Lyla Dejesus
Greece is a popular honeymoon destination, with its beautiful islands, clear blue waters, and rich history. Planning a Greek island honeymoon involves deciding on the islands to visit, when to go, how to get there, and what to do. With 227 inhabited islands to choose from, couples may opt for popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos, or quieter spots like Crete, Sifnos, and Milos. To avoid crowds and higher prices, it's best to avoid peak season in July and August, with May, June, and September offering pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Getting to Greece typically involves flying into Athens, and getting between islands is often done by ferry, though there are also internal flights to some islands. When it comes to activities, couples can enjoy snorkelling, hiking, exploring ancient ruins, and indulging in the local cuisine and wine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | May, June, September, and October are less touristy and have pleasant weather. July and August are the busiest and hottest months. |
| Transportation | Taking a plane to Athens and then travelling to the islands via ferry or flight is recommended. Car rentals are also suggested for intra-island travel. |
| Popular destinations | Santorini, Mykonos, Oia, Crete, Sifnos, Milos, Naxos, Paros, and Syros. |
| Accommodation | It is recommended to book stays in advance to avoid sold-out properties and higher costs. |
| Activities | Island hopping, snorkelling, exploring historical sites, visiting beaches, wine tours and tastings, and hiking. |
| Packing essentials | Standard vacation outfits, swimwear, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, trendy evening wear, and athleisure. |
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What You'll Learn
- When to go: May, June and September are less touristy and still pleasant weather-wise?
- Where to stay: Popular destinations include Santorini, Mykonos and the Cyclades islands?
- How to get there: The easiest way to access Greece is by plane, with most international flights going to Athens?
- Getting around: The Greek ferry system is comprehensive and reliable, but it's recommended to rent a car to explore at your own pace
- What to do: Island hopping is part of the allure, but there are also wineries, historical sights and beaches to enjoy?
When to go: May, June and September are less touristy and still pleasant weather-wise
Greece is a popular honeymoon destination, with its beautiful islands, clear blue waters, and rich history. When planning your trip, it's important to consider the best time to visit to avoid peak season crowds and high prices.
May, June, and September are ideal months to visit Greece for your honeymoon. During these months, you'll find fewer tourists and more pleasant weather compared to the peak summer months of July and August. Brandon Berkson, founder of Hotels Above Par, also recommends May and September to beat the summer crowds in popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos.
Travelling during the shoulder season has several advantages. You can expect lower prices on flights and accommodations, and you may find it easier to secure reservations at sought-after restaurants and activities. This allows you to indulge in some of the more luxurious offerings without breaking the bank.
While May and June offer pleasant weather, September is also a great choice as it falls within Greece's shoulder season. You'll still be able to enjoy warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, but with fewer crowds as families with school-aged children are less likely to travel during this time.
Keep in mind that even during the shoulder season, tourism in Greece can be bustling. It is always advisable to book your accommodations and experiences in advance to ensure availability and avoid higher costs.
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Where to stay: Popular destinations include Santorini, Mykonos and the Cyclades islands
Santorini, Mykonos, and the Cyclades islands are some of the most popular destinations for a Greek island honeymoon.
Santorini is a popular proposal and honeymoon destination, known for its romantic sunsets over the caldera in Oia and its famed white buildings and blue roofs. The island offers breathtaking panoramas, white villages perched atop cliffs, and beautiful black sand beaches surrounded by red cliffs. It is also known for its wineries, offering tours, tastings, and lessons on the ancient art of grape-growing.
Mykonos is another sought-after honeymoon spot, especially for couples seeking a lively atmosphere. The island is known for its beachside bashes at spots like Paradise Beach Club, and its day parties that turn into all-nighters at clubs along the shore. Matoyianni Street is a popular spot for shopping, and the island boasts some of the chicest hotels. Mykonos also has windmills, and its old port is a great place to watch the sunset.
The Cyclades islands, located in the centre of the Aegean Sea, offer a diverse range of experiences. Paros, one of the most popular Cyclades islands, is known for its crystal-clear waters and unspoiled beaches, making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing. Its smaller sister island, Antiparos, offers a more laid-back vibe with hidden gems like the Venetian Castle. Syros, the administrative and cultural hub of the Cyclades, boasts vibrant neoclassical architecture and the historic Apollon Theatre. For food lovers, Sifnos, located near Santorini, is a must-visit, known as "the most delicious Greek island" thanks to its gastronomic heritage and the Festival of Cycladic Gastronomy, held every September.
When planning your trip, consider travelling during the shoulder season (May, June, and September) to avoid the highest tourist traffic and rates.
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How to get there: The easiest way to access Greece is by plane, with most international flights going to Athens
Greece is easily accessible by plane, with most international flights going to Athens. There are also airports in Santorini, Mykonos, and Heraklion. However, it is worth noting that some islands, such as Mykonos, are known for being party destinations, so if you are looking for a quieter honeymoon, you may want to avoid these.
