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By Greece specialist Laura

Islands of whitewashed villages strung like pearls in azure seas, archaeological sites to explore ancient Greek culture, and swathes of sandy beaches to walk along hand in hand… Greece is a sought-after honeymoon destination for good reason. Whether you’re seeking an abundance of relaxation or prefer an added dash of cultural, historical, gourmand, or active pursuits, I can tailor a honeymoon in Greece to suit your desires.

To fire up your inspiration, here are my top recommendations on where to honeymoon in Greece.

Ancient history in Athens

All roads lead to Athens, or, perhaps more precisely put, most people will fly in and out of Athens for their Greek honeymoon, enjoying a few nights in the country’s captivating capital before heading further afield.

While there, you can wander down the narrow avenues in the Plaka old town, go on a guided tour of Athens’ vibrant street-art scene, or embark on a food tour, tasting your way through the city’s best bakeries, markets, and cafes.

Of course, Athens is the heart of ancient Greece, and Greek history comes to life here. Set on a rocky outcrop known as the Acropolis, the columns of the Parthenon loom large over the city. I can book you on a private tour with a knowledgeable guide who’ll reveal all the wonders of this monument dedicated to Athens’ patron goddess, Athena.

Where to stay in Athens

My choice for an Athens honeymoon stay is Hotel Grande Bretagne. Set in the heart of Athens, the hotel’s elegant rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, many of which boast views across Acropolis Hill and Syntagma Square. There’s something inherently romantic about dining at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant under a blanket of stars while taking in a full view of the illuminated Parthenon.

2. Wine tasting in Santorini

I find that Santorini is a must for Greek honeymoons for its singular landscape and sweeping sunset views. At the foot of the volcanic island is a deep lagoon surrounded by steep cliffs on each side, and the hillsides above are dotted with whitewashed, domed-roof buildings.

Set high above the water, the island’s clifftops are the ideal setting for watching the sun dip below the water during fiery Santorini sunset. You could also cruise around the island on a private boat trip, stopping off to swim in the geothermally warmed waters.

Or toast to your nuptials during a wine tour — I’ll arrange for a private driver to take you around the finest wineries in Santorini, where you can see the corona method in practice. It’s used to grow grapes low to the ground, protecting them from the high winds common in the Cyclades island chain. Sitting on a terrace above the sea, you can try Santorini wines paired with a selection of local cheeses.

Where to stay in Santorini

Perched on the edge of the caldera with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, Andronis Luxury Suites is my choice for a Santorini honeymoon. Bordering the traditional village of Oia, the hotel has an air of privacy with many of its 33 villas and suites enjoying their very own infinity pools. Book in for a couple’s massage at the spa set within a cave, or step on board the hotel’s yacht for a cruise around the island while enjoying authentic Greek delicacies.

3. Cave kayaking in Milos

White cliffs that look to be carved by the wind, secluded beaches, and brightly painted fishermen houses set at the water’s edge — the island of Milos is exquisitely photogenic, and its visually pleasing sites make an ideal backdrop for a Greek honeymoon.

Active honeymooners can kayak through caves — or even hike to the top for a cliff dive. For those who prefer to learn about the island’s unique makeup while planted firmly on terra firma, I’d recommend a private geological tour where you can learn how the island’s many caves, hot springs, salt flats, and orange-hued hillsides were formed.

Where to stay in Milos

Classic Greek architecture meets minimalistic chic at the Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel. I particularly love the saltwater infinity pool that looks out over the wild coastline. It gives you the sense you’re ensconced in nature, but the port of Pollonia is only a ten-minute walk away.

4. Beach relaxation & outdoor adventures in Naxos

Barefoot and beachy sums up Naxos. This laidback island makes an ideal place to visit on a honeymoon in Greece for couples who want to simply unwind and bask in each other’s company. I recommend taking a private boat trip on a catamaran to best admire the sparkling turquoise waters and sandy beaches that dot Naxos. You’ll get to visit smaller Cycladic isles along the way, and, often, it feels as if you have them all to yourself.

For the active set, there are hiking trails leading through fields and ravines to the Temple of Demeter, up hillsides to the ruins of Byzantine castles, or looping down to the shores of Agios Prokopios beach.

