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For couples seeking a quintessential honeymoon, Greece takes the (syrup-soaked) cake. This ancient destination is one of those perennial favorites that, pardon the cliché, really has it all. The landscapes alone! “From sun-drenched islands and cliffside villages to mountain hideaways and historic cities, you can spend one day sailing in turquoise waters and the next wandering through ruins,” says Helen Patrikis, the Greek founder of HP-PR.
The country’s architecture, steeped in millennia of history, also has a hand in shaping the cinematic atmosphere. (Nothing says “honeymoon” quite like a glass of Assyrtiko overlooking a crumbling temple.) And then, there’s the food. If you’ve never savored grilled octopus at a taverna by the water’s edge (preferably after a refreshing swim), a honeymoon is a good time to remedy that.
But what’s most special, Patrikis argues, is the way it makes you feel. “Greeks have a word, philoxenia, meaning ‘friend to strangers’—a true spirit of hospitality.” Anyone who’s visited Greece can attest to this. “The pace is slower, the people are kind, and it’s surprisingly easy to find places that feel personal,” Essentialist founder and CEO Joan Roca says.
And as far as romance-fueled experiences go, this Mediterranean jewel doesn’t hold back. “To me, a day spent at sea always brings that sense of rejuvenation and calm you crave on a honeymoon,” Cosal Travel founder Andrea Blackmon tells Vogue. “The experience of diving off a boat into the crystal clear waters, sipping chilled wine on deck, and docking at a local taverna for fresh seafood simply cannot be beat.”
So, it’s settled. There’s no honeymoon quite like a Greece honeymoon. If you and your partner are in the planning stages of your inaugural adventure as a married couple, our expert-led guide ahead will tell you everything you need to know for planning an itinerary fit for the gods.
The Best Time to Travel to Greece
Choosing the best time to honeymoon in Greece is about negotiating between weather and crowds. If you’re heading for the islands, “skip July and August when it’s too hot and too busy,” Roca suggests, with Indagare’s founder Melissa Biggs Bradley echoing that sentiment. “Honeymooning in Greece outside of these two months doesn’t just mean fewer crowds, it also offers a more authentic experience,” she says, pointing to spring and fall as the country’s sweet spots. “Ferries run, tavernas are open, and the landscapes are vibrant. It’s the ideal time for honeymooners to island hop without the hustle,” Bradley says.
These timeframes are referred to as shoulder seasons, and the best months to visit include May, September, and even early October. “The sea is warm, and the light has a golden, quieter quality,” Patrikis says. “In May, temperatures typically range from 64 to 75°F, while September sees warmer days, around 68 to 82°F, with sea temperatures still ideal for swimming after the summer heat,” Geographic Expeditions CEO Brady Binstadt tells Vogue, offering the helpful reminder that southern destinations like Crete stay warmer longer, and the northern regions and islands are pleasantly cooler. If you’re eschewing the norm and honeymooning on the mainland, Jacob Chapman from Jacada Travel notes it’s fantastic year-round. And whenever you choose to honeymoon in Greece, Roca’s word to the wise: “If possible, avoid school holidays for a more peaceful experience.”
How Long to Spend in Greece for a Honeymoon
In an ideal world, we’d all have a months-long honeymoon à la Charlie Chaplin, but the reality of limited vacation days and travel budgets means one must be strategic about how long their honeymoon in Greece can go on for. For Chapman, 10 days is the minimum amount of time he recommends to get as much out of the trip as possible. “If a journey around the islands is part of the itinerary, it’s wonderful to slow down and take them in at a leisurely pace,” he adds. If you are, in fact, heading for the islands, Bradley suggests two or three islands for at least 10 to 12 days. “This gives enough time to combine beach days, cultural exploring, and some off-the-grid indulgence.”
The Best Ways to Get Around Greece
For travelers arriving from the US, a flight to Athens will most likely be your point of entry to the country. From there, Bradley says honeymooners can expect a mix of domestic flights and ferries. “Islands like Patmos and Sifnos have no airports, adding to their charm (and seclusion), while Spetses bans cars altogether—with horse-drawn carriages and seaside strolls taking their place.”
Depending on which destination you choose, a rental car can allow for more spontaneity in an itinerary. (A reliable recipe for romance.) Whereas if you prefer a hands-off approach to transportation while on vacation, travel agencies can sort this out for you. “For example, we often arrange private boat transfers between nearby islands—it adds a special touch without being over the top,” Roca says in reference to Essentialist’s offerings. Or, if OTT is your calling card, hop on a helicopter flight via hoper or be chauffeured around in the comfort of a private Mercedes-Benz through Geographic Expedition’s Spirit of Greece package.
