While the tried and true Parisian or Hawaiian honeymoons are the perfect ways to go for many newlyweds, sometimes traveling off the beaten path can bring unexpected rewards! Check out a few of these lesser-known honeymoon destinations that should make it to the top of couples’ list of possibilities.
Siena, Italy
Nestled into the heart of romantic Tuscany, an hour south of Florence and an hour-and-a-half from the coast, this medieval city famous for its food, art and culture is the perfect honeymoon destination! Couples can visit the impressive 13th century Siena Cathedral before heading to the coast for a day on the beach or out vineyard hopping in the countryside.
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Sintra, Portugal
From the brilliantly colored Palace of Pena to the town’s whitewashed buildings, Sintra is known as a fairytale come to life and for good reason! Surrounded by a breathtaking national park and a short trip from the coast, this is a honeymooner’s dream. Sintra is also only an hour-and-a-half away from Portugal’s capital city, allowing couples to take day trips to town while lodging away from the crowds.
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St. Julian’s, Malta
For couples in search of an island getaway with a twist, this Mediterranean archipelago between Italy and Libya should make the top of the list! In St. Julian’s, one of the country’s most beautiful resort towns, couples can charter a boat to enjoy the crystalline water by day and hit the Paceville district for the vibrant restaurant, bar and club scene by night. Malta also has a wine-growing region with vineyards that make for perfect day trips!
Patagonia, Chile
Couples in search of natural beauty and adventure absolutely cannot miss the heart stopping views of Patagonia in southern Chile. With its towering mountains reflected in ice-blue glacier lakes, Torres del Paine National Park is a dream location for explorers. Couples can journey through the park on horseback, hike the legendary W Trek and even visit penguins!
Dubrovnik, Croatia
For Game of Thrones fans, or just fans of stunning panoramas of land and sea, King’s Landing – I mean Dubrovnik – is a dream honeymoon destination, where old beautifully melds with new. Explore the 13th century city walls or take a soaring cable car ride from downtown up the mountain for a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea and this thriving Croatian city.
Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
You know those dreamy computer backgrounds of turquoise waters surrounded by towering green cliffs that get you through the chilly winter days? Or is that just me? Either way, a visit to the Phi Phi Islands off the mainland of Thailand feels like stepping through the computer screen straight into one of those images! Here, couples can rock climb, snorkel or just relax under the palm trees, before enjoying the fire shows and beach parties that come with the setting sun.
Salzburg, Austria
The birthplace of Mozart and filming location for The Sound of Music, this Austrian town on the German border is a year-round gem. Couples can explore the romantic river city or venture up into the mountains for great hiking and spectacular views. And don’t miss the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Mirabell Palace or iconic Salzburg Cathedral!
Victoria Falls, Zambia
There are waterfalls…and then there are waterfalls. Victoria Falls in Zambia was named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and it couldn’t be easier to see why. For outdoorsy couples, exploring the largest waterfall in the world is the perfect way to begin a marriage. Discover the beauty of the Zambezi River and go on a safari to complete the trip of a lifetime.
