Greece has taken first place on the honeymoon hotlist for 2027, according to Virtuoso's annual Luxe Report, which draws on more than 3,100 travel advisors in over 50 countries. The country pipped Bali and the Maldives to the top spot, ending Italy's long-standing lead, with Italy in fourth and France in eighth — meaning three European countries sit in the top 10 alongside French Polynesia, Japan, Fiji, Thailand and South Africa.
The appeal, according to advisors, is the mix: romance and scenery, yes, but also food, history and the flexibility to build a trip that's more than a beach stay. Greece also ranked fourth overall among luxury destinations for 2027, and honeymooners now make up roughly a quarter of bookings at one Virtuoso-affiliated agency, with European trips typically running 10 to 14 nights.
Here's the interesting shift: couples are moving on from Mykonos and Santorini, which have grown crowded and cruise-focused. Instead, advisors are steering newlyweds toward Paros, Milos and Crete for a more relaxed but still luxurious island experience. On the mainland, the Athens Riviera is having a moment — new luxury hotels mean couples can pair a few days exploring the capital with time on the coast before hopping to the islands.
The same pattern is playing out in Italy and France. In Italy, Ischia is being recommended over Capri for its thermal spas, hotels and calmer pace, while Piedmont and Umbria are edging out Tuscany, alternative lakes compete with Como, and Puglia keeps climbing thanks to its masserias, coastline and food. The Dolomites are booming too, often paired with Venice. In France, couples are combining Paris with Provence, the Riviera, Champagne, Burgundy or Bordeaux for a slower second half of the trip.
Timing is changing as well. June and July in southern Europe are increasingly hot and crowded, so advisors are booking honeymoons for April, May, October and even November, when weather is kinder, crowds thinner and prices better.
Spending habits are shifting too. Rather than splurging on a grand palace hotel throughout, couples are choosing a characterful boutique suite for part of the trip and putting the savings into private experiences — boat trips, cooking classes, wine tastings. The trend, in short: fewer boxes ticked, more time actually spent in fewer, more authentic places.
For anyone planning a honeymoon (or a milestone trip), the takeaway is clear — the quieter alternatives to the famous names often deliver the same beauty with more breathing room, and travelling in the shoulder season is where the value lies.
