Beautiful (and cheap) destinations for – for example – your mini-moon/honeymoon in Europe
De mini moon is essentially the honeymoon of old. The 'hop on a plane after you get married' holiday. A throwback to the time when newlyweds, after all the hustle and bustle of the wedding festivities, would go out for a walk together, only to be called back to the office a few days later. This mini moon has recently evolved into a warm-up holiday. Save a safari with all the bells and whistles or a tropical island on the other side of the world for later, when the wedding party slowly becomes a memory. Fortunately, Europe is right on our doorstep, with a maze of hotels rich in history and... glamorous, snow-capped mountains, sandy islands and vast tracts of untouched wilderness that beg for a mini-adventure together. If you ask us, the mini moon not be skipped.
So here's our guide to inside tips for the most beautiful mini moon destinations in Europe. From the Dolce Vita coastline of Italy to the wild forests of Finland. A selection of hopelessly romantic places that perfectly match the pink cloud you will be sitting on after your wedding (and let's be honest: even without wedding plans, these budget destinations do well!)
Enjoy a few nights of antiquity and the creative scene Athens (e.g. it Mona Hotel), and then drift away to one of the sleepy ones Greek Isles (on to Santorini!) is a proven formula. Low rents due to the financial crisis have attracted creatives and transformed the city into a European breeding ground for innovative art, food, architecture and fashion. The emerging contemporary art scene can be viewed at The Breeder (a former ice factory-gallery in Metaxourgio, now showcasing Greek artistic talent) or CAN (Christina Androulidaki Gallery) in Dexami. The hip Themistokleous neighborhood's independent cafes and restaurants, such as Frater and Soror, with their intriguing small plates, are filled by a modest global and local crowd. And be sure to visit the elegant houses on the streets of the Plaka district, where you can stop for strong Greek coffee and Kataifi. Of all the Greek islands to escape to, Milos is perhaps the most tropical. With an abundance of beaches and white cliffs clash with the turquoise water. The menus are at the mercy of the sea, with local tavernas grilling fresh fish for a sun-drenched crowd.
Of course we can't look into anyone's wallet, but we do know that Transavia the best option is when it comes to transparent ticket prices, and the company flies to just about every European destination we can think of. If you book directly via the Transavia website (we would), you can see exactly which extras you do or do not want to add to your ticket, such as priority boarding, extra luggage or the choice of your seat on the plane. This way you can make it as expensive as you want. So add to that 'the choice is huge', and you understand why we recommend Transavia speed dial .
- The Perianth Hotel is a trendy and affordable hotel in Athens. Located in Athens' bustling center, Agia Irini Square, Perianth's 1930s story of utilitarian chairs and abstract art makes for a cool, contemporary hangout and the ultimate base for exploring Europe's most exciting city.
- Once anchored in Milos, head north to the fishing village of Agios Konstantinos, where a small Cycladic house can consume you for days, with only the rolling sunset and morning paddling.
- More Greece? Here you will find Barts Best of Greece!
Sicily is an island of crumbling splendor, where dry, scorched earth meets an impossibly blue sea, and the languid afternoons stretch into dusk. For unabashed beauty and those legendary Sicilian food rituals, head to the southeast of the island. In the baroque cities, where flamboyant churches and palaces bake in the sun, their shutters are flaking and the balconies are rusty. You can take a wonderful trip on a Vespa and tour the streets of Noto, which end on the beach. Ragusa Ibla's cluster of palaces, churches and stone houses clinging to the hills, with misty views of the Hyblaean Mountains, are also a draw. Scicli, one of the lesser-known Baroque towns, is perhaps the most enchanting. Long siestas set the tone, with grand houses harkening back to 16th-century celebrations, now museums to shelter from the midday heat while the rest of the city sleeps. With Sampieri beach less than 10 minutes away by scooter. Sounds like a dream, right?
- Sanbartholomeo Casa e Putia is a tastefully curated series of rooms opposite the cathedral of the same name. The Milanese owners' passion for design is evident throughout, as is their commitment to preserving the essence of this city through traditional Sicilian style with modern touches. Mahogany dressers, brass trinkets and lace accents meet the dark minimalist stones and tidy rooms. You can pop out of your city nap around 16.00 p.m., when the green shutters creep open and ricotta-filled cannoli pastries beckon.
Do we have any favorites in Sicily? More than enough! And you read it here.
A jumble of pastel-colored fishermen's houses and Dolce Vita hotels cling to the cliffs. It's no surprise that the Amalfi Coast is synonymous with romance. Positano – you fly there via Napels, good to know!) is a particularly enchanting bay, with hotels such as Le Sirenuse and which form the ideal picture for a newly married couple. It makes the eye happy.