Packing Advice for a Honeymoon in Greece
For the full download on honeymoon outfits, pay a visit to our shopping guide that’s curated with floaty white dresses and covetable swimsuits aplenty. But specific to Greece, a note on packing: “If you’re planning to island-hop—and you absolutely should—stick to a carry-on,” Bradley says. “It makes travel easier and ensures your luggage is always with you (because no one wants to deal with lost bags on a honeymoon).” As for the carry-on itself, Roca suggests soft-sided, rollable luggage that’s easy to lift on and off ferries.
Tips to Plan the Perfect Greece Honeymoon
As with any destination where island hopping exists, it can be a struggle to find a balance between experiences and relaxation. “To avoid spending too much time in transit, I recommend staying at least three nights in each location,” Blackmon says. “One of the most important things to keep in mind is not to overfill your schedule. It’s tempting to try to see and do it all, but allowing time to slow down, wander, and take things as they come often leads to the most meaningful travel moments.”
Things to Do in Greece for Couples
If you haven’t picked up on this already, Greece is a destination where the honeymoon hits its stride, with no short supply of romantic experiences for couples. “We always recommend a private boat day—sailing to a remote island, swimming off the boat, maybe meeting a local chef who cooks sea urchin straight from the water,” Roca says. For couples in search of an epic vista, “a sunset visit to Portara on Naxos is unforgettable. It’s romantic, steeped in mythology, and framed by ocean views,” Bradley notes. And if you’re hoping to take home a new skill, Chapman points to authentic culinary experiences. “We love cooking classes held in the kitchens of working farms, where couples can learn to make something that celebrates their love, such as traditional wedding bread.”
Romantic Cruises in Greece
For honeymooners who prefer the ease of a cruise itinerary, consider a luxury small ship like those from Windstar Cruises. Their Greece sailing takes couples to destinations far from the usual tourist stops, like Monemvasia and Patmos, and to locations that larger ships can’t access. There’s also Ponant, which offers several covetable, high-end itineraries throughout Greece’s turquoise waters.
Best Honeymoon Destinations in Greece
The most popular destinations in Greece for honeymooners tend to be Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. But with half a dozen island groups, breathtaking peninsulas, and a diverse mainland, it’s worth conducting your own research to determine which itinerary best suits your wants and wishes. Below, a few worthy jumping-off points.
- Northern Greece
- North Eastern Aegean Islands
- Athens
- Athenian Riviera
- The Peloponnese
- The Cyclades
- The Saronic Islands
- The Dodecanese Islands
- Crete
- The Ionian Islands
Relatively untouched by tourism in comparison to other parts of the country, Northern Greece is under-the-radar in all the best ways. “Couples are paying more attention to this destination as the food is incredible, the people are welcoming, and you won’t meet masses of tourists here," Chapman notes. “In the north, you can get a little more off the beaten track with a visit to somewhere like the incredible Meteora monasteries, precariously perched on a huge cliff.” This region is also an ideal spot for honeymooners who hike. “The Vikos Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the world,” Patrikis says. “It’s breathtaking and far from the usual tourist trail.”
Where to Stay: For a beachside sojourn, book a sea view room at The Danai on the peninsula of Halkidiki. Or, if trees are your love language, head for the acclaimed Grand Forest Metsovo tucked away in the Pindus mountains.
“Chios is emerging as a dreamy, under-the-radar honeymoon spot,” Bradley says, nodding to farm-to-table cuisine, wild beaches, and a rich cultural history as the key draws. The architecture is also exquisite. Get lost in the medieval village of Pyrgi, which is recognizable for its black-and-white geometric patterns splashed across the exteriors of all of its buildings.
Where to Stay: Surrounded by citrus trees and stone paths, Archontiko Riziko is an atmospheric hotel housed within an 18th-century Genoese mansion.
Begin or conclude your honeymoon in Greece with a couple of days in the country’s capital. While Athens may not enjoy the same relaxed pace as the islands, it oozes with romance. Meander around ruins that date back thousands of years, grab a glass of low-intervention Robola at a natural wine bar (the city has plenty), and stroll around cobble-stoned neighborhoods, like Plaka, listening to street musicians strum traditional Greek melodies.
Where to Stay: For an accommodation befitting a glamorous honeymoon in Greece, book a suite at Hotel Grand Bretagne, which dates back to 1874 and a glittering landmark in Athens.
