Five Off the Beaten Track Honeymoon Destinations in Europe

It’s wedding season! Celebrations may still be smaller than pre-pandemic, but it doesn’t mean your honeymoon has to be. With many European countries opening their borders to vaccinated travellers this summer, you can plan to go now, or choose to wait a bit longer and take a trip when the time feels right to you.

If you’re looking for inspiration about where to go on your honeymoon, we’ve got five suggestions that aren’t the typical “Paris/Venice/Santorini” that catch the eye of many honeymooners. Instead, we’ve picked five under the radar romantic places in Europe to explore and celebrate your commitment to each other. These quieter spots earn heartfelt reviews from the travelers who visit them.

Five Under The Radar European Honeymoon Destinations

Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most romantic cities; ask anyone who’s visited and they’ll likely rhapsodize about the charming Altstadt, the Renaissance castle looming over the city, and the delightful landscapes beckoning around every corner.

Visitors can take advantage of how bicycle-friendly Heidelberg is and cruise around the city on two wheels. If you’re feeling adventurous, ride out into the countryside (also on excellent, safe cycle paths) and experience some of the delightful local countryside and peaceful nature.

Take a gentle stroll along the famous Philosphenweg, the walking path where well-known philosophers drew inspiration, and enjoy the superb view of the town from the other side of the river. Or maybe a languid cruise up-river on a tasteful tour boat to get reacquainted with real 'romance in the city'. In the evening, savour a glass of the internationally renowned local Riesling.Porto, Portugal

Porto has a long history as Lisbon's rival to the North, but this enchanting Portuguese city holds its own as a tourist destination. Sitting pretty among the hilly landscape at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto welcomes visitors looking for history, culture and an extremely good glass of port wine.

Porto's historic centre is the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area. Start your day with a wander through its medieval streets, pausing for a cup of coffee and pastel de nata at one of many cosy cafes. Walk across the 19th century Ponte de Dom Luis Bridge to visit Porto's other half - the port-soaked Vila Nova de Gaia. Here you can tour one of the many ancient port wine cellars, learn about the beverage's history and sample some of the rich red liquid for yourself. Want to get even closer to the source? Take a peaceful boat ride along the Douro River to soak in the serene views of tumbling hillsides and terraced vineyards…of course with a glass of port to share.Rovinj, Croatia

Sometimes referred to as the "new Tuscany," Istria is a beautiful peninsula in Northern Croatia, whose history and present day are infused with Italian influence. Along the Istrian Coast lies Rovinj – an enchanting town that seems designed for couples in the mood for romance.

A leisurely wander through Rovinj is a must: this late medieval town is imbued with Venetian overtones, and the architecture and picturesque harbour setting combine to make it one of the most romantic villages you'll see on your travels. As the sun prepares to set, pull up a cushion and order a cocktail from one of the bars that line the stone steps down to the ocean. A magical end to the day. Lake Bled, Slovenia

The lakeside town of Bled in Northwestern Slovenia beckons with its stunning mountain setting, magnificent castle and picturesque church, sitting snug on a tiny island in the middle of the lake. The surrounding region is also magical; rolling hills become dramatic mountains, and medieval villages and wineries dot the landscape.

Bled's magnificent cliff-top castle is the quintessential fairytale fortress, complete with towers, ramparts, moats and spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. For more brilliant views of Bled's emerald lake and island church, you can walk along the shore then climb up to Osojnica viewing point. Pack a picnic of fresh bread, local cheese and a bottle of flavourful Zelen from the nearby Vipava Valley to enjoy by the shores of the lake.Verona, Italy

So while it’s probably the least “offbeat” travel destination in the world, we can’t leave Italy off a list of romantic destinations! But forget Tuscany, Venice or the Amalfi Coast. How about visiting the setting for one of the great love stories of all time…Verona?

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene... The chorus that opens Shakespeare's great tragedy makes it impossible to separate Verona from the love story of Romeo and Juliet. And the cries of the Capulets and Montagues may well ring out in your imagination as you wander through this small city’s enchanting streets. In the summer months, take advantage of Verona's spectacular open air Opera House (a 1st century AD Roman Arena) to listen to live performances under the stars. And don't forget the wonderful riverside Castelvecchio! Verona is a treat – and way less crowded than its big name neighbours.

So there you go – some honeymoon destinations that show you put some imagination into the planning. And know that wherever you pick, you really can’t go wrong…if you’re traveling with the person you love, you’ll find romance in any destination.

For those of you with special friends or family getting married this year, consider gifting a ToursByLocals gift card as a wedding present! By providing the couple with a thoughtful, bespoke private tour, you’ll be giving them the gift of a lifelong travel memory.