The 10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the World for 2024

We share the 10 best honeymoon destinations in the world – places that will surround you with natural beauty and chances to be pampered in paradise as you celebrate your newlywed status!

Whether you’re out for a honeymoon adventure or want sun-soaked lazy days with your honey, these top honeymoon spots will check all the boxes and start your union off on a particularly sweet note. 

Where Should You Go for Your Honeymoon?

Planning a honeymoon seems like it adds even more to your already-full plate as your wedding day approaches.

On top of arranging everything from the color scheme and venue to the reception details and vows, you might balk at the prospect of planning a week-long (or longer) trip that follows the ceremony. 

But the promise of a relaxing getaway for you and your partner can offer some much-needed stress relief and uninterrupted time together after the hectic rush of planning your big day.

So where should you go for your honeymoon? Start with looking at the best honeymoon destinations.

If you want a tried-and-true location that’s known for natural beauty, romantic seclusion, fun couples activities, and excellent places to stay, reviewing the top honeymoon destinations will help you settle on the perfect place. 

Once you know the best honeymoon destinations in the world, that planning process suddenly seems a little easier and more concrete.  Let’s take a look at the 10 best places to honeymoon!

The 10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the World

The best honeymoon destinations are often island or beach getaways, where warm, tropical weather and gorgeous shoreline scenery seem to zap away all wedding-related stress and replace it with total relaxation in a romantic, secluded setting.

While beach destinations dominate the list as the most popular places to spend a honeymoon, we found a couple of incredible places that are perfect for newlyweds if you’re not seeking sand and sun for your first vacation as Mr. and Mrs. 

Take a peek at the 10 best honeymoon destinations in the world, from an iconic honeymoon in the Maldives to a classic newlywed vacation to Niagara Falls. 

1. The Maldives

As the undisputed #1 desired honeymoon destination in the world, the tropical paradise of the Maldives islands makes it a bucket list trip and the perfect place for you to spend your honeymoon. 

You’ll stay in a luxury beachfront resort (maybe an overwater bungalow!) where soft, white sand and turquoise waters are just steps from your love nest.

The two of you will enjoy massages by the shore, glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling and diving on thriving coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life, and lounging in a hammock, poolside, or in a luxury cabana on the beach. 

Romantic, candlelit dinners on the beach and a never-ending flow of cocktails and snacks at the resorts will make you feel like you’ve truly found paradise – and you’ll experience it all with the love of your life. 

Don’t miss the chance to take a boat to Vaadhoo Island to see the “Sea of Stars,” when bioluminescence lights up the water with an otherworldly glow. 

Insider Tip: As a Muslim country, the Maldives only allows alcohol at private resorts – which is where most honeymooners will stay. The weather is dry, warm, and idyllic between January and April, which is the best time to visit the Maldives. 

2. St. Lucia

St. Lucia, a stunning Caribbean island, makes a wonderful honeymoon destination if you’re looking for a relaxing trip that’s not filled with back-to-back scheduled activities. 

Standing on the white sandy beaches, you’ll take in panoramic views of the vegetation-covered, volcanic Piton mountains, jagged cliffs jutting into the sea, and dense rainforests where wildlife and waterfalls are abundant. 

Coral reefs surround the island, making this a top destination for snorkeling and diving with your honey. Fishing, mud baths, strolls along the shore, hiking through the rainforest, and day cruises are ideal ways to spend your days. 

St. Lucia offers some of the best all-inclusive resorts, where you’ll both enjoy private pools, private beaches, onsite dining and bars, and easy arrangement of fun activities you may want to try off the resort grounds. 

Go out for a rum or wine tasting, get a massage at your resort’s spa, relax as you watch dolphins and whales off the coast, and do it all in perfect 84F-88F weather that’s always just right. 

Spend a day at the spa getting massages and treatments by the sea, try oceanfront yoga classes, rest on the shore watching whales and dolphins play, or head to Silver Springs for a detoxifying volcanic mud bath.

Mid-April to June is the perfect time to visit St. Lucia with warm weather, minimal rainfall, and smaller crowds that make your trip feel more romantic.  

