The 10 Best September Honeymoon Destinations

In many ways September is the best month of the year to take a honeymoon – the kids are all back in school but the weather is still plenty warm in the northern hemisphere, making it the perfect opportunity to hit all the best beaches Europe has to offer, without the crowds or high price tag of summer! This time of year also offers some of the best weather in French Polynesia if the tropics are calling your name. So whether it’s road-tripping down the Amalfi Coast or swimming with manta rays in Bora Bora, September is a great time to make all your honeymoon dreams to come true.

THE BEST HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS IN SEPTEMBER

Sardinia, Italy

So you’ve probably heard of Sicily and Capri…but what about the absolutely breathtaking island of Sardinia? Sardinia is one of Italy’s best kept secrets, at least for Americans. Sandy beaches, crystal-clear azure blue waters and luxury hotels make it a top destination for the European jet-setting elite, but it’s still relatively undiscovered by the rest of the world. Have a 5-star experience at the Baglioni Puntaldia Sardinia. For something a bit more laid back, stay at the adorable Villa Del Golfo.

Algarve Coast, Portugal

Located in the southwestern corner of Portugal, the Algarve Coast is a once-hidden-gem local summer destination that has been rapidly gaining popularity, thanks largely to its rugged beauty, low prices and its infamous rock formations. A honeymoon in Portugal is great for those who enjoy history, wine, seafood and classic European charm with a rustic flare. Start your trip in the buzzing city of Lisbon, where you can soak in the rich history and coastal cuisine before high-tailing it to the sun-drenched beaches. When we went, we stayed at the gorgeous Bela Vista Hotel on the Algarve, a charming, eclectic boutique hotel that we loved! Or, for a pampered 5-star experience opt for the Villa Vita Resort, where you can spend your days lounging at one of their 8 pools, indulging at their 2-Michelin-star restaurant, rejuvenating in their spa or exploring on their hotel yacht! Or go ahead and rent your own private coastal villa like this one to base your explorations from.

After exploring the coast, do not miss out on Portuguese wine country!! The Six Senses Douro Valley is one of my favorite hotels in the world, and, in my opinion, a few days relaxing in wine country is ideal on any honeymoon!!!

The Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are a dreamy, rustic assortment of islands in the South Pacific. September is their dry season so you won’t have to worry about rain while you’re exploring their impossibly-blue lagoons, pristine stretches of white sand and towering peaks. The Cook Islands are much less crowded than their South Pacific sister islands of Fiji and Tahiti, and also MUCH less expensive. The Cook Islands are ideal for couples wanting a low key tropical paradise excursion (aka castaway-esque vibes and little-to-no nightlife). But if you’re looking to truly disconnect and enjoy each other’s company in the most gorgeous of surroundings, this is your place. Split your time between Rarotonga, the largest island, and Aitutaki, the second-most-populated island. One of the best resorts in the Cook Islands, The Pacific Resort has locations on both islands!

Hawaii

Hawaii for a honeymoon is easily one of the best honeymoon destinations within the USA, and the world. Between luxe Maui, adventurous Kauai, remote Lanai, hoppin’ Honolulu, and the volcanic Big Island, you’ll have no shortage of amazing honeymoon locales to choose from in Hawaii. If you’re looking to TOTALLY get away from it all together and are seeking a quiet, romantic honeymoon vibe, check out this resort – easily one of the most beautiful honeymoon resorts in the world. Maui, in my opinion, has a little bit of everything – adventure (the Road to Hana, snorkel trips, whale-watching, waterfalls, etc.) but also some of the most luxe resorts in all the islands (I recommend staying in Wailea for a honeymoon). Oahu is great for a bit of city scene in Honolulu and incredible hiking! You honestly can’t go wrong and can even check out two different islands while you’re there!

Amalfi Coast

We talked about Sardinia but who can forget Italy’s jaw-droppingly beautiful Amalfi Coast. If your dream honeymoon involves walking around Italy’s most beautiful seaside villages, eating your bodyweight in pizza, pasta, and gelato and spending the lazy afternoons soaking up the sun and sipping on Aperol spritzes, this is the honeymoon destination for you.

Italy exudes romance and magic in every corner of the country, which is why it’s almost always thought of as one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world. If you like the outdoors you can hike one of the many scenic trails in the area or drive along the winding mountain roads, while if you’re looking for relaxation you can enjoy several days at one of the many gorgeous beaches/ charming towns. When it comes to where to stay, go all out at arguably the most famous hotel in Italy, the Sirenuse. This hotel is the place to be and be seen in Positano. It’s popular with honeymooners, celebrities, and the American and European jetset. Also, its spectacular Michelin-starred La Sponda restaurant, entirely lit by 400 candles, it is worth a visit to this hotel for dinner alone. For your own private ocean front flat check out this adorable VRBO!

Le Sirenuse

Santorini, Greece

Gorgeous white buildings built into the cliffs surrounded by sparkling blue water make Santorini one of the most stunning places in the world. Add in days spent sipping crisp white wines and eating fresh mediterranean seafood overlooking the Aegean sea. Plus blue-domed churches and beautiful bells that seem straight out of a storybook, AND luxury hotels with infinity pools and sun lounges that make you feel like you’re swimming in heaven. Santorini is everything you’ve imagined for a honeymoon. And more. There’s no wonder it’s one of the top destinations for honeymoons in the world, not to mention one of the top European destinations in general. It’s a bucket list vacation. And it’s time to check it off. Check out my ultimate honeymoon guide to Santorini here.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is an ideal honeymoon destination in September. With white sand, overwater bungalows, endless palm trees and infinite shades of blue sea, this stunning island is easily one of the most beautiful destinations in the world! Spend your days snorkeling with unique marine life, paddle boarding, boating or motorbiking around the island. If your goal is luxury I’d pick the Four Seasons Bora Bora, hands down for the ultimate in luxury, seclusion, and service. With sparkling azure blue water all around, breathtaking views of Mt. Otemanu, and one of the best beaches in the world right on property, the Four Seasons is easily one of the top hotels in the world, and I absolutely LOVED staying here. For more check out my Bora Bora Honeymoon Guide!

Paris, France

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more romantic city than Paris, and September is an ideal time to enjoy all that this city has to offer but without the scalding heat, the impossibly long lines and the hard to get dinner reservations. If you and your fiancé are foodies, Paris is the créme de la créme! Wind your way through the hipster art district of Montmartre, stop for a leisurely lunch at an outdoor cafe, or take a biking tour. Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, go to an art museum, and maybe even take a day trip from Paris to the Champagne region for some toast-worthy bubbles or to the awe-inspiring palace of Versailles! When it comes to where to stay, the Shangri-La is a dreamy pick for a honeymoon. An Eiffel Tower view, Michelin-starred chefs, and a location in the heart of Paris make this hotel hard to beat! For more details on Paris check out my Ultimate Guide To Paris.