THE 9 BEST GREEK ISLANDS FOR COUPLES IN 2024

When to visit Greece for couples

Whilst Greece is home to some of the best beaches and most romantic sunsets on the planet there are many things to see and do year round.

Summer in Greece is over June, July and August and is the ideal time to spend at the beaches and waterfalls while Spring and Autumn are excellent for hiking and exploring Ancient Ruins, Caves and Archaeological sites. August is also the busiest and most expensive month of the year whilst many islands close their tourist ‘season’ down between late October until Easter each year.

Most people would say that May – June and September are the best times to visit Greece, when the weather is great as are the prices and the crowds.

Further reading: When to Visit Greece – a month by month guide

Santorini

When it comes to world-famous romantic destinations and, indeed, Honeymoon destinations, it’s hard to beat Santorini.

Magical sunsets, breathtaking views, enchanting restaurants with divine food and ambience, luxurious Villas hidden in caves – it really has it all. Plus there are enough activities and things to do to keep things fun and interesting. Even Santorini Beaches are some of the most interesting you will ever see.

Top things to do on Santorini are:

• the famous sunsets from Oia
• incredible views over the volcano’s Caldera
• cruises on the Caldera
• world class wineries
• day trips to neighbouring islands
• infinity pools
• Cave Hotels
• Akrotiri archaeological site
• excellent shopping, especially for Jewelry
• horseback riding

Santorini restaurants

There are thousands of places to eat too. Even the fussiest eaters will find plenty on Santorini with numerous traditional tavernas and cafe catering to every desire including lots of healthy options.

Lycabettus, FlyAway and La Maison all have incredible views and are consistently rated as some of the most romantic places to have dinner in the Greek Islands, whilst Armeni down at the port is hard to beat on every level.

Insider tip

Kefalonia

Very different to Santorini, Kefalonia is located in the Ionian islands, which are close to Italy and therefore have strong Venetian influences in the Architecture rather than the white sugar cube style synonymous with the Cyclades.

Kefalonia is also a very large island that could easily take weeks to properly explore. There are towns full of high end resorts as well as small, picturesque villages with romantic seaside rooms and tavernas. It’s especially popular with couples who love the outdoors.

Key things to see and do on Kefalonia include:

• world famous beaches such as Myrtos Beach ( below)
• stunning caves
• day trips to neighbouring Ithaca and Zakynthos
• the delightful small village of Assos
• the colourful fishing village of Fiscardo
• award winning Wineries
• thousands of secluded coves and bays
• huge maintain ranges and hiking trails

Kefalonia restaurants

The food on Kefalonia is excellent with an abundance of locally caught and grown ingredients like fish, vegetables and honey.  Check out Paradise Beach Taverna in Agia Effimia and Hellenic Taverna up above Assos.

In Fiscardo we’ve had great meals at Roulas Grill or sit across the harbour at Nicolas’ Taverna and watch all the comings and goings of harbour life in front of you.

Also make sure you find time to visit Kefalonia Wine Cooperative who produce the famous Kefalonian Robola wine variety which is sold all over the world.

Where to stay in Kefalonia

Unless you have several weeks, due to the size and topography of Kefalonia, you probably need to choose between staying in the south OR the north. 

For the southern region luxury health retreat FZeen retreat in Loudatas is worth a look. Petani Bay Hotel is a stunning adults-only resort in Lixouri while Olivemare is a gorgeous retreat in the countryside near the southern beaches which offers a very special and tranquil experience.

To explore the North, Agia Effimia is a quaint village in a central location, and Verde e Mare is both stunning and located at a dead end with excellent local tavernas out front and small secluded coves for swimming.

Otherwise, incredible Braunis Horio in beautiful Assos has spectacular views and stunning  (Adults Only) Faros Suites in Fiscardo have great views and are meters from the beach and a short walk to the village centre.