Stay: Le Sirenuse, with its white swirls and 400-candle strong restaurant la Sponda, is a delightful proposition. The balconies focus on tranquil views in the style of Slim Aarons, the airy rooms are decorated with family treasures and the vintage Riva Acquarama from Le Sirenuse can take couples on coastal adventures.
In winter we know the Swiss Alps with snow-capped peaks, pine forests, frozen lakes and traditional cowbell villages where the smoke from the chimneys of the chalets blows into the cold, still air. And in the summer, these white mountain peaks are replaced by a green carpet, full of wild flowers and (one hopes) yodelling in the style of The Sound of Music. When the Swiss Alps turn on the sun, there is nothing like it. Take walks along the cow-dotted slopes, along babbling brooks to vast, turquoise lakes, where the outdoorsy folks have already traded their skis for oars. There are also thermal baths, such as the 30-degree spring of Vals, where you can relax and get a good steaming. Days of fresh mountain air, rediscovery of the leg muscles (because you will feel them) during beautiful walks and exploration of beautiful traditional villages are rewarded with tartiflette, rösti and fondue, because that fondue lasts all year round (luckily).
A good base for stardom? Geneva is a beautiful city. Want to read everything we know about Switzerland? Can here here here!
- The outside of Bridge 49, with its dense charcoal, may have a Wes Anderson appearance, but a completely different story unfolds inside. The Swiss-Danish owners have created a perfect mix of Scandinavian minimalism and alpine coziness. A blond wooded setting is set with Danish furnishings and moody lighting, with white paneling and a consistently pared-back aesthetic. Breakfast is a home-cooked feast of bircher muesli, eggs and Swiss cheeses – all served at a communal table (even honeymooners get tired of each other's company 24/7).
With its fairytale castles, meadows full of wild flowers and design hotels Transylvania not an obvious choice, but an excellent choice for the travelers among us who want to avoid the crowds and the hotspots want to avoid during the busy summer months. This region of Romania has a long one farm-to-table tradition and is a real pleasure for foodies (head to Pilvax in Brasov or Crama Sibiul Vechi in Sibiu for hearty, traditional dishes in evocative surroundings). Then there is the lore of Dracula, a story that rises as high as the snowy peaks of the Romanian Carpathians, a source of inspiration for poets and writers for centuries. You can drive in a rental car through dense forests, where bears and wolves still live, and explore the cities of Braşov, Cluj-Napoca and Sibiu, with their historic cultural mosaic and thermal baths. Four national parks and the continent's only volcanic lake, Sint Anna, offer the kind of wild escape not often associated with Europe.
Lodging: a number Saxon houses in this once abandoned Transylvanian village, Count Miklos of Bethlen, whose tower-shaped family seat towers above, has been stylishly transformed into intriguing Design pick up.
The famously expensive resort may raise a few eyebrows, especially among those who have climbed the slopes of Courchevel and dined in its Michelin-starred restaurants, but Courchevel 1650 is the less flashy cousin of 1850. Traditional restaurants, such as Le Petit Savoyard, La Table de Marie and L'Alambic, provide a glimpse into the warm and rustic soul of the region. You can sit down with a cool glass of wine on the sun-drenched terrace of Bel Air, and then continue your drink in a charming French bar with local wines. And when the drinks are ready you can go to La Klinik and dance until the early hours.
The landscape from the French city of Lyon to Courchevel is beautiful, and we recommend that you fly to Lyon and rent a car from there to take the 2-hour drive to Courchevel: a mini holiday in itself!
Where to stay: It comes as no surprise that an Alpine hotel set up by the owners of Lime Wood and The Pig is both stylish and modest: a scene of taxidermy and reindeer with a hint of the rural chic. But what is surprising are the room rates Portetta, which are slightly less towering than those of their higher-lying neighbors. The food here is excellent, Angela Harnett's signature Italian menus get a Savoyard twist at Cucina Angelina.
Provence may be an unlikely candidate for an affordable trip. But inland, from the Riviera villas and pricey castles, lies a cluster of villages that shine through painted shutters and gather around medieval water fountains. It is a pleasure to tour through it in a tiny little car and catch a breath of fresh air here and there, which is filled with a smell of fresh baguette, the distinctly French smell of strong coffee, tobacco that seems to be in the cafe walls and lavender that seems to hang permanently in the air. A rosé in the late afternoon light, a good book in the French sun or a relaxing walk through vineyards and sunflower fields. It's a romantic place, we can say that.
You can fly with Transavia various French destinations, and a combination of cities like Nice, Marseille and Montpelier with Provence, you get the best of France in one mini-moon.
