If you are planning a romantic getaway and searching for the best honeymoon locations in Greece, you are in the right place! Greece has long been a dream destination for couples, with its charming villages, idyllic islands, and picture-perfect sunsets. From the historic streets of Athens to the chic harbor town of Naoussa in Paros, the incredible caldera views of Santorini, the medieval charm of Rhodes, and the lively energy of Heraklion in Crete, these are truly some of the best honeymoon locations in Greece.
Brian and I actually hoped to honeymoon in Greece ourselves, but the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted our original wedding plans. We ended up getting married in January 2022 and honeymooned in Hawaii instead, since Greece is not exactly the tropical beach paradise you picture in the winter months. That said, I have personally visited all of these incredible destinations, albeit not on a honeymoon, and I can confidently say that they are romantic, dreamy, and absolutely worthy of any couple's post-wedding escape. I also have friends who did honeymoon on some of these islands and could not stop raving about their experiences. So whether you are planning for spring, summer, or early fall, these are hands-down some of the best honeymoon locations in Greece to consider.
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With so many breathtaking places to choose from, narrowing down the best honeymoon destinations in Greece can feel overwhelming, but I have you covered. Whether you are dreaming of island sunsets, historic city strolls, sandy beaches, or a combination of all three, each of these five destinations offers something unique for newlyweds. Based on my own travels, and feedback from friends who actually honeymooned in Greece, these spots are equal parts romantic, scenic, and unforgettable. Without further ado, let's dive into the best honeymoon locations in Greece!
Kicking off our list of the best honeymoon locations in Greece is Athens! As home to Greece’s main international airport (Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos), Athens is one of the easiest and most convenient starting points for your honeymoon. It is the perfect destination for couples who want to combine a romantic getaway with rich cultural experiences, from exploring iconic landmarks like the Acropolis to visiting world-class museums, and enjoying Greek cuisine. Plus, Athens makes a great base for tacking on a trip to another European city or jetting off to one of the many stunning Greek islands that round out my list of the best honeymoon locations in Greece.
You do not need a lot of time to see all of the top attractions and Athens museums; three days is sufficient. Although, being on your honeymoon, I do not blame you if you are hoping to see the sites at a slower pace and spend an extra day (or two) in Greece's capital city.
If you are looking for additional suggestions to help you plan your honeymoon in Athens, including restaurant recommendations, Athens museums, transportation information, and more, be sure to check out our Athens Travel Guide!
While I could easily write an entire blog on the top things to do in Athens, I will keep this list short and sweet. This list highlights the must-see sights and most memorable experiences that are perfect for a honeymoon; think iconic landmarks, cultural gems, and spots that capture the spirit of the city. These are the top things to do in Athens that truly showcase why it is one of the best honeymoon locations in Greece.
Monastiraki is one of the best neighborhoods for honeymooners to stay in Athens, thanks to its centralized location within the city, transit connections, and walkability. It is also worth noting that Monastiraki is my favorite neighborhood to stay in Athens! As far as hotels go, I love the Hellenic Vibes Smart Hotel in Athens. It is located just steps from Monastiraki Square, with large rooms, and wonderful staff. The included breakfast is also top-notch! The hotel is walking distance to the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and more. Here are some of the other hotels that I have stayed at, or friends and family have stayed at, that I can also highly recommend in Athens:
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Paros easily deserves its place among the best honeymoon destinations in Greece, and the charming town of Naoussa is a big reason why. (The island's close proximity to Athens and the Greek mainland also helps! Paros can be reached by ferry from Athens in as little as 2 hours and 45 minutes.) Tucked along the island’s northern coast, Naoussa is simply beautiful, with whitewashed buildings, colorful fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, and winding lanes filled with stylish boutiques and incredible restaurants. While it certainly looks a lot like Mykonos with its picturesque, whitewashed streets, Naoussa offers a much more tranquil and relaxing getaway than the busy, party-heavy island of Mykonos.
