10 of the best places in Greece for couples (2024)

From sunset co*cktails and strolls on the sand to long, lazy lunches in beachfront tavernas, Greece has all the elements of the ideal holiday just for the two of you. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, wall-to-wall sunshine, something active or a city break, you’ll find it here in the mainland, mountains or any of the inhabited islands, of which there are 227 to choose from.

If romance is on your mind, prepare to be spoiled for choice. Santorini is arguably the honeymoon capital of the world, but there are plenty of other islands ideal for sharing with that special someone — not least Kythira, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Her most famous representation, the marble Venus de Milo statue, hails from Milos, while the glorious beaches of Skiathos are almost a love poem in their own right.

Beyond the islands, there are experiences for two to enjoy in mountainous Zagori, monument-filled Athens or amid the urban buzz of Thessaloniki. So whatever kind of holiday the pair of you might seek, you’ll find all the inspiration you need somewhere in this, our pick of the best places for couples in Greece.

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1. Athens

Best for a city break
Vast, sprawling Athens can easily overwhelm; but plan it right and the capital offers epic experiences for two. A central stay is essential. Stroll hand in hand through the backstreets of Syntagma and Monastiraki, soaking up their character, buzz and bar scenes; then descend into Plaka for its lively (though more touristy) streetscapes. For a romantic moment, skip the crowds (and admission fee) at the temple-topped Acropolis and instead ascend Areopagus, the adjacent rock outcrop, to watch the sun sink behind surrounding hills.

Make it happen

Stay at Gatsby, a boutique hotel whose hanging plant-shaded restaurant spills into a Syntagma alleyway.

Or combine your visit to Athens with a tour of Greece’s most romantic islands. Intrepid’s eight-day tour through the Aegean Sea starts in the Greek capital before visiting Syros, Mykonos and Santorini, with its unbeatable Instagrammable sunsets.

• Best things to do in Athens
• Best hotels in Athens

2. Skiathos

Best for beach breaks
For those whose expectation of Greece is one of barren, sun-scorched landscapes, Skiathos offers a pleasant surprise. This island in the Sporades group is renowned for its covering of bottle-green pines that reach down to the water’s edge. Find your perfect hideaway for two at pine-fringed Koukounaries, whose main beach has waters in emerald shades thanks to the trees’ reflections. It’s without doubt one of Greece’s finest beaches.

Make it happen

Stay within steps of Koukounaries at exquisite Elivi Skiathos, a luxuriously romantic hotel with four sandy shores to walk to, each with Elivi-run beach clubs.

• Best hotels in Skiathos

3. Mykonos

Best for living it up
Sophisticated, jet-set vibes draw ritzy couples that like a night out to Mykonos, the eastern Med’s party capital. The island is known for its high-end daytime beach clubs and a late-night scene in Mykonos Town. Although peak season here is supremely expensive, visiting early or later in summer gets you way more bang for your buck. And if you’re not keen on a spendy night out? Watch the sunset free at Mykonos Town’s iconic windmills.

How to do it

Make the most of the nightlife by staying within stumbling distance at Mykonos Theoxenia: a retro retreat right next to the windmills.

Or, for a comprehensive introduction to the Cyclades, embark on Intrepid’s 10-day sailing adventure. You and your partner will sail with your small group from Santorini and around some of Greece’s prettiest islands — including Naxos, Sifnos, and Folegandros — before returning back to Santorini’s port.

• Best hotels in Mykonos
• Santorini vs Mykonos: which is best?

4. Ios

Best for affordable luxury
Sitting halfway between Santorini and Mykonos (with easy ferry connections between), this Cycladic isle has a much lower profile than its more celebrated neighbours — but that also translates to a more attractive price-point for couples keen on not breaking the bank. Charming Ios Town is a joy to wander for its hilltop churches, sunset views and tiny lanes packed with boutiques and restaurants (among which Katogi’s Greek tapas is a highlight). For beaches, you can’t go wrong with a lazy day at Mylopotas.

Make it happen

Enjoy sweeping Mylopotas views from luxurious Hideout Suites, which have an elevated position, great design, in-suite breakfasts and good-sized private pools.

• Guide to the lesser-known Greek islands

5. Thessaloniki

Best for nightlife
It’s thanks to its large population of students that Greece’s second city scores so highly for bars and restaurants. All along the waterfront and a block or two behind, the streets of Ladadika are packed with an energy that builds all day. The two of you can happily throw yourselves into the throng, or simply stroll along the water’s edge with Mount Olympus rising in the distance when conditions are clear.

