The best castles in Europe to spend your honeymoon feeling like a true fairytale princess
When we hear the phrase “honeymoon”, it is inevitable that our minds do not suddenly travel to destinations with beaches of fine white sand and turquoise and crystalline waters. We are invaded by a deep envy imagining the bride and groom spending weeks in Balinese beds, under palm trees and in those cabins that are literally built right on the coast. But there is life beyond the typical honeymoon in what we all know as paradise. And not precisely because more and more couples choose tourism as a plan for their honeymoon vacation, which is also implicit in one of the activities that is carried out now: spending the honeymoon in a castle.
And it is not about making the honeymoon trip to any castle, no, but to one with years of history. These are the ones that have the most charm and not only because of the obvious: they are completely photographable and are, in short, dream places. But the best thing is that each one hides its own stories and memories after centuries of standing.
You will not find a more bucolic setting than a castle for your wedding trip, although, of course, the castle in question will only be the place where you will stay while you discover the cities, towns and medieval routes where these castles are located.
So, if you want to feel like a true Renaissance princess and you dream of a honeymoon to get lost in, surrounded by nature, classic and small cities and even villages, there is no better place to stay than a castle like these to go acclimating to what awaits you to discover from your honeymoon destination.
Parador de Sigüenza (Spain)
You don't have to go far to find the dream castle to enjoy your honeymoon as if you had escaped from 'Game of Thrones' itself. If you don't have much time and you just want to treat yourself to a getaway (even for the moment), the Parador de Sigüenza is a great option. It is also if you are looking for a quiet honeymoon doing rural tourism. It is located in Guadalajara, in Castilla La Mancha, just one hour from Madrid.
Since 1972, this National Tourism Parador was previously the castle of the Bishops of Sigüenza, a palace-fortress that was built in the 12th century on top of a previous Muslim palace that dated from the beginning of the 8th century. The Segundino bishops lived there until the 19th century.
Parador de Cardona (Spain)
Also without leaving the Iberian Peninsula we find the Parador de Cardona, in Catalonia. Again, as in the case of Sigüenza, it is a possibility if what you are looking for is to enjoy the rural charm and gastronomy.
It is built on the ruins of a 14th century Arab fortress. It was Pedro I of Castilla who made it his favorite residence after transforming it into the palace we see now. It is a walled enclosure from which you can see the entire city, so the views of the Catalan fields are unbeatable.
Castillo Hotel Son Vida (Spain, Mallorca)
Now, a wedding trip in a castle does not have to be exclusively in a rural environment. In fact, there is an option in which you can also have the long-awaited and imagined beach of honeymoons. This is the case of the Castillo Hotel Son Vida, in Majorca.
This is a medieval castle that Mateu Vida made his own in the 16th century. Later, it was acquired by the families of the Desmás and Truyols aristocracy, who kept the name but turned it into what it is now, a luxury hotel made by and to enjoy.
Palacio da Pena (Portugal)
Now, if what we are looking for is to open up to new horizons and we want to go a little further, there is the Palace of Pena in Portugal. This is located near Lisbon, so the city of fados can be the destination to visit during the honeymoon, like Sintra, where it really is, and other parts of the country that are more or less close.
The best thing about this castle, in addition to its location, is its full-color façade as well as its most original architecture, in a romantic style. And, of course, its strategic location on top of the mountain and in the middle of nature.
It was built in the 19th century as a residence for the Portuguese royal family and in 1995 it was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
Castello di Pavone (Italy)
Now we are heading to Italy because in the city of pasta and pizza there are authentic wonders in terms of castles, as well as many cities with history to visit .
Specifically, the Castello di Pavone, is a Piedmontese castle fortress built between the 9th and 11th centuries. Later, it was restored in 1888 by the architect Alfredo d'Andrade and since then its shape has been maintained, although it is now a luxury hotel and restaurant. It was declared a national monument in 1981 and it is one of the most beautiful castles in Italy.
Inside, prepare to feel like you've stepped out of a story from the Middle Ages.
Ballynahinch Castle (Ireland)
Perhaps not the most surprising or impressive castle, but what does leave you speechless is the environment in which this castle is located. It is located in the heart of Irish nature, becoming the perfect viewpoint for an explosion of colors from the leaves, the mountains, the sky and the lake at its feet.
Chateau de Verrières (Loire Valley, France)
A perfect destination for a nature honeymoon is the Loire Valley in France. On this route, the charm of nature, French elegance and the charm of the castles that build it will come together. One of them is the Chateau de Verrières, a Renaissance palace full of magic, in the middle of nature, with vineyards and a lake at its feet. Now, it is a five-star hotel made by and for relaxation and disconnection.
It is located in Perle d'Anjou, the heart of Saumur, classified as a City of Art and History and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO thanks to its tuff stone pedestrian streets, its location on the banks of the Loire and the tradition that in it you breathe.
In addition, as we already mentioned, despite not being one of the Loire Castles that were declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, it is on the same route that they are, so it will be a great opportunity to discover them having as base the Chateau de Verrières.
