10 Best Destinations for an Island Hopping Honeymoon
Thinking about a beautiful honeymoon island? Why choose one when you can have two (or three or four!) – we’ve got the lowdown on the best destinations for an island hopping honeymoon!
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We know that planning a wedding is EXHAUSTING (and often quite stressful!) so you might want to βfly and flopβ at a luxury hotel or resort on some of the best islands for honeymoon around the world. Where the only thing you have to lift is a cocktail…
We get it! For some couples, however, the idea of staying in one place the whole time makes for itchy feet.
An island hopping honeymoon is a perfect way to have some well-deserved time for relaxation and be able to squeeze in a change of scenery all while visiting the best islands for honeymoon.
Whether it’s a quick hop by ferry or flight, there are so many magical islands to explore on our wonderful planet.
Let us take you across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa & Oceania with the best destinations for an island hopping honeymoon!
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Island Hopping Honeymoon Destinations in Europe
1. Greece
Dazzling white and sky blue, a Greek island hopping honeymoon is one of our favourite honeymoons of all time.
Expect sun-drenched blue domed churches, picturesque villages, centuries of Greek civilisation on display and the freshest Greek-Mediterranean cuisine, perfect for a foodie honeymoon.
The Cyclades are the most popular for a Greek island hopping honeymoon with the famous Santorini & Mykonos at the top of many island honeymoon destinations bucket lists!
You can explore our Ultimate Honeymoon Guide for Santorini and our Ultimate Honeymoon Guide for Mykonos. There are many other delightful islands to explore, however.
Discover Milos, Sifnos and Folegandros (to name a few). Across the seas, youβll find the Ionian islands like Corfu and Kefalonia or add Dodecanese Islands, like Rhodes and Kos, which are close to Turkey.
So many gems to add to your Greek island hopping honeymoon list. Hop from Athens to car-free islands like Hydra, part of the Saronic Islands. Start or end with a room with your own private pool for a little honeymoon luxury.
Visit a winery, take a catamaran trip, explore ancient ruins and take a cooking class – a Greek island hopping honeymoon is pure romance.
FerryHopper.com is our go-to for booking ferry travel in Greece!
The best time to visit Greece for an island hopping honeymoon is from April to October
Sample 14-night Greek island hopping honeymoon itinerary
4 nights Mykonos at Branco Mykonos – 3 nights Paros at Parilio Hotel – 2 nights Folegandros at Vrahos Boutique Hotel – 5 nights Santorini at Katikies Chromata Santorini
2. Croatia
Croatia is a stunning country with over 1,000 islands dotted along its beautiful Dalmatian coastline. It’s the perfect destination for an island hopping honeymoon.
There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and diving in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic sea. Not to mention, these island honeymoon destinations are rich in history and culture.
Most of the islands are well-connected by ferries, catamarans, and private boats. This makes it easy to hop from one island to another. The islands themselves are small, which means you can explore them easily.
We love Hvar, which is known for its lavender fields, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.
BraΔ is a must, home to Croatia’s most famous beach, Zlatni Rat. Visit the tiny island of Vis – with secluded beaches and hidden coves.
Explore the vineyards of KorΔula – the birthplace of Marco Polo. KorΔula’s charming medieval town, with its narrow streets and red-roofed buildings, is a Croatian dream.
Mljet, a peaceful island with a forest covered national park, two saltwater lakes, and ancient ruins, is also a worthy add-on to your Croatia island hopping honeymoon itinerary!
Whether you want to lounge on the beach, explore charming towns, hike, drink wine or trying delicious local cuisine, it is on these lovely islands.
Back on the mainland, Dubrovnik, the UNESCO World Heritage Site city, with stunning walls and fortifications, is an essential add on.
Split is also one of our favourite towns in Europe. Explore Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient palace built by the Roman emperor Diocletian, which now houses shops, restaurants, and bars.
Make some time for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park – two natural wonders with cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes and beautiful hiking trails.
Croatia is a dream island hopping honeymoon destination!
