It’s no secret that a wedding is both the best and most exhausting day of most people’s lives. So when it comes to the honeymoon it’s hardly surprising that many couples look for a destination within quick, easy reach. If a long haul flight doesn’t appeal, there is a whole array of romantic, vibrant and exhilarating spots roughly within a short five hour flight from most major UK airports. So, here are my top five honeymoon destinations within easy reach of our shores.
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
A short jump across the Mediterranean and you could wind up in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Spend a couple of days getting under the skin of the pulsating capital, Marrakech, and the artistic colony of Fez. Then, retreat to the mountains together for some untouched rural downtime.
I recommend choosing a truly authentic stay in a Kasbah or private riad that has views of snow-capped peaks or the ancient Berber settlements of Telouet or Tacheddirt.
Florence, Italy
In just a couple of hours you could be in enchanting Florence and what feels like a million miles away from home. This is the honeymoon spot for couples who enjoy the finer things in life — namely food and wine.
Make the romantic Romanesque city your base for exploring Tuscany. Visit as many museums, art galleries and palaces as your stamina allows. Also, be sure to climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to see the most awesome view of Florence.
Santorini, Greece
This is the island for hipster honeymooners. The volcanic island of Santorini, flung out into the Aegean Sea, can be reached in just under a four hour flight.
There’s a wide array of exclusive nightspots, hip cafes and excellent restaurants to choose from. Enjoy a glass of local Santorini Assyrtiko wine on the terrace of somewhere like Ambrosia Restaurant in Oia, as you sit and watch the evening sun melt over the black cliffs and bleach white villas.
Cesme, Turkey
Cesme is the beach hotspot for the ‘in’ crowd. It is an up and coming little gem of a place, roughly accessed within four hours flight from the UK. Think clear blue sea and quiet sandy bays dotted with fig and gum trees.
Great for him and her, the area offers world-class windsurfing, dining and a vibrant nightlife. There’s a wide array of boutique hotels perched on the shores which would make an ideal base — one of our favourites is the ultra-chic 7800 Cesme. If you can, it’s worth hiring a yacht to explore the stunning peninsula.
Sahara Desert, Egypt
If you’re willing to go that little bit further afield for your honeymoon, Egypt is all yours in around five hours flight from the UK. A captivating country, a visit to the Pyramids and a few nights in Cairo are must-dos. But don’t just stop there — continue the journey to the Sahara Desert and the fantastic luxe eco-lodges of Adrère Amellal located next to a natural Saharan oasis.
This is a honeymoon for couples looking to disappear to a remote spot free of buzzing phones and shiny laptops. If you’re craving the simple life after a hectic wedding, this is for you.
Guest post by Tom Marchant of Black Tomato
Images from Black Tomato
