If you and your special someone are looking for the perfect place to spend quality time together abroad, Greece is one of our top recommendations. Blessed with beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, numerous historic sites, and vibrant cities, the Greek Islands, in particular, rank among the most romantic destinations in the world.
Whether your ideal vacation involves exploring ancient ruins in the Cyclades or sampling traditional Greek cuisine along the Ionian coastline, there’s something here for everyone. However, there are actually over 200 inhabited islands in Greece. So, you may have difficulty choosing which one you want to check off your bucket list first!
With this in mind, we’ve created this post with everything you need to know about the ten best Greek islands for couples. This guide will provide insight into our favorite picks as well as tips on can’t-miss activities and romantic hotels, guaranteeing a fantastic trip with your loved one!
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Santorini
Santorini is one of the most romantic Greek islands, making it a popular choice for honeymooners and couples wanting a picturesque getaway. Some of the top activities here include wine tasting tours, sunset cruises, and visiting the iconic black sand beaches.
Additionally, the island is home to various traditional Cycladic towns, most famously, Fira (also called “Thera”) and Oia. Fira is the largest town in Santorini and where you’ll find most accommodations. However, Oia is the biggest attraction.
In fact, you’ve likely seen photos of the postcard-worthy whitewashed houses in Oia! This remarkable village sits on the northwestern tip of Santorini Island, offering incredible views over the caldera. With this in mind, it’s also one of the best places to watch the sunset.
As far as other romantic things to do, we suggest visiting either Santo Winery or Venetsanos Winery to sample local wines. Santorini’s volcanic soil produces some truly unique wine varieties and blends, most notably, the sweet Vinsanto.
If you’d like to spend some time relaxing in the sun, head to the island’s southeast coast. Here, you’ll find another unique consequence of Santorini’s volcanic activity: black sand beaches. Some of our favorites are Kamari Beach, Perissa Beach, and Perivolos Beach.
Overall, Santorini has plenty of activities to keep couples busy and is incredibly accessible, thanks to its international airport. It’s just a short flight away from Athens and is easy to pair with another of the Cyclades islands on a vacation. However, it’s important to note that this popular destination experiences overtourism during peak season.
Therefore, one of our best travel tips is to visit during the shoulder season for a more enjoyable vacation with fewer crowds and more affordable prices. If possible, we suggest planning your trip during the months of May or October.
The best places for couples to stay in Santorini:
- Canaves Oia Suites & Spa (Oia)
- Athina Luxury Suites (Fira)
- Astra Suites (Imerovigli)
Crete
Crete is Greece’s biggest and most populous island, located south of the Cyclades and southwest of the Dodecanese. It was once the center of the Minoan civilization and nowadays offers an ideal mix of archaeological sites, beaches, and outdoor activities.
Plus, Crete is much more affordable than Santorini or Mykonos, making it the best Greek island for couples traveling on a budget. Thanks to its size, you can find a wide variety of accommodations here, ranging from luxury hotels to hostels. In general, most towns and hotels are on the more developed north end of the island.
For example, Heraklion and Chania are the largest cities on the north coast. In fact, each is home to an airport, with Heraklion boasting the second busiest airport in the entire country, after Athens. Meanwhile, the thriving seaside towns of Agios Nikolaos and Rethymnon offer a quieter experience for visitors.
However, some couples prefer the more remote location of the southern coast, where some of the best beaches are located, including Elafonisi Beach. Other popular beaches on Crete are Balos Beach, Falasarna Beach, Vai Beach, and Matala Beach.
If you’d like to spend a romantic day exploring ancient history, this large island has plenty of Minoan ruins to see. For instance, the Palace of Knossos is likely Crete’s most famous historical site, situated just outside Heraklion. However, the Minoan Palaces of Phaistos–near Matala Beach on the south coast–and Malia–halfway between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos–are also well worth a visit.
Active couples will want to take advantage of day trips to Samaria Gorge National Park or Spinalonga Island. Samaria is considered one of Europe’s most scenic national parks, home to the famous Samaria Gorge Trail. On the other hand, Spinalonga is a former leper colony with amazing views and historic ruins.
The best places for couples to stay in Crete:
- Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa (Chania Old Town)
- Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection- Adults Only (Kato Daratso)
- Rimondi Boutique Hotel – Small Luxury Hotels of the World (Rethymno)
Corfu
Corfu, which the Greeks call “Kerkyra,” is the second-largest of the Ionian islands and one of our top choices for a romantic holiday. The island has a rich history dating back to the 8th century BC and has been involved in various battles and conquests. In fact, Corfu has passed through the hands of the Venetians, French, and British.
