Key Takeaways
- Spend at least a couple of days in Athens, including visiting the Acropolis and enjoying the view of the Acropolis from a room with a view.
- Visit at least 2 different Greek islands, such as Santorini, Naxos, and Hydra, to experience their unique beauty and attractions.
- Eat traditional Greek dishes and street food by exploring local taverns and trying dishes like grilled octopus, yemista, dolmadakia, souvlaki, and moussaka.
- Take tours and participate in fun activities to make the most out of your time in Greece, such as an Athens food tour, Acropolis tour, Greek cooking class, Greek dance lesson, or wine-tasting tour.
So you’ve decided to take the big step. You put on your fancy clothes and got married, celebrating your love and commitment to your other half. You even threw a big party to commemorate your luck in finding your partner in life. Now, it’s time to take off for a magical honeymoon in Greece!
Greece is the obvious honeymoon destination, and for good reason, who wouldn’t want to spend their days lying in the sun, swimming in exquisite beaches, and consuming all kinds of fresh, delicious food and drinks?
That’s why we have decided to lend a helping hand and share with you tips and trip-planning ideas for your honeymoon in Greece. Don’t stress; we’ve got you!
Spend at least a couple of days in Athens
Couple gazing at the Acropolis - credits: Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock.com
Now, we know Athens might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a honeymoon destination in Greece, being a large city and all that, but you can’t possibly visit Greece without spending at least a couple of days in its culture-filled capital.
Read our Athens travel guide, take a stroll around the center of Athens, visit the majestic site of the Acropolis, and try some of its best greek coffee, food, and drinks offerings. We promise you won’t regret it in the slightest!
And if that wasn't enough, check out plenty of more ideas of things to do in Athens to find something that will suit you better! If you want to make your stay in Athens extra special, you should definitely book a room with a view of the Acropolis.
Can you think of a better way to enjoy your sunrise or sunset than from the comfort of your own room, cozied up with your spouse, admiring the spine-tingling ancient monument? Neither can we.
Check out: Suggested Honeymoon Itinerary for Athens, Mykonos, and Crete
Visit at least 2 different Greek islands
Sunrise on Nas beach in Ikaria island - credits: NDT/shutterstock.com
Greece has a coastline of 13,676 km -the largest one in the Mediterranean and the 3rd largest in Europe- consisting of 6,000 islands and islets scattered in the Aegean and Ionian seas, of which 227 are inhabited.
Seems like a waste to restrict yourself to just one, doesn’t it? For that reason, we suggest you share your time in Greece between at least a couple of our islands.
You can either try island-hopping or, if you are looking for something a bit more relaxed, just pick a couple of destinations. Some of our suggested Greek islands for couples:
Santorini
If you’re looking for the most romantic place on earth, with a spectacular sunset, staggering views, and picture-perfect towns and villages, then look no further than Santorini, an island so spectacular that millions of visitors from all around the world flock here year after year.
With scenes this beautiful, it’s no surprise that Santorini regularly ranks as one of the best destinations in Europe. This small island is fast becoming known as one of the world’s top destinations for weddings and honeymoons thanks to its unique setting perched atop a huge, brooding volcano with uninterrupted views across the Aegean Sea.
There can be no doubt that Santorini is truly breathtaking. This Cycladic island is every picture postcard you’ve ever seen of Greece - with its cubed white houses, blue-domed churches, iconic windmills, winding cobbled streets, and a sunset to die for.
If you’re going to do it right, Santorini is not the cheapest part of Greece to visit, but you will certainly find the island is worth the price tag as you sit by your hotel infinity pool, a glass of local wine in hand, next to the one you love, watching the sun setting across the Aegean Sea.
Or better still, take in the beauty of the impressive Caldera Cliffs from the deck of a luxury catamaran with a buffet of freshly prepared local dishes on our captivating cruise of Santorini's dramatic coastline!
Tip: You can check out the suggested itinerary for a honeymoon in Athens, Santorini, and Chania.
Naxos
Naxos Island is the largest of the Cyclades islands, known for its turquoise seas, white sandy beaches, watersports, and beautiful Hora.
