Which is the Best Greek Island for Couples?
Which is the best Greek Island for couples looking for a holiday? Well, it depends on what you are looking for. Each of the 200 inhabited islands in Greece has its own unique charm and character, so you will need to find the one that offers the perfect balance of you.
Each of the islands in Greece offers something a little different. But no matter which island you choose, you will still experience spectacular scenery, gorgeous beaches with turquoise waters, rich history and culture, and beautiful sunsets.
So, whether you’re looking for the ideal honeymoon location, or taking a romantic holiday with your partner, here are the top recommendations for the best Greek island for couples.
Did You Know?
- Greece has 6,000 islands of which just over 200 are inhabited
- The blue doors, found on houses everywhere in the Greek Islands, are painted in a particular shade of blue to keep evil spirits away.
- Santorini is an active volcano.
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“Greece – The feeling of being lost in time and geography with months and years hazily sparkling ahead in a prospect of inconjecturable magic.”
– Patrick Leigh Fermor –
Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands
- Summer (June, July and August) is the ideal time to spend at the beaches and waterfalls.
- Spring (March, April May) and Autumn (September, October November) are excellent for hiking and exploring Archaeological sites, ancient ruins, and traditional villages and towns.
- The month of August is classified as peak season and is the busiest and most expensive month of the year to travel in Greece.
- Many islands close their tourist ‘season’ down between late October and April each year.
- The best time to visit Greece is in May, June and September each year when the weather is good and less crowds. These months are also the time to find the best prices and deals for flights and accommodation.
Best Greek Island for Couples
Crete – Island for Outdoor Lovers
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and offers plenty of charm. If you are a couple that love outdoor adventures and beautiful beaches, then Crete is the perfect place for your vacation.
Crete is famous for its beautiful beaches, ancient sites, historic cities, hikes, and traditional villages. The old towns of Chania and Rethymno offer an abundance of trendy coffee shops, restaurants and bars.
Some of the must see attractions include the pink sand beach of Elafonisi, the ancient ruins of the Minoan Palace of Knossos, and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the best Ancient Greece history museum outside Athens. If you enjoy trekking and hiking, then you will love Samaria Gorge.
If you are looking to stay in a luxury resort with sandy beaches, then head to Crete’s north coast. You will find many boutique hotels in the old towns of Chania and Rethymnon, and if you are looking for quieter beach resorts at a more affordable price, look in Bali, Panormou and Plaka.
While it’s a popular destination for tourists, there are still many areas where the traditional culture has remained untouched. It’s the perfect place for a couple’s holiday, and one of the most romantic destinations in Greece.
Top Tip: Renting a car and driving around the Chania region of Crete will allow you to experience beautiful gorges, mountains, beaches, and traditional Cretan villages.
Santorini – Romantic Getaway with Amazing Food and Views
Recommended by Lavina at Continent Hop
Santorini is one of the places that most couples dream of visiting, and rightfully so as even if the island is crowded at most times due to the sheer number of visitors, it is still breathtakingly pretty and worth a visit.
The island is undoubtedly romantic no matter where you go. The villages of Oia, Emporio, and Thira are all colourful and have a charm of their own. The blue domes of houses and Churches and the cobbled pathways, along with the Caldera and the Mediterranean sea views, make this a very dreamy destination, especially for couples.
In addition to enjoying the landscape around, the island is perfect no matter what type of visitor one is. There’s lots to do here like visiting the beach, exploring the towns, or going on a sunset sail on a catamaran, just to name a few.
The restaurants and pubs here serve excellent quality Greek food as well as other cuisines to serve the palettes of most visitors. Most of the good restaurants are concentrated in Thira, the island’s centre, and other adjoining towns like Oia and Imerovigli. One good restaurant to try is Salt and Pepper in Thira. Most of their dishes are pretty tasty!
Top Tip: If you’re looking to try your hands at photography, one top tip in order to avoid the crowds is to catch most locations at sunrise rather than at sunset. Hiring a car is another tip that makes getting around here quite convenient.
