The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Romantic Honeymoon in Spain

You’ve said yes to each other, you’ve said yes to La Joya Dulce; it's time to start planning a honeymoon you'll never forget. Spain is home to the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, including Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Granada, and Valencia. These cities are filled with stunning architecture, scenic parks, cozy cafes, and charming neighborhoods that are perfect for honeymooners. Luckily for La Joya Dulce couples, owners Kathie and Wayne are world traveling enthusiasts. We search out the best places for ourselves and love sharing them with our engaged couples in our Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Romantic Honeymoon in Spain.

But where do you start when planning a honeymoon in Spain? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this ultimate guide, we'll take you through all the essential steps you need to follow to plan a luxurious honeymoon that suits your budget and taste.

Before you go …

  • Spanish and Euro. Many people do speak some English

  • Anytime, but spring and the beginning of the summer have the best weather. For the beaches, the best time to go is June to September (but keep in mind that there may be many tourists during these peak-season months). We went in October and the beaches were still sunny, the weather warm, and far fewer tourists. It was also less expensive!

  • Both direct and connecting flights to Spain are available from most major U.S. airports. From Denver, we flew to Washington / Dulles and then onto Madrid. Our return flight was via London Heathrow and then a non-stop return to Denver. Just a short hop to Steamboat (HDN) and we were home.

  • Plan for at least 10 to 14 days to maximize your time in the country (and spend roughly three days in each location). We spent one-two nights in each location and it left us wanting more, much more!

  • Trains or domestic flights connect the cities within the country itself. Travelers can also rent a car and drive through the country. Major cities, like Barcelona and Madrid, have conventional metro networks. We took the train from Madrid to Granada and that was incredibly easy to figure out. Once we left Granada, we drove. Be aware when driving the beautiful hill towns of Andalusia that they were built by the Moors and the roads through town are very narrow. The walls cleared our rear view mirrors by an inch on each side at times.

    Ubers are available in major cities, but outside of those, there are only taxis.

  • Swimsuits, sneakers, light jackets, dresses, and daytime chic wear. People in Spain tend to dress up more, so opt for fancier alternatives instead of your workout gear.
    If staying in the hill towns? Opt for a small overnight bag and pack your items into that. Park outside the town and then walk or take a taxi to your hotel to avoid driving the narrow streets.

  • The Spanish Government has renovated old castles, monasteries, and public buildings and runs them as hotels. They are known as the Paradores and are fabulous. We stayed in the Parador de Granada in the heart of the Alhambra. That allowed us to walk the grounds at night with absolutely no one else around. It was magical.

Wedding planning and honeymoons are more similar than you think! Choosing the length of your stay and how much you're willing to spend is the first step in planning your honeymoon in Spain. Just like you have to prioritize, budget and plan for your elegant mountain wedding? You need to think carefully about how many days you want to spend in the country, which cities you want to see, and how much you're willing to spend on transportation, accommodation, food, and activities. Remember that Spain is a vast country, so you won't be able to see everything on one trip. Prioritize the sights and activities that are most important to you and allocate a budget accordingly.

Once you've set a budget, it's time to choose your destinations. Spain has many romantic cities that are perfect for a honeymoon. Some of the most popular options include Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Granada, and Malaga. Each city has its unique charm, so take some time to research and choose the ones that match your interests and personalities best. And if in Andalusia? Don’t forget the beautiful hill towns of Ronda and Arcos de la Frontera!

No honeymoon is complete without indulgent and luxurious accommodation. Spain has many options, from five-star hotels to private villas, and everything in between. When booking your accommodation, think about what you're looking for. Do you want a private pool, a balcony with a view, or a spa? These factors will guide your accommodation choices. Popular options for honeymooners include boutique hotels, luxury resorts, and traditional Spanish villas. Be aware that in many, a “double” room is two twin beds (which can be pushed together for an oversized King). In Spain, the Spanish Government has renovated old castles, monasteries, and public buildings and runs them as hotels. They are known as the Paradores and are fabulous. We stayed in the Parador de Granada in the heart of the Alhambra. That allowed us to walk the grounds at night with absolutely no one else around. It was magical.

We also stayed in Paradores in Nerja (with an elevator to the beach), Ronda (perched high over a gorge), and Arcos de la Frontera.

Spain is full of romantic things to do, from strolling through historic city centers and visiting museums to taking sunset cruises and exploring the countryside. Make sure you plan activities that cater to your interests and hobbies as a couple. For instance, Flamenco, horseback rides, hiking, wine tasting tours, hot air balloon rides, beach excursions, and caving are all excellent activities to try out in Spain. Don't forget to book these activities in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.

Finally, don't forget to pack smart for your honeymoon. Spain is warm in the summer, but temperatures can vary across different regions and cities. Pack comfortable shoes for sightseeing, swimwear for the beach, and dressy outfits for romantic dinners. If you're travelling during the colder months, pack layers and warm clothing.

The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Romantic Honeymoon in Spain

Spain is a beautiful and romantic destination for a honeymoon, and planning it doesn't have to be complicated. By following these essential planning steps, you'll be on track to having an unforgettable and romantic honeymoon that you'll cherish forever. Remember to allocate your budget, choose your destinations, book upscale accommodation, plan romantic activities and pack smart. If you haven’t yet booked your venue? Schedule a venue visit with us so we can share our availability and pricing. And be sure to ask us about Spain!

Is there a destination you are interested in? Comment below and maybe Wayne and Kathie have been there, or if not? We might be soon! Happy honeymooning!

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