There’s no vacation quite like a babymoon, whether you’re expecting your first baby, or your fourth – if the latter, quadruple congratulations are in order!
This particularly special vacation marks your chill time before becoming a parent or gives you a much-needed break from your brood before you add to it. Whichever it is, you’ll want to enjoy every minute of your time away.
Destination options are endless and where you decide to go depends on how you’d like to enjoy your quiet time. Would you like to lounge on a pool float all day with a mocktail in hand, pamper yourself in a spa, or immerse yourself in lush, soothing scenery? The choice is yours.
Here’s our round-up of the best places for a babymoon in Europe.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Eva-Katalin. Image Location: Paris, France.
Best babymoon trips in Europe
Paris, France
Maybe you’ve been here before, maybe it’s where you fell in love – either way, Paris has plenty of perfect pockets for babymooners.
Picture gentle walks along the Seine, pausing for buttery croissants and hot chocolate in cute cafés. Perhaps a peaceful stroll through the city’s many cultural institutions, like the Pompidou or Louvre, or even a relaxing river boat trip is more to your liking. Either way, you can find your perfect pace to kick back here.
And with the Eurostar arriving right at the beating heart of Paris, train travel from all over Europe to the French capital is as easy as pie.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Ewen MacDonald. Image Location: Gyllyngvase Beach, Cornwall, England.
Cornwall, England
Cornwall has some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, offering a Caribbean-like backdrop in summer and dramatic landscapes in winter.
Cornwall also has some amazing adult-only spa retreats where you can indulge in massages and bask in warm indoor pools. Don’t forget the views overlooking the coast while savoring fresh local fare.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Sirimone, Lake Garda, Italy.
Italy and Greece
Where is the best place to take a babymoon in Italy?
Blessed with dreamy scenery (and the chance of spotting the equally dreamy George Clooney), you’ll never regret a trip to the Italian lakes situated on the south side of the Alps.
Popular since Roman times, the enduring beauty of this Italian region is one of the greatest pre-baby escapes. From grand five-star hotels where celebrities stay, to family-run B&Bs, you can pick whatever suits your budget.
Set against pine-clad mountains, Lake Como (where George Clooney owns 18th-century Villa Oleandra) is a calm and elegant place to rest up. Its shores are dotted with pretty towns and villages, such as Bellagio and Varenna, and the regional food is to die for.
Then there’s the largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda, with the resort town of Sirmione, the jewel of the southern shore, as well as Bardolino and the city of Garda, on the east side of the lake and just as equally arresting with their vineyards and olive groves.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Gonzalo Azumendi. Image Location: Santorini, Greece.
Is Greece a good babymoon destination?
Yes, Greece is one of the best babymoon destinations. Stunning scenery, healthy but hearty food, blue skies, and beautiful beaches. Plus, if history is your thing, there’s bucketloads of ancient ruins.
It’s hard to narrow down which island or mainland spot to pick. The island of Corfu is serene and scenic with blissful beaches. Santorini is romantic with whitewashed hotels, blue-domed churches, and stunning sunsets over the Aegean Sea. Then there’s Mykonos, famed for its nightlife, but also its crystal-clear waters for a cooling dip. Finally, consider Crete, with archaeological sites such as Knossos, and mouthwatering local dishes including slow-roasted lamb and cheese pies.
What is the best season to go on a babymoon in Europe?
In Europe, you’re guided by four distinct seasons, so this choice will mostly come down to your personal preferences.
Spring (April to June) or fall (September to November) are good options if you prefer milder weather – and if you’d like to avoid peak tourist seasons. If you’re going to an area rich in wildlife, then consider booking a babymoon in spring to see the flowers bloom, or autumn, when you can see Europe’s beautiful fall foliage.
But that said, it doesn’t mean you can’t go to the countryside in winter. Cozying up with a book in the rain or snow can be lovely. If you prefer hotter temps, a coastal visit in full sunshine will bring the chance to paddle those weary feet in cool waters and scoff an ice cream.
Feeling inspired by our collection of pre-baby vacation spots? For effortless train travel to and from your destination, download the Trainline app to book your unforgettable European babymoon.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Kirk Fisher. Image Location: Lake Como, Italy.