Sunset in Serifos
COVER STORY

The 12 most romantic getaways in Greece

By Yaba Travellers
READING TIME
As long as it takes to drink a Greek coffee

Are you planning a honeymoon, anniversary or maybe just a much-needed break with your other half?

If so, you’ll love our 12 most romantic getaways in Greece, chosen so you can enjoy all your shared passions and find the perfect place to reconnect.

Just how long have you been dreaming of a romantic escape for two? Maybe to a Greek island or a city break to Athens or Thessaloniki. Or perhaps you’re looking for a fairy tale castle town? Whatever your wish, you’ll find it in our 12 most romantic getaways in Greece. We’ll introduce you to beaches and excursions perfect for couples, romantic dining spots under the stars and family-run tavernas by the beach. And of course to sunsets that will make you wish the day will never end. 

 

Santorini

The sparkling gem in the Cyclades

Where else could rank No.1 in a list of the romantic getaways in Greece? The glistening diamond of the Cyclades is a dream couples getaway. And the moment you set eyes on that caldera view, you’ll know why. 

There are so many reasons to fall in love with Santorini… on the beaches with all those amazing volcanic colours and when you’re surrounded by the sugar-cube perfection in settlements like Oia, Fira and Imerovigli or the traditional village of Pyrgos. Or it could be when you are gazing into the Aegean from the Akrotiri lighthouse (the ideal finale to a visit to the famous Bronze Age settlement in the area). 

Memories made for two in Santorini

If it’s privacy you need, there’s the hotel or villa infinity pool… just the two of you and the caldera view. And then there are the legendary Santorini sunsets as you prepare your appetite for the most romantic dining experience from chefs doing extraordinary things with the freshest Mediterranean produce. 

When it comes to the days, apart from beach-time, Santorini offers excursions to wineries and caldera boat tours to the islands of Nea and Palea Kammeni and Thirasia (the Santorini of 50 years ago!). And don’t leave without hiking from Fira to Oia, right along the rim of the caldera. As well as passing through the cutest villages, you’ll be wowed by those Aegean views. 

12 unforgettable things to do in Santorini 

 

Corfu

Rich culture and artistic flair in the Ionian

Over to the Venetian aura of Corfu next, one of the stars of the Ionian islands. From Venetian fortresses to stately palaces and royal gardens, the entire Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO heritage site and made for discovering on foot. It has a unique cultural and artistic ambience, with cafes, tavernas and trendy bistros. Liston and Spianada Square are straight out of Paris and there are plenty of museums narrating the island’s quirky history. But most of all, you’ll adore just wandering down the cantounia (the narrow alleyways). Every corner of the Old Town seems to hide an Instagrammable treasure. 

And then there’s the rest of Corfu. You’ll find beaches with beach bars and water sports, or remote little sandy or pebbly coves for extra privacy, with a backdrop of pine trees to complete your romantic holidays. Or perhaps you’re in the mood for a boat trip. There are plenty of highlights around the island, amongst them the incomparable Paradise Beach which more than lives up to its name.

Discover the best beaches in Corfu 
 

The taste of authenticity and sunset cocktails

Every bit as memorable as the landscape are the flavours of Corfu. All those cultural influences (especially Venetian) are represented in the food, from high-end restaurants to beachside tavernas. Or better still, on a food tour. And for a taste of Corfu at its most authentic, head to the villages. Whatever beach you’re at, there’ll be a village nearby: Pelekas or Perouladdes (famed for their sunsets views), Afionas, Lakones, Palea Peritheia and Kasiopi. 

Evenings on Corfu start with cocktails and build up from there, whether you’re in town or in one of the coastal settlements. Or maybe you’re still at a beach bar! And you could even sneak in a visit to gorgeous Paxi and Antipaxi, two exotic island gems next door. You’ll be spoiled for good!

The most Instagrammable places to visit on Corfu
 

Athens

A date with a city of irresistible contrasts 

Of course an Athens city break couldn’t be missing from a list of romantic getaways in Greece. If you’ve never been to the Acropolis and its world-famous museum, then you’ll be heading there for sure. And in general, if you are both culture lovers, there’s a never-ending choice of Athens museums and art galleries calling out to you. 