If you are travelling with friends or need an extra few beds then look no further than Villa Vivere in Assos. Jaw-dropping views, an infinity pool, and absolute self-contained luxury only metres from the beach.

Further reading: The best beaches in Kefalonia

Paros

We’ve taken our extended family to Paros several times and travelled there with friends a lot but year in, year out, we keep going back especially when it is just the two of us.

Whilst it is one of the best Greek Islands for families due to its wide array of sights  and activities it also has a number of villages that really lend themselves to sunset cocktails, lazy afternoons in the sea and mornings spent sleeping under the gentle breeze and the sound of the Cyclades. It’s a place that stole our hearts years ago and still delivers special memories with each visit.

Things to do in Paros include:

• the lively and fairly upmarket fishing village of Naoussa
• cheap and cheerful Parikia Port town
• significant religious monuments such as the Church of a Hundred Doors
• some of the best beaches and beach clubs in Greece
• the medieval town of Lefkas
• easy day trips to Antiparos, Naxos and even Mykonos and Delos
• sailing the Small Cyclades

Paros Restaurants

Paros is a food lovers dream with an abundance of traditional tavernas, modern restaurants and café and some truly amazing bakeries.  We’ve had excellent meals in Nasoussa at Statheros right on the beach, SoSo tucked away in a back alley and Yemeni has been one of the best Taverna’s on the island for years.

Spend the days at Monastiri Beach which has an excellent beach club and restaurant as well as sunbeds or dine at any one of the waterfront tavernas in Naoussa – you really cant go wrong at any of them.

For a truly romantic dinner we have a real soft spot for Siparos which is a little more upmarket than many tavernas and has the most incredible sunsets. Tell Paris we sent you!

Where to stay in Paros

There is a good number and variety of Paros hotels, from cheap backpackers to luxury villas.

Most couples like to stay in or around Naoussa where the best dining and shopping is located, although there are many great spots scattered around the island. Paros is big enough to offer a lot to see and do but small enough to drive around in a day so a central location is achieved almost anywhere.

In Naoussa, we love to stay at Paliomylos Hotel and Spa where Greek/Aussie Chrys and the team deliver the most efficient yet friendly service in town. Other places that are great for couples in Naoussa are Senia and Lilly Residence which has an adults-only policy.

On Airbnb, there are a couple of fantastic options with a difference, for couples. One is a converted shop on the pier at the small fishing port of Piso Livadi and the other is a restored traditional house in one of the most photographed places on the island, the medieval town of Lefkes.

For cashed up couples travelling together, the extraordinary Villa Faragas is near the beautiful beach of the same name and comes with a Chef, Housekeeper, and 7 bathrooms!

In other parts of the island its worth checking out Calme Boutique Hotel in Drios and Paros Palace near Parikia.

Further reading:

Where to stay in Paros

A complete Guide to Naoussa

Day Trips from Naoussa

Paros or Naxos?

Corfu

Long before The Durrell’s hit our TV screens Corfu has been charming people for centuries with its beautiful mix of Venetian and neo-classical architecture, stunning beaches and proximity to both the Dalmatian Coast and Italy.

Corfu Old Town is steeped with history having been occupied at various times by the Venetians, British and even the French. It is a large and very green island that has a lot to offer all travellers.

Whilst some pockets are largely populated by large all-inclusive resorts there are magical gems such as the 5 bays that make up the village of Paleokastritsa, which translates to ‘old castle’. This is a place that remains one of the best holidays of our lives and transforms from a busy tourist destination during the day to a quiet magical paradise in the evenings.

Top things to do in Corfu for couples include:

• Paleokastritsa  ( afore mentioned) – a monastery, tiny villages, great beaches, water sports
• Corfu Old Town
• Iconic Vlacherna Monastery aka Mouse Island
• numerous gorgeous beaches
• numerous secluded coves, caves and bays
• a huge variety of water sports and boating
• the Jewish Synagogue
• The Durrells – tour their home, places of work and animal sanctuary
• ancient ruins
• over 20 museums
• self guided hikes on the Corfu Trail
• day trips to Albania, Paxos or the mainland
• Corfu Donkey Rescue sanctuary
• Princess Sisi palace and the Royal Baths

Corfu Restaurants

Food on Corfu is a delight with many dishes influence by the flavours and style of Italy as well as traditional Greek cuisine. The best of both worlds!

In Paleokastritsa, we had a wonderful night at Archontiko and also at Nausika Taverna where the meat roasts on a spit out front and young men dance with fire. We still talk about that night regularly! For something a little quieter and right on the water then look no further than a candlelit dinner at Akron (pictured below). 

In Corfu Old Town you will find a number of tavernas and cafes along the shady Venetian Colonnade. We like Methystanes for traditional Greek food, especially the mussels, and Libra D’Oro which will make you feel like you’re in Venice. 

For a lovely lunch with views over Mouse Island head to La Veranda di Corfu.

Where to stay in Corfu

In Paleokastritsa, we stayed at the wonderful Zefiros Hotel, a small cheap and cheerful pension across the road from the beach. You can just see its distinctive red walls through the pine trees in the photo below.

The rooms were basic but comfortable and breakfast was amazing. I can still picture those fat lazy bees buzzing around the honey. For something more upmarket look at Akrotiri Beach Hotel which is right next to Akron restaurant.

In Corfu Town Locandiera is a charming small hotel in a great location or Mayor Mon Repos Art Hotel is a great waterfront hotel that is Adults Only.

If you’re after something self-contained then there is a gorgeous, newly renovated apartment in heart of Corfu (Old) Town which is fabulous, or right on the harbour is a very charming apartment with magnificent views over the Castle and the sea.

For something quite different you can even rent a luxury treehouse in the country! 

Paleokastritsa

Milos

Next on our list is magnificent Milos, an island that is often described as the ‘Island for Lovers’  that has had a big surge in popularity in recent years but is still largely unaffected by modern development.

In fact we have had a number of friends miss out on seeing Milos as accommodation books up quite early and there really isn’t that much of it compared to some islands.

Milos is often described as the new Santorini as it also has extraordinary landscapes and topography due to the shared volcanic geology. This has resulted in a strong and very interesting mining industry as well as a multitude of colours and extraordinary rock formations.

Milos is also home to some of the best food in all of Greece and without regular cruise ships, tour buses and even many local tours, the crowds are minimal and the overall vibe is laid back and largely authentic.

Key things to do on Milos include:

• world famous lunar Sarakiniko Beach
• authentic fishing villages and Syrmata – fisherman’s huts
• day trips to incredible Kleftiko ( pictured above)
• the delightful seaside fishing village of Pollonia
• the colourful Plaka
• A Kayaking Tour to Tsigrado and Gerakas Beaches
• The Milos Mining Museum ( dragonstone!)
• amazing O’Hamos paddock-to-plate Taverna
• day trips to neighbouring Kimolos island
• Best of Milos tour

Milos restaurants

As mentioned there is some really special food to be found on Milos.

People queue to get a table at O’Hamos which is a family run enterprise who pride themselves on producing everything on the menu – the pork, the yoghurt, the fruit and vegetables, the oil and the wine. Everything! They also run a good beach bar and cafe over the road from their taverna on the calm Adamas Bay beach.

Just as you enter Pollonia you will find the famous Kivotos ton Gefseon which translates to ‘Ark of Flavors’, a coffee shop/patisserie that make the most incredible condiments and desserts. Get the chocolate pie!

Further down the road we really enjoy Jordan’s Meating House which specializes in, you guessed it, grilled meat dishes, and its not unusual to find the elderly owner dancing with the guests. Along the waterfront are the more expensive seafood restaurants of which Gialos is our pick.

At the southern beaches you will find excellent food at Psaravolada Taverna and Kipos Restaurant which is located where some half day cruise leave for Kleftiko.