It is also the ideal Greek island to visit if it is your first time in Greece, and you would prefer to be a little more off the beaten tourist track of neighboring Mykonos but not too much off the beaten track.
Naxos is not only well-connected from the mainland by several reliable daily ferries all year round, but the island also has a small domestic airport with flights from Athens.
According to mythology, Naxos is the nuptial isle of the god Dionysus, the god of wine, and there is a sanctuary dedicated to Dionysus in the inland of Naxos island. The island is well-known for its exotic beaches, such as Plaka, Agios Prokopios, Orkos, and Mikri Vigla, and the western coastline is ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the strong Cycladic wind, also known as ‘Meltemi.’
For this reason alone, Naxos is the ideal destination for adventurous couples seeking thrills in an idyllic setting, with many outdoor activities centers operating and plenty of opportunities to drive into that tropical-looking Aegean turquoise sea with your loved one.
And for beach lovers and lovers alike, Naxos’s glorious sandy beaches are absolutely second-to-none and totally honeymoon-worthy destinations.
The island’s main port Naxos Town, or Hora, is a vibrant, cosmopolitan harbor where all the action is at night, and it’s the perfect place to sit with a cocktail or two and watch the sunset as the town starts to wake up.
There is also the town’s fascinating Kastro area, a labyrinth behind the main port area, which you can walk hand-in-hand together around this hidden little magic world of shops, cafes, bars, and tavernas for many hours.
Read more: Honeymoon Itinerary for Athens - Tinos - Mykonos - Naxos
Hydra
For anyone who has seen Mama Mia and dreamt of a traditional Greek island location wedding, for sure this is possible, even if you are not baptized in the Greek Orthodox church.
And while the experience of organizing a traditional Greek wedding might feel more like My Big Fat Greek Wedding than Meryl Streep, there is nothing quite so special as a Greek wedding, whether you opt for a religious or non-religious ceremony.
Dealing with bureaucracy in any foreign country can feel a little overwhelming, and it is worth doing your research thoroughly, as you will need to make sure you have the right documents in place.
If you are set on a church wedding, different churches have different requirements in Greece, and not all Greek churches will insist you be baptized in the Greek Orthodox faith, making your Mama Mia dream one step closer to reality.
The easily accessible island of Hydra offers you a traditional Greek wedding in an unforgettable setting – cue Greek donkeys, bougainvillea-strewn tavernas, winding cobbled alleyways, and a charming port town.
However, underneath the island’s authentic simplicity are glamorous shops and a yacht-filled harbor, Italianate restaurants, and some very beautiful people.
But even though the island is traditionally associated with the more jet-set crew (the former playground of Sophia Loren, Mick Jagger, Jackie Onassis, and Leonard Coen lived on Hydra during the 1960s), it also offers quite reasonable accommodations with a number of pensions and rooms available for your wedding guests, as well as some beautiful small tavernas where you and your wedding party can eat, drink and dance until the small hours.
And you will indeed eat, drink and dance until the small hours in Greece…
Eat traditional Greek dishes and street food
You need to treat yourself to the luscious - yet healthy- Mediterranean diet Greece is known for with an open mind. Don’t shy away from traditional dishes, such as grilled octopus, just because they sound weird.
Explore everything the Greek culture has to offer, with its cuisine being at the top of the list. Try to avoid eating at your hotel -the food in hotels is usually overpriced and not of great quality- and opt for a variety of local taverns instead.
It is worth wandering around the restaurants to experience not only the traditional tastes through their delectable dishes but also their incredible vibe and festive atmosphere. ‘Yemista,’ ‘dolmadakia,’ ‘souvlaki,’ and ‘mousaka’ are only a few of the dishes you can’t leave Greece without trying.
Design the perfect honeymoon to Greece with the help of a travel expert
Greeking.me team - credits: greeking.me
Weddings and stress go hand in hand. However, you don’t want to carry this stress into your vacation; your fairytale cannot afford to be ruined by villains.
