The 10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in July

Set off on a sizzling summer getaway to the South of France or Fiji.
Couple on beach in Tanzania, July honeymoon destinations
Photo: Stocksy
Lane Nieset
by Lane Nieset
Updated Jan 31, 2025
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From the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, the best honeymoon destinations in July are some of the top honeymoon spots on the globe—making the summer month the perfect time to plan a romantic escape with your other half. The best places to honeymoon in July include everywhere from luxe summer hotspots in the height of the season like the French Riviera and Zanzibar, where you can plan a two-part safari and beach getaway, to coolcation favorites like Iceland and Dublin, where you can skip the heat and crowds in favor of castles and natural hot springs.

The best summer honeymoon destinations don't have to be by the beach, either—locales closer to home, like the Rocky Mountain town of Aspen or San Francisco and California wine country, are considered some of the best July honeymoon destinations thanks to their mix of ideal weather and tons of outdoor adventure. We've scoured the top honeymoon destinations by month to narrow down a list of romantic places to visit in July that take affordability, season and local experiences into account. From luxe all-inclusive resorts in the Mediterranean to bucket list private island hotels in the South Pacific, here are the 10 best honeymoon spots to jet off to in July.

Fiji

A Fiji honeymoon is one worth saving vacation time (and airline miles) for. The good news? You can fly nonstop to the South Pacific Ocean dream destination in about 17 hours from New York (load up your Kindle or plan to catch the latest movies in the air). The archipelago's luxury resorts, secluded beaches and overwater bungalows have made Fiji a bucket list locale for couples looking for a far-flung island escape with plenty to explore both off and onshore, from whale watching and snorkeling to waterfall hikes in the rainforest.

Things to Do: Set off on a full-day cruise around the Mamanuca Islands on board a catamaran to deserted sand cays and reefs; race through riverside villages and lush jungle on a jet boat safari; or explore local villages and take a dip in the hot spring mud pools on a half-day tour.

Places to Stay: For an over-the-top experience, Kokomo Private Island Fiji knows just how to spoil honeymooners, from the jaw droppingly-beautiful beachfront villas featuring private pools and direct access to the shore to bespoke experiences like starlight cruises and private dining at sunset.

Montenegro

You've already checked off Eastern European gems like Budapest and Prague, and you've sailed Croatia's island-studded coast. Now it's time for a honeymoon your friends will be wishing they could tag along on (and if you're planning a buddymoon, the whole crew can join!). One of the top emerging summer honeymoon destinations, Montenegro's beaches are some of the most beautiful in the Balkans—and out of the 117 lining the coast, Velika Plaza (Long Beach) is the longest on the Adriatic Sea. Beach clubs here are as buzzy as Ibiza, but what's even better is the party taking place on boats cruising in the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor offshore.

Things to Do: Sightsee along the Bay of Kotor on a boat tour to the Blue Grotto and Lady of the Rocks island church; take a cable car ride and enjoy views of the bay; or stroll Kotor Old Town's cobbled streets on a guided food tour.

Places to Stay: One&Only Portonovi sits along Boka Bay and feels like its own private peninsula spread across 60 acres along the coast. Splurge on one of the private, standalone villas, where you can watch the sunset from your sea-facing private swimming pool. If your trip falls during the beginning of July, join the four-day Ondalinda celebration of exclusive music, art and events held in ancient fortresses and traditional wood ships on the Bay of Kotor.

Nice, France

One of the best July honeymoon destinations, plan your French Riviera honeymoon when the Côte d'Azur is in full swing. The Riviera's unofficial capital, Nice, is also the gateway to the region, and you can find direct flights during summer from New York or Atlanta on Delta or from Newark on all-business-class airline La Compagnie—a luxurious way to start your honeymoon and arrive fresh and ready to soak up the scenery in the South of France.

Things to Do: Explore nearby medieval villages like Grasse and Saint-Paul de Vence on a full-day tour; a day trip through Provence and its waterfalls and gorges; or sip wines from the region during a cellar tour and tasting. For authentic niçois fare, reserve a table at La Merenda, or for more of a local scene, take a seat on the elegant terrace of Restaurant Gina in the heart of Nice's Place Masséna.