This region has been garnering quite a bit of buzz lately, but the Athenian Riviera’s legacy as a hotspot goes back to the days when the likes of Brigitte Bardot and Jackie Onassis could be found sunbathing along its glamorous coastline. Now, after a notable and well-documented comeback, visitors are once again flocking to the area just 30 minutes or so from Athens’s city center. Eat, drink, sunbathe, and don’t miss out on highlights like the Temple of Poseidon or Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural thermal pool.
Where to Stay: Luxury resorts are the name of the game in this glamorous region, ranging from Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens to the One&Only Aesthesis.
On the southern tip of mainland Greece, this four-fingered peninsula feels gloriously frozen in time. “Visitors can uncover the wonders of Delphi, a truly sacred ancient site that’s home to the UNESCO-listed Temple of Apollo; and they can explore legendary Olympia, the very ground where the original pan-Hellenic Olympic Games were born,” Chapman says. If you’ve rented a car, drive the Mani Peninsula (one of those four ‘fingers’), making pit stops at stone villages and rugged beaches along the way. (One such stop is Kardamyli, a fishing village that was first mentioned in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad.)
Where to Stay: Kyrimai occupies a restored 19th-century tower at the very tip of the Mani Peninsula. On a hilltop along the east coast, Amanzoe offers its signature style of untamed luxury, and over in the fortified town of Mystras, Euphoria Retreat is a wellness destination with personalized programs including spa treatments and forest hikes.
There’s a reason Santorini is infamous for being overrun with tourists—it’s breathtaking. If you and your partner have your sights set on experiencing the ancient caldera, avoid the rush by arriving at Oia just before sunrise, and explore other areas of the island with less foot traffic, such as the hilltop village of Pyrgos.
Where to Stay: Canaves Oia Suites for the plunge pools, Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection for its impeccable location directly in front of Skaros Rock, Sandblu for its spa services under the care of 111 SKIN and ESPA products, Andronis Boutique Hotel for its hot-tubbed private terraces, Perivolas Hideaway for a secluded cove location, Katikies for its white cave architecture, and Mystique for a restaurant with take-your-breath-away views. To get away even further from the rush of the caldera, consider Noūs in the village of Mesaria or Vedema Resort in the medieval setting of Megalochori.
You can get between these two islands in less than 10 minutes by ferry, making a visit to both an easy decision. Paros is larger and famous for its beaches, ideal for a day of swimming and popping into shops and tavernas. Antiparos is smaller and quieter, and known for its cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. If you want a livelier honeymoon, go for Paros, whereas if you prefer a sleepier setting, make Antiparos your home base.
Where to Stay: Parīlio s artful design and acclaimed culinary program makes for a honeymoon-worthy stay in Paros. If you’re leaning toward Antiparos, there s no better getaway than The Rooster.
You’ve probably seen a photo of Milos before. More specifically, its lunar-like Sarakiniko beach, composed of bone-white volcanic rock that looks nothing short of mesmerizing when contrasted with the turquoise water surrounding it. But honeymooners shouldn’t stop there, rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle and set off to explore any one of the island’s 70-plus beaches, stopping for spontaneous dips whenever the mood strikes.
Where to Stay: Skinopi Lodge is made up of seven stone villas tucked between olive trees and with design details like al fresco showers.
You’re not imagining it: everyone is going to Sifnos right now. And for good reason. The island has become a magnet for foodies and creatives in recent years, but still retains its slow, rustic pace. Honeymooners can indulge in Sifnos’s flavors, from revithia (chickpea stew cooked overnight in a traditional clay pot) to manoura, a local cheese aged in wine lees. Make sure to spend an evening at Loggia, a laid-back wine bar carved into the cliff.
Where to Stay: Verina Astra’s small independent villas perch atop a steep hill hovering over Poulati beach, and are surrounded by gardens and panoramic views.
“Tinos is getting really interesting—food-forward, design-savvy and still under-the-radar,” Roca says. For a long time, this island has been primarily known for its abundance of marble. The prized material comes from the quarries of local villages (namely Panormos and Pyrgos) and was used in the construction of temples and monuments across the entire country for several centuries. Of course, there are plenty of other activities for honeymooners to explore other than visiting ceramic shops and marble museums, including spreading out on one of the island s many pristine beaches, framed by whitewashed architecture and rocky hillsides.
Where to Stay: Odera Tinos is a design-driven property that crafted with the island’s raw materials like traditional Tinian stones and green marble to create its distinct look. Or, book a villa with The Thinking Traveller: the sleek Enyalos, near Agios Petros, comes highly recommended by the Vogue travel team.
