Top honeymoons by train
Honeymoons: the height of the romantic getaway. While we're firm believers that train travel is the way to go (hello, timeless romance, Belle Époque interiors, and private sleeper cabins)—there’s no single way to do a honeymoon. So whether you're after adventure or relaxation, simple pleasures or all the trimmings, read on for our top picks for honeymoons by land and sea.
Best for railway luxury: Costa Verde
The sparkling emerald of Spain’s verdant north coast, Costa Verde is home to one of Europe’s most luxurious rail journeys: the Costa Verde Express, running from Bilbao to the ancient pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela. Romantic, golden-age splendour sets the tone, with wood-panelled bedrooms and lavish dining cars offering white-glove service and Galician fare.
Best for classic romance: Amalfi
Amalfi is one of the most beloved honeymoon destinations—and for good reason. A slew of luxury hotels, fine restaurants, sweeping vistas, and secluded coves tick all the boxes. For a quieter slice of Amalfi magic, opt for Ravello: a hidden gem sitting 350 meters above the Mediterranean Sea, without the crowds of the overly-Instagrammed Portofino.
Best for natural wonder: Rovaniemi
Beyond the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the final stop on the sleeper train heading to Finnish Lapland. Honeymoons were made for unforgettable memories of a lifetime, and there's no shortage in the culinary capital of the north: expect everything from igloo dining to husky sledging, snowmobile touring to watching the northern lights from a bubbling hot tub.
Best for water-side romance: Lake Garda
Romance runs deep in Lake Garda, and with excellent boat connections, Desenzano del Garda is the perfect spot. It's easy enough to take a boat out to Sirmione, Bardolino, Lazise, or Malcesine, or bag a pedalo for old-school romance. Come evening, string lights and candlelit alfresco dining light up the streets surrounding Piazza Malvezzi, where the regional speciality Risotto all'Amarone always comes with a view.
Best for alternative Honeymoon: The Black Forest
Germany rarely makes the classic honeymoon hit list. But the Black Forest defies all preconceptions. Dense pines, whimsical medieval villages and lakes are an alternatively beautiful backdrop for romance, with a thriving gastronomy scene (far more than just cherries, kirsch and cream) dubbed by Vogue as 'A Michelin star Mecca'.
Best for longer adventures: Morocco
The perfect combination of adventure and luxury. Embark on an epic trip through Spain to Morocco, where real Casablanca-style romance awaits. Ornate riads with citrussy courtyards are the place to unwind, as is the experience offered at any neighbourhood Hammam (a traditional Moroccan spa where relaxation is an art). The first task as a married couple? Hit the souks and agree (!) on that *perfect* rug.
