Top 10 Sunny Short Haul Honeymoons

With the crisper mornings and cooler nights, there is no denying that summer is coming to a close. Whilst autumn closes in on the UK, couples still have plenty of warm sunny options for a short haul honeymoon abroad.

If you’re looking to soak up the sun this autumn, but don’t want the long flight time, here are ten gorgeous honeymoon destinations in and around Europe all with temperature highs of 25C+ in the autumn months.

1. Puglia, Italy

High autumn temperature 25C
Autumn is one of the most romantic times of year to visit the fertile flatlands of Puglia. The weather is warm but not suffocating, the ideal climate for exploring the different landscapes of the region. The north of Puglia is home to the last surviving woods of the Foresta Umbra, or head south to Trulli Country for a stay in the remarkable conical stone houses that are unique to this area. For a proper Italian honeymoon, stay in the traditional Trullo dell’Anfora complete with private pool and trullo-style shower room.

2. Costa Azul, Portugal

High autumn temperature 27C
If you want lazy days at the beach as well as an injection of exciting city life, head to Costa Azul this autumn. Base yourself across the River Tagus in a Costa Azul villa for easy access to the long golden beaches of Portugal’s west coast, with the cosmopolitan lure of Lisbon just an hour’s drive away. In Lisbon, jump on tram no. 28 to explore the cobbled streets of the Alfama neighbourhood or hop on to the Santa Justa lift for views over the Baixa towards St. George’s Castle.

3. Morocco

High autumn temperature 26C – 30C+
Morocco is brilliant for a short haul exotic honeymoon. Even in the autumn months temperatures can reach the low 30s, and as well as plenty of sunshine, the country offers an exciting new culture to explore – all under a four hour flight away. Adventurous honeymooners can stay in Marrakech’s stunning riad hotels, gorgeous hideaways that are right in the hustle and bustle of it all.

4. Sardinia, Italy

High autumn temperature 27C
Sardinia is a firm favourite with honeymooning couples and it’s easy to see why. The Italian island has a very different feel to the mainland; it has a slower pace of life but still retains an independent character, the beaches are dazzling and the food and wine is world famous. Even in October, temperature highs are in the mid-20s, a lovely climate for walking the white sand beaches in Palau. Explore the natural wonder of the stalagmites in Neptune’s Cave before relaxing over wonderfully fresh Catalan inspired seafood dishes in the town of Alghero.

5. Cyprus

High autumn temperature 33C
Cyprus has inherited a reputation for being the destination of choice for hedonistic party seekers, but over recent years, and especially once the off-peak season rolls in, the Mediterranean island is a gorgeous retreat, filled with historical and cultural wonders. Even in the heart of party town Aiya Napa you’ll find a 15th century chapel carved from a sandstone cave as well as the Thalassa Museum of the Sea. Stay at the five star Grecian Park hotel in Protaras resort for incredible views over the cliff tops.

6. Mallorca, Spain

High autumn temperature 26C
Autumn visitors to Mallorca will see the island at its best. With the summer tourists gone, Mallorca has the breathing space it needs to show visitors how beautiful it really is. From quiet villages tucked into the hills (like Deia) through to the cultural and lively towns, this Mediterranean island is full of romantic surprises. Art lovers should check out the capital city Palma, which has great examples of ancient Arabic architecture in its old quarter as well as a collection of contemporary museums. Couples can stay at the five star Cap Rocat boutique hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in Mallorca, with traditional landscaping that blends wonderfully into the hills around Palma bay.

7. Kas, Turkey

High autumn temperature 29C
Based at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, the coastal town of Kas has some of the most dramatic scenery in all of Turkey. As well as enjoying wonderful beach weather in the autumn months, Kas has plenty of cultural attractions to explore; visit the Old Amphitheatre at night to see it beautifully lit up, take a trip to the ruins of Xanthos and Patara beach and even visit a new country in a day with a 20 minute boat trip to the Greek Island of Meis.

8. La Gomera, Spain

High autumn temperature 27C
Off the coast of Africa, La Gomera is one of the lesser known Canary Islands. Without an airport (visitors need to take a ferry), La Gomera has missed out on the tourist developments that have overwhelmed other Canary Islands like Lanzarote and Tenerife. Its eco-system is unique, with volcanic black sand beaches around the coast and tropical jungle at the centre. Thanks to warm Saharan winds the weather is warm all year around, allowing visitors to soak up the sun by the pool or explore the diverse landscapes. As La Gomera is so relatively untouched by mass tourism, there are few hotels; stay at a privately owned villa, like Parque Mirador, for a truly peaceful and immersive Spanish holiday.

9. Dubroknik, Croatia

High autumn temperature 25C
Hot weather aside, there are plenty of reasons to put Dubrovnik on your autumn holiday wish list; it’s the perfect time of year for Croatian pancakes filled with Dubrovnik’s bitter orange jam, the Botanical Garden on Lokrum celebrates its birthday on the 23rd October and the ferry prices (and tourist crowds) dramatically lower when you visit the car-free island of Lopud, home to one of Croatia’s best beaches, the Sunj.

10. Santorini, Greece

High autumn temperature 26C
A classic choice for honeymooners, Santorini is one of the most appealing Greek Islands, due to its deep azure seas, stark white dome villages and its glorious weather. The cliff top town of Thira commands one of the best views over the lagoon and it’s winding whitewashed houses and chapels beg to be explored. Stay at the Canaves Oia Hotel for amazing sunset views over the ocean.

• Do any of these short haul honeymoons inspire you?

• Images courtesy of CV Villas