Thanks to its ideal combination of beaches, secluded coves, and authentic culture, it’s a popular spot for vacations and honeymoons. Moreover, it’s a top location for older couples and retirees, with more foreign residents than any other Greek island.
Corfu Old Town is one of the top highlights here–a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s 100% worth a visit. Notice the Venetian influences as you explore attractions like the Old Venetian Fortress and Saint Spyridon Church. Plus, take a stroll through the historic Liston and Spianada Square.
You could easily spend days traveling around Corfu island, seeing all of the medieval fortresses and monasteries. However, we highly suggest renting a scooter to visit the Canal D’Amour. After all, local legend states that couples who swim the canal together will stay in love forever!
For history lovers, you won’t want to miss the Achilleion Palace Museum, located a short drive from Corfu town. This palace was originally built for Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”) of Austria in the late 19th century as a summer home and refuge. Nowadays, the doors are open for the public to appreciate the palace’s architecture and gardens.
We also suggest checking out Paleokastritsa, a traditional village in northwestern Corfu with various beaches nearby. Other must-see attractions on the island include the summit of Mount Pantokrator, Corfu Donkey Rescue, and Porto Timoni Beach.
The best places for couples to stay in Corfu:
- Dina’s Paradise (Agios Gordios)
- Kâmara Old Town Studios (Corfu Town)
- Acanthus blue (Corfu Town)
Rhodes
Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese group, located in the eastern Mediterranean. Nicknamed “the Island of the Knights,” it features various medieval castles, churches, and settlements, making it one of the most romantic islands in Greece. Plus, Rhodes even has its own international airport, providing easy accessibility from abroad.
The Order of St John occupied this island beginning in the 14th century, creating a stronghold that lasted until the early 16th century. At present, Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered “one of the most beautiful urban ensembles of the Gothic period.” History lovers will enjoy wandering through this maze of cobblestone streets and medieval fortifications.
In ancient times, Rhodes was actually the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although this statue collapsed in 226 BC, you can find all sorts of other historical landmarks worth visiting here.
For example, the Lindos Acropolis is likely the most popular, dating back to the 4th century. Other must-visit attractions include the Archaeological Site of Kamiros, the old port of Mandraki, and the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes.
For a romantic outing with your loved one, consider visiting the Valley of Butterflies (“Petaloudes Valley” in Greek). This butterfly sanctuary is about 30 minutes from Rhodes Town and is home to thousands of Jersey tiger moths beginning in late May each year. With this in mind, the best time to visit is between June and August.
Of course, Rhodes also has its fair share of beautiful beaches. For example, visitors won’t want to miss Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika Beach, Agios Pavlos Beach, and Lindos Beach. We also suggest visiting the natural springs at Kallithea, once famous for their healing properties.
The best places for couples to stay in Rhodes:
- Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel-Adults only (Lindos)
- Medieval Inn (Rhodes Town)
- Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas (Lachania)
Mykonos
Often compared to Ibiza, Mykonos is a famous party island and one of the best Greek holidays for couples looking for a bustling nightlife. With countless restaurants, bars, and beach clubs, there’s something to do here, no matter the time of day. Plus, for those who aren’t into partying, the island offers a delicious food scene, gorgeous beaches, and a variety of water sports.
One of the most romantic places here has to be the adorable Mykonos Town. This traditional whitewashed town is home to some of the best shopping and restaurants in the Greek Islands. We highly recommend planning to have dinner in Little Venice with a sunset view!
If you’d like to experience the party scene on Mykonos island, take the chance to visit a beach club. In fact, you can find two of the most famous beach clubs in the world along the south coast: Jackie O’s and Super Paradise Beach Club.
For couples wanting to lounge in the sand, make sure to check out beaches like Platis Gialos, Ornos Beach, and Psarou Beach. Or, for more active couples, why not try your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing? After all, the official nickname for Mykonos is “The Island of the Winds”!
If you have extra time for some Greek island hopping, visiting Delos is one of the best day trips from Mykonos. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to impressive ruins such as the house of Dionysus, the Colossus of the Naxians, and the Temple of Apollo.
Generally speaking, Mykonos is easy to reach, thanks to its international airport. However, remember that a vacation on this island will likely be costly! Along with Santorini, these two destinations rank as the most expensive Greek islands to visit.
