Tips for planning a romantic trip to Greece

What makes the perfect romantic couples’ trip? Whether it’s a loved-up getaway, luxury escape or even a honeymoon, you’re probably imagining sunny days backed by ocean vistas, a laid-back lifestyle with warm hospitality, and endless opportunities for both adventure and relaxation. Step aside, Paris – we’re here to celebrate Greece as a contender for most romantic getaway (and we don’t just mean Santorini). Read on for reasons to start planning your romantic vacation or honeymoon in Greece – we’ll also suggest some fun couples’ activities and Greek islands to get excited for…

Why choose Greece for a luxury honeymoon or couples’ trip?

France and Italy hog all the limelight when it comes to romantic destinations in Europe, but there’s such a celebration of love in Greece. Whether you want to just lay down and relax on the beach, get lost in nature, take a journey through ancient history, or just eat grapes, drink ouzo and be merry together, there’s somewhere in Greece to answer all hopes…

Be serenaded by Greece’s natural beauty

When it comes to setting a mood, Greece’s natural wonders do all the work for you – and effortlessly. With the Aegean Sea’s deep blue waters around the Cyclades, secret coves in Milos or Paxos to catch a boat to, glorious sunsets that paint the sky as you share a bottle together; it’s easy to make any day in Greece a romantic one. There’s something bonding about exploring the great outdoors together – and from the mountainous landscapes of Crete, to the waterfalls of Samothraki or the stunning lakes of Kefalonia, Greece has natural wonders galore.

Journey through culture and ancient history

You won’t be caught short of culture in Greece’s ancient wonderland. This is one of the oldest nations of Western civilization, and the original place of philosophy, drama, myth and legend. Learn this 2,000-year-old history together, as you marvel at crumbling theaters, wander into art-filled monasteries, or consider the spaces where ancient gods and philosophers once roamed.

Athens, Greece’s mainland capital, is the epicenter of ancient history in Greece; with Delphi in central Greece coming a close second. The Greek mainland is packed full of historical sites, and Athens offers a vibrant city life, but rest assured there are plenty of archaeological marvels to be found on the islands, too.

Get a taste of luxury and local life

Greece does barefoot luxury like nowhere else; you can indulge in a five-star hotel on a Santorini cliff edge, clink glasses on a private yacht for the day, or hunker down in a boutique eco-cabin on a lesser-known Greek island (Folegandros or Koufonisia, perhaps?).

But what’s special about Greece is that luxury can be found in the simple experiences; such as home-cooked food in a family-run taverna, the lemon trees that border the path to your hotel, or the coffee shop owner who remembers your name and usual drink order. This is what the Greeks do so well – reach out with a sense of neighborly hospitality, having you feel remembered and pampered.

Read more: Discover the most beautiful places in Greece

Luxury honeymoon destinations in Greece – where to go?

Greece is extensive – as well as the mainland there are an incredible 6,000 islands and islets, and over 200 that you can visit. So where should you go for a Greek honeymoon or a couples’ vacation? Our local travel experts in Greece can recommend based on your preferences – but here are our suggestions, from the well-known favorites to those that go under the radar…

Santorini – the honeymoon favorite

One of the world’s honeymoon big-hitters is Santorini, and for good reason. With its cliffside villages of white-washed houses, iconic blue domes and intimate dinners overlooking the Aegean, it’s got all the ingredients for a dreamy couples’ escape.

However, it’s arguably the most famous place in Greece, and along with Mykonos and Rhodes, it gets the footfall to show for it – over-tourism is a problem in these islands. If your hopes are set on Santorini, the off-season (winter) or shoulder seasons (March-May, September-October) are a wonderful time to visit.

However, there are lesser-trodden islands just as beautiful as Santorini, but with the added space and authenticity of a local idyll. So what about these alternatives to Santorini for a honeymoon in Greece?

Milos – for beach life, photography and low-key luxury

The island of Milos is known for lunar-like landscapes and stunning swimming spots, and is building a trendy reputation all its own. The scenery really is striking, with the white rocks of Sarakiniko, lovely fishing villages such as Klima, and hidden beaches you can only reach by boat. It’s the ultimate island for couples who want a sense of luxury, but also to feel like they’ve discovered something special.

