So, you’ve finally outgrown summer holidays with your parents? Whether you’re searching for an energetic group holiday destination or an intimate couples retreat, we’ve curated a list of the best holiday destinations for young adults across Europe and beyond.
Considering factors like buzzing nightlife, budget-friendliness, and a host of exciting things to do, we’ve whittled down a medley of 11 exciting city escapes and tropical beach retreats to visit for young couples and groups.
So, let’s take a look at top holiday destinations for young couples in 2024
1. Bali, Indonesia
Offering everything from wellness to wildlife, adventure to relaxation and beach clubs to nightlife, Bali has all the ingredients for an eclectic retreat in paradise. Crowned as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, its stunning beaches, thrilling surf spots and yoga retreats provide a unique tropical experience, with enough to inspire adrenaline junkies and culture vultures alike.
Adventure seekers can head to Kuta Beach and grab a board from The Bukit’s Dreamland Surf Break shop ready to catch some of those famous waves before relishing in a rewarding laze on the sands, while hipster types can practise yoga in Ubud or Canguu. Nature enthusiasts can go on a jungle ‘safari’ across the isles far north-western tip to catch sight of Sambar Deer, Bali Starlings, and endemic Ebony Leaf Monkeys! Or, go for a stroll with almost endangered pink (yes, you read that correctly) Buffalo, with walking tours courtesy of local paddy-farmer Nengah Sudana.
Once the sun sets, this hedonistic island comes to life with the best pools, beach clubs, and multi-level dancefloors around. If you’re up for a party, head to popular haunts including Potato Head Beach Club, Woo Bar at Seminyak’s W Hotel, Uluwatu’s Singlefin for sunsets and sangrias, and Rock Bar.
Read Also: Best time to visit Bali | Things to do in Bali
2. Greece
Ancient history meets beautiful coves, delectable cuisine, charming island villages and vibrant nightlife in Greece. This alluring country and its diverse landscape caters to every type of traveller, whether you’re looking for adventure, to explore the great outdoors, settle on a sun-drenched beach or soak up the local way of life. Explore Athens’ historical treasures by day, party on Mykonos’ beaches by night, or sail around picturesque islands, offering ample opportunity for adventure and cultural immersion.
Ancient Athens is a must during your visit (no matter your age) for its sensational preserved architecture and quintessential landmarks. Your first stop should be the Acropolis, while the Ottoman Houses of the Plaka neighborhood – peppered with neoclassical mansions and Byzantine churches – is also recommended. Those interested can also visit the National Archaeological Museum, housing the world’s finest collection of Greek antiquities in its stunning neoclassical building.
Top holiday destinations for young couples in Greece include Santorini (particularly if you’re honeymooning) for it’s postcard-worthy villages and sunset views over the twinkling caldera, while the adult playground of Mykonos (or should we say ‘Greek Ibiza’) soars to the top of the list for holidays with good nightlife for couples, offering a dynamic and vibrant party scene that attracts everyone from celebrities and VIPs to regular joes. When you’re not busy bar-hopping, expand your wine knowledge on one of the many tasting experiences across the country or hop on a boat and explore the gorgeous neighbouring islands, passing cerulean lagoons, hidden caves, and pocket-sized beach coves as you go.
Read Also: Best time to visit Greece | Best greek islands for couples
3. Ölüdeniz, Turkey
Home to one of the most photographed beaches in Turkey (if not the world), the stunning Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz is up there as a best destination for a first couples holiday. This premier beach resort dishes up everything from beautiful sands to adrenaline-pumping activities, authentic, mouth-watering cuisine and over 3,000 years of history across its Lycian region.
One of the best ways to explore the area is via the Lycian Way walking trail which runs from popular Fethiye to Antalya, with a handful of ruins to marvel over along the way. Fethiye is also a popular spot if nightlife is what you’re seeking, with a clutch of bars and clubs to choose from. The most popular party areas include Hamam Sokak and The Deep Blue Bar in the Old Town.
Adventure seekers can try their hand at paragliding, a popular pastime and fantastic experience soaring above the calm, turquoise waters and mountainous backdrop. In fact, it’s one of the best places in Europe for tandem paragliding, so pair up and brave the heights with a friend or partner. Or, why not swap the skies for the seas and go diving? Ölüdeniz has brilliant diving conditions all year round meaning you can take to the waters whether you’re a beginner or more advanced.
Read Also: Best time to visit Turkey | Beaches in Turkey
4. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s artful vibe, from Gaudi’s masterpieces to vibrant street art, vibrant bars, and quirky landmarks makes it a youthful hotspot. The city offers a bustling nightlife, trendy boutiques, and beautiful beaches and as a destination, this corner of Spain offers just the right balance of culture and relaxation.
A standout landmark sure to leave you in awe is the Sagrada Família, a quirky basilica designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí – who’s a bit of a big deal over here. Its ornate details, including intricate façades and stained glass, took almost 140 years to craft – and it exists today as a fine example of the Catalan capital’s neoclassical architecture. If you’re a fan of Gaudí’s work, head to Park Güell, a rainbow-coloured tile park with unique sculptures and gardens to roam. Equally, the Barcelona Cathedral is another landmark worth ticking off, with some parts of the building dating back as far as the 11th century!
