How to Have the Perfect Honeymoon in Greece

Planning a romantic honeymoon in Greece? Here's what you need to know.

Alessandra Amodio
Alessandra Amodio

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 is endless when it comes to perfect honeymoon destinations, but one that's remained at the top of the list year after year is Greece.

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

Sven Hansche/Getty Images
Sven Hansche/Getty Images

When to Visit Greece for Your Honeymoon

There really isn't a bad time to visit Greece, but a few months are better than others when it comes to warmer weather. According to WeatherSpark, Athens, the nation's capital, hits its peak between May and September, with average high temperatures in the 80s. And, if you're hoping to experience the country's famed party scene, you'll also want to come during the summer — the height of the tourism season — between early July to the end of August. This period is when you can expect all the bars, restaurants, and beach clubs to not only be open but also to be packed with other vacationers who will happily toast to your new marriage.

But don't overlook the country's shoulder seasons in April through early May and late September to late October. While the temperatures will be a bit cooler, it will still be warm enough for 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.

Alessandra Amodio
Alessandra Amodio

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 enough off the beaten path to be a prime place 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 with delicious seafood dishes at literally any of its seaside cafes.

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. 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 stay at some of the chicest hotels in Europe.

Tinos

Hoping to visit a Greek island without having to catch yet another flight? Try Tinos, an island accessible by ferry from the mainland. The island is known as the "spiritual heart of Greece" thanks to its plentiful churches and religious feasts. It's not as well known among tourists, but that's really the beauty of the island. It's a favorite among Greeks for domestic getaways and affords the same beautiful shoreline you'll find anywhere else, with far fewer other sunbathers around. The island has fewer resorts than others, but honeymooners can (and should) check out home rental companies like The Thinking Traveller, which offers absolutely stunning home rentals on the island.

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 historical sites, dining in world-class restaurants, swimming in the azure waters, shopping, hiking, and on and on. Come explore its ancient sites and traditional villages for days or even weeks on end for a honeymoon you may never want to leave.

Want more? Check out all the different Greek Islands and what they have to offer.

Alessandra Amodio
Alessandra Amodio

Romantic Resorts in Greece

Across the islands and the mainland, there are endless 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, villas with private pools, a sunset lounge, and so much more that will help you unwind after your wedding is done.

Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection, Santorini

The Grace Hotel was voted the 2022 Best Hotel in Greece for a reason: It’s perfect. The whitewashed hotel sits perched atop a cliff’s edge, providing awe-inspiring views from every room. Though the best view may be from the edge of its infinity pool, which appears to blend perfectly into the Mediterranean horizon.

Blue Palace Elounda, A Luxury Collection Resort, Crete

Have your every need tended to at Blue Palace Elounda, a five-star resort on the island of Crete. The resort offers a range of rooms, from sea view rooms to bungalows with private pools, alongside serene common spaces like the Elounda Spa, two swimming pools, and diving platforms that go straight into the glittering blue sea. For a honeymoon to remember, book a room at The Haven, with the property’s most exclusive and private suites, which come with breakfast, dedicated staff, and a private beach area.

Alessandra Amodio
Alessandra Amodio

Romantic Activities for Your Honeymoon in Greece

Greece offers something for everyone. Here are a few offerings that will surely start your lifetime of adventures together 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 to catch some sun, go snorkeling or scuba diving in the gin-clear waters, or toast to your new life together with a bottle of Champagne onboard.

Take a cooking class.

Get hands-on together in a Greek cooking class. Learn how to craft dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves), perfect your spanakopita (spinach pie), or try your hand at saganaki (the best fried cheese you'll ever have).

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 harvests just 20,000 bottles a year from a vineyard that sits in the very same spot one did more than 2,000 years ago.

How to Save on a Greek Honeymoon

While you may be trying to plan a romantic and memorable honeymoon, you also don't want to start your new marriage in vacation debt. There are a few ways to save, but the best answer we can give is the same as above: Try to avoid traveling during peak season. By traveling during shoulder season, you could save on everything from flights to hotel rates, and you may even find that it's easier to score hard-to-get restaurant reservations and activities. For Greece, this means traveling in April, May, and early June, and again in September and October, which really isn't much of a sacrifice as the weather is still ideal.

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

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