Honeymoon in Greece

Greece is the ultimate romantic honeymoon destination, featuring breathtaking white sandy beaches, crystal-clear deep blue waters, iconic white houses perched on cliffs, and stunning sunsets. The country offers a perfect mix of romance, rich history, exceptional cuisine, and endless adventures for couples. Whether you seek a tranquil escape on a quiet island or thrilling experiences on vibrant islands, Greece provides countless opportunities for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Best Seasons for a Honeymoon in Greece

Spring (April-June)

Spring is an ideal time to visit Greece. Temperatures are pleasant (68-77°F), landscapes are in full bloom, and prices have not yet peaked. In early May, the sea may be a bit cool for swimming (64-68°F), but by late May, it becomes comfortable. The main advantage of this season is the reduced number of tourists compared to the summer months.

Summer (July-August)

Summer is the busiest season, characterized by high temperatures (sometimes exceeding 95°F) and increased prices. Beaches and popular attractions are crowded with tourists. If you plan to visit during this time, it’s crucial to book accommodations and activities in advance. A benefit of summer is the stable weather and warm sea temperatures (75-79°F).

Fall (September-October)

Fall is an excellent time for a honeymoon in Greece. Temperatures remain pleasant (72-82°F), the sea is warm from the summer (73-77°F), and crowds start to thin out. Prices also begin to drop after mid-September, allowing for better deals.

Winter (November-March)

Winter is not recommended for an island honeymoon, as many hotels, restaurants, and businesses close during this season. The weather can be cold and rainy (50-59°F), and transportation to the islands is limited. While Athens or other large mainland cities may be options, they do not provide a beach vacation experience.

Expert Recommendation: September is the ideal month for a honeymoon in Greece. The sea is warm, the weather is perfect, prices begin to decrease, and the islands are less crowded.

Popular Islands for Honeymoons

Santorini

Santorini is one of the most sought-after honeymoon destinations, and it’s easy to see why. This famous island, known for its white houses with blue roofs perched on the caldera cliff, offers stunning landscapes and magnificent sunsets.

Recommended Places:

• Oia: The most picturesque village on the island, renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. Accommodation prices here are the highest on the island, with boutique hotel rooms featuring caldera views costing between €300-800 per night during high season.
• Fira: The capital of the island, boasting a wider selection of hotels at more reasonable prices (€150-400 per night), all while offering spectacular views.
• Imerovigli: A quieter village with panoramic views, perfect for couples seeking more privacy.

Unique Beaches:

• Red Beach
• Black Beach in Kamari

Romantic Activities:

• Sunset Cruise: Enjoy a catamaran tour around the caldera, complete with dinner (cost: €100-150 per person).
• Winery Tours: The island is renowned for its exceptional wine, particularly at Santo Winery, which offers stunning
  views.
• Sea Kayaking: A unique way to explore the island’s beautiful beaches (cost: €60-80 per person).

Important Tip: For the ultimate experience, book accommodation featuring a private pool or jacuzzi with a caldera view. Advance booking (6-12 months ahead of the summer season) is essential, as the best places fill up quickly. While the island can be expensive, you can save by choosing to stay in areas like Kamari or Perissa, which are located off the caldera (a price difference of 30-50%).

Mykonos

Mykonos, famous for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and iconic windmills, is an ideal destination for couples seeking a blend of romance and entertainment.

Recommended Places:

• Mykonos Town (Chora): Known for its winding white alleys, “Little Venice,” and the famous windmills.
• Psarou Beach: A prestigious beach boasting renowned beach clubs.
• Elia Beach: A long and less crowded beach, perfect for couples seeking tranquility.

Costs and Tips:

• Boutique hotels in Mykonos typically range from €200-600 per night during peak season.
• Renting a scooter (€20-25 per day) is an excellent way to explore the island.
• Reserve a bar or restaurant for sunset views in Little Venice at least a day in advance during peak season (cost: €40-60 per meal per person).