Architecture aside, wander Las Ramblas – the most famous street in Barcelona – where you’ll pass a host of eateries, bars, and boutique shops. Head to Barcelona’s beaches where you can sunbathe, swim in the Med, or grab a snack in the sand-fringing chiringuitos. Foodies can also explore the hustle and bustle of La Boqueria Market with its local seafood, meat, and snack stalls.
Read Also: Best time to visit Spain
5. Venice, Italy
Aperol Spritz, winding canals, a labyrinth of cobbled streets and romantic gondola rides are what characterises this city of love. The capital of Italy’s northern Veneto region, Venice’s enchanting corner is built on more than 100 small islands on a lagoon on the Adriatic Sea.
One of the top holiday destinations for young couples, Venice has long been a popular haunt for romantic couples holidays and honeymoons, and once you visit you’ll see why. It’s easy to get lost in this city on water, but that’s exactly what you want in a place like this. Marvel over the stunning Gothic architecture, float along the Grand Canal guided by a cheerful singing gondolier, explore a host of museums and art galleries, and of course, indulge in some of the best food around.
Art and culture enthusiasts should head to the Biennale, a seriously impressive art festival hosted every two years highlighting the hottest artists, curators, and critics around. If festivals are your thing, the annual Carnevale Festival held in February is another must-see event, with vibrant parades, masquerade costumes, dance performances and beyond.
Read Also: Best time to visit Italy | Honeymoon destinations in Italy
6. Santorini
This twinkling jewel in the Aegean Sea is world-renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, picturesque red, white and black-sand beaches, and whitewashed hillside villages topped by a sea of contrasting blue-domed roofs.
Clinging to the rugged cliffside overlooking the caldera, Santorini is one of Greece’s most popular destinations for young couples. Fira and Oia are the volcanic isle’s two principal towns and popular tourist spots to visit for their panoramic views, boutique shops and family run restaurants and cafes – each maintaining an authentic vibe despite their ever-drawing crowds.
Take a boat tour of the volcano where you can admire views of the isle from the twinkling waters, swim in the hot springs, visit the red and white-sand beaches, and of course get front row tickets to that famous sunset. All that exploring is thirsty work and so wine tasting is a must; head to Assyritiko, the main grape town of Santorini, where you can visit a winery (Santo Wines is most popular) or take a guided tour. Before the day is done, savour the island’s lively nightlife in Fira, with a clutch of upbeat bars and clubs to let your hair down in.
7. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s vibrant street art, lively nightlife, baroque architecture and eclectic music scene are hugely appealing to the younger crowd. Portugal’s hilly coastal capital city offers a laid-back vibe, with its rich culture prominent from the moment you arrive.
The historic tram rides, surf-worthy beaches, and spectacular foodie scene add to its overall charm, and getting lost down its pretty paved cobbles will never be a worry. The Time Out Market is heaven for food lovers, with every all-star cuisine you can imagine across its 26 restaurants, eight bars and dozens of shops – just don’t leave without indulging in a pastel de nata (or more likely pastéis, since you’ll surely scoff more than one). Equally, Feira da Ladra is another popular market to frequent, open every Tuesday and Saturday. Wander the bustling stalls of this flea market – which has been going strong since the 13th century – and pick up everything from vintage clothing to handmade souvenirs.
You can’t wander the streets of Lisbon without hearing the melodic sound of Fado music spilling out of local bars, restaurants and even homes. Thought to have originated in the 19th century, there are plenty of haunts to listen to Portugal’s favoured music genre, including venues such as Fado & Wine bar. Although, Lisbon’s downtown district of Cais do Sodré is the place to head if you’re here to party. Formerly a red light district, this area has a host of late-night cocktail bars – a firm favourite being Pensão Amor.
8. Paris, France
The city of love and lights needs no introduction. Serving up youthful exploration through its bohemian districts like Montmarte, inspiring museums, trendy boutiques, and delightful cuisine – it goes without saying that cheese and wine fans will be in their element in this corner of France.
Paris is bursting with sights, attractions, and experience, and so it’s difficult to know where to begin navigating this metropolis – with each of its 20 diverse districts offering something special. A few of the most popular landmarks include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame (but you already knew that), while we also recommend browsing the Latin Quarter’s historic arthouse cinemas, the digital art centre at the Atelier des Lumières, or wandering the tourist-friendly Jewish Quarter of Les Marais and queue for one of the best falafel sandwiches in Paris. Equally, head to a local fromagerie, grab a freshly baked baguette, some cheese and charcuterie and have a picnic at The Basilica of Sacré-Coeur (or, simply Sacré-Coeur), a stunning Roman church serving up stunning views over the city.
The vibrant nightlife in Paris is dominated by traditional jazz clubs, chic late-night bars and contemporary music venues, not forgetting the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret – the birthplace of the French Cancan.
