Help! Honeymooning in Europe?

Old May 16th, 2015, 09:49 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Help! Honeymooning in Europe?

Originally my fiance and I were planning on honeymooning in Mexico. We were gonna go all inclusive and were most looking forward to eating, drinking and snorkeling.

Our plans changed when we found out his grandparents in England were not doing so well recently. Now we are talking about going to Europe and spending some time with them, then off to London for a few days and then on to maybe one other country. We will have at most 2 1/2 weeks and do not want to be overwhelmed with too much city hopping.

Fiancé has traveled Europe some and would like to go someplace he has never been before. My grandma moved to the states from Germany when she was young so I have some desire to go there. We both think Spain sounds cool as well. My fiance has been to Paris and does not have a huge desire to go back but would be interested in southern France potentially (we don't know too much about it). I'm also somewhat interested in Greece and Italy but my Fiance said he's interested in Spain over those two (he is currently learning Spanish and he likes their Soccer teams).

We are planning to travel in April or May of 2016 from the west coast. We enjoy hiking, snorkeling, laying out on the beach and going to pubs. We love seeing beautiful old architecture and wouldn't mind seeing a museum or two. Also love to see beautiful views.

My fiance said I could decide on the second destination but I am a bit overwhelmed with options. I am leaning towards Spain because it sounds like it will be warmer climate and we could go somewhere by the sea and enjoy some relaxing sunbathing. I'm open to hearing arguments for any of the countries I mentioned. Having never been to any of them it's hard to distinguish which we would enjoy the most.

Thank you for listening and being great resources of traveling knowledge!
malifornia is offline  
Old May 16th, 2015, 01:35 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You are wise to limit your destinations. The error most people make is "I have two weeks in Europe and here are the 5 countries I want to visit."

So you are going to England and plan to spend some time in London. I don't know where you will be in England before London, but one could easily spend two weeks in England or in the UK.

Since weather seems to be a major consideration for you, take a look at www.weatherbase.com to each city you are considering. Now think about what draws you to Europe - art? history? food & wine? Go to your local library and look at guidebooks with lots of photos - what photos say to you "you have to see this!"

You may get beach weather in Spain in April or May - but is that what you want most out of a European vacation? For some people it will be, for others it will not.

Happy planning!
Kathie is offline  
Old May 16th, 2015, 03:01 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Listen, if you like beaches Greece is -by far- the best choice. Not only the beaches are heavenlike, you also have a huge variety. It has the 10th largest coastline in the World, the same as China. Seriously wherever you are in Greece you are never too far from a sandy beach with turquoise waters. Also Greece is the warmest country in Europe, just consider it's next to the Middle East and Egypt.
Spain is a wonderful country with all its beautiful cities and villages, are utterly romantic. But I'm sorry to say its beaches are not as good. It has some main beaches which are extremely over-developed, with huge hotels and many many people, mainly British and Spaniards from the cities. It's not relaxing at all.
Greece is not like that, at all. With so many beaches and so many isolated islands you find virgin beaches everywhere, and I'm talking postcard-like beauty not just a nice beach. Greece is not just the best beach destination in Europe, but is considered one of the top beach destinations in the World.
PetrosB3 is offline  
Old May 16th, 2015, 03:31 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
In April I think you will have to go to southern Spain to get real beach weather. (Think this is still sort of early for greek islands).

In 2.5 weeks it makes sense to spend some time with grandparents, then 4 days (minimum - I would do more) in London, they fly to Malaga and stay in a place that appeals to you with the type of beach you like. Yes, some areas are very built up - but others are gorgeous and not so busy. And this is not high season - so the crowds should not be at their worst. Also you might take a day or two to do day trips to Cordoba and/or Granada - a chance to visit the unique cities based on moorish culture in the middle ages and up through the reconquista. (If you prefer you can do more time int he cities, including Seville and only a couple on the beach - if you have great beaches at home.)