Where to stay in Naxos

Set amid the golden sand dunes of Plaka beach, mere steps from the sea, the Ammothines Cycladic Suites are designed to holistically blend into the natural beauty of Naxos. For a romantic meal, embrace the alfresco lifestyle as you sit on an olive tree-hemmed patio and dine on dishes prepared in the hotel’s wood-fired oven.

5. Traditional Greek life on Paros

With whitewashed buildings, open-air markets, and a smattering of chic restaurants and high-end boutiques, Paros is reminiscent of some of the larger, more popular Cycladic islands, but this lesser-visited isle has far fewer crowds.

I find that Paros pairs well with Santorini, and it’s the perfect antidote to those seeking peace and quiet. You can stretch out on the beach in Paros or take a boat over to the small island of Antiparos. I also suggest heading inland to explore the island’s traditional villages on a private tour, where you can walk the cobblestone streets of tiny Lefkes — which overlooks Naxos island — and hike Byzantine pathways with few visitors in sight.

Where to stay in Paros

With raffia-tufted umbrellas, pillowy sun loungers, and a garden adorned with olive trees, you’d be forgiven if you never strayed from the pool at the Cove Paros. Earthy details meet modern luxury at this boutique hotel, where each suite has a terrace with a private pool.

6. Greece’s hidden gem, Nafplio

Long attracting well-to-do Athenians escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, Nafplio often flies under the radar with international visitors, so I like to include it for a honeymoon trip to Greece that steers away from well-trodden paths.

Here you’ll find narrow cobblestone streets sprinkled with outdoor dining, high-end boutiques, and charming buildings draped in bright magenta flowers. It’s easy to see why this town has been dubbed the bougainvillea capital of Greece, and it’s a feature that adds to the intoxicating feel (along with a sweet honeysuckle-like scent) to this petite port town.

You might also like to visit the imposing Palamidi Fortress, which overlooks the city. There are 1,000 steps up to the steep summit, but the views are worth the climb. Go at sunset when the Argolic Gulf below is painted in an orange glow.

Where to stay in Nafplio

Personally, I think every honeymoon couple should include a stay at The Grand Sarai while in Nafplio — it makes for a very romantic retreat. A historic heritage hotel, it’s set within the dark pink walls of a 17th-century building that has been lovingly restored. The Grand Sarai has rooms that overlook the Argolic Gulf, Nafplio Old Town, or the Fortress of Palamidi, which is lit up at night like a beacon on the hill. The rooms are sumptuous, and its location means you’re within walking distance to everywhere you want to be, whether it’s the Old Town, waterfront, nearby beaches, or for a climb up to the fortress.

Modern nightlife & traditional cuisine in Mykonos

An outpost for the jet set, Mykonos might be known for its lively beach clubs and high-end restaurants, but there’s a quieter side to the island as well. That’s why I consider Mykonos a good choice for honeymooners who want a bit of bustling nightlife, an abundance of luxurious hotels, and a taste of traditional Greece as well.

Speaking of taste, I can book you on a gourmet walking tour, where you’ll stroll through the labyrinth-like streets of Mykonos Town, stopping off to sample local fare. I can also arrange a Greek cheese cooking class, where you’ll visit a local farm to learn how they make cheeses and create your own cheese-based dishes — that way, you can extend your Grecian odyssey long after you return home.

Where to stay in Mykonos

On the island’s peaceful southern shores away from the buzz of Mykonos Town, the Myconian Ambassador perfectly conveys the quiet luxury that can be found on Mykonos. While staying at this opulent property, you can slip into your private infinity pool or linger over sundowner cocktails in George’s Bar. The hotel staff can also prepare a private picnic to be enjoyed in the shade of the ruins of Delos on a day trip from Mykonos or by the shore at the hidden coves of nearby Rineia island.

8. Greek mythology & hiking on Crete

The fabled birthplace of Greek gods, Crete sits at the crossroads of three continents in the Aegean Sea. The largest of the Greek islands, Crete retains its distinct cultural origins from the ancient Minoan society of the Bronze Age. If you love ancient history or Greek mythology, it’s well worth including a few days here on your honeymoon. I suggest taking a private tour of Knossos Palace, fabled to have been the home of King Minos and where he kept his Minotaur, an icon of Greek mythology, or hiking to the mountaintop caves that are said to be the birthplace of Zeus.