Naoussa is close to some of Paros' most beautiful beaches, making it an ideal base for honeymooners looking to relax, swim, and soak up the sun. Personally, Paros is my favorite island in Greece, and Naoussa is hands-down my favorite town in the Cyclades. It has the perfect balance of beauty, atmosphere, and laid-back luxury (without breaking the bank!), making it a dream honeymoon destination.
If you are looking for additional suggestions to help you plan your honeymoon in Paros, including restaurant recommendations, transportation information, and more, be sure to check out our Paros Travel Guide!
Paros is the perfect island for couples looking to slow down and truly relax, which is what makes it one of the best honeymoon locations in Greece. From scenic walks around Naoussa’s charming harbor to lazy afternoons at the beach, the island offers just the right mix of low-key activities and romantic experiences. Here are a few of the top things to do in Paros on your honeymoon:
Paros has two main coastal towns, Naoussa and Parikia. Parikia is home to the main port on the island and serves as its transportation hub. While Parikia is beautiful, the real charm and ideal honeymoon destination on Paros is Naoussa. This postcard-perfect fishing village, turned upscale beach resort town, is truly one of my favorite places in all of Greece. The charming whitewashed streets, the picturesque harbor full with colorful fishing boats, and the iconic ruins of the 15th-century Venetian fortress provide authentic Greek charm, while the town simultaneously offers all of the modern comforts for a romantic getaway.
Hotels in Naoussa are available at a variety of price points. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Angels Pillow in Naoussa! This small boutique hotel is budget-friendly, welcoming, and definitely a perfect spot for a honeymoon retreat. (The hotel is adults only!) The included breakfast is a great perk and their pool area makes for a relaxing afternoon. Some of the other hotels I recommend in Naoussa, include:
Santorini is without question one of the best honeymoon locations in Greece, and its dramatic landscape, romantic villages, and world-renowned sunsets make it easy to see why. (Its location also makes it a convenient stop on a multi-island itinerary—easily reached by ferry from nearby Cycladic islands like Paros or Mykonos, or by flight from Athens.) Shaped by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, Santorini’s unique caldera cliffs and breathtaking views set it apart from anywhere else in the world. The island is also steeped in ancient history, from the Minoan ruins of Akrotiri to its historic hilltop towns, adding depth to its natural beauty.
Oia and Fira are Santorini’s two most famous towns, with whitewashed buildings perched on the cliffs, narrow paths overlooking the Aegean Sea, and countless spots to enjoy a glass of local wine while watching the sunset. Santorini is home to a thriving wine industry, thanks to its volcanic soil, making wine tasting a must-do for honeymooners in Santorini. While the island can get busy, especially in the summer months, there is still something incredibly romantic about wandering the island's narrow streets in the early morning before it gets too busy or enjoying a sunset sail on a catamaran around the caldera. With its stunning scenery, history, and luxurious atmosphere, Santorini is undeniably one of the best honeymoon locations in Greece.
If you are looking for additional suggestions to help you plan your honeymoon in Santorini, including restaurant recommendations, transportation information, and more, be sure to check out our new Santorini Travel Guide!
Santorini is made for honeymooners, with its dramatic views, romantic atmosphere, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you are enjoying a glass of local wine, sailing along the caldera, or simply taking in a postcard-perfect sunset, the island offers plenty of ways to celebrate your new life together. Here are some of the top things to do in Santorini that make it one of the best honeymoon locations in Greece.