Definitely do open jaws flights to avoid wasting time and money.
nytraveler is offline  
Old May 16th, 2015, 11:45 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The best beaches I have seen in the Mediterranean are on the island of Formentera in Spain. It's right next door to busy Ibiza, but a total contrast: http://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/forme...rmentera_i.htm
Heimdall is offline  
Old May 17th, 2015, 04:32 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 25,496
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Spain is good and for those sort of dates I'd look at the islands like the Canaries or Majorca, both of which have some sorts of all inclusive deals (plus snorkling) sea generally warmer in the Med though so Majorca might be more sensible (the Canaries are further south and in the Atlantic so, the tops of mountains sticking out of the deep Ocean)

Greek islands are a good idea as indeed would the Dalmation coast with added islands (what used to be called Yugoslavia), probably too early for the Italian beach season to have started. There maybe full service resorts in Greece but the pleasure of the area is just going along with what you find.

If you want perfect weather then the Red Sea resorts in Egypt would be great and the diving is fantastic, but Americans are often a bit worried about this area.

In all four areas you will find staff who speak English and apart from the alphabet (different in Greece and Egypt) you'll find a culture you can fit into relatively easily (if slower and less fixated by time and contracts than you will be). Spain and Dalmatia, on the other hand are more "anglo-saxon" in there service offerings.
bilboburgler is online now  
Old May 17th, 2015, 04:34 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 25,496
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Good point I just noticed above, the Balearic Islands include
Majorca (the main family island), Minorca, Ibiza( the young kids rave island) and Formentera.
bilboburgler is online now  
Old May 17th, 2015, 06:54 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Formentera is the most laid-back island in the Balearics, with no high rise hotels, and miles of beaches so white they make your eyes hurt. The island can only be reached by private yacht or ferry from Ibiza Town. Ibiza itself has some great beaches, too, and most assuredly won't be a "young kids rave island" in April or early May. Just ask Ed Miliband! ;-)
Heimdall is offline  
Old May 17th, 2015, 08:13 AM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I talked to my Fiance a bit more and we are not as focused to get good beaches in on this trip as we decided to take a mexico trip down the road. I think we are most interested in Spain (Barcelona or maybe one of the islands mentioned here) and Greece. Are there any other romantic cities with great views that we should consider? I love cities on bodies of water. I think we need to sit down and really discuss what we want most for our honeymoon since we are switching gears.

Are there any other romantic cities with great views that we should consider? I love cities on bodies of water for some reason.

Thank you nytraveler for mentioning open jaw flights. I'd never heard of them before. And thanks everyone else for the recommendations. Petros3b you practically sold my fiance on greece with your description!
malifornia is offline  
Old May 17th, 2015, 08:19 AM
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well messed up that last post but I don't know how to edit.

We would be interested in any city that has beautiful old buildings, good restaurants and pubs, museums, running trails, easy to get around and just a general cool vibe.
malifornia is offline  
Old May 17th, 2015, 08:26 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 25,496
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Nice cities with great views of water

Barcelona certainly hits the spot but also

Bilbao
Malaga
Venice (unique)
Amsterdam
Napoli
London
Paris
Genoa
Hamburg
Copenhagen
Helsinki
La Rochelle
Lisbon

all jump up

Less so Prague/Vienna/

April/May and Raves depends on when school hols are ;-)
bilboburgler is online now  
Old May 17th, 2015, 08:31 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you want romantic, I'd say Sicily beats Greece.
The valley of temples in Agrigento is absolutely fabulous and a place where all local couples take a lot of pics (in beautiful wedding dresses). According to my wife I'm not that much of ramantic, but still I really loved the place.
We stayed at Taormina - quite touristic but really beautiful, nice weather, good food, goo wine, beaches + culture, ruins very close - or you can drive a bit and go visit some other places in Sicily - I recommend the Villa of ???? close to Ragusa... In all touristic guides : about the most famous and most beautiful mosaic ever from this period.
Greece is fabulous too, but ruins in Athens are in a busy city and to go to Delphes or other places you need time.
Have fun planning !
pariswat is offline  
Old May 17th, 2015, 08:31 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Villa Casale it is.
pariswat is offline  
Old May 17th, 2015, 08:35 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 25,496
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Same list with added comments on cool vibe and running paths near bodies of water that you can see and interact with