Paros – Quiet Island Without Lots of Tourists
Recommended by Martha at May Cause Wanderlust
The island of Paros is a great destination for couples because it is so peaceful! It isn’t overrun with tourists and overpriced the way other Cycladic islands like Santorini and Mykonos are. It is calmer and quieter, so it is easier for couples to enjoy quality time together, or to wander the towns feeling like they have the place to themselves.
On Paros, there are several gorgeous whitewashed towns and villages you can explore. In the main town of Parikia, you can wander the picturesque paved streets and visit Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a pretty Greek church. From here, you can also visit the nearby island of Antiparos, which is even more quiet and tranquil.
In the north of the island, the fishing town of Naousa has pebble beaches, a charming old town and there’s also a winery nearby. For an evening meal, Taverna Glafkos is close to the harbour and offers fresh seafood on the menu.
You can get to Paros by ferry from Piraeus in Athens – the fast connection is around 3 hours. Paros is also connected by ferry to a lot of other islands, including nearby Naxos, Ios and Syros.
However, a more scenic and romantic way to get to Paros is by taking an organised tour island-hopping in the Cyclades.
Top Tip: Grab a drink from one of Naousa’s waterside bars for a lovely view of a row of white and blue houses that sit right on the water. As you drink your cocktail, you can watch the surf crash against the rocks.
Rhodes – Relaxing and Romantic Island Full of History
Recommended by Zoe at Together In Transit
If you are looking for a beautiful, romantic and relaxing Greek island for your travels with a loved one, Rhodes should be highly considered. As one of the bigger Greek islands in the Mediterranean Sea, there are lots to see and do, which is just as unique as a smaller island. Renting a car is most suitable, since it’s the easiest way to explore, but getting there first is best by plane. There are many direct flights from around Europe, however, you can also reach Rhodes by ferry from multiple other Greek islands.
Snorkelling and swimming in the amazing waters provide a feeling of finding true paradise when on the island. If you are looking for picturesque beach locations, head to the East side of the island. Two beaches to highlight are Kallithea Beach and Lindos Beach. At these you can relax in the sun, swim with the fish and enjoy some Greek snacks from the local cafes.
The perfect day trip is a drive to the beautiful city of Lindos, combined with a walk up to the Lindos Acropolis for some Greek history. You can easily spend all day in Lindos exploring the narrow alleyways, so make sure you plan well during your visit. Lindos is a popular spot for its’ beauty, good food options and boutiques to shop at – so keep this in mind if visiting during a weekend.
For a place to dream the night away, book yourself into the Esperos Village Blue & Spa hotel. This location is ideal for couples and it’s also for adults only, so no children are allowed here. Dining here is romantic and suitable for all with dietary needs, with a buffet for breakfast and delicious options for dinner. If not relaxing in your spacious room, you can chill in one of the two outside pools in the sun and a cold drink. Don’t forget to bring a book for when you’re lounging.
Overall Rhodes should be on your list for a romantic couple’s destination. You will find lots to do from historical ruins, water sports and swimming, shopping at boutiques, fine Greek dining to local cheap eateries and more.
Top Tip: To get the best picture of Lindos and its Acropolis, the perfect viewpoint is located on the road right before the village.
Sifnos – Chilled Out Island Untouched by Mass Tourism
Recommended by Maria and Katerina of It’s All Trip To Me
With their unique architecture, stunning blue sea and gorgeous scenery, all Greek Islands are perfect for the most unforgettable holidays with your better half. That said, some islands are more romantic than others and Sifnos is definitely among them.
Sifnos is one of the lesser-known Greek Islands. It’s small and pretty much untouched by mass tourism which makes it the ideal destination for a laid-back vacation when travelling as a couple.
Swimming in Sifnos is a fantastic experience. No matter its small size, the island is home to many sandy beaches such as Apokofto, Glifo and Cheronissos. Another fantastic way to spend your time in Sifnos is to wander around the beautiful villages and admire their traditional architecture. Some of the places you won’t want to miss are Artemonas, Apollonia and Kastro, the oldest town in Sifnos.
When in Sifnos, don’t miss the chance to visit some of the prettiest churches in the Cyclades. Chrissopigi Monastery and Seven Martyrs Church are so picturesque that you could easily picture your wedding held there.