The best places for couples to stay in Mykonos:
Paros
Paros is located in the Cyclades island group along with Santorini and Mykonos. However, it sees far fewer crowds and is less expensive! This hidden gem is perfect for romantic getaways, featuring golden sand beaches, historical sites, and vibrant nightlife.
In our opinion, Monastiri Beach is the best beach in Paros, with an upscale beach bar and lounge, as well as crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming. Other top beaches to check out include Kolymbithres Beach, well-known for its natural granite rock formations, and Santa Maria Beach, one of the longest beaches on the island.
Additionally, it would be remiss to travel to Paros without trying windsurfing or kitesurfing! After all, Paros is famous for its seasonal meltemi winds, creating the ideal conditions for these water sports. You can find some of the best-rated windsurfing centers on Golden Beach (Chrissi Akti) and New Golden Beach (Nea Chrissi Akti).
Although the beaches are the biggest draw to this beautiful island, Paros is one of the best places in Greece for couples because it’s incredibly well-rounded. For example, it’s home to two main towns (Parikia and Naoussa), each full of traditional tavernas serving delicious Greek food. You can also find all sorts of options for nightlife here!
For those interested in history, we suggest visiting one of the island’s mountain villages. In particular, our favorite traditional town is Lefkes, located a short 11 km from both Parikia and Naoussa. Other can’t-miss activities include touring Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church and dropping by the Archaeological Museum of Paros.
While in Paros, we also recommend taking a day trip to the island of Antiparos. This small island is less than a nautical mile (1.9 km) from Paros. Plus, it has attractions like a 15th-century Venetian castle, Antiparos Cave, and the adorable town of Chora.
The best places for couples to stay in Paros:
- Apollon Boutique Hotel (Parikia)
- Hotel Senia (Naoussa)
- Zoumis Studios (Naoussa)
Milos
Milos is a hidden gem in the popular Cyclades island group, landing it among our top Greek islands for a romantic vacation. In fact, its nickname is even “the Island of Lovers”–tied to the fact that the famous Venus de Milo sculpture was discovered here in 1820. You can find gorgeous beaches, adorable fishing villages, and even stunning sea caves on this picture-perfect Greek island!
Surprisingly, tourism here has only taken off in the last few decades. Therefore, Milos is an excellent choice for couples looking for a more affordable destination in Greece at a slower pace. Just be aware that the island is relatively small, so accommodations get booked up quickly.
Plaka is the capital of Milos Island and is a perfect example of a traditional Cycladic village filled with whitewashed homes and souvenir shops. However, you also won’t want to miss the chance to explore the local fishing villages. For example, Klima is one of the prettiest, where you can spot traditional “syrmata” (colorful fishermen’s homes).
Thanks to its volcanic background, Milos is often compared to Santorini as a similar, less crowded alternative. However, in our opinion, if you’re looking to visit the beaches, Milos is actually the much better option! After all, the sandy beaches here are ranked among some of the best in the entire country.
Sarakiniko Beach is one of the island’s most famous attractions, featuring a unique lunar landscape with greyish-white volcanic rocks. Other beaches on Milos you won’t want to miss include Tsigrado Beach, Firiplaka Beach, and Provatas Beach.
While in Milos, we highly suggest booking a guided sailing cruise to Kleftiko. On this experience, you can swim through the caves of Milos and enjoy crystal clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling. Many of these areas are only accessible by boat!
The best places for couples to stay in Milos:
- White Coast Pool Suites, Adults Only – Small Luxury Hotels of the World (Mytakas)
- Cave Suites Milos (Adamantas)
- Lithos Luxury Rooms (Adults Only) (Adamantas)
Hydra
Hydra was once called “Hydrea” in ancient times, thanks to the natural springs found here. Although this Saronic island is exclusively accessible by sea, it only takes 2 hours to get there via high-speed ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens. In fact, Hydra is a short 37 nautical miles (69 km) from the Greek mainland.
This romantic Greek island is famous as a getaway for bohemian celebrities, most notably Leonard Cohen and Sophia Loren. Plus, it’s less affected by seasonal winds than islands like Mykonos or Paros. However, Hydra is likely best known because of its ban on cars and motorcycles.
With this in mind, your options for transportation include donkeys, horses, water taxis, or walking! Nonetheless, the good news is that most of the island’s main attractions are relatively close together. For example, Hydra Port is the main town, where you’ll find loads of restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, markets, and galleries.
If you’d like to explore outside of the harbor area, we highly recommend taking a horseback riding excursion. One of our favorite companies is Harriet’s Hydra Horses, where you can trek to a handful of the island’s 300 churches and six monasteries.
