Summer weddings mean summer honeymoons, which means not only a sun-filled special day, but a chance to avoid inflated summer travel prices when planning for that honeymoon getaway. July brides and grooms have an array of options when picking and choosing the perfect place to spend their first weeks of coupledom at.
From the Mediterranean to the United Kingdom, or more outside the box destinations like Africa or India-- where you and your sweetie pie can find love under the midnight sun-- there are plenty of stellar spots that will seamlessly provide any Mister and Missus with enough rest, relaxation, and romance to last an entire lifetime. Here are eight amazing places to go on a honeymoon in July.
8 Beautiful July Honeymoon Destinations
1. France
Average temps in and around the City of Lights (and Love) remain in the mid-twenties all throughout the region, making it a picture perfect spot for newlyweds to take in breathtaking sceneries, pleasantly warm conditions, and bunches of outdoor activities. Road trip on over to Provence in Southeastern France, where you’ll find epic landscapes of colorful countryside gleaming brightly under the summer sun. Zip through endless fields of sunflowers and lavenders, before stopping by a local vineyard for a few sips. Those who want to sprinkle in a dash more romance should take in an unforgettable sunset over the foothills of the mighty Alps before bedding down at spaces such as the idyllic Villa Gallici in Aix-en-Provence, where luxurious suites come complete with their own private gardens. Art-loving honeymooners can even also sign up for tours of native son Paul Cézanne's studio nearby.
No matter where you choose to stay or what you choose to do, there’s no doubt that Provence and the Côte d'Azur sum up the essence of France. Couples of all sorts will j’adore sunbathing on the beaches, browsing through goodies at the weekly markets, cruising over cliff-top roads, and having themselves a honeymoon that’s sexy, sun-drenched, and superbly seductive.
2. Bermuda
Those pink sand and coral cottages of this British isle in the North Atlantic has long lured honeymooners far and wide. Just about 650 miles off the coast of North Carolina, its location makes it unsusceptible to hurricanes, meaning that the area is most inviting in the months of June through August-- when temps range towards the mid-80s. It’s the perfect summer getaway for those wanting to enjoy ample amounts of beach fun, including swimming and snorkeling. It is also just an all-around awesome spot for any new couple to remove themselves completely from the hustle and bustle of daily city life at.
To avoid pollution, rental cars are not allowed in Bermuda, so instead of stressing over traffic or other such pesky details, get the lay of the land by renting a scooter or pushing around a bike. Or by doing some of the best fishing in the world while taking in the island’s historic past at landmarks such as St. George’s, the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the New World. With just a couple hour flight from the East Coast, honeymooners can experience a tranquil and prosperous tropical paradise of manicured gardens, pastel houses, crisp colonial architecture, championship golf courses, cerulean waters, and an overly excellent array of shopping and dining opportunities. Love is definitely in the air.
3. Italy
What could be more romantic than a honeymoon in Il bel paese—the beautiful country? The ever so popular Mediterranean coasts of Italy are gorgeous indeed, especially for newlyweds hoping to savor a spectacular sampling of soul-stirring art and food, as well as heart-thumping landscapes and historic treasures that are as diverse as they are seductive. Try the Amalfi coast, which is a fantastic destination featuring eye-popping views across the Bay of Naples and some truly elegant restaurants. Rent a cozy villa or apartment for two to stay at so that you can spend time exploring nearby Sorrento, the ruins of Pompeii, and the mighty Vesuvius.
Honeymooners can also visit the chic island of Capri, which stars like Gwyneth Paltrow often frequent, especially at the fabulous Capri Palace Hotel & Spa. For those looking for less crowds, more history, and even greater local food, head south to Puglia to venture through ancient olive groves before spending a few nights at hotspots like the five-star Borgo Egnazia Hotel, the charming Masseria Torre Maizza, or the centuries old Il Melograno. Sardinia is also another option, as it is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and before Cyprus) and is an autonomous region of Italy. It’s got some of the best beaches-- offering soft white sand dunes, clear turquoise bays, rugged landscapes dotted with thousands of mysterious Bronze-age stone structures, as well as a nice abundance of hotels such as Forte Village or boutique gems like the Coluccia Hotel & Beach Club
4. Scotland & Ireland
July is a more than glorious time to explore the beautiful country sides of Scotland. The capital city, Edinburgh, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting towering castles and medieval lanes that sit alongside modern galleries and clubs. Weather-wise, the area sees optimal, yet sometimes fickly summer weather-- though events such as the seasonal Edinburgh Festival, the International Film Festival, and the Jazz and Blues Festival tend to make up for those capricious summer temps.
Feel yourself come alive within the cobblestone streets in town by embarking on a six-night Seafood Trail travelling from Glasgow past Loch Lomond and onward to Wester Ross. Couples might even want to stay on a private island off the coast of Argyll for the ultimate quiet and romantic getaway. Combine coastline and countryside for a honeymoon vacation to remember, all while enjoying a selection of special experiences such as whale watching, whiskey tasting, and golf pilgrimages.