Places to Stay: A handful of luxurious newcomers have popped up recently in Nice, including the 88-room Hôtel du Couvent in the Old Town, where an infinity pool is perched in the hillside and the spa includes a series of Roman baths. Conveniently located between the Promenade des Anglais seafront and Place Masséna, Maison Albar—Le Victoria, a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, sits just steps from the beach—which you can also see from the rooftop pool and restaurant, the perfect spot to shake off jet lag.

Iceland

The past few years have ushered in the trend of coolcations, and we couldn't be a bigger fan. If heat and summer crowds aren't your thing, the Nordic countries are just what you're looking for. An Iceland honeymoon couldn't be more scenic—it is called the "land of fire and ice," after all. Couples won't have to worry too much about compromise here since the country offers the ideal mix of natural beauty and outdoor adventure in the form of glaciers, hot springs and lava fields, which you can explore on a scenic road trip or a leisurely soak in the Blue Lagoon.

Things to Do: Tour the Golden Circle's geysers and waterfalls; chase the Northern Lights; take a private tour of Iceland's most scenic natural attractions via Super Jeep; or trek to waterfalls and some of the country's most charming towns on a glacier hiking tour.

Places to Stay: Sleep in the capital at The Reykjavik EDITION, which also features one of the city's most lively nightlife scenes at the seventh-floor THE ROOF panoramic lounge.

Puglia, Italy

An Italy honeymoon is the ultimate romantic getaway for newlyweds, especially if you're planning a coastal escape in the summer. Instead of popular islands like Capri or pricier spots like the Amalfi Coast, set your sights on another side of Italy that's less on Americans' radar—Puglia. The heel of Italy's boot, this region is one of the best honeymoon spots in July and a dream for newlyweds with its baroque architecture, whitewashed hilltop towns and gorgeous beach clubs. Oh, and we haven't even mentioned the cuisine you'll savor, like ear-shaped orecchiette pasta.

Things to Do: Discover some of the region's most beautiful towns like Monopoli; take a private tour of the trulli homes in Alberobello; or eat your way through the coastal city of Bari sampling specialties like panzerotti (savory turnovers) on a street food tour.

Places to Stay: The grande dame of the region, Borgo Egnazia, is an extravagant experience that's sure to be a highlight of your honeymoon. The village-like resort opens up to spacious suites with terraces overlooking the sea and pool villas with a private garden and gazebo perfect for lounging on warm summer days, sipping wine or lingering over morning coffee.

Aspen, Colorado

One of the top US honeymoon spots, Colorado is a ski haven in winter but it's just as fantastic a destination in summer for nature lovers. Zip-lining, climbing and mountain biking are just the start of an adventurous Rocky Mountain honeymoon, but for couples after something more low-key, you can soak up Colorado's gorgeous natural beauty simply by strolling the wildflower-filled meadows since you'll be visiting during peak season. In summer, you'll also catch a mix of concert series in Snowmass, internationally famous DJs at Belly Up Aspen and classical music on Saturdays on top of Aspen Mountain.

Things to Do: Get to know the mountain town's history on a walking tour through historic downtown; indulge in contemporary Colorado cuisine at Element 47 at The Little Nell; catch the latest exhibit at Aspen Art Museum; or go window shopping at the many designer boutiques downtown.

Places to Stay: Soak up Aspen's history while creating your own as a newly married couple at iconic Hotel Jerome, which has been the city's social hub since the late 1800s (you'll quickly be a regular at Old West-inspired J-Bar. The all-suite Aspen Meadows in the historic west end offers couples a private, resort-inspired stay with plenty of ways to soak up the surrounding great outdoors, from on-site art installations to tennis and pickleball courts and walking and hiking trails.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Combine the best of beach and bush on a Tanzania honeymoon that starts with tented camps and hot air ballooning over the Serengeti before moving on to a romantic Indian Ocean experience in Zanzibar, one of Tanzania's main archipelagos. Beaches here, like Kendwa on the northwest coast, have been voted best in Africa, as well as one of the best in the world. July is the high season for safaris, but it's also one of the top times to plan a Zanzibar honeymoon since the weather is on the cooler side (yet still warm) and rainfall is minimal.