Although the mishaps and bumps along the way are the moments you’ll remember and laugh about in years to come, why not completely eliminate the anxiety of organizing everything yourself?
It’s time for you to sit back and relax, letting a travel specialist ensure your honeymoon’s smooth sail, pun intended.
Let experienced professionals organize your time in Greece, from transport and accommodation to entertaining activities, according to your preferences, needs, and desires.
If you need any help with making your dream Greek honeymoon come to life, don’t hesitate to contact us -we’ll be by your side to assist you with anything you require and of course, introduce you to multiple tours around Greece!
Take tours and get involved in fun activities
Making the most out of your time is key, especially if you’re only going to spend a small number of days in each destination.
To make sure you’re are taking full advantage of every single minute of your stay in Greece, we suggest you plan a few romantic things to do in Greece; both in Athens and in the islands of your choice.
From sightseeing to culinary and walking adventures, there is a tour for everyone! You can indulge in an Athens food tour, or a tour around Acropolis completely hassle-free!
What’s more, if you’re up for some fun and creative times, it is worth booking a Greek cooking class cooking class or a Greek dance lesson, so you can learn how to cook and dance like a local!
If you’re a wine lover, you can’t miss an Athens by night wine-tasting tour that will help you discover Greece’s local varieties of wine.
From exploring Acropolis secrets to catching the sunset in Santorini and taking a selfie in Naxos Venetian castle, choosing to engage in tours and activities will enhance your honeymoon experience, helping you connect with Greece on a deeper level and experience its customs, traditions, dishes, and landscapes first-hand.
Beware of the best time to visit Greece
Couple laying on a sandy beach of beautiful Myrtos Bay, Kefalonia island - credits: Pawel Kazmierczak/Shutterstock.com
Greece might be the perfect way to start your life as a married couple, but since timing is everything, you should also pick the perfect time for your honeymoon in Greece to unfold.
Taking into consideration the extremely high temperatures and intense popularity of Greece, and especially the Greek islands, we think that late spring to early summer, as well as early autumn, might be your safest bet.
Specifically, the months of May, June, September, and even October should be the most preferred for visiting Greece, as in those months, the weather is sunny yet mild, the prices are lower in comparison to high-season months like August, and the crowds are a lot more sparse, enabling you to have a fun, comfortable and relaxing time.
Tips for alternative couples!
Maybe the -otherwise gorgeous- islands of Mykonos and Santorini are not really your scene. Maybe you’d like to celebrate by putting a ring on it with a good book on a hammock by the sea, or relaxed drinks on a quiet, homey bar.
Thankfully, the diversity of destinations in Greece makes it possible for even the most alternative of couples to find what they’re looking for, so don’t cross Greece out of the list just yet and check out below the alternative way to spend your honeymoon in Greece!
Skip the 5-star hotel and go camping
Caravan in organized camping in the summertime in Asprovalta, Greece - credits: Ververidis Vasilis/Shutterstock.com
Free camping may not be permitted in Greece. However, that shouldn't stop you from trying this alternative way of vacation that will bring you close to nature, as there are a number of organized camping facilities around Greece, both on the mainland and the islands.
Rid of the luxuries of every day and away from a TV or laptop screen; you will get the opportunity to truly relax, reflect on your new life and spend quality time with your newfound spouse.
What can be more romantic than a late night on the beach around a campfire? From Milos Camping in Eretria to Kastraki Camping in the romantic city of Nafplio, Camping Aegiali on the beautiful island of Amorgos, and Coralli in Serifos, you can find anything you like in almost every destination you choose to visit!
On the plus side, camping makes for a low-cost holiday, which makes it a viable option for almost anyone!
Hit the road, Jack
Couple in a romantic road trip - credits: GaudiLab/Shutterstock.com
Since you’re in the honeymoon period of your relationship, being stuck with your partner in a car for hours should sound like a dream.
Add to that the desire to explore as much of Greece as you possibly can, and then you have the recipe for success: a road trip! Who doesn't love a car ride with the summer breeze from the window ruffling their hair and their favorite playlist on the radio?