Santorini has two main towns: Fira (Thira) and Oia. To be the most centrally located, I recommend staying in Fira for your honeymoon in Santorini. I have personally stayed in Fira on my prior visits to Santorini and while it may not be the most romantic town on the island, you do not need a rental car or an ATV like you would if you were to stay in Imerovigli or Megalochori. Oia, in my opinion, is too crowded with tourists to really enjoy, although it is beautiful and you should visit it during your honeymoon in Santorini! My friends who have honeymooned in Santorini have both stayed in Imerovigli and while the town is gorgeous, it is more remote and you will need some form of transportation to get around (unless, that is, you are planning on staying exclusively on your hotel's property in Imerovigli). With all of that being said, here are some of the hotels that I recommend in Fira, Santorini:
Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese and one of the most fascinating destinations in Greece, especially for couples who are looking for a mix of history, culture, and a beachside getaway. Known as the Island of the Knights, Rhodes was once home to the powerful Knights of St. John, who left behind an incredibly well-preserved medieval Old Town that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering through its cobblestone streets, feels like stepping back in time. Outside of Rhodes Town, the whitewashed village of Lindos is a must-visit. Perched on a hillside overlooking the sea, sits the Acropolis of Lindos, the ruins of an ancient citadel dating back to the 4th century BC, offering panoramic views that are among the best on the island.
However, visiting Rhodes is more than just wandering the historic Old Town and seeing the Acropolis of Lindos. The island offers beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy long, leisurely meals at seaside tavernas. For honeymooners, Rhodes is a perfect mix of romantic relaxation and sightseeing on an island that feels a little bit more off of the beaten path compared to the more well-known Cycladic Islands (like Mykonos and Santorini). While Rhodes is more remote and difficult to tack-on to an island-hopping itinerary via ferry, the island does have an airport (Rhodes Airport) which has regular flights to Athens, Crete, and other cities within Europe (including, London, Brussels, and Milan). With its rich past, diverse landscapes, and laid-back atmosphere, Rhodes is truly one of the best honeymoon locations in Greece.
Rhodes offers the perfect mix of cultural experiences and relaxation, making it one of the best honeymoon locations in Greece. Whether you are wandering through the winding, medieval streets of Old Town, lounging on a sunny beach, or exploring the whitewashed village of Lindos and its ancient acropolis, there is something here for every couple. Here are a few of my top recommendations for things to do in Rhodes on your honeymoon.
I recommend staying either within Old Town Rhodes or along one of the nearby beaches, like Elli Beach, as this area offers the perfect blend of convenience and charm. With so much within walking distance, including historic sites, shops, restaurants, and the beach, you can easily explore the area without needing a car or relying heavily on public transportation. Staying in this area of Rhodes provides an ideal base for honeymooners who want to balance relaxation and sightseeing, with plenty of romantic spots to dine, unwind, and soak in the island’s atmosphere. A few of the top-rated hotels in Old Town and the nearby beaches, include:
Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and its capital, Heraklion, is one of the best honeymoon locations in Greece. With its historic landmarks and close proximity to beautiful beaches and other nearby islands, Heraklion combines culture, convenience, and coastal charm. It is also one of the few destinations in Greece, like Santorini, that stays open to tourists year-round, making it a great option no matter when you are planning your honeymoon. Obviously, there is more to see in Crete than just Heraklion. Since I have personally spent time in Heraklion, I will focus my Greek honeymoon recommendations in this blog post on this area of Crete. Heraklion is also the most convenient transportation hub on the island, with Crete’s largest international airport and main ferry port located right in the city.
History lovers will want to explore Knossos Palace, the most important archeological site on Crete and the center of ancient Minoan civilization. In the city, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses one of the most significant collections of Minoan artifacts in the world and it is easily one of the best archaeological museums in Greece. Strolling through Heraklion's Old Town, you will find a mix of Venetian architecture, boutique shops, and authentic tavernas serving fresh seafood and local specialities.
Heraklion's port offers fast and easy ferry connections to Santorini and some of the other Cycladic islands, making it a strategic (and scenic) part of any Greek Island-hopping itinerary. Crete also has three airports, with the ones in Heraklion and Chania offering international flights to cities across Europe, as well as Rhodes and Athens. Crete, with its rich history, fantastic cuisine, and a blend of cultural and seaside experiences, rightfully earns its place as one of the best honeymoon locations in Greece.