Stay: The hip French hospitality group Beaumier has perfected the affordable-but-chic formula in Le Moulin in Lourmarin. Located at the foot of the Luberon, this redesigned oil mill combines pastoral fantasy new-age retro romance – expect grainy, earthy tones and glossy terracotta dosed with woven sisal headboards and trendy fruit prints along the walls. Gourmets will enjoy Chef Julien's locavore menus of rosemary fougasse, carpaccio and grilled catch of the day. At the same time, Lourmarin's Friday morning market is a labyrinth of artisanal household items and delicacies.
oh Long live France! Paradise close to home. Great to drive to, perfect material for the train. Nowhere will you eat better, tastier, more often and more extensively – what are we saying? Food is a cultural heritage here (hello good wine, delicious cheese and delicious bread) and France is simply a fantastically beautiful country with varied nature, culture and a nice climate.
Provided you know where to be. And that's where we come in. We know where to go in the Dutch holiday destination name another. You only have to pack your bags.
With its elegant facades, bistro awnings and beautiful streets Paris as if romance was invented here. Montmartre's warren of independent shops, eccentric bars and restaurants will make you not want to leave the district for your entire stay, with a particular highlight being the evening view over the sparkling city from the Sacre Coeur. Away from the tourists, the Musée de la Vie Romantique is filled with artefacts and exhibitions about Romanticism – the wisteria-clad orangery is a lovely, sunny spot for cake and coffee. The walled garden and unassuming entrance of Hotel Particulier epitomize the neighborhood's unpretentious style, and the vintage shops along Montmartre Hill are a hit for those looking for hidden treasures. To capture the true essence of Paris, in its most romantic form, a midnight stroll along the Seine is mandatory (and free). We love Paris.
Where to stay: For Paris's stylish new groove (and less racy room rates), visit Hotel des Grands Boulevards in the second arrondissement. While most of the city's affordable hotels are scattered around the edges, Hotel des Grands Boulevards is centrally located and more 'polished bohemia' than 'French luxury'. A lively rooftop bar honors the hotel's heritage (as part of the Experimental Cocktail Group), while cozy, colorful rooms put a retro twist on French classicism. Croissants in bed have never looked so good.
Sleep more in Paris? That's possible, read our extensive list with the best places to stay in the city of love.
Just as intricate and complex as the tiles that decorate the seven hills Lisbon a remarkable mixture of antiquity and avant-garde, spread along the banks of the Tagus River. Trams rumble past crumbling buildings, restaurant chairs are spread out across the cobbled streets and an almost palpable optimism fuels a city once burdened by the Eurozone crisis. It's all about roofs Lisbon, for stunning sea and city views, long morning rituals with different pastel de nata and afternoons at the pool. Couples can glide around the city on the canary yellow trams, marvel at the 16th-century Mosteiro dos Jerimos and other monuments in the Bélem district. Escape the afternoon heat in the modernist Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) or leave the city completely on the beach.
Lodging: A particularly memorable red-tiled swimming pool crowns the roof terrace Alfama Memmo – a terrace that overlooks the city's spires, staggered roofs and the Tagus River. The rooms in a 19th-century shoe factory reflect the more modern face of Portugal and are sleek and sober. It is the local wine and food that speaks the traditional language and of course Portuguese pastries and cakes for breakfast. The old town location is bustling with traditional and unpretentious Portuguese eateries for dishes like bacalhaus, sardinhas assadas and octopus, and is home to the legendary Feira da Ladra flea market.
For some medieval flair, in Northern European style, with cozy corners in canalside cafes and art galleries, Ghent the place to train to. The city features a craft beer scene from the Old Town, in renowned pubs such as Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant, before exploring the city's creative and highly underrated culinary scene. The rhythm of Ghent is still determined by the weekly markets, with the St. Jacob's fleas and the photogenic bloom of the Kouterplein, where locals gather on weekends for shellfish and gossip in De Blauwe Kiosk. There is plenty to like about catering breakfast and lunch and the drinks can turn into dancing in the nightlife.
Lodging: The dark and brooding 1898 The Post is a masterclass in integrating sleek, modernist furniture into the historic structure of a city post office, while retaining its Gothic splendor. The dark wooden floors and midnight blue walls create a wonderfully soft and cozy image inside, with relics from the former postal life everywhere. The Tower Suite, which wins the romance, is located in one of the towers of the building, overlooking the Grasleikade and the Korenmarkt.
Slovenia is hot and happening. The 'dull' image is gone Slovenia is on the bucket list of many travelers. Not on yours yet? Shame! Because there are many reasons why it is a perfect mini moon (or other holiday) destination. We will already mention two: the beautiful, unspoilt landscape, and the small prices. Now you again! The small country between Croatia and Italy is not yet very touristy, the nature is fairytale-like, Slovenia has three major wine regions, and the country is a very green destination for outdoor activities. From mountain biking and SUPing to hiking and spotting brown bears.
