With its breathtaking scenery, romantic sunsets, rich history and mouthwatering cuisine, Greece is the ideal destination for an unforgettable honeymoon. You can experience the fascinating juxtaposition of ancient heritage and modern life in Athens; explore the charming villages and historic ruins in Meteora and Delphi; and relax on the sun-drenched islands scattered throughout the Aegean Sea. Whether you want an action-packed trip filled with activities and sightseeing or a laid-back romantic getaway, Greece has it all.
Read on for information and tips to help you plan your perfect honeymoon in Greece.
Best Season to Visit
Obviously, your travel dates may be restricted by your wedding date, work schedule and other complications, but if you have flexibility when booking your travel, the best months to visit Greece tend to be May, June and September.
The weather is pleasantly warm but not overwhelmingly hot, the waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean should be suitable for swimming and beaches and other destinations won’t yet be saturated with visitors (tourist season peaks in July and August).
All hotels, restaurants and shops should be open for business—many close down during the “slow” season from October through April—and you won’t pay the sky-high rates that peak-season flights, accommodations and activities typically command.
Most Romantic Destinations for a Honeymoon in Greece
Athens
Virtually all flights into Greece go through Athens, so you’ll probably want to take at least a couple of days to explore this captivating capital city before heading elsewhere.
Where to Stay
For lodging, consider splurging on a stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Astir Palace, about a half-hour drive from the city center. Newly opened in spring 2019, the hotel offers impeccable service, stunning sea views and access to three private beaches.
What to Do
No matter how long you plan to spend in Athens, these are several must-visit sites:
- Acropolis: The ruins of this ancient citadel sit on the highest point in the city and contain several well-known historic relics, including the Parthenon, Ancient Agora of Athens and Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
- National Garden: Stroll through the shaded pathways of this lush 38-acre public park commissioned by Queen Amalia in the mid-1800s; the grounds contain more than 7,000 trees and 40,000 plants and bushes, including the 80-foot palms planted by the Queen herself.
- Lycabettus Hill: Take a cable car to the top of the 908-foot summit and soak in the panoramic views of the city, preferably at sunset; be sure to make a reservation at Orizontes restaurant for a romantic candlelit meal overlooking the city below.
- Syntagma Square: Witness the majestic changing of the guards at the Greek Parliament building (formerly the Old Royal Palace), savor a light meal or coffee at one of the neighboring cafés and watch the buzz of activity in the heart of the city.
- Day trip to Delphi: While you’re on the mainland, consider a day trip to Delphi, a key sacred site in ancient Greek mythology. You can rent a car or take an organized tour, which is less intimate than going on your own but frees you from the stress of worrying about logistics. In Delphi, you’ll walk along the Sacred Way up the mountain to reach sites like the Athenian Treasury, Amphitheater, Stadium and the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, where the famous Oracle once prophesied.
Where to Eat
Splurge on a romantic fine dining experience at Dionysos Zonars, where you’ll be treated to incredible views of the Parthenon from the softly-lit tables in the outdoor courtyard. Traditional Greek food, pastas and fresh seafood are just some of the staples on its high-end menu. Expect to spend at least 100 euros on your meal; the view alone will be worth every bit of the investment.
Crete
If you’re looking for a secluded getaway, take a ferry from Athens to Crete. Greece’s largest island is home to several posh adults-only resorts where fine dining, luxurious spa services and more will be just a few steps away.
Where to Stay
- Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort: Nestled along the shores of Agia Pelagia Bay, this five-star resort offers private beach access in a serene setting.
- Aquila Elounda Village Resort: Consider a deluxe waterfront bungalow at this posh resort, where you’ll enjoy the tranquil views and your own private pool; the property’s honeymoon package includes complimentary breakfast room service and a romantic candlelit dinner featuring local wine.
