Why Lanzarote & Mallorca Were Perfect — and What to Look For
Why Babymoons Matter
There’s something incredibly special about taking one last trip before your baby arrives. A babymoon isn’t really about “doing” a destination in the usual sense. It’s more about slowing down together before life changes completely. Sleeping in a little longer. Long lunches in the sun. Talking about the future. Feeling your baby kick while you’re watching the ocean.
For us, those trips became little pauses in time that I know we’ll always remember forever.
We actually ended up going on two babymoons — one to Lanzarote during the first trimester and another one to Mallorca during the second trimester. Both trips were completely different, but in their own way exactly what we needed at that stage of pregnancy.
And looking back now, I realize choosing when and where to go makes a huge difference in how much you enjoy the experience.
When Is the Best Time to Go on a Babymoon?
Our first babymoon wasn’t even really supposed to happen.
Originally, we had plans to go to Guatemala. The tickets were practically booked when, one week later, we found out I was pregnant. Suddenly the idea of long-haul flights, intense travel days, and being very far from home didn’t feel right anymore. So instead, we swapped jungle adventures for Lanzarote in February — and honestly, it turned out to be exactly what we needed.
Coming from the Netherlands, that soft winter sun felt amazing. Temperatures around 18 degrees suddenly feel like summer when you’ve spent months surrounded by grey skies and cold weather. We spent slow mornings outside, explored little towns, enjoyed long lunches, and simply adjusted to the idea that life was changing.
But if I’m being completely honest, the second trimester is by far the best moment for a babymoon.
By the time we went to Mallorca, I felt strong again. The tiredness of the first trimester was gone, my belly was visible but still comfortable, and I could fully enjoy moving around. We spent days driving from bay to bay, going to the beach, exploring Palma, enjoying farm-to-table lunches, and taking things completely at our own pace.
That’s really the sweet spot of pregnancy travel. You still feel mobile and energetic, but there’s already this beautiful awareness that your baby is coming soon.
Of course every pregnancy is different, but in general the second trimester is often when women feel the most like themselves again. You can still comfortably walk around, fly, road trip, and enjoy activities without feeling too physically limited. Towards the end of pregnancy, travel naturally becomes more challenging. At a certain point airlines won’t let you fly anymore, and you simply don’t want to take unnecessary risks while being far away from home.
If you can choose, I would absolutely recommend planning your babymoon somewhere during the second trimester.
What Actually Matters When Choosing a Babymoon Destination
Before pregnancy, I used to choose destinations very differently. I didn’t really care much about comfort because I was out exploring all day anyway. A basic accommodation was fine because I mainly needed a place to sleep. Pregnancy completely changed that perspective.
Suddenly, comfort became part of the experience itself. You spend more time resting, taking things slowly, enjoying quiet mornings, reading by the pool, or simply staying in for a few hours because your body needs it. Having a beautiful, calming accommodation with a comfortable bed, enough space, maybe a pool or terrace, suddenly matters so much more.
For us, spending a little bit more on accommodation during pregnancy made a huge difference in the overall experience of the trip.
Healthcare access was also something we thought about much more carefully. Luckily, Europe is generally very reliable when it comes to healthcare, which automatically makes it a reassuring destination for a babymoon. Even if your pregnancy is low-risk, there’s comfort in knowing good hospitals and pharmacies are nearby if needed.
And then there’s climate — which is honestly such a personal thing.
For me and Raymond, sunshine was non-negotiable. I’m someone who feels instantly happier with warmth and light, especially during pregnancy. I loved being at the beach with my growing belly, swimming in the sea, and spending entire afternoons outside. Some people told me to be careful with the sun because of skin pigmentation or stretch marks, but personally I felt amazing in warm destinations. I just listened to my body, stayed hydrated, and rested when needed.
But not everyone enjoys heat during pregnancy. Some women prefer cooler temperatures, nature, or more adventurous destinations. That’s why there’s no single “perfect” babymoon destination — it really depends on what kind of energy you’re looking for.
Why Lanzarote Was Such a Perfect First Babymoon
Lanzarote has this calmness to it that’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there.
The landscapes almost feel lunar at times — volcanic, minimalistic, raw — yet at the same time the island feels warm and creative. You notice the influence of César Manrique everywhere, from the architecture to the way nature and design blend into each other. If you love aesthetic places, art, and slower travel, Lanzarote is such a beautiful choice.
What I especially loved during pregnancy was how easy the island felt.
Nothing ever felt too far away. You can rent a car, comfortably drive around the island, stop at beaches, have lunch somewhere beautiful, wander through little markets, and still be back at your accommodation early enough to rest.
The weather in February was also such a dream. Not extremely hot, not cold — just soft winter sunshine every single day. Coming from the Netherlands, that felt incredible.
Lanzarote is also very known for its gastronomy, and honestly we ate so well there. Fresh seafood, beautiful restaurants, laid-back cafés, volcanic wines for Raymond, and a generally very relaxed atmosphere. It’s the kind of destination where you naturally slow down without even trying.
For a first trimester babymoon, it was exactly the gentle reset we needed.
Mallorca: The Babymoon That Felt Like a Dream
Mallorca completely stole my heart. We stayed for two weeks, and it honestly felt like this dreamy little chapter between our old life and the new one that was coming.
Some mornings we would drive to tiny hidden bays with water so turquoise it didn’t feel real. Other days we stayed longer at the accommodation, went for slow lunches, or wandered through Palma. The beauty of Mallorca is that you can make the trip as relaxed or as active as you want.
What surprised me most were the beaches. I genuinely didn’t know Mallorca had beaches like that. Sometimes it reminded me of the Bahamas or Formentera — little coves with crystal-clear water surrounded by cliffs and pine trees.
And there’s just so much variety on the island.
One day you’re exploring a beautiful city, the next you’re swimming in hidden coves, having lunch at a finca, driving through mountains, or visiting local markets. It never became boring.
One of my favorite memories was a farm-to-table experience where we toured the farm before having lunch right in the middle of it. Pregnancy made me appreciate those slower, sensory moments so much more. Good food, warm air, beautiful surroundings, nowhere to rush to.
We also had a beautiful picnic by the sea that honestly felt like a mini honeymoon. Looking back, those are exactly the kinds of moments a babymoon is really about.
And while Mallorca can get extremely crowded in peak summer season, we went during a period where it still felt lively but manageable. That balance made it perfect.
Different Destinations for Different Kinds of Babymoons
One thing I realized while planning our babymoons is that there isn’t really one “perfect” babymoon destination. It completely depends on the kind of experience you’re craving during pregnancy. Some couples want total rest and barefoot beach days. Others still want adventure and road trips. Some people want guaranteed sunshine, while others feel more connected to nature, mountains, or cooler climates.
That’s why I think it’s more helpful to choose a destination based on energy and pace rather than simply what’s trending.
If you’re looking for sunshine, beaches, and easy travel, places like Mallorca, Formentera, the Greek islands, or the Algarve work beautifully. They all have that soft Mediterranean rhythm that fits pregnancy so well — long lunches, little swims, afternoon rests, sunset dinners.
Formentera especially has that dreamy, almost Caribbean-like atmosphere. It’s one of the most peaceful islands I’ve visited in Europe and perfect if your ideal babymoon is mainly about relaxing and reconnecting.
The Greek islands are also amazing because there’s so much variety. Islands like Milos, Paros, Naxos, or Crete combine beautiful beaches, good food, charming villages, and enough to explore without feeling overwhelming. Milos in particular remains one of my favorite islands in Europe.
If food and slow living matter most to you, then Portugal or Puglia in southern Italy are incredible options.
An Alentejo and Algarve combination could make such a beautiful babymoon. Alentejo has this calm, grounding atmosphere with boutique stays, vineyards, cork trees, and slow countryside living, while the Algarve gives you dramatic coastlines and beach towns.
Puglia also feels incredibly romantic: olive groves, whitewashed towns, long dinners outside, beautiful masserias, and a slower pace of life.
And if you’re the kind of couple that still craves adventure, then destinations like Iceland can be unforgettable during pregnancy too.
Completely different vibe, of course, but for couples who connect through nature and adventure, it can be incredibly special. Waterfalls, black sand beaches, hot springs, dramatic road trips… Iceland feels almost unreal at times. The only thing is that the weather changes every ten minutes, so flexibility is important there.
At the end of the day, your babymoon should simply feel like you.
Some people want spa days and luxury hotels. Others want road trips and hidden beaches. Some women feel amazing during pregnancy, others need much more rest.
There’s no right way to do it.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I’m so grateful we took those trips before becoming parents.
Lanzarote gave us calm during the uncertainty of the first trimester, while Mallorca became this dreamy, sun-soaked pause before our daughter arrived.
And honestly? I’ll treasure those memories forever.
Your babymoon doesn’t need to be extravagant or far away. What matters most is choosing a place where you can slow down, feel good in your body, enjoy good food, reconnect with each other, and simply enjoy this very special chapter of life before everything changes.
Because once your baby arrives, travel becomes beautiful in an entirely different way.