Insider Tip: Make time for a detoxifying volcanic mud bath or healing dip in the sulfur springs in the Soufrier Volcano Sulphur Springs on St. Lucia’s western coast. 

3. The Greek Isles

The Isles of Greece are some of the best honeymoon destinations in the world, offering gorgeously unspoiled beaches, historic ruins, and cultures that span from laid-back to lively with thriving nightlife. 

Santorini, Crete, Corfu, Milos, and Sifnos are some of the best Greek islands for a honeymoon. Each one offers something a little different, so island-hopping during your trip will give you a taste of their diversity.

While the islands you visit will depend on the vibes you’re seeking for your romantic getaway, Santorini is a must-visit isle worthy of being the linchpin of your honeymoon as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations.

Catch a stunning sunset over Oia’s volcanic caldera overlooking those white-and-blue buildings teetering on the coastal cliffs. Stay at a private villa on the coast with your own plunge pool and balcony to enjoy crisp ocean breezes. 

Imagine dining on traditional Greek fare with Mediterranean flavors, with fresh seafood, souvlaki spit-roasted pork, stuffed grape leaves, and – of course – the world’s finest olive oil. 

If you’re purely seeking a lazy getaway with no itinerary and endless time on the beach soaking up the sun with the love of your life, the islands of Milos, Crete, and Sifnos are light on nightlife but big on beaches. 

Insider Tip: Since you’ll be flying to the islands from Athens, schedule some time to explore the city’s historic architecture and attractions (The Parthenon, National Archaeological Museum, and Grande Promenade around Acropolis) before heading out on your romantic island getaway. 

4. The Hawaiian Islands

Is any honeymoon more iconic in the US than one spent on the Hawaiian islands? Oahu (“The Gathering Place”) and Kauai (“The Garden Isle” that Elvis famously called the Island of Love) are the best islands to celebrate your love. 

Splitting your time between these 2 islands is the perfect way to spend a honeymoon. Oahu is where you’ll find thriving nightlife, shopping, and myriad dining options from authentic dishes to fine dining.

Kauai is more secluded, relaxed, and abundant with natural beauty and wildlife. It’s the perfect way to cap off your honeymoon with a chance to fully connect and spark romance between you and your partner. 

Oahu’s Waikiki is the main resort and attraction area, but it also offers incredible surfing on the North Shore, wide, sandy beaches, and a vibrant nightlife scene that new couples will enjoy. 

On Kauai, stay at a resort to enjoy sparkling pools, spas, and entertainment onsite. Drive out to Ke’e to find an excellent snorkeling spot, tour the Napali Coast (even via helicopter!), and enjoy natural beauty at Waimea Canyon State Park. 

With equal time on bustling Oahu and lazy or adventurous days on Kauai, you’ll truly get the best of both worlds with this Hawaiian island honeymoon. 

Insider Tip: Rent a car! You’ll be able to fully explore the gorgeous coasts and enjoy scenic drives and access to some of the most beautiful secluded areas with a rental car. This is especially true for Kauai and the Windward side (eastern shore) of Oahu. 

5. The Italian Riviera

A honeymoon on the Italian Riviera is one you’ll both remember for a lifetime and want to visit again someday. Here, charming towns like Portofino and the 5 villages of Cinque Terre are ideal for post-wedding bliss in Italy.

The setting is gorgeous – rugged cliffs jutting out over the Ligurian Sea packed with colorful wooden houses, quaint cafes and shops on narrow streets, terraced olive groves, and dusty footpaths with tantalizing aromas everywhere.

Portofino, just 2 hours south of Milan, feels upscale and exclusive. World-renowned Italian designers’ summer villas are here, along with fine waterfront dining options and glitzy accommodations that envelope you in luxury. 

Make your way to the 5 seaside villages of Cinque Terre (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) that seem forgotten by time.

Historic ports and trails, tiny cafes, charming guesthouses, and pesto made with the freshest olive oil, seafood, and Italian wine make each Cinque Terre village worth seeing. 

Insider Tip: From Portofino, Liguria, take the romantic and well-worn footpath from the city square. It leads around the cliffs to the 16th-century Castello Brown castle, where you’ll take in magnificent views of the Ligurian Sea. 