5. Tahiti
An ideal place to visit in the blazing heat of July is this French Polynesian island, where newlyweds can relax in bliss and utter romance at an over-water or beachside bungalow in Bora Bora, Taha’a, or Tikehau. Enjoy more than glorious weather on this figure-8 shaped South Pacific archipelago, while basking under the summer sun amidst black sand beaches, ever-flowing lagoons, stunning waterfalls, and not one but two extinct volcanoes. There’s also Heiva I Tahiti, a month-long event celebrating the islands' dance, music, sports, and culture to have fun at.
It’s no wonder why couples of all kinds flock over to this the iconic vacation getaway, especially since the months of July through September are actually Tahiti’s “winter season”—a prime time to visit with long lasting sunshine and superb underwater visibility! Venture to one of the tranquil isles such as Moorea, or seek seclusion in the sleepy Tuamotu atolls, which are all accessible via inter-island flights from Tahiti proper. What’s more is that this natural paradise is just eight hours from Los Angeles—yet it offers a chance for lovebirds to immerse themselves within a one-of-a-kind island world that’ll create more than enough memories and authentic experiences to last until those Golden Years.
6. Greek Isles
With rolling green country sides, gorgeous beaches, and plenty of spectacular provinces all dotted with blue-domed churches, black-sand beaches, and breathtaking views, the country of Greece is especially delightful to visit in the month of July. There’s an endless cooling breeze that winds its way throughout the region. Do some major island-hopping to explore the ancient ruins of Knossos on Crete, or the pristine beaches of Ionian Islands. Dance away the night on Mykonos under a glowing full moon, or stretch out at a spacious villa on the lesser-known island of Meganissi.
Though summer temps often reach scorching heights in Greece-- with the Cyclades Islands, for example, typically in the mid-80s-- honeymooning away on the Greek Islands is just about the closest thing to perfection any two lovebirds can experience. Swim, sail, and rejuvenate the summer away with crystalline waters, millennia-old ruins, sexy beaches, fresh-from-the-sea cuisine, and enough glamour slash romance to last an entire lifetime. Nothing beats a stay at one of the many chic cliff-side hotels perched up in Santorini, such as Hotel Grace Santorini, or simpler but no less charming hideaway houses for two at Ikos Oceania on the stunning beaches of Halkidiki. Make sure also to check out Kos’ famed hot springs on Dodecanese Islands. It’s a rare treasure indeed.
7. Kenya
If you’ve always dreamed of a safari honeymoon adventure, July is the time to do it. Head on over to the location where the world’s largest animal movement began—i.e. Kenya. Stare in awe at zebras, gazelles, giraffes, elephants, and wildebeests galore as they migrate across almost one thousand square miles of open plains and acacia woodlands through a luxurious vacation package such as a multi-night Luxury Kenya honeymoon, which will have you getting up close and personal to the wild via exciting excursions from Nairobi to the Masai Mara (a famed wildlife game reserve in Kenya that’s amazing to visit any time of year, but especially in the month of July).
Lovebirds can also choose to go all out at basic campsites by snuggling up in platform tents, or to unwind at the array of stellar luxurious safari lodges boasting on-site comforts such as plunge pools and wine cellars. Be sure to visit Ol Seki Hemingways Mara Camp, and to hit up the beach on Zanzibar, which offers an exotic blend of Arabic and African culture along with nice sandy shores, clean dive-worthy waters, and a vibrant city center in the bustling capital of Stone Town.
8. India
If you’re idea of fun is para-gliding, trekking, horseback riding, or skiing down a bunch of Himalayan foot hills, this July honeymoon fave is the spot to head towards. This vast South Asian country is one of the most inviting places in the world, with a more than diverse terrain and a history that dates back five millennia. There are Mughal Empire landmarks in the North to check out, as well as ample spots to find peace and tranquility at, including Rishikesh, a renowned yoga center and base for Himalayan trekking, or by taking a bathe in the infamous Ganges River in Varanasi.
For an even more memorable experience, remember to visit Jammu and Kashmir, which offers a little something to enjoy for every type of couple—along with luxurious hotels, snow-capped mountains, and a wealth of cultural attractions. Manali, with its tiny fields, cool gentle winds, huge meadows, quaint settlements, and fresh fruit orchards can also offer true serenity, while the resort town of Nainital --- known as City of Lakes—provides even more aesthetic beauty (it also happens to be one of the most appealing hill stations that India harbors, is a well-known education hub, and offers lovers the chance to take long walks along charming forest trails and the chance to shop at unique markets in Bara Bazaar). What’s more is that July is the best time for sightseeing of the famous Bengal tiger at Corbett National Park, the country’s oldest national park. Witness the sight of thousands of birds begin to migrate from European countries before partying up at the Mango Festival in Delhi or the Monsoon Magic Festival in Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
This article was written by Pamela Chan.