The Most Romantic Honeymoon Spots in Spain
Spain is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations and is an excellent honeymoon choice whether you’re looking for fairytale romance, a foodie paradise or an adrenaline-packed break. We take a look at some of the best destinations in Spain for your honeymoon.
San Sebastián
San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is the jewel of the region of the Basque Country in northern Spain and is the ideal honeymoon destination for food lovers, beach bunnies and those who are after a coastal location with an historic atmosphere.
By day, head to one of the city’s two beaches, the curved La Concha (‘The Shell’), recently crowned Europe’s best beach and the long strip of La Zurriola, a great place to surf and body board. When evening comes around, explore the warren of streets of the old town, which are packed with pintxo bars. Pintxos are Basque tapas; delicious morsels often stacked on a slice of crunchy bread and all lined up on bar tops so customers can load up their own plates.
Of Spain’s seven restaurants to hold three Michelin stars, three are in San Sebastián, making the city a foodie destination to remember.
Seville
One of Spain’s most beautiful cities, Seville is a passionate feast for the senses, with a fascinating history, thriving flamenco culture and picturesque old town. The city’s Alcázar, with its Arab-inspired gardens and decor, harks back to when it was ruled by the Moors and makes for a romantic morning activity. Sip on champagne on one of the city’s rooftop bars before taking in a flamenco show. Over the river, the neighbourhood of Triana is home to some more off-the-beaten-track tapas bars and is the centre of the city’s ceramics trade – the ideal place to pick up some souvenirs.
Granada
Dominated by the hilltop Alhambra, a fortress set against the snowy mountains of the Sierra Nevada that make it look like something straight out of a fairytale, Granada is one of Spain’s most romantic cities. Wander the narrow streets of the Albaicín, the whitewashed Moorish neighbourhood that could be more Morocco than Spain. Stop for some mint tea and marvel and Spain’s multicultural history. Another must-visit neighbourhood is Sacromonte, traditionally home to gypsies who lived in the area’s cave houses, where flamenco flourished.
Ibiza
It might be world famous for its clubs – and it does have some of the best – but the white isle is also a romantic honeymoon destination, whether you want to dance the night away or enjoy a tranquil break in your own beachfront accommodation. For a break filled with idyllic scenery, stylish bars and a host of action-packed activities, Ibiza could be the ideal honeymoon destination.
Valencia
While Spain’s two biggest cities – Madrid and Barcelona – often hog the limelight, its third city of Valencia remains something of an undiscovered gem, where those in the know come for excellent cuisine, beaches and a wonderful old town. The birthplace of paella is an ideal destination for those wanting to mix a beachside location with all the foodie and historic gems of an old city. Explore Europe’s biggest aquarium at the City of Arts and Sciences, relax on the beach, then go bar hopping around the old town.
Galicia
The northwestern region of Galicia is a rugged, green haven, that looks more similar to Ireland than much of Spain. With its rich mythology, buzzing cities and stunning countryside, it’s a great honeymoon location whether you’re into hiking, history or discovering some of Spain’s more off-the-beaten-track cities like Lugo, Ourense or Vigo. For hikers, walking the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage route that ends in the Galician capital of Santiago de Compostela, could be an unforgettable honeymoon activity that mixes the spiritual with the adventurous.
Tenerife
The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife combines wonderful beaches, other-worldly landscapes and a host of adrenaline-packed activities that make it an ideal honeymoon destination for adventure junkies. Paraglide over the lunar landscapes of the Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide. You can climb the face of the volcano and explore the surreal rock formations of the park. After getting stuck into the island’s huge range of adventure sports, you can relax on its pristine beaches and, by night, go stargazing – it’s said to be one of the best places on the planet to do so.