6. Paris, France

Paris always belongs on a list of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. Exuding passion and romance in a setting filled with iconic historic architecture and landmarks, the City of Love is ideal for newlyweds. 

Paris offers a sophisticated, cultural take on a honeymoon getaway with much more than beaches and resorts to enthrall a new couple.

Together, you’ll stroll hand in hand through the Luxembourg and Tuileries Gardens, marvel at the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, and wind through the artistic Montmartre neighborhood. 

Enjoy coffee and croissants at a street-front cafe, course after course of classic French cuisine in a Michelin-starred restaurant, and have a romantic picnic on the banks of Seine after touring the Louvre Museum’s treasures.

Quiet moments at historic churches and cathedrals, like The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris and La Sainte-Chapelle, will bring you closer. A sunset viewed from The Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck is unparalleled.

Insider Tip: Consider carefully where to stay in Paris. The 1st and 2nd arrondissements (districts) are the heart of Paris, within walking distance of the Louvre, galleries, Sainte-Chapelle, and Palais Royale. The 3rd and 4th arrondissements (the Marais) are where you’ll find tons of brunch spots and romantic cafes, nightlife, and cocktail lounges.

7. Costa Rica

For adventurous couples who love spending time outdoors engaging in thrilling experiences, there’s no better place to honeymoon than Costa Rica. 

From hiking and zip-lining through the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest to surfing and snorkeling in the Caribbean or Pacific, Costa Rica is the destination for nonstop thrills that strengthen your newlywed bond. 

You’ll find incredible Costa Rican beaches, from surfing on Jaco Beach on the Pacific Coast to the stunning black sand beaches of Cahuita on the Caribbean Sea in Limon.

Stay at one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica to enjoy an endless parade of Costa Rican snacks and meals, drinks, and activities. Not that you’ll have a hard time coming up with things to do in Costa Rica – this place is an adventure capital! 

Book a guided tour of the rainforest, take a scenic boat cruise through open ocean and mangroves, chase waterfalls in hidden locations, and kayak through bioluminescence in the water together. 

At the end of each fun-filled day, you can relax at your resort or hotel’s pool, swimming in the sea, lounging in the hot tub, or getting a stress-melting massage by the beach. 

Insider Tip: The Pacific side of Costa Rica is more developed with tourist attractions, resorts, and options for dining and shopping. The Caribbean side is more laid-back, authentic, and affordable with lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures. 

8. Napa Valley, California

If you’re both appreciators of good wine, scenic views, and don’t want to travel too far for your honeymoon, look no further than Napa Valley, California. 

This is California’s Wine Country, where you’ll find a refreshing place of rest, sophistication, and secluded resorts and spots to unwind with a glass of local specialty wine (or several). 

Napa Valley is a favorite honeymoon spot because of its built-in charm. The scenic views are a fitting backdrop for a romantic getaway that prioritizes time together spent at a slower pace.

Surrounded by rolling green hills dotted with lush vineyards Napa Valley is filled with chances to let loose with fun in the country from horseback riding to picnics and biking through town.

Stargazing is impressive in the Valley, with minimal light pollution to compete with your views of the starry skies. Touring wineries and vineyards is the perfect way to spend a few days with your partner by your side. 

Insider Tip: The fall harvest season is generally the best time to visit Napa Valley, but spring brings wildflowers, summer is perfect for biking and hiking, and winter is the ideal time to cozy up. 

9. Seychelles

Incredibly pristine beaches, laid-back island vibes that promote lounging on the beach or by the pool, and a rich local culture that combines African, European, and Indian traditions and flavors make Seychelles an amazing spot for a honeymoon. 

Located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of North Africa, Seychelles is an adventure destination that can also be a go-to spot for couples to relax and unwind somewhere secluded and beautiful. It’s ranked as the best destination for a honeymoon in Africa!

Rainforests, mountains, beaches, authentic local food, world-class diving – it’s all here on Seychelles and if you two are up for some exploring, you’ll love the rich geography of this island. 

There’s a burning Seychelles vs Maldives debate, but Seychelles is the winner when it comes to affordability with stunning ocean views, water activities, and total rest and relaxation. 

