11 Fairytale Minimoon Escapes in Europe

For more inspiration, also check out Culture Trip’s recent guide to the most beautiful cities in the world.

The term “minimoon” is admittedly not all that imaginative. It’s a play on “honeymoon”, which itself comes from an unknown origin with one dubious claim stating that it relates to the first month of a marriage as it is the “sweetest.”

Honeymoons are however a traditional part of most cultures. Couples often spend as much time (and money) planning their romantic first few weeks together as they do on the wedding itself. As such, a depressing number of people have had to cancel or postpone their luxury trips away together, as long-haul flights have been cut during the global pandemic.

Minimoons offer a cheaper alternative. Usually lasting no longer than a week, the short breaks are designed around domestic or continental travel. The plan is still to have a romantic escape from your home town and do all the things newlyweds do, but without the stress and expense of a long-distance flight.

Get creative with your minimoon choices now, and you can still plan a belated, traditional honeymoon after, once you’ve checked out our top romantic destinations for your postponed honeymoon.

Here’s our list of some old favourites mixed with unheralded treasures that you should think about when planning your minimoon. These places also work if you’re several years into a relationship and just want a nice break away together, as well.

Let’s start with an old favourite. Arguably the most romantic city in the world, Paris has claimed the title of City of Love for many years now. There is a sense of drama and sweeping passion in everything the city has to offer – from the food to the fashion. Everything has to be delivered with style, and although sometimes daunting, it’s definitely worth all the effort. One thing that is easy is getting to Paris, as the city is one of the best connected in the world. This is the perfect place for a short weekend away for all couples, and ideal for a minimoon, too.

Care to get a taste of Paris’s culinary scene? You have to join this Paris Food Tour.

Nicknamed the Pink City, Toulouse, in southwest France, has a unique charm that is hard to define. The soft coral colours of the rooftops and shops that give the city its nickname add a touch of whimsy. The local accent is one that even the French think is the sexiest in all the land, so if nothing else, you’re in for an aural treat in Toulouse. That said, the gourmet restaurants and local delicacies are some of the best in the world, too – remember to try these delicious dishes when you’re next in town. For film lovers, there’s even a hotel hidden behind the façade of an old movie theatre.

About as exotic as a European holiday can get, Istanbul is a vibrant city with an alluring mix of attractions. The art scene is booming, combining modern influences with traditional styles. This heady mix of cultures is evident across the city everywhere you look, and if you’re looking for somewhere to transport you away from the drudgery of everyday life for a few days, then Turkey is an outstanding choice.

Venice is usually the first place most people think of when planning a romantic holiday. Many great movies are set here, and it’s steeped in literature and music, so there’s plenty to inspire you to book a short getaway at any time of the year. Visitor numbers were unsurprisingly low during the pandemic, so come quickly for the chance to explore the canals and narrow streets while they’re less crowded.

Florence almost made the list, in fact this entire list could easily be just a selection of Italian cities, but we’ve gone with Rome as the other entry from Italy. The Eternal City is full of history and culture wherever you look, and the relaxed attitude of the locals will quickly put you at ease. The city is fizzing with energy, but it’s so big that you can easily find your own spot here. The must-try food, wine and candlelit plazas are a must for minimooners.

Malta is widely regarded as a great summer holiday destination by many Europeans, but is it really a viable minimoon alternative? The capital, Valletta, divided by ancient walls that surround the Old City, makes an excellent base, but to see the best of the country make sure you plan excursions beyond the city limits. The blue waters around the coast are an incredible sight to behold, and will go some way to convincing you that Malta is a great choice for a romantic break.

The remarkable capital of Hungary is a favourite with European visitors of all ages. Solo travellers love its easy-to-navigate streets, and it has a family-friendly ambience that makes the most of a diverse make-up of neighbourhoods – you can choose your favourite with our neighbourhood guide to the Hungarian capital. There is also plenty on offer for couples, with intimate buildings providing excellent places to stay if you want to hide away from the world outside. Budapest is also one of the best-value places to visit in Europe, so it’s worth considering if you’re saving up for a big trip later on.

Edinburgh’s Old and New towns, collectively recognised as a Unesco World Heritage site, offer a glimpse of what Scotland has to offer to visitors, with nods to the past as well as a warm embrace of modern living. The cobbled streets and historic buildings are a pleasure to explore, with new tram networks being added all the time.

The Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) are growing in popularity with travellers looking to explore Eastern Europe in a safe way. Riga, the capital of Latvia, is the largest city in all three countries. Visitors can explore the traditional squares and markets, which are especially picturesque in the winter months. If you’re travelling with someone who enjoys nature, then the rest of the country is full of incredible experiences that make the most of the great outdoors. Latvia might not be the obvious choice when thinking of romantic destinations, but this unknown treasure is certainly one you should research.

If you’re looking for a fairytale destination, then Lake Bled in northwest Slovenia is hard to beat. Just looking at the pictures of the lake and surrounding region is enough to transport you away to a place that looks like it came straight out of a Disney movie. You’re unlikely to run into many crowds here, but Lake Bled has plenty of accommodation to choose from, and is only a short drive away from the main airport in Ljubljana.

Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is close to the Mediterranean as well as within easy reach of excellent winter skiing. The beautiful city is adorned with well-preserved artefacts from ancient Arabic rulers, with the famous Alhambra Palace dominating many of the spectacular views you can get of the city. Strolling around the delicate walls of the citadel in the hills and the lush gardens that surround it are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Care to discover the history of Alhambra in just one minute?