Are you planning a romantic trip away to the mystical isles of Greece? We’ve compiled a list of the best Greek islands for couples, from well-known destinations to off-the-beaten-track. Each location has something unique to offer and are worth visiting in their own right!
Get a glimpse of some of the most romantic activities in each place, the best areas to stay and our recommendations for charming couple’s hotels. Dive in, read on and plan an epic trip with your partner in Greece. It’s a country with beautiful coastal scenery, even better food and remnants of its ancient past wherever you step.
Kefalonia
To kick off our list of the best Greek islands for couples, Kefalonia presents itself as a destination that’s steeped in natural beauty. Its beaches, caves, coves, lakes and even the buildings are beautiful to look at. What’s the main draw for couples may you ask? For those that like a destination that encourages you to stay outside and explore the coastline, with a love of nature, you’ll feel right at home here.
Capture postcard-perfect selfies in a colourful local town, rent a car to plan your own adventure around the island or simply relax on the beach. Kefalonia doesn’t have the vibrant nightlife scene of other islands, but it makes up for it in romantic views and places to visit. It’s also a very affordable place to visit! Stay in luxury bungalows by the ocean for a fraction of the price of the likes of Mykonos or Santorini. Being an Ionian island, it inherits the romantic culture of Italy to the west and couldn’t be a better island for couples looking for a quiet but adventurous holiday.
Romantic things to do in Kefalonia:
- Take a boat trip to Melissani Cave and go for a swim in the turquoise lake.
- Stay in a luxury sea-view room with a private swim-out pool. They can be quite affordable here!
- Rent a car and tour the coastline, stopping off at remote beaches. You’ll have them all to yourself!
Check out Hand Luggage Only’s guide here for more great things to do in Kefalonia.
Best place to stay for couples: Lassi
Recommended hotels for couples: Thalassa Boutique Hotel (Moderate) | Limanaki Hotel (Affordable)
Rhodes
Rhodes is a great all-rounder island for anyone that wants beautiful beaches and strong Greek culture. Whilst Rhodes suits families and even singles depending on the town you stay in; the whole island is fairly small so you can explore at your leisure. Rent a car and go on a day-trip with your partner, stopping off at remote beaches or seeing the island’s top attractions.
Beautiful coves, ancient ruins and adventure activities can be enjoyed by day. When the sun goes down, retreat to a rooftop restaurant in the beautiful town of Lindos and look up at the stars whilst you dine. Rhodes suits couples that want an affordable, traditional beach holiday with plenty to do when you’re not relaxing.
Romantic things to do in Rhodes:
- Enjoy a night of traditional Greek dancing – it’s great atmosphere and really fun!
- Wander the narrow streets of Lindos town hand-in-hand or plan a day of sightseeing in Rhodes Town.
- Dine outside in a romantic restaurant. There are plenty to choose from and prices are very affordable. We personally recommend Philosophia Beach Taverna in Pefkos.
Best place to stay for couples: Lindos or Rhodes Town
Recommended hotels for couples: Melenos Lindos Hotel (Luxury) | Ville di Lindos (Affordable)
Hydra
The island of Hydra feels like the reminiscent past of Greece, long before the tourists arrived. It’s a beautiful place to visit for couples, simply due to its nature and quaint towns. Being located just a short ferry ride from Athens, it attracts a much higher portion of locals compared to the southern ‘Cyclades’ islands.
Set sail for Hydra with your partner and get lost in a world of pretty marina’s, picturesque seaside restaurants and an array of coloured trees, flowers and landscapes. Life here is quiet and simple. You have plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you entertained but they feel less touristic. Go for long walks, take a boat trip to the glamourous nearby island of Spetses or relax on the beach. We recommend visiting Hydra as part of a multi-stop Athens itinerary. It perfectly complements the busy sightseeing of the capital.
Romantic things to do in Hydra:
- Charter a small sailing yacht and tour the Saronic islands for the day, with just yourself, your partner and the boat captain.
- Drive inland to Prophet Elias Monastery. The views are breath-taking and great for some nice couple’s pics.
- Go on a horse riding tour. It’s a great way to escape town and see the beauty of Hydra.
Best place to stay for couples: Idra
Recommended hotels for couples: Four Seasons Luxury Suites (Luxury) | Greco Hotel (Affordable)
Santorini
Santorini needs no introduction and it just had to appear on our list of the best Greek islands for couples. It’s one of the most well-known romantic destinations on the planet and a popular honeymoon holiday. Its terraced white buildings with blue rooftops set the scene for some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see!
Enjoy a romantic dinner on a balcony overlooking the sea, get a taste of the luxury life in one of the many couples-orientated hotels with and swim-out rooms, or tour the small island by car for volcanic beaches, small towns and scenic views. Whilst Santorini is quite expensive and isn’t exactly a hidden gem, there’s a reason why it remains one of the best Greek islands for couples that want a luxurious romantic getaway.