Important to Know: Mykonos is the most expensive island in Greece and is famous for its lively nightlife. For a quieter vacation, consider visiting in early June or September when the island is less crowded but still enjoys perfect weather.

Crete

Crete, the largest island in Greece, offers a blend of stunning beaches, impressive mountains, traditional villages, and historical sites. It’s an excellent choice for an extended honeymoon.

Recommended Areas:

• Chania: A picturesque port city with Venetian influences, seaside restaurants, and a vibrant local market.
• Rethymno: A charming old city featuring a Venetian fortress and rich history.
• Elounda: A prestigious area known for private beaches and luxurious spa hotels.
• Balos Beach and Elafonisi Beach: Among the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.

Practical Tips:

• Car rental (€35-50 per day) is recommended, as public transportation is not efficient due
  to the island’s size.
• Allocate at least 5-7 days to fully experience
  Crete.
• Staying in boutique hotels in the old port areas will cost between €120-300 per night.
• Restaurants in tourist areas typically remain open until late (until 11:00 PM), with meals for a couple costing between €40-70.

Expert Recommendation: To avoid long drives, consider splitting your visit to the island between two areas: the west (Chania, Rethymno) and the east (Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos).

Additional Romantic Islands

Naxos

Naxos is a fantastic choice for couples seeking Greek authenticity, breathtaking beaches, and lush mountains. It is less touristy and more affordable than Santorini and Mykonos, making it an ideal destination for a more intimate honeymoon.

Points of Interest:

• Chora: The charming port city featuring a Venetian castle and Apollo’s Gate (Portara).
• Beaches: Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Plaka are stunning beaches with golden sand and turquoise waters.
• Mountain Villages: Places like Hora and Aperanthos provide a glimpse into traditional life.

Practical Tips:

• Accommodation prices are reasonable, ranging from €80 to €200 per night for a good hotel (30-40% less than in Santorini).
• The port is within walking distance from the city center (5-10 minutes), eliminating the need for a taxi upon arrival.
• Frequent buses run to the main beaches, with tickets costing €2-3.

Paros

Paros, a neighbor to Naxos, offers a blend of beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and vibrant nightlife. The island strikes a perfect balance between tranquility and activity.

Central Locations:

• Naoussa: A scenic fishing village that has evolved into a sophisticated tourist center.
• Parikia: The port city featuring a charming old district.
• Golden Beach: A long, stunning beach ideal for swimming and water activities.

Practical Tips:

• Renting a scooter or car is advisable (€15-30 per day).
• Accommodation prices are comparable to Naxos, ranging from €80 to €180 for a good hotel during high season.
• A day trip by boat to neighboring Antiparos is worth considering (€40-60 per person).

Rhodes

Rhodes presents a unique combination of history, stunning beaches, and diverse landscapes. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.

Main Attractions:

• Rhodes Old Town: A maze of stone alleys, featuring the Palace of the Grand Master and impressive walls.
• Lindos: A picturesque white village with an ancient acropolis and a beautiful bay.
• Valley of the Butterflies: A unique nature reserve.

Important Tips:

• Consider staying in the old town for an authentic experience (€120-250 per night).
• Given the island’s large size, renting a car for at least part of your visit is worthwhile (€40-60 per day).
• Recommended beaches include Faliraki, Tsambika, and Anthony Quinn Bay.

Athens and Mainland Greece

Athens

Athens is an ideal starting point for your trip to Greece, and it’s worthwhile to spend at least 2-3 days exploring the city. Contrary to popular belief, Athens offers a romantic atmosphere with its rooftop restaurants, historic neighborhoods, and rich cultural heritage.

Main Points of Interest:

• Acropolis and Parthenon: These iconic sites are a must-see. Entrance fee: €20 per person. Open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the summer.
• Plaka Neighborhood: A charming historic area filled with restaurants, shops, and stunning views of the Acropolis.
• Mount Lycabettus: A high vantage point that provides breathtaking panoramic views.
• Acropolis Museum: A striking modern museum with an entrance fee of €10.