Make it happen

For the best Thermaic Gulf views, book a sea-facing room at super-stylish ON Residence; or better still, go for co*cktails on its fabulous, guests-only roof deck.

Or disembark on some of Greece’s romantic shores during Celestyal’s seven-night Idyllic Aegean cruise, which starts and ends in historic Thessaloniki.

• Where to stay and eat in Thessaloniki on a budget

6. Zagori

Best for mountain highs
Inland from Thessaloniki (and a world away from the typical sandy beach images of Greece) lie the Pindus mountains and their unchanged-by-time Zagori region. Grab your partner and explore this landscape of limestone peaks and canyons carved by whitewater rivers, following age-old pathways and stone bridges to reach the magical Zagorochoria villages. Protected as the Zagori world heritage site, it’s staggeringly beautiful and perfect for immersive getaways.

Make it happen

Hide away in extraordinary style at Aristi Mountain Resort, where luxurious suites and an indoor/outdoor spa overlook Vikos Gorge, the “Grand Canyon of Greece”.

For couples looking for a more active trip, G Adventures offers a memorable seven-day hiking tour of Northern Greece, with three days spent exploring Zagori.

• The world’s greatest hikes, with stylish stays

7. Crete

Best for beating the crowds
Being Greece’s largest island, Crete is enormously diverse and offers just about every activity you might think of (plus the longest summer season in Greece). All that appeal draws serious crowds, though, especially to the north and east coasts’ big resorts: so if you don’t want your romantic break being shared with the masses, head south. The beach town of Ierapetra lies genuinely off the beaten path and is handy for boat trips (you can also hire your own) to castaway Chryssi islet.

Make it happen

Be even more sure of a chilled-out stay by booking into adults-only Numo Ierapetra: a design-forward, boho-chic retreat with a laid-back beach-club vibes.

Or make memories together on Explore!’s eight-day walking tour. You’ll discover empty beaches, the majestic Samaria Gorge, less-trodden coastal paths and some of the best food that Crete has to offer.

• Best villas in Crete
• Best hotels in Crete

8. Kythira

Best for lovestruck mythology
Cyprus doesn’t have a monopoly on tales of Aphrodite. Legend has it that the goddess of love rose from the sea on the isle of Kythira. Keep the feeling alive by taking a trip to this overlooked island. As well as being known for Aphrodite’s qualities of beauty, love and romance, Kythira has ruined castles, caves packed with stalagmites and some gorgeous beaches such as stunning Kaladi or white-sand Diakofti.

Make it happen

Enhance your Kythira holiday’s feelgood factor by staying at Hidden Retreats: a small-scale, sustainable luxury resort whose five units all have private Jacuzzis.

• Best quiet Greek islands

9. Milos

Best for a villa break
She may now reside at the Louvre in Paris, but the priceless Venus de Milo statue was actually found on this Cycladic island. Its other, still in-situ treasures include more than 65 beaches, among which the insanely blue waters and lunar-like landscape of Sarakiniko stand out. Milos is one of the Cyclades that’s booming in popularity as stablemate Mykonos gets ever more expensive: visit soon before everyone else cottons on.

Make it happen

Make it a real retreat at Skinopi Lodge, whose nine utterly romantic villas (with Aegean views from their beds plus outdoor showers for starlit bathing) feel remarkably private.

Alternatively, you could embark on APT’s coastal cruise, which features an in-depth tour of Milos —with visits to Sarakiniko Beach and the Romas Theatre — among several other stops.

• Best places to visit in Greece

10. Santorini

Best for romance
It may be a bit of a cliché with its honeymoon suites and bride-and-groom photoshoots, but Santorini captures the imagination of loved-up couples like nowhere else. It’s the one-of-a-kind views that do it. The perfectly circular, sea-filled volcanic crater that dominates the island gives it a sea-view perspective that you and your paramour can gaze upon for hours over dinner at one of the restaurant terraces carved into the cliffs.

Make it happen

Santorini has some of the most expensive hotels in all of Greece. Avoid high rates by visiting on a cruise — this 12-night extravaganza will take you from Rhodes to some of the Eastern Mediterranean’s loveliest destinations, including Santorini.

• Best cave hotels in Santorini
• Best villas in Santorini

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