The best time to visit Croatia for an island hopping honeymoon is from April to October
Sample 14-night Croatia island hopping honeymoon itinerary
3 nights Split at Villa Split Hermitage Hotel – 4 nights Hvar at Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel – 4 nights KorΔula at Aminess Lume Hotel – 3 nights Dubrovnik at Villa Dubrovnik
Island Hopping Honeymoon Destinations in Asia & Indian Ocean
3. Indonesia
Indonesia is famed for the island of Bali. Instead of doing an Indonesia island hopping honeymoon, you could easily spend your whole time in Bali (and many couples do!).
Bali is one of the best island honeymoon destinations and has so much to offer.
Lively beach areas like Seminyak, romantic clifftop hotels overlooking the Indian Ocean at Uluwatu where you can expect your own infinity pool, flower bath and an iconic floating breakfast.
Cultural Ubud with lush junglescapes and highlights like the Bali jungle swing, Ubud Monkey Forest, and countless temples nearby.
However, this archipelagic nation has many other islands to explore, so consider using Bali as the perfect jump-off for an Indonesia island hopping honeymoon.
The wonderful Gili Islands are easily accessible from Bali, get off-grid with a car-free existence. Or, try Nusa Lembongan for stunning beaches.
On Java, explore the Borobudur Temple and Perbunan Temple near Yogyakarta, and hike volcanos.
Lombok is just a quick hop from Bali and the Gili Islands where you can experience a quiet way of life, bike around rice paddy fields and swim in hidden waterfalls.
Go further west (flights needed for this leg) to Flores & Komodo Island for Komodo National Park for adventures with the Komodo dragons.
Swim in pristine lakes and visit the famous pink beach. Just a few of the incredible Indonesian islands you can add to your honeymoon itinerary,
Want to dive deeper and start planning a Bali honeymoon? Check out our Essential Guide to Bali.
The best time to visit Indonesia for an island hopping honeymoon is from May to October
Sample 14-night Indonesia island hopping honeymoon itinerary
4 nights Bali at The Legian Seminyak – 3 nights Gili Islands at Jago Gili Air – 3 nights Lombok at The Oberoi Lombok – 4 nights Komodo at Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach
4. Seychelles
One of our favourite island honeymoon destinations of all time, a Seychelles island hopping honeymoon, is, in a word, heaven!
With so many magical beaches, pristine rainforest interiors, and abundant marine life, youβve truly found heaven on earth in the Indian Ocean.
Although there are 115 islands, you can easily hop between the main islands by ferry (you can fly via plane with Air Seychelles and some resorts offer helicopter transfers too).
On your Seychelles island hopping honeymoon, we highly recommend hiring a car and explore deserted beaches, visit giant tortoises, go snorkelling and diving, visit a rum factory, go hiking, hire a boat and visit colourful markets.
Start on MahΓ© with stunning spots like Saint Anne Marine National Park and the Morne Seychelles National Park.
Neighbouring Praslin island with UNESCO World Heritage Site, VallΓ©e de Mai Nature Reserve, feels like going back in time.
Don’t forget La Digue island (where nearly everyone gets around by bike) with one of the world’s most famous beaches, Anse Source D’Argent.
Want to dive deeper and start planning a Seychelles honeymoon? Check out our Essential Guide to Seychelles.
The best time to visit Seychelles for an island hopping honeymoon is from April to October
Sample 14-night Seychelles island hopping honeymoon itinerary
6 nights MahΓ© at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles – 3 nights La Digue Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel – 5 nights Praslin at Constance Lemuria
5. The Philippines
The Philippines is made for an island hopping honeymoon! This unique archipelagic nation comprises seven THOUSAND islands, stretching from China to Borneo, meaning you are never too far from a beach or an adventure in The Philippines!
However, this means that for a typical Philippines island hopping honeymoon, some flights will be involved if you want to cover for a few islands.
The cities of Cebu and Manila are the major flight hubs, with Air Asia, Philippine Airlines & Cebu Pacific Air serving multiple routes.
From party islands to secluded atolls, there is an island for every type of couple. Expect white sand beaches, emerald and turquoise waters, volcanos, diving and snorkelling amongst coral reefs with a dash of adventure activities like cliff jumping and kayaking.
The best time to visit The Philippines for an island hopping honeymoon is November to April
Sample 14-night Philippines island hopping honeymoon itinerary
2 nights Manila at Sofitel Philippine Plaza – 4 nights Palawan at Cauayan Island Resort – 2 nights Coron at Paolyn Houseboats – 1 night Cebu at Summit Galleria – 5 nights Boracay at The Lind Boracay
6. The Maldives
The Maldives is a mesmerising chain of atolls in the Indian Ocean and one of true icons when it comes to island honeymoons.