You can stay in an all-inclusive resort with a private beach and plenty of chances to cuddle by the pool or on the shore, arrange outdoor adventures, enjoy delicious meals and drinks, and luxury amenities. 

If you’d prefer to do more exploring outside of a resort, opt for a charming cottage on the hillside with sweeping ocean views or an opulent overwater bungalow for true luxury and privacy. 

Insider Tip: Plan your honeymoon between April and May or October and November – the best time to visit Seychelles on honeymoon – for smaller crowds, less windy conditions, calmer water for snorkeling and diving, and incredible weather. 

10. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has long been the “Honeymoon Capital of the World,” making it a shoo-in for a list of the best honeymoon destinations. Roaring waterfalls, hiking trails with scenic views, and ample dining and shopping make it perfect for newlyweds.

Your day-to-day itinerary will be varied and fun-filled at Niagara Falls, which some consider the unofficial 8th Wonder of the World. Wait until you see the cascading Falls colorfully illuminated at night! 

The two of you will enjoy a boat tour bringing you so close to the Falls, you’ll be covered in their mist – don’t worry, a delightfully hokey souvenir rain poncho is provided for this purpose.

Take a boat tour at night for a close-up look at the Falls glowing with diffused light. You can hike up to the Observation Tower for incredible views of the thundering Horseshoe and American Falls. 

Ride an elevator shaft 175 feet down to the Cave of the Winds, follow a wooden walkway to the Hurricane Deck, and stand so close to the Falls, you’ll feel enveloped in the mist. 

Grab your partner for a romantic and thrilling walk behind the Falls for a new perspective, and enjoy excellent meals at the restaurants with impeccable views of the scenery from an outdoor deck or through floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Insider Tip: Go between August and September for smaller crowds, gorgeous autumn colors, and still-warm weather. It’s considered the best time to visit Niagara Falls for a honeymoon. 

Things to Consider

You’ve got a list of the 10 best honeymoon destinations – now the hard part is narrowing it down to the place that’s perfect for the two of you! Here are some things to consider as you make your choice. 

• Consider the time of year. Honeymoons typically immediately follow the wedding, so your wedding date will help you narrow down the best honeymoon destinations. We’ve listed the best time to visit many of the places above, so consider which locations align with your wedding date and planned honeymoon period. 
• Get your budget figured out. How much can you afford to spend on your honeymoon? If your budget is tight, domestic destinations are the answer. For more luxury when you have extra spending room, you can head to the iconic honeymoon spots like the Maldives or Paris. Consider letting wedding guests know you’re accepting cash for your honeymoon fund if you need a little more room in your budget – many will prefer offering something to make your honeymoon special instead of a kitchen appliance or gift card. 
• Think about your preferences as a couple. Maybe you’re both unabashed beach bums, a hyper-adventurous duo, or looking for a laid-back couples getaway somewhere far from the shore. The best honeymoon spot will be a place you’ll both appreciate and enjoy, so make your individual preferences the main factor (along with budget) in determining your destination! 
• Plan out a rough itinerary. Even if you’re both spontaneous and don’t like making tightly-scheduled plans, a rough itinerary makes a honeymoon go much more smoothly. Research a few restaurants, natural features, landmarks, parks, and shops you don’t want to miss out on during your trip and make time for each item on your itinerary with a rough outline for each day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning to go to one of the best honeymoon destinations might leave you with more questions. If you didn’t find your answer above, check out the FAQs to learn more! 

So, What Are the Best Honeymoon Destinations?

The best honeymoon destinations will take you to distant island shores and cozy locales with incredible waterfalls, vineyards, and rainforests to fill your days with equal parts adventure and relaxation. 

The Maldives, St. Lucia, the Greek and Hawaiian islands, the Italian Riviera, Paris, Costa Rica, Napa Valley, Seychelles, and Niagara Falls are the 10 best honeymoon destinations in the world. 

Once you’ve figured out your budget, gone over both of your preferences, and looked at ideas for things to do in your favorite destination, you’re one step closer to celebrating tying the knot in a gorgeously romantic setting.

It doesn’t have to be stressful to plan your honeymoon while you’re taking care of wedding business. This first trip as newlyweds will set the tone for your union and deepen your connection while you relax and enjoy paradise!