You’ll love exploring the neighbourhoods around the Acropolis (Plaka, Anafiotika, Monastiraki, Thissio, Psyrri). There are plenty of terraces for cocktails or romantic dining overlooking the Acropolis. And speaking of unforgettable tastes, you just have to take a food tour while you’re in Athens. It’s not just about tasting the exciting flavours but also meeting creative personalities behind recently opened dine-in delis and concept bars. And after dark, it’s time for some nightlife, as you discover the districts and cool bars loved by Athenians.
 

11 ways Athens invites you to live like a local

Discover all the secrets Athens has been keeping to itself

When you feel like a little privacy in Athens, grab yourself an ice cream or better still a box of loukoumades (freshly made donuts drizzled with honey and chopped nuts) and find a bench in one of the city’s parks and green spaces. Athens has done a great job at keeping them a secret. Or maybe take the funicular up Lycabettus Hill for the best sunset view in town. 

The summer months come with the bonus of a romantic trip up the Athens Riviera – all the way to Sounio if you feel like it or to Lake Vouliagmeni or one of the beaches around 30mins from the centre. Stay for cocktails or dinner by the sea. Or how about a trip to one of the islands close to Athens? Boats leave regularly from Piraeus or you could choose a day excursion and visit 2-3 in one go.
 

 

Mykonos

The island that gets your heart thumping

Back to the Cyclades islands now and the one and only Mykonos. It’s another dream honeymoon getaway, famous around the world for combining fun, relaxation and pleasure for couples (along with lashings of luxury & VIP service). 

But before the glitz, there’s the simple pleasure of strolling around the main town – hands down one of the most romantic experiences in Greece. The view from the windmills, the cute little alleyways with all those shops and art galleries, and a morning coffee or evening cocktail in Little Venice are just divine. 

And then there’s Mykonos’ beach life. Legendary. You might have heard of some of the most iconic Mykonos beaches: Psarou, Paradise & Super Paridise, Paraga and Ornos are just a few of them. But there are others. So if it’s privacy you want on your romantic holidays in Greece, here’s where the locals go for a swim
 

How to make Mykonos your own

Of course, vacations in Mykonos are all about romantic dining and nightlife, so we’ve researched the best dining and nightlife spots on Mykonos for you. And how about a little culture while you’re here? A boat trip to Delos combines an excursion to a neighbouring island with a visit to a fascinating archaeological site. If you want to sneak in a swim at a remote beach, choose an itinerary that includes Rhenia island. Or for a stroll off the beaten path, we can suggest Ano Mera and the lighthouse of Armenistis for a sunset treat.

12 unforgettable things to do in Mykonos

 

Crete

Not just an island but a way of life

Crete has a unique way of transmitting its way of life to its visitors. You find it everywhere, from the cosmopolitan cities of Chania, Heraklion and Rethymno to luxurious Elounda and all around atmospheric Agios Nikolaos. When it comes to romantic experiences, a stroll around the old town of Rethymno or Chania is a must. All those Venetian elements and narrow alleys take you back in time, and there’s no better setting in Crete for dinner or cocktails than the Venetian ports or under the castle of both cities.

Crete’s pin-up beaches and exotic boat trips

Crete specialises in photogenic beaches. Whether you’re at Balos, Elafonisi or Preveli (all world-famous) or perhaps Triopetra, Falasarna, Seitan Limani, Agiofarango, palm tree-lined Vai or so many other magnificent beaches, you’ll think you’ve found your favourite. And for an even more private swimming experience, take a boat excursion to Loutro or the exotic islands of Chrissi and Koufonisi.

If you love food and wine, you’ll love Crete

At the heart of the Cretan way of life are the delicious dishes made from the freshest local products. You can follow the wine routes of Heraklion or take a food tour in Chania. But the truth is your whole vacation in Crete will feel like a giant food tour, particularly when you’re introduced to local dishes in a traditional taverna by the sea or a mountain village.

And if all that isn’t enough, just let us know what you’re interested in and Crete will do the rest. Culture? What about the extraordinary Knossos Palace near Heraklion or Spinalonga island near Agios Nikolaos?

