Best Greek Islands for a Honeymoon

Greece is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world because it combines romance with an exciting variety of activities. Couples can easily combine luxury with superb cuisine, ancient history, sun-soaked beaches, and adventure.

A villa honeymoon in Greece is the ideal choice for honeymooners as it gives the couple the privacy they no doubt want, away from the crowded resorts. They can then choose if they want a quiet evening with a private chef cooking for them, or if they want to enjoy an evening at a seaside restaurant watching the sunset, followed by dancing the night away at a club.

This Greek honeymoon guide will take you to four islands which we think are amongst the best for honeymooners. They all give different experiences, so we hope that this will help you to decide where to go. Bnbstay offers a wide variety of private villas in Greece in these destinations, so we will be able to help you arrange your perfect honeymoon.

Why Choose a Villa Honeymoon in Greece?

A villa honeymoon in Greece is perfect for a couple who want to spend as much time as possible with each other. It also gives privacy, which you wouldn't get in a hotel. Many villas have a private pool, so you don't have to swim amongst crowds of people, nor fight for a sunbed. Other advantages include secluded terraces, a quiet atmosphere, and home-away-from-home comforts, such as a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and high-end technology.

Bnbstay handpicks properties that offer local character, but with luxurious amenities. The villas are often off the beaten track, giving you a chance to mix with the locals and see what Greek life is like.

Staying in a villa allows you to set your own pace without the constraints of a hotel. Eat what you want when you want. Enjoy having a lot of room to spread out in instead of just a hotel room.

Choosing Your Perfect Greek Island Honeymoon Destination

We have chosen four islands — Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, and Crete — as potential honeymoon destinations. If you are looking for classic romance, Santorini ticks all the boxes. It has a dramatic caldera, spectacular sunsets, whitewashed villages on the cliffsides, and 5-star service wherever you go.

Mykonos, playground of the jet-set, suits party-goers who want to enjoy beach clubs and vibrant, glamorous nightlife. Trendy couples will love Mykonos, with parties and luxury shopping on offer.

If you are looking for a laid-back vibe and an authentic Greek experience, Naxos is a great choice. It is less commercialised than Mykonos or Santorini, has long stretches of golden sand, and plenty of traditional tavernas.

For gastronomy, culture, ancient history, and adventure, head to Crete, the largest island in Greece. It has magnificent gorges to hike through, ancient ruins to visit, long sandy beaches, delicious food, and decent nightlife. It will suit adventurous honeymooners who would like a mix of sunbathing, exploration, good food, and some nightlife.

Santorini

Santorini is one of the world's legendary honeymoon destinations. It has spectacular sunsets, particularly from the village of Oia. Sunsets can be very romantic, especially if you raise a glass. However, it does get busy, particularly in the summer months, but of course if you are staying in a villa with a pool, you can escape from the crowds and lounge on a sunbed in peace.

Highlights of Santorini

• Santorini has sweeping, panoramic views of the caldera and the turquoise blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
• There are plenty of romantic things to do on the island for honeymooners. Sunset catamaran cruises are a superb way to spend a couple of hours, sipping a glass of wine and holding hands. Santorini produces excellent wines, including the white Assyrtiko and the red Mavrotragano. Why not go on a wine tasting tour together? Dining in a seaside restaurant with the waves lapping on the shore is also a romantic way to spend the evening.
• It is easy to get luxury accommodation in Santorini, whether you choose a villa or a hotel. This will enhance the honeymoon feeling of your stay. Many private villas in Santorini have private pools or a hot tub, as well as high-end amenities.
• You can enjoy world-class dining, whether at a top-notch restaurant or in your villa, where you can hire a private chef to cook anything you wish.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Towns such as Oia and Fira get very busy in the summer months. Sunset views from Oia are just about perfect, so expect congestion. Instead, head to Imerovigli for a more secluded experience.
• The beaches are interesting, but not the typical golden and sandy beaches you might want. Some are pebbly, and others have red or black sand from the volcanic activity.
• Dining, accommodation, and private tours are at a premium between June and the end of August.

Mykonos

Highlights of Mykonos

• There are perfect spots to watch the sunset, including Lia Beach, Mykonos Harbour, Little Venice, and the windmills of Mykonos Town. You can also take a boat tour around the island at sunset, which is a magical experience.
• Spend a luxurious day at one of Mykonos's legendary upscale beach clubs. They offer facilities that spoil you, such as private cabanas and beachside service. It is perfect for couples who want to relax together on their honeymoon.
• Mykonos is well-known for its lively nightlife. Parties are regularly arranged on many of the beaches, which is a great opportunity for you and your spouse to have fun and meet like-minded people. Paradise Beach is well-known for vibrant parties, featuring famous DJs. There are plenty of clubs operating until early in the morning, such as Paradise Club, Tropicana, Super Paradise, and Void.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Mykonos is buzzing with energy in July and August, especially at night. If you want a quieter vibe, but still want to enjoy some nightlife, visit in May, early June, and September. The weather is still good, but there aren't as many people around.
• Prices are at a premium in the summer season, so expect to pay high prices in July and August.