The options are endless: you can explore the Peloponnese from the beautiful region of Patra to the spectacular Mavrovouni, between Methoni and Koroni; you can discover the breathtaking beauty of Epirus with a drive from Syvota to Preveza; you can get introduced to the stunning Chalkidiki or get enchanted by southern Crete.
Whichever route you choose to follow, make sure to ease that drive with many different stops along the way to admire the beautiful landscape and have a dive in one of the many ravishing beaches.
You can take the idea of a road trip a step further and even rent a trailer to make your car your home and become entirely independent. If what I just described doesn’t right out of a rom-com, I don’t know what does!
There is more than meets the eye
Symi island - credits: Lubos K/Shutterstock.com
Greece has an impressive total of 117 islands and I’m willing to bet that you’ve heard of less than 10. T
he popular Greek island destinations are not to be dismissed in any way, shape, or form, however, if you’re a couple that would like to spend their holiday away from the crowds and you’re looking for a remote destination to make all your hippy fantasies come to life, you’ll be glad to know that the less popular Greek islands are your best bet.
Escape the massive tourism and explore the magnificent and adorably romantic island of Koufonisia, known for its flawless beaches and calm ambiance; explore Samothraki and marvel at its famous waterfalls and mountainous setting that offers the optimum contrast to its glimmering beaches; visit Kythira and admire the imposing stone lighthouse dating back to 1823 with a sensational view to the Ionian Sea.
The list goes on and on; if push comes to shove you can always go to the port, get on the first ship leaving and see where it takes you!
Cold is good for the skin
Nymfeo village in the winter - credits: Georgios Kritsotakis/Shutterstock.com
Cold brings people together; for warmth mainly, but that’s beside the point. Greece is considered to be the ultimate summer destination, and it is. However, it is more than that.
Its beauty is not restricted to the admittedly stunning beaches and bright sunshine. Still, it extends to its wonderful traditional mountainous villages and magical landscapes, making it a wonderful winter destination as well.
Therefore, if you want to experience an alternative honeymoon experience, visiting Greece might just give you that; you’ll have the chance to explore the Greek mainland without melting from the heat of the blazing sun.
Of course, once again, if you’d like to have an alternative and incomparable experience, you’d better skip the popular and crowded destinations, such as the famous Arachova, and opt for a less known region of Greece.
A hike up the mountainous Karditsa, accompanied by a romantic walk in the sanctuaries of Argithea, a visit to Dimitsana and the Lucius River Canyon, as well as a trip to the picturesque villages of Elati and Petouli, will make you see that Greece is worth your time all year round!
Taste the fruits of agrotourism, literally
A new trend in alternative vacations that Greece is the ultimate destination for is agrotourism. With the remarkable diversity of its land, its limitless natural resources, and its age-old customs and traditions, Greece is the ultimate destination for fans of slow tourism that are seeking to explore the beauty and benefits of nature.
A number of Greek agrotouristic accommodations across all regions of Greece offer unique experiences to their guests, who have the opportunity to occupy themselves with agricultural and livestock activities, get traditional cooking and pottery lessons, and indulge in sports like swimming, hiking, mountaineering, and horse riding, among others.
Eumelia in the region of Laconia in the Peloponnese, Eleonas Country Village in Crete, Lithies Houses in Zakynthos, and Ninemia in Karpenisi, are some of the best local farms that welcome visitors and introduce them to a different way of living, but not all of them.
If you’re a nature lover and you want to get an authentic Greek experience, you should definitely consider agrotourism for your honeymoon; it will offer you a lot of romantic and fun times and the fondest of memories!
Final Thoughts
We like to think that people who don’t believe in fairytales have never been to Greece! Our country is what honeymoon dreams are made of, offering endless possibilities for newlyweds that are looking to have a carefree time under the shining sun.
Keep in mind the tips we just gave you, and we promise that once you get to Greece, the only thing left for you to do will be to make memories as sweet as your wedding cake!
See also:
Get in touch with our travel specialists and design the ideal honeymoon trip to Greece! Alternatively, check out our Greece vacation packages and our Greece itineraries!
Frequently Asked Questions
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