7 Magical Memories for your Crete lovelist

 

Rhodes

Medieval romance and a fusion of tastes

We continue in Rhodes, one of the leading lights of the Dodecanese and another island ideal for a romantic trip to Greece. We start, as every holiday to Rhodes should, with a walking tour of the medieval old town. Imagine strolling amongst castles and lamp-lit cobbled alleyways, where you half-expect a knight to come riding by on horseback. And there can be no more romantic view on Rhodes than at Lindos, especially from the acropolis. Just below is Agios Pavlos, a beach that’s perfect for couples with relaxing cocktails or a bite looking up at the citadel 

Looking for privacy? There are boat tours to out-of-the-way swimming spots but if you really want to control your destiny, hire a boat and skipper. Highlight beaches include Kallithea, sandy Tsambika and Agathi and the intriguingly named Anthony Quinn beach.

A blend of cultures and unexpected tastes 

Then there are the tastes of Rhodes, which are a mixture of all the cultures that have ever passed through. A food tour of Rhodes will bring you closer to all of them and introduce you to the island’s unexpected wine tradition (there are four protected designation of origin wines). And how about a boat trip to Symi island, one of the hidden gems of the Dodecanese. If all that doesn’t impress your other half, nothing will!

Tick off all 8 items on Rhodes’ ultimate bucket list

 

Thessaloniki 

Greece’s big-hearted city in the north

It’s not for no reason that Thessaloniki is known as the most romantic city break destination in Greece. For one, there are all the experiences in this effervescent city and then you have Halkidiki on the doorstep, offering an extension to your romantic holidays in the summer months. 

Start with the view from Thessaloniki’s White Tower and then go for a romantic stroll along the waterfront. Heading further into the town, you’ll find that this is another city whose centre is like an open-air museum. For the full walking experience, venture up to the Venetian castles of the Upper Town where the views of the Thermaic Gulf (and on a clear day Mt Olympus) are unforgettable. Or take food tour.  You’ll love every minute of it. 

Completing the experience in Thessaloniki is the city’s legendary nightlife scene, with a limitless choice of bars and terraces offering cocktails, wines and spirits. And speaking of wines, did you know that Thessaloniki has wineries you can visit just outside the city? And if you’re in the mood to explore more of this fascinating area of Greece, there are other magical getaways just 60mins from Thessaloniki

The 11 most popular experiences in Thessaloniki

The exotic beaches and villages of Halkidiki

Visiting Thessaloniki in the summer months comes with another great bonus. Just next door is Halkidiki, where you’ll find a new favourite beach for every day of your holidays. Some are just a day trip away from Thessaloniki or you could spend a few more days exploring the region. You’ll be hard-pressed to beat Possidi beach in Kassandra (the first peninsula ‘leg’), Kavourotripes in Sithonia (the second) or any of the exotic beaches on a boat trip to Ammouliani island. Beyond that, there are picturesque villages and yet more wineries and vineyards to discover in a region of Greece that is made for couples.

An 8-day road trip to Thessaloniki & Halkidiki

 

Skiathos

Full of romantic touches and dreamy beaches

There is so much to love about the gorgeous island of Skiathos in the Sporades. To start with, the main town is another that is perfect for couples to stroll around (full of shops and places to eat). If you want a little secret, head to Bourtzi (the small, green peninsula separating the port from the rest of town) for cocktails and tapas. 

And there are the unique greens and blues of the beaches: cosmopolitan Koukounaries, Vromolimnos and Mandraki (stay till sunset), as well as Tsougria, Mikros and Megalos (Little and Big) Aselinos and Elia (for greater seclusion). And of course world-famous Lalaria beach, which you reach by boat. Skiathos is an ideal couples getaway in Greece, with an airport (for domestic and international flights) and regular ferry links from Evia or the city of Volos. 

Experience the very best of Skiathos in 6 days

 

Milos

A dreamscape for two in technicolour

Back we go to the Cyclades and to wonderful Milos, famous for treating couples and younger travellers to multicoloured fishing villages, picturesque Cycladic settlements and great local cuisine. And as for the beaches… the lunar landscape of Sarakiniko (the August full moon from here is possibly the most romantic view on the island), idyllic Papafragas and cosmopolitan Fyriplaka are world-beaters. 

Nothing beats a boat trip around Milos (Kleftiko, Tsigrado and Gerakas are all epic swimming spots). And you’ll adore being in a fish taverna by the sea in Pollonia, wandering around picturesque Tripiti and Plaka (Hora), witnessing the sunset from the castle and enjoying a cocktail in a bar with an Aegean view. 