Practical Tips:

• Book a hotel in the Syntagma, Plaka, or Monastiraki areas for maximum convenience.
• The metro system is efficient and connects key sites (ticket: €1.40 per journey).
• Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight for a smooth experience.
• For romantic rooftop dining with views of the Acropolis, consider A for Athens or 360 Degrees (book in advance; a meal for two typically costs €60-100).

Expert Recommendation: Purchase a combined ticket for archaeological sites (€30), granting access to the Acropolis and six other major sites, valid for 5 days.

Peloponnese

The Peloponnese Peninsula, connected to Athens by bridges, offers a less touristy experience featuring mountain landscapes, pristine beaches, and historical sites. This region is perfect for couples seeking a tranquil adventure.

Recommended Places:

• Monemvasia: Known as “The Greek Gibraltar,” this stunning medieval town is built on a rock.
• Nafplio: The first capital of modern Greece, characterized by picturesque streets, castles, and a beautiful harbor.
• Mystras: An abandoned Byzantine city that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Important Tips:

• The peninsula is quite large, so focus your visit on one or two areas (eastern or western).
• Renting a car is essential (€35-50 per day).
• Accommodation prices are generally more affordable than on popular islands (€70-150 per night for a quality hotel).

Romantic Activities

Sailing and Yachts

• Sunset Cruise in Santorini: Enjoy an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. Cost: €90-150 per person, including drinks and snacks.
• Full-Day Sailing in the Cyclades Islands: Visit small islands, discover hidden swimming spots, and explore caves. Cost: €100-200 per person, typically including lunch.

Tip: In Santorini, opt for a cruise that accommodates 10-20 people for a more intimate experience, rather than larger boats with 50 or more passengers.

Culinary Experiences

• Wine Tasting Tour: Explore wineries on islands such as Santorini, Crete, or Rhodes. Cost: €50-80 per person.
• Greek Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare traditional Greek dishes together. Cost: €60-90 per person.
• Private Dinner: Many hotels can arrange a private dinner on the terrace or at the beach. Cost: €150-300 per couple.

Spa and Pampering

• Couples Spa Treatments: Most luxury hotels offer treatments designed for couples. Cost for a one-hour treatment: €100-180 per couple.
• Sunrise Yoga: A unique experience provided by several high-end hotels. Cost: €15-30 per person.

Unique Day Trips

• Meteora from Athens: Visit breathtaking monasteries built on cliffs. Distance: approximately four hours driving each way.
• Delphi from Athens: Explore the renowned archaeological site. Distance: about 2.5 hours driving.
• Hydra Island: Enjoy a picturesque island free of vehicles, accessible via a one-hour boat trip from Athens.

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Practical Planning Tips

Transportation

• Domestic Flights: Airlines such as Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air operate flights between Athens and various islands (flight duration: 30-60 minutes). Price: €60-150 one way.
• Ferries: A more economical option, but take longer (3-8 hours). Price: €30-80 one way.
• Fast Ferries: Quicker, but also pricier. Price: €60-120 one way.

Important Tip: Book in advance during the high season! 

Schedule Planning

• Allocate at least 2-3 nights for each major island (4-5 nights for Crete).
• Allow for transition days: Include a full day for moving between islands, as delays are common.
• Final night in Athens: Always reserve one night in Athens before an international flight, to account for any flight or ferry cancellations.

Budget and Expenses

• Hotels: €100-800 per night, depending on the level of luxury and location.
• Meals: Expect to pay €15-25 per person for a meal at an average restaurant and €40-70 at luxury restaurants.
• Local Transportation: Budget €15-50 per day for scooter or car rental.
• Activities: Plan for €50-150 per person per activity (sailing, tours, spa treatments).

Recommended minimum budget for a high-quality honeymoon: €200-300 per day for a couple (not including international flights).