Honeymoon at Sea: Best Yacht Charter Destinations for a Luxury Honeymoon

The best honeymoons are filled with unforgettable travel experiences. Chartering a yacht is a fantastic idea for a romantic holiday: more privacy, more comfort, more flexibility. Some destinations are better-suited for a couple’s trip than others. From the timeless allure of Italy’s Amalfi Coast to the white-sand beaches of The Bahamas, the jungle escapes of Krabi, the adventure thrills of Riviera Maya, the glamour of Saint-Tropez, and the diversity of the Greek Islands, these destinations promise a breathtaking backdrop for your honeymoon. After all, every couple deserves to enjoy each other in a stunning setting—and yachting to these spots is pure bliss.

Sicily, Italy

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and a superb European honeymoon destination. Exploring its many riches feels great on a yacht (and we think it’s the best way to do it). The island is also home to one of the world’s most romantic towns. Perched on the cliffs, Taormina enchants you with its ancient Greek-Roman Amphitheater, the magical streets of the Old Town, breathtaking Mount Etna vistas (the volcano is still active), and the wonderful Isola Bella beach. An ideal honeymoon in Sicily includes exploring the UNESCO-protected historic centers of Palermo and Catania, marveling at the centuries-old ruins of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, bathing at the stunning turquoise coves of Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro, and sailing to the untouched Aeolian Islands.

Croatian Islands

Secret sapphire-colored coves, picture-perfect seaside towns, delicious seafood, and pristine Mediterranean nature: South Dalmatia is a gift that keeps on giving to couples. Romance awaits in the historic streets of the UNESCO-listed Dubrovnik, Trogir, Hvar, and Korčula. The distances are small here, so chartering a yacht allows you to have a pleasant cruise through one of Europe’s most magical coastlines. Sailing is also the best way to reach the famed region’s beaches, such as the horn-shaped Zlatni Rat on Brač, the postcard-ready Stiniva on Vis (featured in the “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” movie), and crystalline Punta Rata in Brela. Mljet and Lastovo are two national parks to visit for sublime natural experiences.

The Cyclades, Greece

Greece is blessed with hundreds of islands. Each of them is perfectly suited for a honeymoon. With a yacht, you’ll have the privilege of exploring many divine spots. The Cyclades are the dreamiest of all the Greek islands. Located in the Aegean, this group works perfectly for a romantic escape. From the breathtaking sunsets and whitewashed, picture-perfect towns of Santorini to the laid-back golden beaches of Naxos, the glitzy parties and fine dining of Mykonos, and the crystal-clear coves of Milos, the Cyclades take romance to the next level. There’s always a hidden turquoise bay to sail to; the Mediterranean beauty doesn’t run out here. A mouthwatering Greek gastronomy—fresh, farm-to-table ingredients and abundant seafood—is yet another reason to choose these islands for your honeymoon.

Monaco

Monaco has long been the world’s top destination for luxury yachting. The tiny Principality is well-known for its sumptuous restaurant scene (8 Michelin restaurants on 0.78 square miles), charming Old Town, spectacular mountain views, and cinematic Monte Carlo casino. For honeymooners, Monaco represents a perfect blend of luxurious romantic experiences and fantastic chartering to the French Riviera gems, located nearby. The Principality’s strategic position next to Nice, Cannes, Menton, and Antibes makes it an ideal base for cruises. And then, nothing can top Monaco’s luxury offer—you’ll dine in the world’s best restaurants, stay at exclusive properties, and shop at the top boutiques.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Awe-inspiring landscapes are everywhere you look in Amalfi. This marvelous stretch between Sorrento and Salerno is the ultimate honeymoon destination. The main reason is simple: it’s incredibly beautiful. The Amalfi Coast spellbinds you with its dramatic, rugged cliffs, quaint towns, scenic beaches, and tasty gastronomy. In other words—the area is a paradise for honeymooners. And it’s especially spectacular from the water. Being on a yacht allows you to experience the Amalfi Coast without crowds (a privilege that will make your romantic escape free of the commute hassle). You will also avoid the busy and windy roads that connect towns. Positano, with its cascading colorful houses and stunning beaches, is a superb base. Fornillo and Marina Grande are two scenic stretches for swimming. Explore the historic charms of Amalfi and Atrani, shop for beautiful local ceramics in Vietri, and marvel at the far-reaching panoramas in Ravello. Don’t leave without sampling pasta al limone (a cheesy pasta with lemon juice), delizia al limone (a lemon-infused dessert), and limoncello liquor, all made from the local lemons.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Italy is righteously among the world’s most popular honeymoon destinations, and Cinque Terre is another area to visit for romance. This UNESCO-listed national park with five perched seaside villages is fantastic for chartering. It seems to be made for the lovebirds. You’ll sail from one fairytale-looking village to another, while enjoying the gorgeous views of the sapphire sea, green mountains, and pastel-colored houses. There will be wine dates in Riomaggiore, scenic coastal hikes in Manarola (even the trail here is called Via d’Amore), gelato sampling in Corniglia, romantic castles in Vernazza, and beach lounging in Monterosso al Mare. Cinque Terre is the epitome of Italian dolce vita. 

