Unusual Honeymoon Ideas in Europe: 5 Underrated Destinations

In this article, I will share some fantastic yet unusual honeymoon ideas in Europe and tell you about 5 often overlooked honeymoon destinations in Europe, from secluded islands to quaint villages. 

Tired of the typical romantic getaways for your honeymoon? Europe offers a plethora of unique and stunning destinations that will make your honeymoon an adventure to remember. From secluded islands to charming villages, this article highlights some of the most breathtaking and off-the-beaten-path honeymoon destinations in Europe.

Let’s get started with the best underrated honeymoon destinations in Europe!

Unconventional Honeymoon Ideas in Europe: 5 Overlooked European Honeymoon Destinations

Spain’s South and Seville: a beautiful, more affordable alternative to Italy

Spain’s South and Seville offer a rich blend of cultural and natural beauty, making it a perfect honeymoon destination. This region is famous for its warm weather, gorgeous architecture, and delicious cuisine. Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is a city rich in history and romance, steeped in the culture and traditions of southern Spain. Its stunning landmarks, such as the Alcázar Palace, Cathedral of Seville, and Giralda Tower, will leave a lasting impression on visitors. The city’s historic centre is filled with traditional flamenco bars and tapas restaurants, offering a taste of local culture. Seville is a beautiful city, especially in spring or autumn, and is an affordable alternative to Italy during the high season.

The South of Spain is also home to charming whitewashed villages that offer a glimpse into traditional Andalusian life, surrounded by scenic landscapes of olive groves and vineyards. The region’s pristine beaches, such as Costa del Sol, are a short drive from Seville and offer a variety of activities, including water sports, shopping, and dining. The must-visit destination in Costa del Sol is Marbella.

In addition to its cultural and natural beauty, the South of Spain is famous for its cuisine, a fusion of Spanish, Moorish, and Mediterranean flavors. Dishes such as gazpacho, paella, and tapas are made with fresh local ingredients and are best enjoyed with a glass of sherry or local wine.

Whether you are seeking a romantic city escape or a relaxing beach vacation, Seville and the South of Spain provide the perfect honeymoon experience. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, this region is sure to leave a lasting impression on newlyweds.

Dreamy Honeymoon Hotels in the South of Spain:

Coolrooms Palacio Villapanes in Seville

Nobu in Marbella

Anantara Villa Padierna in Estepona

Scotland: a honeymoon destination of stunning landscapes and rich history

Scotland is a charming destination for a honeymoon, offering a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. A road trip through the Scottish Highlands is the perfect way to explore the beauty of this rugged and wild region. Renting a car gives you the freedom and flexibility to discover hidden gems and stunning scenery at your own pace.

The Scottish Highlands are known for their rugged peaks, glistening lochs, and rolling hills, offering a landscape like no other. Drive along the North Coast 500 route and visit charming villages, such as Ullapool, Durness, and Thurso. See the iconic Eilean Donan Castle and the famous Loch Ness, and don’t miss the Isle of Skye, one of the most impressive places in Scotland. You can even stay at a castle for a couple of days – Inverlochy Castle Hotel is a great option.

After a few days exploring the Highlands, head to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, for a change of pace. Edinburgh is a city of contrasts, with its medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town, and is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Take a stroll through the winding streets of the Old Town and visit Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an extinct volcano and offers breathtaking views of the city. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden, which is home to over 13,000 species of plants, or take a walk along the Royal Mile, the historic main street of the city. Witchery by the Castle is the most unique and stunning hotel in Edinburgh, but if it’s a bit outside the budget, you can still dine at a restaurant there (which is probably the most unique and stunning restaurant we have ever visited).

Whether you are looking for breathtaking landscapes, rich history, or a relaxed city break, Scotland is the perfect destination for a honeymoon. With its breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and charming cities, a road trip through Scotland will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Read my article about a 7-day road trip itinerary for Scotland

2-day the Isle of Skye itinerary

What to pack for the Isle of Skye

Scotland bucket list – top places to visit in Scotland

First timer’s guide to Edinburgh, Scotland

All-in-one & luxury for less: Turkey – Istanbul, Cappadoccia and Fethiye

Turkey is a mesmerizing destination for a honeymoon, offering a unique blend of incredible history, stunning natural beauty, and luxurious amenities at an affordable price. From the bustling city of Istanbul to the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia and the pristine beaches of Fethiye, Turkey offers a diverse range of experiences for newlyweds. Technically, only a part of Turkey is in Europe, but it’s very easy to combine Turkey with other European destinations.

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is a must-visit for history lovers. Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia, a former cathedral and mosque that has been transformed into a museum, and the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. Stroll through the vibrant bazaars, where you can sample delicious street food and purchase handcrafted goods, and take a sunset cruise on the Bosphorus, which separates Europe and Asia.

Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is a unique and otherworldly landscape, with its fairy chimneys and rock formations. Take a hot air balloon ride over the breathtaking landscapes and experience the beauty of Cappadocia from a bird’s eye view. Explore the underground cities, carved out of the rock, and stay at one of unique and luxurious cave hotels like Museum Hotel or Argos in Cappadocia.

Fethiye, located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, is a stunning beach destination with crystal clear waters and stunning scenery. Soak up the sun on one of the many pristine beaches, such as Oludeniz or Patara, or take a boat trip to the stunning Blue Lagoon, a hidden gem in the Aegean Sea.

Turkey is known for its luxury for less, offering world-class amenities at a fraction of the cost of other destinations. From 5-star hotels and spas to fine dining restaurants, Turkey offers a range of luxurious experiences at an affordable price.

With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and luxurious amenities, Turkey is the perfect destination for a honeymoon. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Turkey offers a diverse range of experiences for newlyweds to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Check my 4-day itinerary for Turkey, including Cappadocia and Istanbul

A guide to flying in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia

Medieval cities and turquoise water – the small island country Malta 

Malta is an unusual and underrated place for a honeymoon, offering a unique blend of stunning medieval cities, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. This small island nation, located in the heart of the Mediterranean, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

One of Malta’s most striking features is its rich history and stunning architecture. The city of Valletta, the country’s capital, is a living museum, with its baroque buildings and historic fortifications. Explore the beautiful St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque art, and take a stroll through the narrow streets of the old city, where you can discover hidden gems such as the Manoel Theatre, one of Europe’s oldest working theatres.

Another highlight of Malta is its breathtaking beaches. With some of the bluest waters in all of Europe, Malta is a paradise for beach lovers. Take a dip in the crystal clear waters at one of the island’s many beaches, such as the stunning Golden Bay, or enjoy a day of snorkelling and exploring the underwater world of the Maltese Archipelago.

Despite its small size, Malta offers a range of experiences for newlyweds, from relaxing on the beach to exploring the island’s rich history and culture. Enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the island’s many traditional seafood restaurants, or visit one of the island’s many vineyards, which produce some of the best wines in the Mediterranean. Stay at the Xara Palace, Malta’s best hotel for honeymooners.

Malta is a unique and affordable destination for a honeymoon, offering world-class amenities and breathtaking scenery at a fraction of the cost of other destinations. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an adventure, or a mix of both, Malta has something for everyone. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and crystal clear waters, Malta is the perfect destination for newlyweds looking to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Check my articles about Malta:

5-day road trip itinerary for Malta

A day trip from Malta to Gozo island

For outdoorsy couples – unusual honeymoon in German & Austrian Alps 

For outdoorsy couples seeking adventure on their honeymoon, the German and Austrian Alps are a dream come true. With its stunning natural beauty, medieval cities, and rich culture, this region offers a unique and unforgettable experience for newlyweds.

Begin your adventure in Berchtesgaden, a charming mountain town located in the heart of the German Alps. Take a hike through the stunning mountains and experience the beauty of the Bavarian Alps up close. Go for a swim in one of the many mountain lakes, such as the Königssee, known for its crystal clear waters, or take a guided tour of the famous Eagle’s Nest, a historic mountain-top structure with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Bad Reichenhall, located just a short distance from Berchtesgaden, is another charming town with a rich cultural heritage. Explore the town’s historic salt mines, which date back to the Middle Ages, and take a stroll through the beautiful Old Town, with its narrow streets and well-preserved buildings. Explore the Thermal Spa of Bad-Reichenhall – it’s open even in winter and it’s a must-visit place in the town. 

Salzburg, located in Austria, is a must-visit for culture lovers. This historic city, the birthplace of Mozart, is known for its beautiful baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage. Visit the famous Mirabell Palace and Gardens, one of Salzburg’s most iconic landmarks, or take a walking tour of the city’s historic centre, with its narrow streets and beautiful buildings.

For those seeking even more adventure, take a day trip to Hallstatt, one of Austria’s most picturesque villages, located on the shores of Lake Hallstatt. Explore the town’s historic salt mines and take a boat trip on the lake, admiring the stunning scenery and the town’s iconic church perched on a hill overlooking the lake.

The German and Austrian Alps offer a unique and unforgettable experience for outdoorsy couples seeking adventure on their honeymoon. With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and charming mountain towns, this region offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, making it the perfect destination for newlyweds looking to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Read my article about visiting German & Austrian Alps (Salzburg etc)

I hope that this article about 5 underrated unusual honeymoon destinations in Europe gave you some ideas on where to spend your honeymoon!

Looking for something more traditional? Here are some articles you might like:

10-day honeymoon in Italy – the perfect itinerary

The east itinerary for 4 days in London

16-days in Europe on a budget – from Amsterdam to Poland