Days beginning with the sun rising over a horizon of endless blue, and nights under a canopy of stars, with the gentle sound of waves whispering against the shores of your private island retreat!
While most couples head straight to the luxury resorts on some of best islands for honeymoon in the world, it is possible to do an island hopping honeymoon in the Maldives.
Navigating the Maldives’ waters is an adventure in itself. Speedboats and seaplanes serve as your chariots, whisking you away to your next dreamy honeymoon island. You can opt for the resort-operated transfers but there is a local ferry network, too.
If you can stay in the same atolls or stick with islands close together that can be reached by speedboat it can be a lot cheaper than taking multiple seaplanes.
For adventurous couples or couples on a leaner budget, consider mixing things up with a local island.
Spend your days diving into the vibrant underwater world, home to some of the planet’s most stunning coral reef, indulging in a spa day retreat or relaxing in your sun drenched overwater pool villa.
The best time to visit Maldives for an island hopping honeymoon is from December to April
Sample 14-night Maldives island hopping honeymoon itinerary
3 nights Oblu Select Lobigili – 3 nights Bliss Dhigurah – 4 nights LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas – 4 nights Varu by Atmosphere
7. Thailand
A Thailand island hopping honeymoon is a dream. Two coastlines of paradise islands with plenty for culture, food and wildlife lovers too.
Picturesque limestone cliffs and karsts over emerald water await. Eat at fine dining establishments or tiny little huts on the beach.
With everything from hedonistic parties to wildlife encounters, to tiny secluded eco-luxury boltholes. Thailand is one of our ultimate island honeymoon destinations.
It’s easy to get around too, with ferries and speedboats in operation with countless tour operators.
You can choose between two coasts for your Thailand island hopping honeymoon (or if you want to do both, you can fly between the coasts to/from Phuket and Koh Samui on Bangkok Airways).
The Andaman Sea is on the west coast and is famous for islands like Phuket, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and mainland destinations like Khao Lak & Krabi.
Visit James Bond island, go whitewater rafting and take a foodie tour. Or, you might decide on the east coast islands in the Gulf of Thailand for your island hopping adventure.
Stunning islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Ko Tao are the most popular. Kayak in Ang Thong National Marine Park and spend the night at the famous Full Moon Party.
Spend your days in your own plunge pool or visit uninhabited islands. Explore temples and waterfalls, learn to dive, go snorkelling and take a cooking class.
A Thailand island hopping honeymoon is filled with endless fun and romantic things to do.
Want to dive deeper and start planning a Thailand honeymoon? Check out our Essential Guide to Thailand.
The best time to visit Thailand for an island hopping honeymoon is from November to April
Sample 14-night Thailand island hopping honeymoon itinerary
4 nights Khao Lak at Casa de la Flora – 3 nights Koh Yao Noi at TreeHouse Villas Koh Yao Noi – 4 nights Koh Phi Phi at Zeavola Resort – 3 nights Krabi at Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Island Hopping Honeymoon Destinations in Pacific & Caribbean
8. Hawaii
If you’re thinking about a Hawaii island hopping honeymoon, then all we can say is go!
It is perfect for couples seeking an island hopping adventure in the USA. The epic scenery, beautiful hikes, vibrant beaches and volcanic landscapes.
When planning a Hawaii island hopping honeymoon, you will need to book some inter-island flights, but theyβre short (usually less than an hour) and plentiful with Hawaiian Airlines.
There is so much to see and do. On Oahu alone, you’ll find the cityscape of Honolulu, including the famous Waikiki Beach. Packed with dining, nightlife, galleries, boat trips, and surfing lessons.
On Maui discover epic hikes, beautiful beaches and scenic road trips. See volcanos on Big Island and marvel at the lush, cinematic landscapes of Kauai. Hawaii is a classic.
Want to dive deeper and start planning a Hawaii honeymoon? Check out our Essential Guide to Hawaii.
The best time to visit Hawaii for an island hopping honeymoon is from April to October, although it is a year-round destination.