Things to Do: See some of Tanzania's rarer marine life on a snorkel excursion around Mnemba Island; discover the historic district and capital, Zanzibar City, on a tour of historical buildings and a boat ride to Prison Island; or spot the big five on a safari day trip to Selous National Park.

Places to Stay: Post up on pristine white-sand shores at Zuri Zanzibar, whose 56 bungalows, suites and villas are tucked away in tropical gardens near the Indian Ocean. One of the more luxurious Indian Ocean all-inclusive resorts, The Mora Zanzibar is just a five-minute boat ride away from Mnemba Island and sits right on the beach, near some of the archipelago's best reefs and dive sites.

Costa Rica

July technically falls in the rainy season, but around mid-month, Costa Rica experiences a short dry period—making it the perfect time for a Costa Rica honeymoon (sans crowds). With a lifestyle centering around "pura vida," Costa Rica is a locale that offers couples true relaxation in secluded jungle retreats and pristine, Caribbean white-sand beaches. When you're ready for things to heat up outside of your hotel room, take your pick of outdoor adventure, from adrenaline-pumping whitewater river rafting and zip-lining to surf sessions and hikes in the rainforest.

Things to Do: Brave the 12-foot waterfall drop dubbed Cascabel Falls while whitewater river rafting, horseback ride through farms and across rivers, or embark on a chocolate tour learning the process from seed to bar.

Places to Stay: If you're after eco-luxury, look no further than Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica, where you can spend your days lounging by your perched canopy suite's plunge pool. For a safari-like escape, set off to the secluded ORIGINS Lodge, a rainforest retreat tucked away in the high valley jungle with lodges showing off sweeping, 180-degree views of the sunset from your terrace's wood-fired heated plunge pool.

Dublin, Ireland

An affordable honeymoon destination in Europe, summer is the best time for a Dublin honeymoon—just a quick flight across the pond from the US (it's a mere six hours from New York). Once you arrive, you can toast to your new nuptials in the land of Guinness and Irish whiskey, spending your days touring destination-worthy museums and libraries, landmarks like St Patrick's Cathedral and experiencing the charm of a traditional pub. When you're ready for an infusion of nature, set off on a scenic drive to the Cliffs of Moher in Clare, also home to time-trapped Dromoland Castle, where you can cozy up for a night or two.

Things to Do: Treat yourselves to one of the city's many Michelin-starred spots like Finnish chef Mickael Viljanen's Chapter One; tour the Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse; and explore County Cork on a Blarney day tour from Dublin to sights like the legendary Blarney Stone.

Places to Stay: Sleep in historic The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection, which has been sitting in the heart of Dublin, near the city's top sites, for 200 years. For something on the boutique side with plenty of character, book a room at The Clarence Hotel, whose penthouse suite shows off one of the best views of Dublin City.

San Francisco, California

An easy US honeymoon destination in July, San Francisco blends the best of a big city (world-class museums, top-notch dining) with California's spectacular nature—which includes nearby national parks perfect for hiking excursions and wine country just a day trip away. The city's diverse mix of cultural offerings, like Chinatown, the largest outside Asia, brings a mix of mouthwatering dim sum joints and buzzy craft cocktail bars, while the historic Japantown neighborhood serves up some of the city's top sushi and features vibrant nightlife in the form of karaoke bars.

Things to Do: Head out to wine country on a full-day tour of Napa and Sonoma wineries; venture through historic Gold Rush towns and Yosemite National Park on a guided day trip; or cruise Golden Gate Bay under the namesake bridge and past Alcatraz Island.

Places to Stay: Post up in the design-savvy San Francisco Proper, which claims one of the city's most coveted rooftop bars, Charmaine's, hovering above Market Street. The beaux arts Fairmont San Francisco is one of the city's top five-star hotels and is conveniently located in classic Nob Hill, so you'll be close to highlights like Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf.

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