9. The Seychelles
An Island paradise with pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, adventurous watersports and out-of-this-world accommodation, the Seychelles is a haven for nature lovers. Peppered with postcard-worthy resorts that feel as though they’ve been plucked straight from a dream, this Indian Ocean archipelago of 115 islands has to be seen to be believed.
Bestowed with a unique biodiversity, it’s the only place in the world where the gargantuan coco de mer palm grows and where Aldabra tortoises roam wild outside of the Galapagos. The Seychelles has entire islands as nature reserves and so hiking enthusiasts can venture into the wild and seek out endemic wildlife. Popular trails to tackle are the scenic walking routes of Morne National Park, on the main island of Mahé, where you’ll pass everything from coastal mangrove forests to towering jungle-cloaked peaks.
If you prefer to explore the beauty hiding underneath the surf, the Seychelles is a hot spot for snorkelling and scuba diving thanks to its many coral reefs – the perfect way to cool off from the balmy heat. Why not explore the outer atolls, too? With far-flung jewels dotted across the Indian Ocean easily reached via boat. The vibrant Creole culture and cuisine only add to the overall appeal of this destination.
Read Also: Best time to visit Seychelles | Best islands in Seychelles
10. Riviera Maya, Mexico
From exploring ancient Mayan ruins to diving in crystal-clear cenotes and partying in lively Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico, provides an exciting mix of adventure, history, and nightlife for young holiday-goers.
This stretch of Caribbean coastline nestled on Mexico’s northern Yucatán Peninsula is renowned for its all-inclusive resorts, particularly those located close by to the bustling party town of Playa del Carmen (one of our lively holiday destinations for young couples), plus a string of long blonde beaches lapped by turquoise waters. If you’re into history, Tulum plays host to some of the most unique preserved ancient Mayan sites in the Yucatan, all nestled into the verdant cliffside. The 13th century walled city ruins include the Castillo Castle and the preserved temple of the Frescoes, both fringed by the pretty pocket-sized Playa Tortuga beach – aim to visit at opening time to avoid heavy crowds.
When the heat gets too much, one of the coolest ways to cool off here is by diving into a cenote (swimming hole with crystal-clear water). There are hundreds of these natural open-air attractions sprinkled across the Yucatan, immersed by underground caves and caverns – a popular haunt being Cenote Dos Ojos, a double sinkhole worth donning your goggles for. With stunning beaches and lagoons, lush biospheres and tasty local restaurants selling tacos and tequila, Riviera Maya is a hot spot for young adventurers.
Read Also: Best time to visit Mexico
11. Paphos, Cyprus
One of the best cheap holiday destinations for young couples, Paphos offers a mix of historical intrigue and modern appeal in the Mediterranean. Explore UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, relax on beautiful beaches, and enjoy lively nightlife in the harbour city area.
The birthplace of Aphrodite, love comes easy in this beautiful destination, making it a popular place to visit on couples holidays. One of the most notable and visited sites is Aphrodite’s Rock; elegantly jutting out of the turquoise water, this giant geological formation is believed to be the place where the goddess emerged from – and so to say you’ve seen it is a must. In fact, there’s so much history waiting to be discovered here you won’t know where to start, or finish! Tick off the Tomb of Kings, Paphos Castle, Acropolis and Odeon, and many of the awe-inspiring Roman mosaics found within the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kato Paphos Archaeology Park.
The city’s waterpark and watersports opportunities also attract the young and active, with Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark serving up splash-tastic slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and more. Equally, head to one of the beautiful beaches such as Coral Bay to try your hand at the watersports on offer. Fancy a more serene afternoon on the sand? Discover Lara Bay for its natural wonders, Polis for its sand and shingle stretch fringing a quaint port town, or the famed Blue Lagoon – easily reached via boat.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it. Each of the highlighted destinations offer a host of unique experiences for young travellers; the hardest part is choosing where to head! For a vibrant nightlife, beach parties, and a rich culture, Bali and Barcelona are ideal. For history and architecture enthusiasts, Athens in Greece, Paphos, and Riviera Maya in Mexico offer remarkable ancient sites. Santorini and the Seychelles are paradises that cater to beach lovers and honeymooners alike, thanks to their breathtaking beaches and luxury resorts. If you’re seeking quaint cobbled streets, fabulous food and plenty of character, Venice and Lisbon are perfect haunts.
Read Also: Best holiday destinations in August
FAQs for Best holiday destinations for Young Couples
All of the above destinations listed within this article are deemed safe for young couples to visit. Destinations such as Greece, Barcelona, Lisbon, Seychelles and beyond have stable socio-political conditions and low crime rates. They also provide a welcoming environment for tourists with efficient local support services in case of emergencies.
If you’re interested in booking any of the above destinations, Affordable Luxury Travel have a dedicated team of experts on board to help plan your perfect holiday for you. From crafting an exciting itinerary that ticks all your boxes to sourcing the best accommodation and suitable flight times, we’ll do the hard work for you – so all you need to do is grab your passport, and go! Contact us on 0203 023 7776 or email res@affordableluxurytravel.co.uk to speak to an agent, today.