How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon in Greece—Romantic Islands and Luxurious Hotels Included

Key Points

• For the best beach weather in Greece, take your honeymoon between May and September, or plan to go in the cooler shoulder seasons if you prefer fewer crowds.

• Romantic islands like Milos, Mykonos, and Tinos offer diverse experiences from secluded beaches to vibrant nightlife.

• Traveling in spring or fall is a good way to save money on hotels and flights, enhancing your Greek honeymoon.

Congratulations, you’ve made it through the engagement parties, the wedding planning, and perhaps even the actual wedding ceremony. Now comes the fun part—plotting out your honeymoon. Sure, the list of perfect honeymoon destinations may seem endless, but one that’s remained at the top year after year is Greece. With so many islands to choose from, you can find one that perfectly matches your vibe, whether you’re looking to relax or keep the celebration going.

Thanks to its abundant sunshine, cultural attractions, world-class food, and over-the-top romantic views, Greece is a timeless favorite as far as honeymoon spots are concerned. Ready to make your escape to the Mediterranean nation? Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect honeymoon in Greece.

When to Visit Greece for Your Honeymoon

If your priority is prime beach weather, the best time to visit Greece is between May and September. However, if you have your heart set on sightseeing in Athens, the nation’s capital, you might want to avoid July and August, when average highs reach the low 90s. Temperatures tend to be cooler on the islands in high summer, in the high 70s and 80s. This is the peak tourism season so you can expect all the bars, restaurants, and beach clubs to not only be open but also packed with other vacationers who will happily toast to your new marriage. Summer is the time to travel if you’re hoping to experience the country’s famed party scene.

For a quieter vibe, don’t overlook the country’s shoulder seasons, from April to early May and late September through October. While the temperatures will be a bit cooler, it should still be warm enough to take a dip in the Mediterranean, and the crowds will be thinner, making it feel like you’ve got Greece all to yourself on your honeymoon.

Most Romantic Greek Islands to Visit

While the mainland is most certainly worth a visit, the islands are really where it’s at for a romantic escape. Here are a few to consider for your Greece honeymoon.

Milos

Milos is an island just far enough off the beaten path to be a prime spot for honeymooners. It’s small but manageable, so don’t bother renting a car. The island’s streets are narrow and, for the most part, made of dirt, making it a great place to snuggle up on a four-wheeler. Whip around the island, going from gorgeous beach to gorgeous beach, and end every day with a glass of wine and delicious seafood dishes at a seaside cafe. If you want to visit some of the more remote parts of the island—like the Sikia sea cave, for instance—book a private boat charter and have your captain do all the work.

Mykonos

Couples looking to party together should make their way to the capital of Greek fun: Mykonos. The diminutive island is big on beachside bashes at spots like Paradise Beach Club. You can find day parties that turn into all-nighters at clubs up and down the shore, shop to your heart’s content on Matoyianni Street, and book a splurge-worthy stay at some of the chicest hotels on the island—and dare we say, in all of Europe. When you’re ready for a quiet day, head to the calm waters of Ornos Beach and claim a pair of lounge chairs in the sand.

Tinos

Hoping to visit a Greek island without having to catch yet another flight? Try Tinos, an island accessible by ferry from the mainland. It’s known as the “spiritual heart of Greece,” thanks to its plentiful churches and religious feasts. While Tinos is not as well known among tourists, that’s really the beauty of the island. It’s a favorite among Greek residents for domestic getaways and affords the same beautiful shoreline you’ll find anywhere else, but with far fewer sunbathers. The island may have fewer resorts than some of the others, but honeymooners can (and should) opt for vacation home rentals via companies like The Thinking Traveller. Grab some fresh seafood at a taverna in the traditional fishing village of Panormos, then enjoy a secluded beach day at Agia Thalassa.

Crete

As the largest island in Greece, Crete has a lot going on. It’s a place where newlyweds can always stay busy checking out historic sites, dining in world-class restaurants, swimming in azure waters, shopping, or hiking in gorgeous gorges, among other activities. The pink sand and calm waters of Elafonissi Beach make it a top pick for a relaxing day, or you can head to the palm-lined Vai Beach for a bit of seaside shade. Spend some time exploring the island’s ancient sites and traditional villages for a honeymoon you may never want to leave.

Romantic Resorts in Greece

Across the islands and the mainland, there are numerous romantic resorts for honeymooners to try. Here’s a small sampling to kickstart your search for the perfect stay.

Kalesma, Mykonos

Design-loving couples will fall in love with Kalesma, a minimalist fantasy escape in Mykonos. The property is like a meditation app come to life, with clean white lines everywhere, a full-service spa, and villas with private pools to help you unwind after your wedding is done. Enjoy a cocktail with a view of the sea at the sunset lounges, then head to the all-day restaurant, which has small plates by day and nightclub vibes once the sun goes down.

Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection, Santorini

The Grace Hotel is simply perfect. The whitewashed property sits perched atop a cliff’s edge, providing awe-inspiring views from every room. The best view of all may be from the edge of the infinity pool, which appears to blend perfectly into the Mediterranean horizon. Couples who want to live out their luxury honeymoon dreams should book one of the infinity suites with a king bedroom, separate living room, and private pool.

Phāea Blue, Crete

Have your every need tended to at Phāea Blue, a luxury resort on the island of Crete. The property features a range of accommodations, from sea-view rooms to bungalows with private pools. Serene common spaces include the Phāea Blue Spa and a poolside bar overlooking the Aegean. There’s also a dive center. For a honeymoon to remember, book the Phāea Blue Villa, which comes with a private chef and butler service, an in-room gym, and its own heated pool with stunning sea views.

Romantic Activities for Your Honeymoon in Greece

Greece offers something for everyone. Here are a few experiences that will surely start your lifetime of adventures off right.

Hop on a sunset cruise.

Book a little time on the water with a private sunset cruise or catamaran ride to spark a honeymoon fire. Many vendors offer half-day or full-day excursions so you can kick back on the boat and catch some sun, go snorkeling or scuba diving in the gin-clear waters, or find a private beach to enjoy for the day. When the sun dips below the horizon, toast to your new life together with a bottle of Champagne on board.

Take a cooking class.

Get hands-on together during a Greek cooking class in Athens. Learn how to craft dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves), perfect your spanakopita (spinach pie), or try your hand at saganaki (the best fried cheese you’ve ever had). You’ll have a blast getting your hands covered in flour, and you can take the recipe home with you to remember your time in Greece.

Go for a wine tour.

Wineries abound in Greece, and most offer tours, tastings, and a few lessons on how the Greeks have been growing and harvesting their grapes for millennia. For an extra-special visit, make your way to the island of Tinos for a private tour of the T-onios vineyard, which is studded with granite rocks, making you feel like you are on the moon.

How to Save on a Greek Honeymoon

While you may be trying to plan a romantic and memorable honeymoon, you don’t want to start married life in vacation debt. There are a few ways to save money on a trip to Greece, but our best tip is to avoid traveling during peak season. By going within the shoulder season months, you could save on everything from flights to accommodations, whether you’re dreaming of a splurge-worthy hotel in Athens or one of Santorini’s best hotels. You may even find it’s easier to score hard-to-get restaurant reservations and deals on activities. In Greece, this means traveling in April, May, or early June, or in September or October, which really isn’t much of a sacrifice, as the weather is typically still ideal.

And don’t forget to inform your hotel concierge that you’re visiting for your honeymoon, as they may be willing to upgrade your room or provide extra perks for free.

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