For an untouched and unspoiled experience, head to the peaceful island of Folegandros. The island’s whitewashed Cycladic architecture, including the iconic Panagia church, is a major draw, as is the ancient village of Chora. And while you won’t have as many restaurants and bars as other Cycladic islands, if your idea of the perfect honeymoon is one characterized by a slow pace and spectacular scenery, Folegandros is just the ticket.
Where to Stay: The recent opening of Gundari signals a new era for the island, set on a clifftop reserve with 27 suites and villas (each with their own infinity pool).
Catch the two-hour ferry from Athens to reach this quintessential port town. Hydra, with its multitude of donkeys, narrow cobblestone paths, and absence of cars, is a honeymoon destination that s full of old world charm. Meander along scenic coastal paths, pop into a taverna by the sea, and rent your very own boat to wind along the atmospheric coastline.
Where to Stay: Mandraki Beach Resort for its sandy beach (the only one on the island), Hotel Miranda if you want to stay in an 1810-era mansion that once belonged to a sea captain, and Bratsera for an intimate boutique hotel experience.
For couples who prefer an under-the-radar honeymoon locale, Spetses is a worthy pick. (It’s also where designer Mary Katrantzou was married, and was the filming location for Maggie Gyllenhaal s directorial debut, The Lost Daughter.) There are crystal-clear beaches, yes, but the island is also blanketed with fragrant pine trees (in antiquity, it was referred to as Pityoussa, translating roughly to “pine-abundant”). Cars aren’t allowed here, but visitors can rent a bicycle to pedal along the 26-kilometer coastal road.
Where to Stay: This 1914-era Poseidonion Grand Hotel has preserved its original details, including a marvelous marble staircase and hand-painted tiles.
This small island in the Dodecanese has been known to lure in creatives from around the world, many of whom have set up shop by way of soulful bed and breakfasts and buzz-worthy farm-to-table restaurants. Honeymooners who want to eat and drink well, relax by the water, and zigzag through centuries-old landmarks (including a world-famous monastery) will find all of that and more on Patmos.
Where to Stay: Pagostas is a three-bedroom guesthouse with a rooftop terrace overlooking the sea and note perfect design details.
This beautiful island near the coast of Turkey combines traditional Greek flavors with influences from its neighbor in the middle east (don’t miss the cheese soaked in wine called krasotiri). Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates, “the father of medicine," and has a breathtaking assortment of beaches to choose from, including one with black pebbles and thermal waters.
Where to Stay: OKU Kos is an adults-only property with a private beach and striking sea-view restaurant.
Crete may be Greece’s largest and most populous island, but there are plenty of quiet corners for honeymooners to explore. If you’re the active type, head for the Samariá Gorge, a World’s Biosphere Reserve and national park since 1962. The point-to-point hike is around 10 miles, beginning at a 3937-foot altitude and ending at the black-sand beach of Agia Roumeli. And when you’re not swimming in one of Crete’s numerous brilliant beaches, take time to leisurely pop into ceramic shops, organic wineries, and archaeological museums.
Where to Stay: Elounda is a small town on the northern coast of Crete that s ideal for honeymooners; both Elounda Beach Hotel Villas and Phāea Blue are compelling properties in the region. And about an hour west, Acro Suites is a covetable wellness resort perched at the ocean s edge.
If whitewashed buildings and volcanic landscapes are what you’re after, turn around—you won’t find it on Kefalonia. Instead, this forested island is green, and home to the only national park in the Greek islands. Spend your honeymoon hiking in the woods, watching the sunset from a relaxed taverna, and hopping on a small boat to tour the region’s prized snorkeling spots (including nearby Ithaca).
Where to Stay: Eliamos Villas Hotel Spa offers 12 dreamy villas on the southern shores of the island, while in the north, Mythos is a private villa with a cliff-side infinity pool that will stop you in your tracks.
To get to Paxos, one must take a ferry or boat from Corfu (there is no airport). Because of this, the island remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Honeymooners should take advantage of this and spend a few days relishing the island’s quaint seaside villages. You can even hop on one of the daily boats that takes visitors to nearby Antipaxos to enjoy its untrampled beaches and emerald-hued coves.
Where to Stay: Position yourself at The Thinking Traveller’s villa Alkioni to savor sea views during al fresco breakfasts and soaks in the plunge pool jacuzzi. Even better: there s a path that leads directly down to the sea.