Romantic things to do in Santorini:
- Dinner or an evening cocktail on a patio, overlooking the Oia sunset.
- Rent a private boat for the day and explore the Santorini coastline.
- Stay in a boutique cave-style hotel, where you can step out of bed into a swimming pool and out onto the balcony.
Best place to stay for couples: Oia or Fira
Recommended hotels for couples: Andronis Luxury Suites (Luxury) | Costa Marina Villas (Affordable)
Patmos
Patmos is difficult to reach compared to many of the Greek islands. You can’t fly there directly and have to take an 8-hour ferry from Athens. As such, it has somewhat of an elusive and mystical appeal. It attracts wealthy yacht owners that want a less crowded taste of Greek paradise, but also has an attraction for its historic significance in the bible.
For couples that love the idea of a traditional Greek island with less tourism but just as much, if not more beauty, Patmos is calling your name. Tour the island together to find breath-taking sea views, ancient buildings and local villages. Inside the main town and port, you then have plenty of nice restaurants and a handful of bars. Life in Patmos is quiet, but you can still find a touch of luxury and atmosphere if you visit during the summer. Exchange the vibrant Greek nightlife for early nights and rise at sunset to explore this beautiful corner of the Mediterranean.
Romantic things to do in Patmos:
- Climb up to the historic Monastery of St John just before sunset for romantic panoramic views.
- Wander off-the-beaten track to a remote Patmos beach and spend the day relaxing with only your partner in site.
- Book a yacht tour for the day and experience Greece from the ocean.
Best place to stay for couples: Skala
Recommended hotels for couples: 9 Muses Patmos (Luxury) | Skala Hotel (Moderate)
Crete
As the largest island in Greece, Crete has something for everyone. It’s one of the best Greek islands for couples as there’s simply so much to do and so many places to visit. You have accommodation for every budget and activities to suit couples of all interests. Enjoy an active nightlife and stay in the centre of a town such as Chania, or venture away from the tourist centre with your own villa in the hills.
Plan a holiday of relaxation on some of the nicest beaches in the Mediterranean, with some great day trips for when you’re not winding down. Ancient ruins, monuments, lagoons and traditional Greek towns are just a short drive from any corner of the island. We highly recommend renting a car for that extra freedom to explore! Aside from the scenery and attractions, a key reason to visit Crete is for its fantastic selection of Greek taverna’s. You’ll enjoy eating fresh Greek food every night and embracing the Mediterranean diet! Crete is one of the only islands that sources most of its ingredients locally.
Romantic things to do in Crete:
- Watch a movie under the stars at Asteria Open Air Cinema in Rethimno.
- Enjoy a wine tasting or cooking class experience. Greek food is amazing… and healthy too!
- Wander the old streets of Chania. It’s a colourful and romantic place to get lost one afternoon.
Best place to stay for couples: Chania
Recommended hotels for couples: Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa (Luxury) | Casa Veneta (Affordable)
Naxos
Naxos is a rugged landscape that feels quite undeveloped compared to other Greek tourist islands. This is a big plus in our opinion! It suits couples that want to experience the raw beauty of ancient Greece and aren’t too hung up about nightlife, high-end restaurants and huge hotels. Instead, it offers a small-town vibe with beautiful scenery, small villages and quaint bars and restaurants.
Being one of the most prosperous islands for growing crops and grazing cows, ingredients is fresh and it’s one of the best Greek islands for traditional food. Besides, who doesn’t love Greek food!? Spend your time in Naxos going on long scenic walks with your partner, sampling the foodie delights of local towns and seeing impressive ancient sites such as The Temple of Delian Apollo. The west of the island is our recommended place to stay, with some beautiful beaches to relax on and the best choice of hotels.
Romantic things to do in Naxos:
- Relax on one of the many stunning beaches.
- Tour the small villages and towns and sample the local food and wine. Naxos is excellent for foodie couples!
- Have an adventure in the mountains and pack a picnic for the road.
Best place to stay for couples: Naxos Old Town or Plaka
Recommended hotels for couples: Nissaki Boutique Hotel (Luxury) | Hotel Grotta (Budget)
That concludes our list of the best Greek islands for couples! Each destination has been hand selected for its appeal to couples that want a romantic holiday away. Delicious Greek food, beautiful scenery and plenty of activities make them a great place for anyone to visit. Once you’ve decided on an island, be sure to plan out the most romantic attractions and choose a hotel in an area relevant to what you like as a couple. Let us know if you have any questions!
Check out our guide here for tips on getting the best price for your chosen hotel.
By Ricky
Author bio:An adventurer at heart that loves anything outdoors. Beaches, mountains and amazing scenery is everything I love about travel! I also enjoy home comforts and need a nice place to relax and re-charge after every trip.
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