Food in Sifnos is delicious and all of the island’s restaurants serve excellent dishes, prepared with the best local ingredients. For a romantic dinner in a movie-like setting, head to Mosaico in Artemonas and don’t forget to try revithokeftedes (fried chickpea balls) or dishes based on the island’s superb local cheeses.
If travelling to Sifnos as a couple, it’s worth choosing a hotel that will render your trip all the more memorable. Verina Astra is a beyond words romantic hotel built on a lonely slope overlooking nothing but the deep blue Aegean Sea.
There’s no airport in Sifnos, but there are frequent ferries from Piraeus Port in Athens to the island. Also, Sifnos connects to many other islands in the Cyclades, which makes it an ideal stop for the island-hopping trip you’ve always been dreaming of. Therefore, what are you waiting for? It’s time to fall in love again in quaint Sifnos!
Top Tip: The most photographed building on Sifnos is the Church of the Seven Martyrs which sits on a peninsula surrounded by the Aegean Sea.
Antiparos – Low Key Island Providing a Local Experience
Recommended by Paulina at Paulina On The Road
Situated in the very interior of the Greek Islands, Antiparos is a less-travelled, hidden, and low-key island. It is a small island with whitewashed buildings and narrow lanes with a lot to explore and discover. Antiparos is a great place for couples because it is not crowded, has a lot of beaches, and beautiful couple-friendly hotels. It is tiny heaven that often welcomes stars like Madonna, Tom Hanks, and more. It has a population of about 1200 people and offers the charm of the Cyclades without the tourist rush.
While there is a lot to do despite the island being small, here are some of the must-do things:
Scuba Diving
There are numerous dive centres on the island and they have everything needed for an underwater adventure. Couples can spend as much time as they want under the sea under the surveillance and guidance of a qualified instructor.
Captain Ben Cruise
This is another fun activity couples can enjoy on their trip to Antiparos. On a lazy day on their vacation, they can take a boat trip from Antiparos to nearby islands like Paros. You need to allow a one-day trip to thoroughly explore the beaches in Paros.
Beach Hopping
Antiparos has crystal clear water at its beaches. Couples will have a lot of choices of beaches to enjoy the water. Walk around the shore and shallow waters of Psaraliki Beach. You can go even farther and discover Soros Beach or Agios Georgios Beach. Couples can rent a bike or scooter to travel to all these nearby beaches.
Strolling Through the Town
Antiparos is worth spending time strolling around. The little island is beautiful, covered with cobblestone streets. These streets and Cycladic whitewashed buildings are perfect places to take candid pictures.
Exploring the Cave of Antiparos
Visit the Cave of Antiparos and discover the historical stalactites, inscriptions, and stalagmites dating back to the Stone Age. Walk the 411 stairs and witness the beauty.
You can eat at Nautica Cafe & Bites as it has the most scenic view, along with fresh delicacies like Greek yogurt, omelette, and iced latte.
Antiparos is easy to reach by taking a 7-minute ferry ride from Paros island.
Top Tip: Couples can enjoy a great stay at Beach House, Antiparos with a romantic view of the beach. They have sunbeds and calm waters at the front of the hotel.
Kos – Perfect Island to Also See Bodrum in Turkey
Recommended by Tristan at Together In Transit
Kos is one of the many Greek islands within the Aegean Sea. It isn’t a small island, which is why you have the benefit of relaxing on the beach or hiking through the beautiful mountains with no problems. There are a number of ways to get to Kos including both domestic and international flights, and ferries from nearby islands such as Athens, Rhodes and Patmos.
After arriving in Kos, these are our top three suggestions of things to see, do an experience:
1) View the sunset at Zia and eat at a very special restaurant
One of the highlights may be a visit to the mountain village of Zia. The village itself is incredibly popular with several souvenir stores and restaurants. However, all are very charming! One among the upper restaurants includes a breathtakingly stunning terrace from where you’ll be able to admire one of the foremost beautiful sunsets in Greece.
