Franklin Dean
Greece is a popular honeymoon destination, offering a blend of romance, adventure, and some of the best food and wine in the world. With 6,000 islands and inlets—roughly 200 of which are inhabited—Greece offers unparalleled variety without a ton of in-country travel. The best time to visit Greece for a honeymoon depends on your preferences. If you want warm and sunny weather and don't mind crowds, peak season from June to August is ideal. However, this is also the most expensive time to visit. For a more affordable option with fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons, such as May, early June, or September.
Some of the most popular Greek islands for honeymoons include Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Ios, and Crete. Santorini is known for its stunning sunsets, volcanic beaches, and exceptional wines. Mykonos offers breathtaking views, top-notch beaches, and a buzzing nightlife. Milos is perfect for cliff jumping and exploring crystalline coves, while Ios boasts beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and a rich history. Crete, the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean, offers a variety of experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to enjoying the local cuisine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | May, June, and September are less touristy and pleasant weather-wise, but July and August are the hottest months. |
| Peak season | June, July, and August are the peak season months, which are more expensive. |
| Shoulder season | The shoulder season months of March through May and September through October tend to be less expensive and less crowded. |
| Tourist attractions | Ancient ruins, the Acropolis, Parthenon temple, Plaka, Psyri, Areopagus Hill, Panathenaic Stadium, beaches, turquoise-blue water, rainbow-inspired buildings, vineyards, local markets, cooking classes, and more. |
| Activities | Sailing, island hopping, wine tasting, exploring old ruins, relaxing on the beach, walking, shopping, partying, and more. |
| Food | Greek food offers a variety of yummy pastries, tasty dips, fresh seafood, and sweet desserts, along with local wines. |
| Popular destinations | Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, Milos, Crete, Tinos, Ios, Delphi, Meteora, Skopelos, and Naxos. |
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What You'll Learn
- Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens are the most popular destinations for honeymooners
- The Cyclades Islands are a common choice for their Greek aesthetics and sunsets
- Visit Tinos for a less touristy option, accessible by ferry from the mainland
- Milos is another island option, known for its turquoise-blue Aegean water and volcanic beaches
- Peak season in Greece is June, July, and August, so expect higher rates and crowds
Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens are the most popular destinations for honeymooners
Athens, the nation's capital, is a magical city with mesmerising history and ancient ruins. It is the airport you are most likely to fly to when visiting the Greek islands, allowing you to acclimatise to Europe after a long flight. The city hits its peak between May and September, with average temperatures in the 70s and 80s. If you're hoping to experience the country's famed party scene, you'll want to visit during the summer, between early July and the end of August, when all the bars, restaurants, and beach clubs will be open and packed with other vacationers.
Santorini is the perfect destination for honeymooners and those seeking a luxurious romantic getaway, breathtaking views, and dramatic backdrops. The island is unique in that it was formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, and the towns of Fira and Oia are built on the clifftops that descend straight into the sea. Oia is the famous town that everyone photographs, with its iconic blue domes.
Mykonos is the upscale party island of Greece, with windmills and a lively nightlife. It is a great choice for couples interested in history and culture, with ancient ruins to explore.
While the mainland is certainly worth a visit, the islands are ideal for a romantic escape. If you're looking for something a little more off the beaten path, try Milos, which is known for its turquoise-blue Aegean water and volcanic beaches, or Tinos, which is known as the "spiritual heart of Greece" for its plentiful churches and religious feasts.
It is important to note that Greece is a very popular tourist destination, with nearly 28 million tourists travelling to the country in 2022, and this number is only expected to increase. As such, it is recommended to book your stay and experiences as early as possible to avoid sold-out properties and higher costs.
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The Cyclades Islands are a common choice for their Greek aesthetics and sunsets
The Cyclades Islands are a common choice for honeymooners seeking Greek aesthetics and sunsets. The islands are perhaps the most famous island group in Greece, and it's no wonder, given their unique and distinct style. The islands are known for their white-domed villas and windmills, and the sunsets in Cyclades are said to be memorable.
Santorini, part of the Cyclades Islands, is known for its laid-back attitude and beautiful setting. The island is rocky with black volcanic earth, and its cliff-edge views across the Caldera are described as spectacular. The sunsets in Santorini are unforgettable, and the island is a great place to relax and sip cocktails while watching the magical sunsets each evening. It is a very touristy destination, thanks in part to social media, and can be busy even on Christmas Day.
Mykonos, another popular island in the Cyclades, is known for its nightlife and beautiful people. The island has a great party scene, and its windmills are a well-known attraction. Paros, also in the Cyclades, is a favourite for its perfect balance of everything the Greek islands have to offer. It has beautiful colours, quaint architecture, a touch of nightlife, delicious Greek food, and beautiful beaches.