Saint-Tropez, France

Luxury, glamor, and spectacular beaches: Saint-Tropez has long been the French Riviera’s most sought-after destination for enjoying life to the fullest. Yachting is a part of this town’s ethos, and honeymooning here feels amazing. Relax on the soft sands of Pampelonne and Tahiti beaches, get lost together on the atmospheric streets of the Old Town, sample Provençal food delights on romantic dinners in the port, sail to the secret coves of the Cap Camarat. Basically, Saint-Tropez never runs out of ideas for a couple’s trip. The town is also perfectly placed for the French Riviera chartering. Such iconic destinations as Cannes, Antibes, Fréjus, and Saint-Raphaël are nearby, offering more historic exploration, mouthwatering food, turquoise bays, and countryside escapes. Saint-Tropez is a premier destination for beach bars. If you enjoy partying on the sand with gorgeous Med views, check out such local icons as Tiki Beach, Cabane Bambou, and Pearl Beach.

Krabi, Thailand

It’s hard to describe Krabi’s tropical magic with words. You have to come here to experience it. Lesser-known and more laid-back than Thai tourist hotspots Phuket and Koh Samui, this southern region is the ultimate jungle paradise. Yachting in Krabi gives you the freedom to discover the gems of the Andaman Sea at your own pace. Its ethereal landscapes—tall rocky islands emerging from the sea, palm tree groves, mangrove forests, and pineapple fields—will be a beautiful accompaniment for your honeymoon. And then there are countless islands you can sail on a chartered yacht, from the well-known Phi Phi (Maya Bay from The Beach is still one of the world’s most striking stretches) to Poda with secret white beaches, biodiverse Ko Yao Yai, and dramatic Ko Hong. Railay Beach is a must-visit sandy stretch with a breathtaking rocky coastline.

Turks and Caicos Islands

Tropical Atlantic at its most eye-pleasing, the Turks and Caicos Islands are a visual delight. The white of the soft sand, the green of the coconut palms, and the turquoise of the sea. What else can you ask for in a honeymoon? This British Overseas Territory, with 40 islands and cays, is also perfect for chartering. You’ll sail to unspoiled beaches, stay in ultra-exclusive oceanside resorts, and feel utter tropical bliss. Another fantastic thing about the TCI is diving. If you’re looking to add activities to your romantic holiday, the country has the third-largest coral reef in the world. The long local beaches and cayes are also perfect for kiteboarding.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

The diversity of experiences makes Riviera Maya so alluring for couples. If your idea of a honeymoon is lounging on milky sands and getting luxurious spa treatments, the resorts of Cancún are at your service. Fancy a Caribbean island-hopping? The region is home to divine destinations, such as Isla Mujeres, Holbox, Isla Blanca, and Parque Nacional Isla Contoy. Being on a yacht gets you further here. Xcaret is a superb destination for amusement park enthusiasts—this unique attraction combines theme park thrills with natural exploration and water activities. And then, there are the world-renowned sights of the Maya civilization: the epic Chichen Itza, the seaside Tulum ruins, and the intriguing forgotten city of Coba, surrounded by thick jungle. Riviera Maya is also home to thousands of cenotes, the striking freshwater sinkholes with caves. You will have a magnificent honeymoon here.

The Bahamas

With over 700 islands, The Bahamas is the ultimate yachting destination. A dream honeymoon here includes going from one crystalline cay to another, exploring pristine national parks, kayaking through mangrove forests, immersing yourself in rich local culture, lounging on pink-sand beaches, diving in the coral reefs, and even swimming with cute piggies (Big Major Cay in the Exuma Cays). The Bahamas is also about variety. Go to Nassau for city bustle and energetic nightlife, the Abaco Islands are perfect for nature escapes, visit Harbour Island for soft pink sands, and sail to the Grand Bahama for the spectacular Lucayan National Park (home to one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems). Honeymooning on a yacht also means that you can easily visit the mesmerizing private islands for uncrowded white sand beaches.