2) Do some water activities at Marmari Beach
If you had to decide on one beach, we’d recommend Marmari Beach (hopefully you’ll never be forced to decide on only one beach in Kos!). The reason: Marmari Beach includes a beautiful white sandy beach with amazing blue water. The various activities there make it the right beach to spend the entire day.
3) Sample the Greek hospitality
If at all possible, eat outside of your hotel and you may even get lucky and be invited to a Greek family’s home (a little gift is common in Greece). Be warned, it is best to not eat beforehand. This is not solely because you’ll get a huge variety and quantity of food, but additionally because it’s unbelievably delicious and you will certainly want to keep trying more.
4) Spend the day in Bodrum, Turkey
Due to its proximity to Turkey, making a day trip to the gorgeous Turkish town of Bodrum is easy. On the other hand, you’ll be able to additionally spend a day or two on Kos from Bodrum. The ferry presently costs about 20€ / AUD$31 / USD$24.
The Kos Aktis Art Hotel is a highly recommended place to stay on Kos as here you’ll find rooms directly on the beachfront with a stunning view!
Top Tip: Make sure to check out this Greece packing list for additional helpful info and tips before leaving.
Milos – Great for Island Hopping
Recommended by Sophie at Solo Sophie
One of the most charming islands of Greece that remains somewhat of a hidden gem is that of Milos. Though you may not have heard of this stunning destination before, you may well have heard of the Venus di Milo statue, which was (re)discovered on the island in the latter half of the 19th Century and can now be seen in the Louvre Museum.
Quiet and secluded, the island is the perfect getaway for couples on account of its many activities on offer to suit almost every budget. From relaxing on beaches which resemble the moon (Sarakiniko), to visiting museums displaying history from Millennia ago, it’s best to discover Milos over the course of several days so you can truly enjoy all that it has to offer.
The island is best reached by ferry. Ferries run between Athens and Milos all year ’round and take around 3-5 hours each way, depending on weather condition.
The capital city is Plaka and it’s best to base yourself there during your stay as it makes for a great place from which to discover the rest of the island.
Once on Milos, one of the most romantic activities you can enjoy with your partner is to take a sailing cruise around the island. Best taken at sunset so as to enjoy one of the iconic Greek sunsets, en-route you’ll pass by many tiny Milos fishing towns and villages, each more charming than the last.
Top Tip: One of the more romantic restaurants on Milos is that of Gialos. You dine overlooking the water and the food served is traditional Greek fare with all the trimmings!
Naxos – Quite Island Perfect for First Time Visitors to Greece
Recommended by Rai at A Rai of Light
The island of Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, is well known for its sandy beaches, clear blue waters, interesting history, archaeological ruins, and a host of things to do for couples.
Lying in the heart of the Aegean Sea, it is easily reached by direct flight from Athens or by ferry from the port of Piraeus or from any of the adjacent islands.
Favoured with good weather and great beaches, beach hopping is a sought-after activity. The best among them, particularly for couples, being Plaka Beach, Agios Prokopios, and Cedar Forest of Alyko. Other sights to enjoy include Mikro Vigla, Ano Koufonisi, the Temple of Demeter, and the Archeological Museum of Naxos.
The best areas to stay on the island would be Chora, Agia Anna Beach, or Agios Prokopios Beach.
Must try meals include kokoras me makaronia (rooster braised in a red sauce), kouneli riganato (rabbit with oregano), and melachrino (spice cake). Offering a unique mix of ancient ruins and beach culture, Naxos has it all and is one of the best islands to visit.
Top Tip: It is recommended to spend at least a couple days here to really experience it all and no visit is complete without seeing Apollo Temple and wandering the streets of the Old Town.
In Summary – Best Islands in Greece for Couples
Whether you are looking to relax with the one you love, seeking an unforgettable honeymoon destination, or wanting the perfect place to mark a special anniversary, Greece has it all.
Select a Greek island from our list above or instead choose to go island hopping. Whatever you choose and whichever island you choose, you are sure to have the perfect holiday and spend some romantic time with the one you love.
Are you planning a holiday to one of the Greek Islands? Have you visited one of the islands listed above, or have we missed an island you love to visit? Post your tips and questions below.
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