Oh and we hadn't talked about where you can sleep yet, but the accommodations are wonderful here. Especially those glamping sites, accommodations and houses away from the crowd. Not huddling together, but into nature. And these are the most beautiful and special overnight stays.
Moreover, Transavia flies directly to the capital Ljubljana
Read all our tips here
With romantic walks through winding lanes and meadows of wildflowers, thatched villages straight out of a time machine and cozy pubs with rooms where you can stumble to bed via 16th century steps, you'll find The Cotswolds a few hours from London. There's the Daylesford Empire or Bamford massages, neat cosmopolitan idylls from the countryside and hearty salads from the garden. There are the 'all-on-the-water' villages which all look like a BBC murder mystery film set with old parsonages and thatched cottages and afternoon tea in large posts such as Winston Churchill's childhood home, Blenheim Palace. But mostly there are walks, sublime farm-to-table food and long, selfish baths.
Where to stay: Swap the classic Cotswolds formula of pub-with-room or country house for something different. The Tree House by Sand & Stone is handmade by (very smart) artisan carpenters in the woods around a 17th century country house and takes nature seriously. Two floors of velvet sofas, deep carpets and even deeper bathtubs look out through floor-to-ceiling windows over the tree canopy and a sweeping valley. A bottle of Champagne awaits in the fridge, the beds are made in earthy French linen, and there's even an outdoor shower to share after a thrilling tour of the estate.
In recent years, fascinating parts of the UK have come into the spotlight, along with their attractive lack of flight administration. Yorkshire, with its evocative mist-strewn moorlands, rolling farmland crisscrossed by mossy, gray stone walls and distinct regional identity, is one of them. The two jewels in the county's crown are the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, described by locals as “God's own country” and which you can walk or cycle through, with cozy, fire-lit pubs, keeping the outside folks warm, well oiled and fed with hearty, local fare. It's no surprise that Yorkshire's trickling streams, dense bluebell forests and charming Georgian market towns have inspired writers, poets and artists for centuries.
Where to stay: For a rural escape with modern comforts and an impressive food scene Middleton Lodge the place where you should put your boots down. Although not strictly necessary – a neat row of Hunter Wellies in several sizes stands in front of the reception, just like the sun loungers by the outdoor pool. Walks through the woods and past blackberry hedges are rewarded in the newly opened spa, or with a gin and tonic in the hotel courtyard, surrounded by the renovated barn.
The desire for seclusion from the city and to relax among the patchwork quilts of moss green, brown and blue of the Isle of Skye. The Cuillin mountains reveal vast landscapes, medieval castles and sleepy fishing villages. A creative crowd of artists and chefs take advantage of the island's beauty and endless bounty, with restaurants such as the dining room at Calum Montgomery's Edibane Lodge, where fresh seafood and sea herbs are crafted into creative dishes.
Of course you fly to Edinburgh and then you take it from there.
Stay: This old farmhouse, part of Kip Hideaways, seems lost in the mossy, majestic landscape of Skye. While the exterior honors its former life, the interior has been given a modern, minimalist treatment, reminiscent of a Scandinavian log cabin. A large wood fire protrudes from a wooden, whitewashed wall and a large window provides natural light, reminding the couples of the beautiful isolation they came to the UK for.
Floating in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland lies a Norwegian secret, Aland. A cluster of islands bathed in soft light and whose pastel-colored wooden houses usually have a garden that slopes down to a jetty. Wind-swept beaches, lapped by glassy waters and punctuated by a lighthouse or painted hut, are a picnic spot. A clever web of free ferries and bridges from the lively capital Mariehamn makes the archipelago a playground for road trips and cyclists, with Brothers Grimm-style castles such as Kastelholms Slott and beaches such as the smooth-sand Lilla Holmen to explore. Book a tour and tasting at Smakbyn, chef Michael 'Micke' Björklund's food village, with restaurant, cooking classes, farm shop and distillery for foraging, fishing and cooking at its Norwegian best.
Where to stay: The Alands are all huts and charming guesthouses along the harbours. Settle into one like the Scandinavians minimalist cabin with a jetty for a refreshing dip in the morning and a sauna to warm up in.
How to get there? By too fly to Stockholm, Sweden. From there it is another three hours by car and ferry. Transavia does not fly directly from a Dutch airport to Stockholm, but it does fly from Paris: the perfect reason for a combination mini-moon! Or fly up the Finnish Ivalo and make it a road trip through the beautiful country.
And then a very nice one in the 'did you know' category: did you know that you met Transavia Holidays you can arrange everything in one, including your hotel and transport at your destination. That's right! Isn't that useful for everyone? newlyweds and other romantics who adhere to either of these mini moons want to go for a ride? The less stress, the better, and you can also contact Transavia for that.