Sample 14-night Hawaii island hopping honeymoon itinerary
4 nights Oahu at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club – 4 nights Kauai at 1 Hotel Hanelei Bay or Big Island at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai – 6 nights Maui at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
9. Caribbean
With laid-back island vibes, paradise beaches, music, rum cocktails and fresh seafood, a Caribbean island hopping honeymoon is a is a quintessential dream honeymoon.
Forever popular with newlyweds looking for a little slice of heaven to celebrate getting married, the Caribbean has some of the best islands for honeymoon.
One of the main reasons a Caribbean island hopping honeymoon is ideal is the proximity of its islands to each other.
With over 700 islands, islets, and cays in the Caribbean, you’ve so much choice!
Despite some limitations because of the lack of extensive inter-island ferries and/or flights, there are still many ways to navigate the Caribbean’s islands and wonderful combinations to explore.
A cruise is a wonderful way to get a taste of the islands. It allows you to visit multiple islands and experience the different cultures, cuisines, and natural wonders of these idyllic honeymoon destinations.
You get to several Caribbean islands and take shore excursions. However, the downside to cruising is that you don’t have time to explore each island fully.
For islands that are closer to each other, inter-island ferries are available. The ferry services might be more limited in the Caribbean than in other parts of the world, but they exist.
For example, the ferry between St. Martin and St Barts and British Virgin Islands like Anguilla, Antigua to Montserrat and St Vincent to the Grenadines makes for an easy Caribbean island hopping honeymoon.
Regional airlines like Caribbean Airlines, InterCaribbean Airways, Cape Air and Air Antilles make journeys short and convenient.
There are so many Caribbean island hopping combinations, think the Dominican Republic and Turks & Caicos, Aruba & Curacao, Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua, to name a few.
With an island hopping honeymoon in the Caribbean, you can discover some of the planet’s best beaches with plenty of snorkelling and diving opportunities.
Each island has its own flavour. Discover history and culture of Cuba, the dancehall scene in Jamaica, taste the rum in Barbados and explore the pristine rainforest and beaches on a dream honeymoon in Saint Lucia.
With so many options to choose from, the hardest part is deciding which islands to visit.
Island hopping in the Caribbean is an excellent way to explore diverse cultures, cuisines, and natural wonders.
With a plethora of islands to choose from, we highly recommend taking advantage of the Caribbean’s laid-back island vibes, paradise beaches, music, rum cocktails, and fresh seafood on an extraordinary island-hopping adventure.
The best time to visit the Caribbean for an island hopping honeymoon is from November to May.
Sample 14-night Caribbean island hopping honeymoon itinerary
5 nights Barbados at Cobblers Cove – 5 nights Saint Lucia at Sugar Beach – 4 nights Antigua at Hermitage Bay
10. French Polynesia
This remote 118-island archipelago spread across the Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia, is the thing honeymoon dreams are made of.
French Polynesia is often called Tahiti (the island youβll fly into), but the official name is French Polynesia
Itβs where the overwater bungalow concept started (thank you Tahitian people!). Most known for one of dreamiest island honeymoon destinations, Bora Bora. You can base yourself in Bora Bora for a week of unadulterated luxury in a stunning overwater bungalow resort.
Admittedly, it will be hard to tear yourselves away from this paradise island, but there are other islands to visit.
The Society Islands comprises Tahiti, Bora Bora & Moorea but also the lesser visited Tetiaroa, Tahaa, Huahine and Raiatea.
You also have incredible private islands like The Brando. There are other groups of islands like the Marquesas and Tuamotu Atolls for couples who want to get off the beaten track.
Spend your days on the dazzling white sand beaches with aquamarine waters, go snorkelling and diving, take a sunset cruise, go whale watching, explore the rainforest and learn about Tahitian culture.
You could also take an island hopping cruise with a company like Paul Gauguin Cruises.
Want to dive deeper and start planning a French Polynesia honeymoon? Check out our Essential Guide to Hawaii.
The best time to visit French Polynesia for an island hopping honeymoon is May to October
Sample 14-night French Polynesia island hopping honeymoon itinerary
2 nights Tahiti at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – 5 nights Moorea at Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort – 7 nights Bora Bora at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
We hope you’ve got some inspiration from these island hopping honeymoon ideas. Let us know in the comments which island honeymoon destinations are on your shortlist!
Happy Planning x
