Deborah Chan
Greece is a timeless honeymoon destination, with its beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, delicious food, hospitable locals, and historical sights. With over 6,000 islands, it can be challenging to choose where to go. The most popular islands have their own airports, but most international flights enter through Athens, so it's worth spending a few days in the vibrant capital. The Greek islands are perfect for kicking off the love of a lifetime, with dramatic cliffs, strong sea breezes, vibrant towns, and white-washed villages. The Cyclades is Greece's quintessential honeymoon island chain, with iconic Santorini and its cliffside villages offering legendary sunsets and natural thermal pools. Mykonos is a favourite among see-and-be-seen crowds, while up-and-coming Paros straddles the line between lively island paradise and quiet beach haven. For a blend of Italian and Greek culture, the Ionian islands are a great choice, with their Venetian influence, turquoise waters, and lush vegetation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of inhabited islands | 227 |
| Number of islands | Over 6,000 |
| Popular islands with airports | Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Antiparos, Milos, Folegandros, Crete, Tinos, Corfu, Kefalonia |
| Island accessible by ferry from the mainland | Tinos |
| Capital city | Athens |
| Peak season | May to September |
| Shoulder season | April to early May, late September to late October |
| Average temperature during peak season | 70s and 80s |
| Party season | Early July to the end of August |
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What You'll Learn
The Cyclades
Greece is a timeless honeymoon destination, with its beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, delicious food, hospitable locals, and historical sights. The Cyclades is Greece's quintessential honeymoon island chain, with dramatic cliffs, strong sea breezes, vibrant towns, and white-washed villages. The Cyclades represent the Greece of countless postcards, films, and fantasies, making it an excellent spot for first-time visitors to Greece.
The views from iconic Santorini and its cliffside villages are genuinely one-of-a-kind and definitely worth witnessing. Santorini is known for its legendary sunsets, black sand beaches, and natural thermal pools, which are ideal for a romantic soak surrounded by breathtaking volcanic landscapes. You can join a honeymoon food and wine tour to sample island-produced wines and other gastronomic delights.
Mykonos is a favourite among see-and-be-seen crowds, with its beach clubs, upscale shopping, and exhilarating experiences during the day. After sunset, the streets are filled with high-end dining restaurants and dance-the-night-away clubs. Up-and-coming Paros straddles the line between a lively island paradise and a quiet beach haven, depending on which side of the island you visit. Neighbouring Antiparos is a small Cycladic island with beautiful beaches, barren desert landscapes, and a sleepy seaside main village.
If you're looking for a Greek island without having to catch another flight, try Tinos, an island accessible by ferry from the mainland. The island is known as the "spiritual heart of Greece" for its plentiful churches and religious feasts. It's a favourite among Greeks for domestic getaways, offering beautiful shorelines with far fewer sunbathers.
Athens, the nation's capital, is also worth a visit, with its incredible food and culture. The summer months, from early July to the end of August, are the height of the tourism season, with all the bars, restaurants, and beach clubs open and packed with vacationers. However, the months of April, early May, late September, and October are also great times to visit, with thinner crowds and more affordable accommodations.
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Santorini
For accommodation, luxury hotels in Caldera offer private pools and breathtaking views of the island. You can also find hotels with private plunge pools, offering a romantic and tranquil experience. Oia and Imerovigli are recommended for their quiet and picturesque settings, while still providing easy access to popular attractions.
When it comes to dining, you can enjoy a memorable dinner at Ammoudi or indulge in a lavish restaurant at Caldera. A catamaran or private cruise is also a great option, taking you to Red Beach, White Beach, and the hot springs. If you enjoy swimming, Eros Beach is the perfect spot for a fun-filled day.
To make the most of your time in Santorini, consider the following:
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (April to early May or late September to late October) for warmer weather and thinner crowds.
- Book a hotel with a private pool for a romantic and intimate experience.
- Explore the traditional dishes and wine of Santorini.
- Spend a day in Fira, taking in the views and enjoying the shopping.
- Take a cruise to nearby beaches and hot springs.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife and create magical memories.
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Mykonos
If you're looking for a romantic and relaxing hotel, consider the Katikies Mykonos, which offers luxurious accommodations, stunning views, and excellent service. The property features two pools, a spa, and great food. You can even book a room with a private plunge pool and an open-air jetted tub, perfect for enjoying alfresco breakfasts.
For a special dinner, head to Mykonos Town, where you'll find a variety of restaurants offering romantic dinners with breathtaking views. The town also has a lively nightlife scene, with bars and clubs open late into the night. If you're looking for a more low-key evening, try grabbing drinks or shisha in the town or enjoying a quiet day at Ornos Beach.
When it comes to getting around, Mykonos is small enough to explore on foot. You can spend hours walking around Mykonos Town, browsing the shops and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The island is also accessible by ferry from the mainland, making it a convenient choice for those looking to avoid additional flights.
Overall, Mykonos offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, with stunning natural beauty, vibrant towns, and a buzzing nightlife, making it an ideal destination for a romantic honeymoon getaway.
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Athens
With its combination of urban and natural attractions, rich culture, and romantic ambiance, Athens is a great choice for couples seeking a memorable and enchanting honeymoon experience in Greece.
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Ionian Islands
Greece is a timeless honeymoon destination with its beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, delicious food, hospitable locals, and historical sights. The Ionian Islands, in particular, offer a Venetian flair to your honeymoon. This laid-back island chain floats throughout the country's fertile west coast facing Italy. The natural geography is fertile, mountainous, and covered with pine forests and olive groves. The villages are filled with pastel-colored homes. The Ionian islands embody the beauty of two Mediterranean honeymoon contenders into one network of unforgettable islands.
Corfu, the most cosmopolitan island in the Ionian Sea, is a must-visit. With its renowned Old Town, developed beaches, and plentiful shops and restaurants, this is the most accessible Ionian island for a honeymoon visit. The city of Corfu is charming, with its Venetian architecture and cobblestone streets, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
The turquoise waters, lush vegetation, and gorgeous port towns of Kefalonia have put it on the mainstream radar. The larger isles, like Kefalonia, have plenty of family-friendly resorts with long stretches of calm sea. The more secluded spots, such as Ithaca, the historical home of Homer's Odysseus, offer quiet, almost-private bays. Off every island, there's fantastic diving; the underwater caves are home to barracudas, seals, and sparkling fish.
The Ionian Islands are at their hottest in July and August, with temperatures reaching around 30°C. To take full advantage of the beaches, consider visiting in early June when it's slightly cooler and the coast isn't too crowded.
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Frequently asked questions
Athens, the nation's capital, is a great place to experience Greek culture and food. The city is sprawling and vibrant, with incredible food and plenty to see and do.
The Cyclades is Greece's quintessential honeymoon island chain. It features dramatic cliffs, strong sea breezes, vibrant towns, and white-washed villages. The views from iconic Santorini and its cliffside villages are genuinely one-of-a-kind. Mykonos is also a favourite among party-goers, with several beach clubs and upscale shopping.
The peak season in Greece is between May and September, with average temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The summer is the height of the tourism season, between early July and the end of August, when the country's famed party scene is in full swing. The shoulder seasons, from April to early May and late September to late October, are also great times to visit Greece. The temperatures will be cooler, but it will still be warm enough to swim in the Mediterranean, and there will be fewer tourists.