The most popular horseback destinations include Agios Konstantinos, Aghia Matrona, Agios Nikolaos Monastery, and Profitis Ilias. You can also reach some of the best beaches in Hydra on horseback, like Vlychos Beach or Kaminia Beach.
Or, if horseback riding isn’t entirely up your alley, plan to take one of the water taxis from the Hydra harbor. Whichever mode of transport you choose, just make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen!
Due to the island’s small size, we recommend spending around two to four days in total here. If you have a week or more, we suggest pairing Hydra with a visit to Athens.
The best places for couples to stay in Hydra:
- Four Seasons Hydra Luxury Suites (Plakes Vlichos)
- Hotel Sophia (Hydra Port)
- Hotel Leto Hydra (Hydra Port)
Zakynthos
Zakynthos, also called “Zante,” is part of the Ionian islands just west of the Greek mainland. It’s well-known for its pristine sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and romantic atmosphere, making this island one of the best places to visit in Greece for couples.
You may not even realize it, but you’ve likely seen photos on social media of Zakynthos! In fact, the most photographed spot on the island has to be Navagio Beach–home to a famous shipwreck. It’s important to note that this beach cannot be accessed by land. So, you’ll have to book a boat tour.
Besides Shipwreck Beach, this beautiful Greek island has many other attractions. For example, history lovers will want to stop by the nearby Bóchali Venetian Castle. Although this ancient castle is mainly in ruins now, it’s worth a visit for the panoramic views! Plus, it’s only a 5-minute drive from town.
Another can’t-miss activity on Zakynthos is touring the Blue Caves on a glass-bottom boat. We recommend taking a boat trip from Skinari or Agios Nikolaos Port if you’d like to see the Blue Caves up close. Sometimes you can even find tours that visit both Shipwreck Beach and the caves in one trip!
If you and your loved one enjoy wildlife, you’ll want to spend a day touring “Turtle Island.” Here, you’ll find the first national park in the Mediterranean dedicated to protecting sea turtles: The National Marine Park of Zakynthos. It’s an important nesting site where you’ll have the chance to spot loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).
For those who’d prefer to relax on a beach, Zakynthos has everything from long, sandy beaches to secluded coves. However, our favorite beach on the island has to be Makris Gialos Beach. Other top contenders are Xigia Sulfur Beach and Gerakas Beach.
The best places for couples to stay in Zakynthos:
- Tsamis Zante Suites (Kipseli)
- Contessina Suites & Spa – Adults Only (Tsilivi)
- Olea All Suite Hotel (Tsilivi)
Naxos
Naxos is actually the largest island in the Cyclades. However, it’s far less developed than Santorini, Mykonos, or even Paros, making it the perfect romantic escape. Here, you’ll have the chance to experience authentic Greek villages, stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and plenty of hiking opportunities.
The main town on the island is called Chora (or just “Naxos Town”) and is an ideal base for exploring everything Naxos has to offer. The Old Town neighborhood is well worth a visit, featuring narrow stone streets and traditional tavernas along the port. Plus, stop by the Old Market to pick up local souvenirs.
If you want to experience the Naxos beaches, most are only a short drive from town. For example, our favorite is Plaka Beach, where you can find soft sand, crystal clear water, and a wide variety of restaurants and bars. Other top contenders include Agios Prokopios Beach and Mikri Vilga Beach.
If you and your partner want to see ancient ruins, Naxos is home to the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Demeter. In fact, you can find the former (also called “Portara”) a short walk from Naxos Town. This unfinished temple faces Delos and dates back to the 6th century. It’s also a romantic place to watch the sunset!
In our opinion, Naxos is also one of the best islands in Greece for couples who enjoy hiking. In particular, the most famous hike here is to the top of Mount Zas (Zeus). The summit marks the highest point in the Cyclades as well as where Zeus spent his childhood in Greek mythology.
While in Naxos, we also highly recommend visiting the traditional Cycladic towns on the island, mainly located up in the mountains. Our top three are Chalkio (also called Chalki or Halki), Filoti, and Apeiranthos.
The best places for couples to stay in Naxos:
- Hotel Grotta (Naxos Town)
- Villa Faros (Aliko Beach)
- Korali Boutique Hotel (Agios Georgios)
Looking for more Greece travel inspiration? Check these out!
Complete Guide to Paros, Greece
The Best Beaches on Paros Island
Is Mykonos or Santorini Better?
The Best Souvenirs from Greece
Complete Guide to Naxos, Greece
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