As for the colourful boathouses in Klima, Mandrakia and Firopotamos… prepare for Insta heaven. And if you want an even greater feeling of isolation, you can take a boat trip to Polyegos or dedicate a few more days of your romantic holidays to neighbouring Kimolos and other nearby islands.

8 reasons why Milos is out of this world

The Small Cyclades

Heaven on a minor scale

For total privacy on your romantic getaway to Greece, allow us to let you into a secret. (Just promise you won’t tell!) The Small Cyclades are a collection of tiny island gems where you’ll find the same aura as the illustrious stars of this famous island group, but with absolute calm and simplicity, ideal for romantic vacations. 

Koufonisia (Ano and Kato Koufonisi) are a pair of heavenly isles with exotic swimming spots and delicious food with a direct ferry connection from Piraeus or other Cycladic islands, such as Naxos, Amorgos, Mykonos or Santorini. Pano Koufonisi is the (slightly) more developed of the two, where you’ll love the purity of beaches like Pisina, Italida, Pori (and the nearby caves of Xylombati), Fanos, Finikas and others.

If you’re not lazing on the smooth sand or soaking in the Aegean, you’ll be enjoying the freshest seafood in a taverna, strolling around the whitewashed alleyways of Hora (the town), enjoying a sunset sweet or cocktails in Pori or from the Church of the Prophet Elias. Meanwhile, you can travel to Kato Koufonisi on a 10-minute boat ride, where you’ll enjoy even more remote beaches such as Laki, Detis and Pezoulia. There’s one taverna there. Enough said. 

And other Small Cyclades gems include Donousa, Iraklia and Schinoussa, which you can travel to individually or as part of an island-hopping adventure as they have good ferry connections with one another and with Pano Koufonisi and Naxos.

Go island hopping from Naxos

 

Astypalea

The flutter of love on the butterfly isle

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in the Cyclades when you arrive in Astypalea because you’ll be filled with the same Cycladic ambience. But the energy and seclusion emitted by the sugar-cube houses and pristine beaches are actually the Dodecanese islands at their most alluring. Just explore the main town (Hora), walking up from the original port at Pera Gialos, and you’ll understand. The windmills and geranium-filled courtyards are exquisite and as for the Aegean view from the Venetian castle… heart-melting. 

There’s a beach for every holiday mood on butterfly-shaped Astypalea: sandy Vatses and Kaminakia (where you can choose between sunbeds and umbrellas or natural shade) and Livadi (with a view of Hora and the castle) or more remote Agios Konstantinos or Pera Gialos and Agios Ioannis, reached by boat.

Astypalea is an island you’ll love exploring on your romantic holidays, especially the coastal villages of Maltezana and sleepy Vathi. As for the food, you’ll feel like you’ve been invited into a local’s house when you’re introduced to slow-cooked meat dishes and vegetable-based meals that celebrate the best of the Mediterranean sunshine. 

5 reasons you will love Astypalea

 

Monemvasia

A castle-town where dreams come true

And, finally, if your idea of romance is fairytales and castles that make you believe that any wish can come true, then this is for you. Monemvasia is tucked away within a peninsula at the tip of the Peloponnese, around 4hrs drive from Athens. It’s one of the best-preserved castle-towns in Greece, made for couples and honeymooners.

You’ll feel a different emotion every time you turn a corner in Monemvasia, catching a glimpse of the Aegean from up high, or passing through a vaulted archway that was once part of a medieval church or a town gate. 

Everything about Monemvasia is ideal for a romantic stay, with boutique and luxury hotels and villas and elegant tavernas and restaurants. You’ll adore just strolling by the cafes and artisan workshops of the main street and past the grand mansions of the upper town, and swimming at nearby beaches such as Ambelakia, Gefira and Pori. 

And whilst you are in the southern Peloponnese, if you want to add a touch of island life to your romantic escape, tiny Elafonisos is around 1.5hrs away by car. You cross over from the port of Pountas and arrive at Simos, where you’ll discover not just one but two sandy stretches of paradise.

Discover the castle-town of Monemvasia

The 12 most romantic getaways in Greece

We hope you enjoyed our collection of romantic places in Greece, every one chosen to hit Cupid’s target depending on your mood and the occasion… couples getaway, anniversary or a dream honeymoon. Of course, there are other destinations in Greece perfect for couples, so if you want to keep searching, there are plenty more romantic spots to choose from.

Explore more dream holidays in Greece