track. The route’s unique operating structure closely resembles San Francisco’s cable-car system and the Lavra, Bica, and Glória funiculars of Lisbon along its lower section, as it rides along a public street route. As the route operates as two independent funicular car systems, all passengers must exit trams at Halfway Station and switch routes.
Visitors may exit at the Halfway Station terminus to visit nearby tourist attractions such as the Bronze Age Copper Mines, the Iron Age Fort, and the historic St. Tudno’s Church building. Once visitors reach the route’s summit at Great Orme, a number of attractions are also easily accessible from the Great Orme Summit station, including the Great Orme County Park Visitor Centre, which serves as the entrance point for the Great Orme County Park and Nature Reserve. A Summit Complex offers visitor snacks and refreshments, and an outdoor playground and picnic area is provided for families.
Ongoing Programs and Education
In addition to standard tramway admission tickets, group rates for the route are available, including special rates for school groups. Special group tours of Great Orme County Park and the copper mines near Halfway Station are available upon request for small groups and organizations. All tours must be booked directly through the Great Orme Tramway by phone or email in advance, and scheduled tour times are honored on a first-come first-served basis once the group has arrived and space on a tram is available, as the route is a public transit route with varying daily ridership levels. Visitor coaches may drop tour groups off at Prince Edward Square near Llandudno’s Pier, located approximately five minutes from the route’s origin station.
Victoria Station, Church Walks, Llandudno, North Wales, LL30 2NB,
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More Ideas: National Museum Cardiff
The National Museum Cardiff is in Cardiff, Wales. The museum offers visitors a variety of events and exhibitions whatever interests they may have. The National Museum Cardiff is positioned in the middle of the civic center in Cardiff. It is home to several temporary exhibitions along with the national art, and natural history and geology collections of Wales.
About the National Museum in Cardiff
The museum’s art collection is one of the best in Europe. It contains five hundred years of drawings, paintings, silver, ceramics, and sculptures, not only from Wales, but from all over the world. The National Museum at Cardiff is home to one of Europe’s finest Impressionist Art collection.
The museum also contains exhibits that chronicles the evolution of life throughout Wales natural history. It begins with the Big Bang in space and takes visitors on 4,600 million-year voyage. The journey brings visitors in contact with wooly mammoths and dinosaurs through it galleries. The natural history is on display beginning with the seashore and ending with the mountains.
Exhibits
The Natural Museum Cardiff has a variety of exhibits to interest the whole family.
Art Galleries- The museum’s art galleries are home to one of the best art collections in Europe. Together the three sets of galleries chronicle more than five hundred years of art.
· Impressionist and Modern Art- This gallery set includes one of the finest collections of Impressionist art in Europe. It chronicles art beginning in the nineteenth century to modern day. These galleries highlight the role of French art in the Impressionist and Post- Impressionist movements. Visitors will also examine Sir William Goscombe John who was the leader of the “New Sculpture” movement, and played a key part I the cultural revival in Wales in the late nineteenth century.
· Historic Art- The galleries in this set chronicle historic art beginning in the year 1500. It examines art in Italy, the Netherlands, eighteenth century Britain, Victorian Britain, and Wales. There are also galleries devoted specifically to Welsh artists, nature paintings, portraits of important Welsh citizens from 1800-2000, art reflecting the Welsh landscape.
· Applied Art- The galleries that are part of this category include galleries on Chinese porcelain from the eighteenth century, jade sculptures from China, porcelain and pottery from Wales, contemporary ceramic crafts, silver, one of the best ceramics collections in the world.
The Evolution of Wales- The galleries included in this exhibition chronicle the evolution of life in Wales beginning with the Big Bang in space and covering 4,600 million-years. Visitors to these galleries will travel through different environments and climates of Wales as it evolved and moved across the planet’s surface. As visitors move through the exhibition they will learn how evolution happens and examine fossils of animals from different time periods. Skeletons of ancient animals and a reconstructed environment of South Wales two-hundred million years ago are on display. The galleries include dinosaur footprints and skeletons. These galleries show gravity, water, ice, wind, and the planet’s interior heat play a role in shaping the Earth. Some of the climates on display include deserts, tropical swamps, glaciers, coral reefs, and volcanoes. It is the biggest exhibition the museum has ever put on, covering more than one thousand square meters of space.
Natural History- The galleries in this exhibition take visitors on a journey from the seashore to the forest, and end at the mountains. It chronicles the natural history of Wales. Skeletons of the Basking Shark, Humpback Whale, and Leatherback Turtle can be found in the gallery designated the seashore of Wales. The Diversity of Life gallery features a large variety of wildlife from the bug-eating pitcher plant to the Snow Leopard.
Educational Opportunities
The National Museum Cardiff offers several educational opportunities for teacher and students alike.
Foundation Phase to Post-16 Education- The museum offers a variety of educational programs, events, and exhibits to enhance student learning experiences at every level.
Welsh Baccalaureate- The Natural Museum Cardiff offers resources and activities for the Enterprise and Employability Challenge and the Global Citizenship portions of the Welsh Baccalaureate.
The First World War Education Project- The National Museum Wales and The National Library of Wales are partnering to lead a project for create resources to celebrate the anniversary of the First World War for schools. Items from both organizations’ collections to generate digital teaching resources.
Special Events
The National Museum Cardiff puts on temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Swaps: Photographs from the David Hurn Collection- The collection of photos is made of about 700 pictures by important twentieth and twenty-first century photographers.
Bacon to Doig: Modern Masterpieces from a Private Collection- The pieces in this collection came from famous artists of the twentieth century. Many were bought before the artists were famous.
National Cardiff Museum, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NP, Phone: +44-0-30-01-11-23-33
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