For those seeking a more relaxed and serene holiday, Antiparos, lying southwest of Paros, is a great option. The entire island is designated as an archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stone-paved streets, whitewashed alleys, and houses decorated with pink and purple bougainvilleas create an enchanting atmosphere.
The Cyclades Islands are a great choice for honeymooners seeking Greek aesthetics and sunsets, with a variety of options to suit different tastes and preferences.
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Visit Tinos for a less touristy option, accessible by ferry from the mainland
Greece is a timeless favourite when it comes to honeymoon spots, with abundant sunshine, cultural attractions, world-class food, and romantic views. Peak season in Greece falls between June, July, and August, with higher rates and increased crowds. If you're looking for a less touristy option, consider visiting Tinos, an island accessible by ferry from the mainland.
Tinos is known as the "spiritual heart of Greece" due to its numerous churches and religious feasts. It is a favourite among Greeks for domestic getaways and offers beautiful shorelines and secluded beaches, such as Agia Thalassa. The island has fewer resorts, but honeymooners can find stunning home rentals through companies like The Thinking Traveller. Tinos is also known for its wild, marble-carved beauty, with picturesque villages like Pyrgos, famous for its marble sculptors, and Volax, nestled into a hillside.
The advantage of visiting Tinos during the off-season is that you'll have the island and the roads mostly to yourself. During the summer season, Tinos also hosts a great festival with concerts, street events, dance, cinema, photography, experimental art, and workshops.
Tinos offers a quieter and more relaxed alternative to the more popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos, while still providing the same romantic atmosphere and natural beauty that Greece is known for. If you're looking for a honeymoon destination that is off the beaten path, Tinos is definitely worth considering.
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Milos is another island option, known for its turquoise-blue Aegean water and volcanic beaches
Greece is a timeless favourite when it comes to honeymoon spots, with its abundant sunshine, cultural attractions, world-class food, and romantic views. The country is comprised of 6,000 islands, each with its own distinct local feeling and energy, making it ideal for island-hopping.
The island's geological profile lends itself to a centuries-old European tradition of ageing wine in caves. Kostas Mallis, a vintner at the family-run Kostantakis winery in Pollonia, has successfully introduced wine fermentation in clay amphoras. Here, you can sample unique white wines produced with Roditis, Savvatiano, and Monemvasia grapes.
Milos is also known for its stunning beaches, such as Sarakiniko Beach (also known as Moon Beach), which is renowned for its otherworldly landscape and is a popular spot for cliff jumping. The island's streets are narrow and mostly made of dirt, making it a great place to explore by four-wheeler or ATV. The Greek Islands, including Milos, are typically at their peak between May and September, with August being the hottest month.
For those seeking a romantic dining experience, Milos offers fine dining options with local ingredients and beautifully crafted dishes. The fishing village of Mandrakia is a perfect spot for sea views, classic Greek mezze, and fresh seafood.
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Peak season in Greece is June, July, and August, so expect higher rates and crowds
The number of tourists in Greece is only expected to increase, with nearly 28 million visitors in 2022. If you want to avoid the crowds and save some money, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons, such as May and June, or September and October. These months offer pleasant weather and thinner crowds, making your honeymoon feel more private and special.
If you're looking for a romantic getaway, consider the islands of Ios, Santorini, Milos, or Hydra. Santorini, in particular, is known for its radiant sunsets, sprawling beaches, and exceptional wines. You can also find luxurious spa treatments and private tours in this region. Mykonos is another popular island, known for its vibrant nightlife and breathtaking views.
For a blend of history, culture, and romance, Athens is a must-visit. The city offers ancient ruins, including the Acropolis and the Parthenon temple, as well as a lively food scene and captivating neighbourhoods like Plaka and Psyri.
With 6,000 islands and inlets, Greece offers unparalleled variety. You can easily combine multiple destinations within the country, such as Athens and Santorini, or even explore nearby Italy with a visit to the Amalfi Coast or Rome.
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Frequently asked questions
August is one of the busiest and hottest months in Greece, so you may want to consider visiting the shoulder seasons in April, May, June, September or October when the weather is still warm and there are fewer people. However, if you are visiting in August, Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens are all popular destinations. Santorini is known for its sunsets, beaches, and wine, while Mykonos is known for its party scene and beautiful beaches. Athens is a great option if you want to experience Greek history and culture, with ancient ruins and the Parthenon temple.
Greece has a lot to offer for a romantic honeymoon, including sailing in Santorini, visiting ancient ruins, and wine tasting in vineyards. You can also take a cruise in the Mediterranean, walk to the village of Pyrgos in Santorini, or relax in one of the many luxurious spas Greece has to offer.
Greece is known for its delicious food and there are many great restaurants to choose from. You can enjoy local dishes such as moussaka, spanakopita, and seafood, as well as tasty dips, fresh seafood, and sweet desserts. There are also many hidden tavernas where you can enjoy authentic Greek meals with local wines.