Bilbao, yes and in a limited area
Malaga, meh and along the front
Venice (unique) yes and no unless you stay out at the Lido
Amsterdam, yes and yes
Napoli, meh and yes
London, yes and yes but expensive
Paris, yes and yes
Genoa, meh and not sure
Hamburg, yes and yes but expensive
Copenhagen, yes and yes but more paths for bikes than foot
Helsinki, yes and yes though you might get bored
La Rochelle, meh and yes but limited in size
Lisbon, yes and yes

If I was crossing the pond to visit places for a honeymoon that wanted that list I'd focus on London/Amsterdam/Paris and Venice. If I really wanted to look at enjoying the outdoor exercise life for a lot of the holiday I'd take in Helsinki but in April I'd take layers. I'd only look at Lisbon if I had a few words of Portuguese.
bilboburgler is online now  
Old May 17th, 2015, 08:36 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 25,496
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
My bad, put Barcelona in there as well
bilboburgler is online now  
Old May 17th, 2015, 08:38 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A couple of thoughts:

A city combined with a nice nearby beach:

Barcelona combined with some of the nice sandy beaches nearby like Roses in Spain:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g...Vacations.html

or the flat sandy beaches of France like in Argeles sur Mer:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g...Vacations.html

This would be easier if you rent a car to get to those palces IMO. If you fly then Barcelona to one of Balearics should be pretty easy to fly.

We spent our honeymoon in Southern Portugal in the Algarve which would also be nice and has great beaches. But we spent our 25th anniversary in Sicily, which I don't think has been mentioned. We spent 2 weeks there and rented a car for the first week and saw much of the historic sites, but then spent the last week at a club med kicking back, swimming, snorkeling etc.. For us it was a good mix, easy to use sports equipment, easy beach access, etc. we rarely do all inclusive resorts-maybe 3 times in 40 years! But it might be worth considering after the stress of the wedding
jpie is offline  
Old May 17th, 2015, 09:03 AM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
More cities on bodies of water:

Stockholm
Istanbul
Nice
Marseille
Palermo
Split
Edinburgh
Geneva/Lausanne
Zurich
Lucerne

Do rivers really count? How big does the city have to be?

I'd head south, especially in April. Barcelona has a lot of interesting Moderisme architecture -- dating from around the turn of the twentieth century plus. So not so old but very colorful and interesting. And the city feels very airy (open and modern) and cool (trendy).

Nice has Belle Epoque architecture, very curvy and sensual. And, using it as a base, there's lots to see up and down along the Riviera.

Istanbul straddles the Bosporus between Europe and Asia. I haven't been there for a couple years, but it felt very busy and trendy when we were there. Obviously lots of Islamic architecture plus the Hagia Sofia, originally an Orthodox cathedral, then a mosque and now a museum. We loved Turkish food.

Petros can be forgiven his native pride, but I really think April is a little early for Greece outside Athens. Save it for another time when you can make a longer visit.

I must end with a vote for Venice, the most romantic of cities. The pre-eminent water city, no roads. The best sightseeing there is wandering around getting lost. The most romantic thing to do is to dance in the moonlight to the orchestras in the Piazza San Marco. Now there's a honeymoon memory!
Mimar is offline  
Old May 17th, 2015, 09:08 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
BTW malifornia, if you like water cities, come up to Seattle some time. In the summer, not the winter; a little too much water then.

More native pride.
Mimar is offline  
Old May 17th, 2015, 08:42 PM
  #19  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Mimar, my username is malifornia because I grew up in California but I live in Portland. Love the pnw!!!


Dang you guys really gave me a lot of homework to do.
malifornia is offline  
Old May 18th, 2015, 01:55 AM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
malifornia you mention April or May 2016, but dates make a huge difference on this type of trip. I will mention Rhodes Town,Kos Town and Nafplio on the list out of the places I've been and Chania or Rethymno out of the cities I haven't been in Greece. All of those will be fine on April, Rhodes,Kos and Crete because it gets warmer earlier there, those islands have a longer season and a large pernament population and Nafplion on the mainland because its old town is extremely beautiful and mainly it is a year-around destination.
I think by deciding on (if possible late) May, you have the advandage of many direct seasonal flights radiating from London to all kind of European seaside places and a running season more or less everywhere. while say on early April most of those flights do not run and many resort type of places are still "sleepy" ...
mariha2912 is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -