If you want a post-wedding escape before heading off on the main event at a later date, then a minimoon is the answer. You get to celebrate having just tied the knot, without too much time off or money coming into the equation.

So say “I do” to one of these starry-eyed short-haul heavyweights and you could be whisked off your feet in no time...

Venice

For culinary couples

We all know this lovely lagoon-based city has romance written all over it. But if you also want a large helping of fine food while you’re away, Venice is your perfect match.

Kick things off by eating the season’s pickings at Rialto Market, a feast for the eyes and the stomach – we love the juicy, just-plucked peaches in summer. And whatever the naysayers say, fork out for a gondola ride (gelato in hand of course) as it’s about as romantic as you can possibly get.

In the evenings, savour small plates of cicchetti with the locals around the authentic Dorsoduro district. These over-the-counter, tapas-like snacks include anything from figs drizzled in honey to grilled artichoke bruschetta. Don’t miss living the life of luxury with a famous Bellini cocktail at Harry’s Bar, followed by an orchestral serenade in St. Mark’s Square.

Menorca

For carefree couples

Sandy strolls, seafood and sunsets – Menorca is a sunshine island that’s ideal for couples that like taking it easy. Spend sunny days boat tripping, swimming and lazy lunching, and balmy evenings soaking up the atmosphere as night markets spring to life and al fresco gin cocktails flow.

Hire a car and cruise the coastal roads, making sure you stop for a lobster stew by the sea along the way. Plan in a break at oh-so pretty Cala Macarelleta for some sun-soaking and snorkelling too.

For a memorable date night, head to Cova d’en Xoroi. This super-cool cave provides the perfect platform for impressive sunset snaps and it doubles up as a cocktail bar and club. Over in Ciutadella, the yacht-filled harbour has a line-up of swanky wine bars and terraces for dancing under the stars.

Paris

For classic couples

Does the thought of meandering museums hand-in-hand, tiny bistro tables made for two and sunset strolls along the Seine make you swoon? Then Paris is your perfect pick for a minimoon destination. And what better way to wrap up your wedding celebrations in style. Artsy Saint-Germain is the place to philosophise while people-watching over croissants and coffee, but make your way to Montmartre’s olde-worlde cobbles to choose your first piece of art together as a married couple.

And cliché or no cliché, a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower at sunset is pretty high in the romance stakes – and there’s no better time to dial it up a notch. After, hit the hipster district of Le Marais for dark bars, jazz and bottles of red.

Hvar

For cool couples

If there’s one destination that has it going on, it’s Hvar – especially when the sun goes down. This lush island idyll off the coast of Croatia has a VIP hideaway feel, with natural scenes and knockout beaches promising endless discoveries by day and open-air clubs promising endless adventures by night.

In the island’s capital, Hvar Town, a bundle of backstreets serve up quirky galleries, delicious delis and cool clothes shops for afternoon pottering. As for old-world wonders that’ll wow, stick St Stephen's Square and Hvar Fortress on your to-see list. Beach-wise, Grebišće’s silky smooth ribbons are the best of the best, but for a dreamy day out, go bay-hopping around Gdinj.

Après-sun, party like Prince Harry at popular hangout Hula Hula or Instagrammable cocktail lounge Ka'Lavanda. Then zip off on a speedboat to dance among the fairy-lit trees and fire dancers until dawn at Carpe Diem’s secret island retreat.

Malta

For cultured couples

Malta’s mix of Mediterranean flavours and medieval architecture tick the box for culture-seeking newlyweds. Together, you can delve into its treasure trove of ancient temples, ornate churches and beautiful baroque buildings.

For starters, wander the maze of lanes behind “silent city” Mdina’s fortified walls for a glimpse into its medieval past. Step back even further in time and see megalithic temples older than the pyramids, then visit capital city Valletta to tick off grand palazzos and art by Caravaggio at St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

St Julian’s harbour is the place for a romantic waterside table of wining and dining, followed by popping the champers in a plush high-rise lounge. For the freshest seafood and rustic charm, it’s got to be rainbow-coloured Marsaxlokk. Wine buffs, you’ve got vineyards aplenty to uncork across the island.

So why settle with just a honeymoon when you can enjoy a minimoon too? Let the celebrations begin…