Athens, the capital city of Greece, is a great place to start your honeymoon. It is full of beautiful historical sights, amazing restaurants, and bars. You can spend a few days unwinding in the city before heading to the islands. Brandon Berkson, the founder of the boutique hotel and travel guide, Hotels Above Par, recommends spending three days in Athens as part of a ten-day trip to Greece.
If you are planning to visit multiple islands, you will likely need to take a ferry at some point during your trip. The Greek ferry system is comprehensive and reliable, and it is the main form of transport between the hundreds of different islands. However, travel influencer Kat Jamieson warns against taking the ferry from Mykonos to Santorini, suggesting that it is better to fly back through Athens and then connect.
When planning your trip, it is important to consider the time of year you will be visiting. July and August are the busiest and hottest months, while May, June, and September are less touristy and have more pleasant weather. If you are looking to save money, it is best to avoid peak season, as prices for flights and accommodation tend to be higher during this time.
Finally, when packing for your honeymoon, don't forget to bring a sturdy suitcase with a solid set of wheels, especially if you plan on island-hopping. In addition to your standard vacation outfits and swimwear, you will also want to pack hats, sunglasses, and high-quality sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Greek sun.
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Getting around: The Greek ferry system is comprehensive and reliable, but it's recommended to rent a car to explore at your own pace
Greece is a small country, but it can be tricky to get around with so many islands to explore. The Greek ferry system is comprehensive and reliable, with regular ferries connecting the islands. It is the main form of travel between the hundreds of different Greek islands and is often the only way to get around. However, taking the ferry between islands can be time-consuming and uncomfortable, so it is recommended to fly into Athens and then connect to your island from there.
Athens is the central hub for incoming and outgoing flights to the various islands, but there are also airports in Santorini, Mykonos, and Heraklion. There are discount airlines that fly between Athens and the islands, and it is worth noting that there are no flights between the islands themselves, only from Athens.
If you want to explore multiple islands, you will likely be taking several ferries. It is recommended to book your ferry tickets once you arrive on the first island, as it is much easier than navigating the booking process online. Be aware that ferry union strikes are common in Greece, which can cause delays.
For this reason, it is recommended to rent a car to explore each island at your own pace. This gives you the freedom to stop at deserted beaches and explore the island's hidden gems. If you are staying on Mykonos, you can also rent an ATV, a common mode of transportation on the island, to get around.
When planning your Greek island honeymoon, consider the logistics of getting from one island to another, and remember to allow plenty of time for travel between destinations.
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What to do: Island hopping is part of the allure, but there are also wineries, historical sights and beaches to enjoy
Island hopping is a big part of the appeal of a Greek honeymoon, with 227 inhabited islands to choose from. The most popular destinations are Santorini and Mykonos. Santorini is known for its romantic sunsets and white buildings with blue tops. Mykonos is known for its beachside parties and luxurious experiences.
However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, there are plenty of other options. The islands of Crete, Sifnos, and Milos are great alternatives. Milos, in particular, has been described as a "prime place for honeymooners". It boasts over 75 beaches, volcanic landscapes, and moon-like cliffs. It's also full of history and great food.
For an even more secluded getaway, consider the island of Folegandros, which is just a quick boat ride from Santorini. It's quiet and beautiful, perfect for couples seeking a relaxing and authentic Greek experience. Another option is the island of Tinos, which is known as the "spiritual heart of Greece" for its many churches and religious feasts. It's less touristy, but still offers beautiful shorelines and secluded beaches.
In addition to island hopping, Greece offers plenty of other attractions. For wine lovers, there are numerous wineries to visit, many of which offer tours, tastings, and lessons on the ancient art of grape-growing. The island of Tinos is especially notable for its wineries.
Greece also has a wealth of historical sights. The capital city of Athens, a common entry point for travellers, is full of mesmerizing history and ancient ruins.
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Frequently asked questions
May, June, and September are less touristy and the weather is still pleasant. July and August are the busiest and hottest months.
Santorini and Mykonos are the most popular destinations. Santorini is famous for its sunsets and white buildings with blue tops. Mykonos is known for its windmills and beachside parties. If you prefer less touristy destinations, consider the islands of Crete, Sifnos, and Milos.
It is recommended to visit no more than three islands to have enough time to explore each one. Keep in mind that travelling between islands takes time, so build in extra time for travel.
The Greek ferry system is comprehensive and reliable, with ferries being the main form of travel between the islands. However, some travellers recommend flying back to Athens when travelling from Mykonos to Santorini instead of taking the ferry, as the latter can be delayed and turbulent.
Standard vacation outfits made of lightweight fabrics such as silk and linen are recommended, along with swimwear, hats, sunglasses, and high-quality sunscreen. Don't forget to bring an empty bag for souvenirs and a camera to capture your memories.