Naxos

Highlights of Naxos

• There are pure white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters on the west of the island, including the famous beaches of Plaka, Agios Prokopias, and Mikri Vigla.
• The sunset is beautiful near Portara, a huge ancient marble doorway located on a small islet.
• The food scene is outstanding. Naxos produces much of its own cheese, wine, meat, and honey, and you can enjoy meals at romantic tavernas at a reasonable price.
• Renting a car or ATV allows you to explore traditional villages in the mountains, such as Apeiranthos, where you will find marble-paved alleys and stone-built towers.

Things to Keep in Mind

• It can be very windy in the summer when the Meltemi winds blow, and this can spoil a day at the beach.

Crete

Highlights of Crete

• There are 650 miles (1,046 km) of coastline on Crete. In the north, you will find beautiful, long, sandy beaches, and in the south, there are quiet, secluded coves. Enjoy the pink sands and shallow waters of Elafonisi on the southwest coast. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Balos Bay in the far northwest, or enjoy the shade of the natural palm forest at Vai Beach in the northeast.
• There are many excursions you can take, such as to the ancient ruins of Knossos Palace. Hike the 10-mile (16-km) Samaria Gorge or visit one of the many monasteries on Crete. There are a plethora of museums on the island, the most impressive being the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion.
• The quality of food on the island is outstanding, whether you eat in a humble taverna or at a high-end restaurant. If you are both foodies, take a Cretan cooking class, or visit wineries, breweries, and olive oil factories for tastings.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Crete is very busy from mid-June until early September, so if you want to avoid the crowds, come before or after. However, the south is quieter than the north, so if you do want to come in the summer, head down there for a day or two of gentle relaxation.

For more on planning a Crete trip, read our guide to villa holidays in Crete.

When is the Perfect Time for a Greek Villa Honeymoon?

Peak Season (July and August)

The atmosphere is vibrant, but it will be crowded, even on Naxos. It is also very hot everywhere, so it is not the time to visit if you find it hard to cope with extreme temperatures. Villa prices are at their highest, and you need to book 12 months in advance to ensure you get the villa you want and suitable dates.

Shoulder Seasons (May – June and September – October)

These are great months to rent a luxury villa in Greece for your honeymoon. The weather is very warm but not too hot, villas are lower-priced, and there aren't as many people around.

Winter in Greece

The resorts on most of the islands close down for the winter. However, the larger cities on Crete are still lively, with museums, restaurants, and bars staying open for the locals. If you go there in the winter, you will get a glimpse into authentic Greek life.

Essential Planning Tips for Your Greek Honeymoon Stay

• Book Early. It is advisable to book your Greek villa honeymoon 6 to 10 months in advance, a year ahead for summer bookings.
• Transport Logistics. From April until the end of October, there are direct flights from the UK and other European countries to Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini. However, you can only fly to Naxos from Athens. In the off-season, direct flights stop and you have to change planes in Athens. An alternative is to take a ferry from Piraeus, though this takes much longer than the plane. Most villas are off the beaten track, so it is best to rent a car for your stay.
• Villa Amenities to Look For. Ensure that your luxury villa in Greece has air conditioning, especially for a peak season visit. Check that the villa has an EOT certificate, which ensures that it can legally be rented out.
• Concierge Services. Many villas have a concierge or host who will welcome you, advise on things to do, and make bookings for you.

Ready to Find Your Dream Greek Honeymoon Villa?

Deciding to book a Greek villa for your honeymoon will be the best decision you could make. You will have a magical time with a mix of luxury and privacy.

Why not browse the Bnbstay website to see which island you would like to spend your honeymoon on, and take a look at our wide selection of couples and honeymoon villas.

FAQ

Is it better to stay in a villa or a hotel for your honeymoon? A villa gives you the privacy and space you won't get at a hotel. Most honeymooners will enjoy this private time, but with the option of going out for a romantic dinner or to party the night away.

Do I need a car when renting a villa in Greece for a honeymoon? Yes, a car is advisable as most of the villas are off the beaten track. It will also give you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace, which is ideal for a honeymoon.

Which Greek island is best for a honeymoon? It depends on the kind of honeymoon you want. Santorini is the classic choice for romance and dramatic scenery. Mykonos suits couples who want glamour and nightlife. Naxos is ideal for those who want a quieter, more authentic experience. Crete suits adventurous honeymooners who want a mix of beaches, history, and food. Browse our honeymoon villas in Greece to find the right island for you.

When is the best time to visit Greece for a honeymoon? The shoulder seasons of May, June, September, and October are ideal — warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower villa prices than peak summer. If you want the full vibrant atmosphere, July and August deliver, but book well in advance and expect higher prices.

How much does a honeymoon villa in Greece cost? Prices vary considerably depending on the island and time of year. A villa in Naxos or Crete during the shoulder season can start from around £2,000 per week, while a luxury villa with a caldera view in Santorini in peak season can reach £5,000 or more per week. Our Luxe Collection includes some of the finest honeymoon properties across the Greek islands.

Can you arrange extra services for a honeymoon? Yes — on many of our villas we can arrange extras such as a private chef, flowers, champagne on arrival, sunset boat trips, and wine tasting tours. Get in touch and we will help make your honeymoon as special as possible.

Ready to plan your Greek honeymoon? Browse our couples and honeymoon villas or get in touch and our team will help you find the perfect villa for your special trip.