Putting history aside, it’s well worth visiting Crete for the landscapes alone, from beaches backed by wilderness to mountains reaching skyward. On the western side of the island, you can set off on a hike with a private guide through Samaria Gorge, one of the longest gorges in all of Europe. On the eastern shores of Crete, just off Elounda, take a private boat ride over to Spinalonga island, walking among the ruins of a 16th-century Venetian fort made famous in the Victoria Hislop novel The Island.

Where to stay Crete

If you’d prefer to stay in western Crete, I recommend Casa Delfino. This boutique luxury hotel is home to a sanctuary of a spa where you can relax into a candlelit couples massage.

Meanwhile, on the eastern side of the island, I have a soft spot for the Domes of Elounda. Among its 118 rooms, this sprawling property has 40 private villas, many with their own pools, that offer supreme privacy for honeymooners while offering sweeping views of the Gulf of Elounda and Spinalonga island.

9. Natural wonders in Corfu

With towering cliffs punctuated by caves and beaches you can only reach by boat and hiking trails that run across the island through verdant forests and twisty olive groves, it’s easy to see why Corfu is regarded for its natural beauty.

Gerald Durrell’s 1956 book My Family and Other Animals also put a spotlight on Corfu’s nature-rich northeastern side, where today you can find high-end seafood restaurants overlooking pebbled-beach coves. Though to deny Corfu its cultural diversions would be a mistake. You’ll find the Monastery of Paleokastritsa on the island’s highest mountain, with lofty views over the Ionian Sea. Back down at sea level, take a private walking tour of Corfu’s lively Old Town, culminating in a meal of local dishes highlighting the unique Corfiot culture.

Where to stay in Corfu

Nestled in the beachy bend of Corfu’s southeast coast, you’ll find the luxe Olivar Suites on the grounds of an 18th-century olive mill. Fragrant bougainvilleas spill down the whitewashed walls of the hotel and the olive tree-dappled swimming pool looks out over the clear blue Ionian Sea. As the hotel’s name suggests, all of its rooms are standalone suites, each with its own balcony, terrace, or private pool.

10. Delphi hiking in Galaxidi

While Galaxidi is on mainland Greece, easily accessible from Athens, it was only reachable by boat until 1963. This isolation gives the fishing town a distinct feel evident of its nautical heritage, which you can learn about on a visit to the Nautical Historical Museum.

But perhaps the biggest draw for Greek honeymoons is its proximity to Delphi. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be one of the most sacred places in ancient Greece. A climb up a long path, known as Sacred Way, will take you to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle of Delphi is said to have proclaimed her prophecies.

Along with a grand (and largely still intact) theatre (US: theatre) seating 5,000, a stadium, and a gymnasium, standing at Delphi was more than enough to set my history buff heart aflutter.

Where to stay in Galaxidi

For somewhere to stay near Delphi, I suggest the Hotel Ganimede. This former sea captain’s house is imbued with the spirit of Galaxidi’s nautical past. The family-run property is known for its traditional Greek breakfasts, where you can load up on homemade pastries and yogurt topped with local honey, providing you with energy for a day of adventures in Delphi and beyond.

11. Art galleries & sunsets in Hydra

With a lack of cars, a distinctly bohemian atmosphere that has longed lured artists from around the world, and cliffside bars to watch the sunset, this petite island is innately romantic.

Set off the Peloponnese peninsula, Hydra is a natural connection point between the Cyclades islands and further exploration on the Greek mainland. At its heart is a large, protected harbour (US: harbour) bordered by traditional tavernas, boutiques, and art galleries. The sleepy pace of Hydra is ideal for a Greek honeymoon where you want to simply take life slow.

Where to stay in Hydra

The boutique Bratsera Hotel typifies the character and quirky charm of Hydra. With only 25 rooms that are each decorated differently and show off the building’s original vaulted ceilings, you might feel as if you’re staying at private villa, one with its own courtyard with pool — it’s the only hotel pool on the entire island.

The best time to honeymoon in Greece

With a warm, dry, and temperate Mediterranean climate year-round, the best time to honeymoon in Greece is from May to June or September to October. We recommend avoiding the very hot, busy, and, if you’re in the Cyclades, windy months of July and August.