Naxos – for easygoing atmosphere and foodie delights

Naxos is one of the most underrated Greek Islands – and so forms its appeal. With long sandy beaches, peaceful villages in the mountains, and some of the best food in the Cyclades, it’s perfect for mixing exploration and indulgence. On an average day, you can wander through old town alleyways, visit an ancient temple (the Portara), lounge on the quiet shores, and watch the sun set as you tuck into the local cheese – the gruyère-like graviera – and drink wine by the sea.

Kefalonia – for cinematic beauty and hidden coves

One of Greece’s better known, but still underrated islands, Kefalonia is famous for being the setting of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. It really is stunning; a real-life film set of clifftop views, idyllic beaches and invitingly clear waters, framed with bright pink bougainvillea. Visit the charming village of Assos, explore the Melissani Cave, or take a boat to Ithaca – the mythical home of Odysseus. It’s romantic but wild, with a bigger-island feel and lots of room to explore.

Thasos – for off-grid nature, peace and quiet

Thasos is a hidden gem, often missed by international travelers. Nature lovers will enjoy that it’s one of Greece’s greenest islands, with pine forests, waterfalls, goat-lined roads and stunning beaches like Saliara (Marble Beach). The mood here is authentic, slow and serene – ideal for couples looking to disappear from the world and connect with nature.

Crete – for an island experience that covers it all

Another of the better known islands, Crete is a strong contender among the honeymoon favorites. It’s huge, so with the help of our local experts, you could make a romantic trip to Crete whatever you want it to be – whether that’s getting a luxury experience in Elounda, going on mountain hikes in Chania, or settling into local village life in the south. Crete is also the birthplace of the ancient Minoans, so there are intriguing historic sites to absorb. Each day in Crete can be different to the day before, so it’s great for those who crave newness on vacation.

Folegandros – for authentic, minimalist romance

On the other end of the scale, for a tiny island vibe that feels all your own, Folegandros offers a quiet slice of Greek local life. The cliff-top village of Chora is one of the most beautiful in Greece, with the trademark white-washed houses, cobbled streets and sparkling views that stretch out to sea. There is no wild nightlife here, just secluded beaches and the sense that you’re far away from your usual life – ideal for couples wanting to escape, slow down, and just be with one another.

Read more: A guide to planning the ultimate Greek islands itinerary

Romantic experiences for couples in Greece

If you ever want to leave your ‘room with a view’ on your couples’ vacation in Greece, here are some romantic experiences to add to your itinerary…

Private boat tours of the Greek Islands

Of course, what would a trip to Greece be without an island-hop or two? Hop aboard a boat or catamaran to swim, snorkel and enjoy the sunsets, as you traverse the Aegean sea. Your local travel expert can organize the charter of a private sailing yacht, or sign you up to a boutique cruise designed for couples. At least, they can co-create a romantic island-hopping itinerary around the Cyclades, Ionian or Dodecanese Islands that you and your loved one will never forget.

Culinary experiences for couples in Greece

Greece is all about the senses and indulging in the full bounty of the Med – cheese, fresh fruit, wine, honey, slow-cooked meat, fresh seafood and more. Take an olive oil tasting tour in Crete; sip some native grapes from ancient vineyards in Santorini or Nemea; enjoy fresh fruit with Greek yoghurt and Kefalonian honey from your sea-view balcony; and pass by an abundance of grapes, lemons and pomegranates growing wild in vines and trees.

To take some skills home, try local cooking classes – you’ll usually make Greek favorites such as moussaka, stuffed vine leaves (dolmadakia) or fresh filo pastry. If you’re dining with your local hosts, you’ll soon discover that the Greeks will keep offering food until you can’t eat another bite – and then insist you wash it down with a shot of ouzo.

Get out into Greece’s wilderness

Bond as a couple over Greece’s endlessly wild beauty. You can go hiking together through the Samaria Gorge in Crete, go kayaking along the Ionian coast, or take a dip in the thermal springs of Evia. As the sea is so present in Greece, there are plenty of opportunities to go snorkeling and diving, or even partake in a couples’ fishing trip. Or to take a break from sunbathing, why not ride on the beach by horseback as the sun sets? Places like Rhodes, Skyros, and parts of Peloponnese offer horse riding along remote coastlines or through peaceful olive groves, for a bonding experience you’ll never forget.

Read more: The best places to visit in Greece: a seasonal guide

Make it happen

If you’re considering Greece for a couples’ trip, why not plan your itinerary with someone who lives there? Our local travel experts are based on the ground in the destination, ready to create a personalized itinerary just for you, and chat about your ideas for a perfect romantic getaway or honeymoon in Greece. Get in touch today to get started.