What to Do
Crete averages 300 days of sunshine per year, perfect for strolling the soft beaches, swimming in the deep-blue waters, exploring the vineyards and hiking the picturesque peaks. You’ll also want to make time for a romantic stroll through Heraklion, where the pedestrian-friendly infrastructure guides you past handsome historic structures that bear the strong Venetian and Ottoman influences on the island.
Where to Eat
Situated directly on the beach in Malia, Elia is an idyllic location for sampling authentic Cretan fare as the waves crash on the sand just a few dozen meters away. The menu is heavy on locally-sourced seafood, meats and produce, all prepared with heart-healthy Cretan olive oil. Start your meal with the Dakos (barley rusk) with fresh tomato, feta, Cretan olive oil and oregano; for your main course, go with the fresh catch of the day or classic pork souvlaki.
Santorini
This picture-perfect island surrounded by the brilliant blue waters of the Aegean Sea is famous for its colorful sunsets, dramatic cliffs and classic whitewashed architecture. It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting for a honeymoon, but keep in mind that thousands of other newlywed couples have the same idea in mind, so the island may feel a bit crowded depending on when you go.
If you want to get there quickly, you can hop a short flight from Athens to Santorini’s Thira Airport. If you don’t mind a more leisurely trip, ferries run from the mainland to the island daily and can be a relaxing and scenic way to travel.
Where to Stay
As a well-known honeymoon destination, many of the hotels and resorts on Santorini cater to couples. These are just a few of the dozens of excellent options:
- Canaves Oia Suites: This five-star luxury property boasts newly renovated suites with ultra-modern amenities, breathtaking views of the caldera and private plunge pools.
- Mystique Hotel Santorini: This Marriott-operated hotel in Oia offers an elegant, intimate setting for honeymooners, with an on-site restaurant serving gourmet meals on the open-air terrace and a posh spa for couples’ massages and other relaxing face and body treatments.
- Grace Santorini: All rooms, suites and villas at this modern property feature spacious indoor-outdoor designs and heated plunge pools with vast views of Santorini’s iconic caldera.
What to Do
While you could easily spend your time in Santorini simply strolling the cobblestoned streets and relaxing by the pool, don’t miss out on some of these memorable activities during your stay:
- Catch the sunset: Photos of the brilliant sunsets over Santorini’s caldera flood travel blogs and Instagram feeds for good reason; the best places to see it are the northern tip of the caldera in Oia, the promenade in Fira and the lighthouse on the southern end of the island. Stake out your spot early, as this daily phenomenon consistently draws a crowd.
- Explore the beaches: Due to its volcanic history, many of Santorini’s beaches feature colorful black or red sands that create a striking contrast against the sapphire Aegean Sea. Kamari and Perissa are ideal for sunbathing; at Amoudi Bay, adrenaline-seekers can go cliff-diving.
- Hike from Oia to Fira: Take your beloved’s hand for the scenic six-mile stroll between the two towns, where you can browse local shops and admire the architecture of the churches.
- Visit Santo Winery: Sample locally-crafted wines and enjoy panoramic sea views as you wander the lush vineyards at this coastal winery.
Where to Eat
For a quiet, secluded space with excellent Mediterranean fare, try Lefkes, located in the village of Foinikia on the outskirts of Oia. The restaurant is housed in one of the village’s well-preserved 19th-century Kanaves, structures built in to the volcanic rock for storing local wine. The menu features fresh takes on classic dishes like tzatziki, saganaki, moussaka and risotto, with meats like goat, lamb and beef seared on the grill and served with hearty sides. For a change of pace, try the grilled chicken with peanut butter and baby potatoes or Iberico pork with frumenty and feta.
Final Thoughts
With more than 250 inhabited islands and a rich archaeological and cultural history, Greece offers a wealth of options for couples planning a Mediterranean honeymoon in Greece. In addition to the ideas here, consider a stay on Paros or Naxos for lighter crowds and budget-friendly options or a visit to Mykonos if you crave celebrity sightings and vibrant nightlife. No matter where your travels take you, a honeymoon in Greece is an experience you’ll cherish forever.