Crete is full of history, natural beauty, and delicious food and wine, making it a perfect destination for couples looking to mix culture and relaxation on their honeymoon. Whether you are wandering through a museum in Heraklion, sipping wine in a local vineyard, or exploring the ruins of one of Europe's oldest civilizations, there is no shortage of memorable experiences. From scenic beaches to centuries-old fortresses, here are some of the top things to do in Heraklion, Crete on your honeymoon.
I recommend staying in Heraklion and using it as a base to take day trips to the Palace of Knossos, as well as the beautiful beaches and wineries nearby. Heraklion itself is walkable, filled with great restaurants, cute cafés, and plenty of charm, making it easy to enjoy without needing to rent a car. If you are planning your honeymoon in Crete, here are a few of the top-rated hotels in Heraklion to consider.
There really is no wrong time to honeymoon in Greece, as long as you know what to expect. If your ideal honeymoon includes lazy beach days, warm weather, and island hopping, then the summer months (June through August) are going to be the best time to visit. This is peak season in Greece, when the islands are fully open, ferries run frequently, restaurants and beach bars are buzzing, and the weather is hot and dry, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and sunset cocktails by the sea.
If you prefer smaller crowds and milder temperatures, the shoulder seasons of late April through May and mid-September through October, are also fantastic times to honeymoon in Greece. The weather is still warm, especially in September, and you will often find better deals on hotels and flights. Just note that some of the smaller islands, like Paros, begin to wind down in the off-season and many shops, restaurants, and hotels close between late October and April. On the other hand, larger islands such as Crete and Santorini remain open year-round.
Athens is also a great year-round destination, with its world-class museums, historic sites, and lively food scene open in every season. If you are honeymooning during the winter months, Athens is a great destination to pair with another European city.
Planning a honeymoon in Greece is exciting, but a little preparation can go a long way in making your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are a few tips to help you plan your perfect romantic getaway:
Planning a honeymoon is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning, and choosing Greece as your destination means you are already off to a dreamy start. With its incredible mix of ancient history, breathtaking scenery, charming island villages, and delicious food and wine, it is no wonder Greece consistently ranks among the best honeymoon destinations in the world. In this blog post, we have explored five of the best honeymoon locations in Greece, each offering its own unique style of romance and adventure:
Athens is the perfect place to begin or end your honeymoon, thanks to its major international airport and incredible cultural sites. Athens is the ideal destination for couples who want to mix sightseeing and museums, before sailing off relax in the Greek Islands.
Paros, and especially the town of Naoussa, is the ultimate spot for honeymooners looking to unwind. With beautiful beaches, boutique hotels, and incredible waterfront restaurants, Paros offers all the charm of the Cyclades without the large crowds and party atmosphere of Mykonos.
Santorini is world-famous for its whitewashed buildings, dramatic cliffs, and stunning caldera views. Santorini a must-visit for honeymooners, whether you are sipping wine at a cliffside winery, cruising the Aegean Sea on a catamaran, or simply watching the sunset hand-in-hand.
Rhodes combines beach relaxation with medieval history. Couples can get lost in the cobbled streets of Old Town, lounge on nearby beaches, or take a romantic day trip to the beautiful village of Lindos and see its ancient acropolis.
And finally, Heraklion, Crete, is a fantastic spot for couples who want to enjoy a beach vacation without giving up the energy and convenience of staying in a larger city. As Crete's capital, Heraklion is home to fantastic eateries, archaeological treasures like Knossos Palace, and easy access to wineries and beautiful nearby beaches.
Together, these five destinations are easily the best honeymoon locations in Greece. Whether you are dreaming of beach days, ancient ruins, or sunset dinners overlooking the sea, Greece offers the perfect backdrop for starting your married life together. No matter where you go, your Greek honeymoon is sure to be filled with unforgettable moments, delicious meals, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Are you interested in visiting one (or more!) of these incredible destinations on your honeymoon? I would love to hear about your plans in the comments below! 👇