Where to stay in Milos

Pollonia is really the nicest part of the island to stay. It has everything in walking distance if you don’t have a hire car, although you will need to get one at some point to get to some of the other sites and attractions.

We had a truly wonderful stay at Unique Milos Suites, right across from the beach in Pollonia. Beautifully appointed and with their own bean bags on the beach which became our office for a few days. Several friends have also stayed at Captain Zeppos Suites which have amazing views and are beautiful rooms as well.

On the southern side of the island Artemis Deluxe Rooms are quite stunning or check out Miland Suites which are in an isolated location closer to the Port but year in, year out, get the best reviews on the island.

One of the most unique attractions on Milos are the fisherman’s huts called Syrmata, some of which have been converted into very special accommodation.  Skinopi Fisherman’s House and Blue Sea House are both amazing while Blue Mare is a studio literally steps from Firopotamos beach (rhymes with Hippopotamus) Beach! 

Further reading:

How to get to Milos

The Best Beaches on Milos

Hydra

Without a doubt one of the most romantic Greek Islands is Hydra.

This island is a perennial favourite with people looking for an authentic Greek Island vacation at a slower pace and it is a year-round destination too.

With no cars or scooters, Hydra is also known as being the birthplace of the original bohemians including Leonard Cohen and friends and is especially good for solo travellers and people who aren’t just chasing the sun and the beach.

Hydra is easy to get to being in the Saronic Islands, the closest group to Athens, although it is only accessible by sea. The weather in the Saronic Gulf tends to be quite mild and less affected by wind and weather events than other island groups.

Things to do on Hydra include:

• Hang out at the beaches with cliff-top bars
• Indulge in some shopping – there are some excellent boutiques and galleries
• Hike Mount Eros for amazing views of the Saronic Gulf
• Visit the Museum and Historical Archives of Hydra
• Visit Lazaros Koundouriotis Museum
• Find Leonard Cohens House
• Visit the beautiful Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
• See the famous Hydra Cannons and the Castle of Kavos

Where to stay in Hydra

Most visitors to Hydra stay in Hydra Town (also known as Idra). It’s impossible to land on the island and not be struck by the beauty of Hydra Town, one of the most beautiful harbours in Europe.

The town is wrapped around the island’s horseshoe-shaped port and historic buildings dotted around. Despite its old world good looks, the port area of Hydra Town is known for its youthful exuberance as well as its historic beauty.  Here we highly recommend  Hotel Sophia and  Hydrea Exclusive Hospitality.

If you want even more peace and quiet and privacy then head around to one of the smaller villages around the bay. 

Vlichos has a different look and feel than Hydra Town. It’s a much smaller village, where life is easy and time passes slowly. In summer when the tourists are in abundance, a couple of small tavernas and shops open to cater to the visitors, before closing again during the colder months.

Apart from the tranquillity, Vlichos also has the appeal of having a decent beach. Like most of the beaches on Hydra, Vlichos Beach is pebbly rather than sand, but it’s still a great spot for relaxing by the sea. Here we recommend staying at  Hydra Erato.

Kamini is another option. An iconic village , full of terracotta red roofs that top most of the stark white buildings. These tiles were traditionally made locally in kilns, known as Kamini in Greek.

It offers easy access to Hydra Town, while also offering a hearty taste of traditional village life on the Greek Isles. Plus, with beautiful sea views and a few attractions including the ruins of an old armory, it is a charming base for your stay. Check out Kaminia Cozy House or Kamini Hydra Thea.

If you really want to stay on a good beach then Mandraki is the place. Here you will find Mandraki Beach Resort with a famous sandy beach ( and a pebbly one too).

Read our Complete Guide to Hydra for more

Skopelos

Skopelos is part of the northern Sporades Islands in the Aegean Sea which are located just off the east coast of Greece north of Athens.

The island is beautiful and lush, covered with verdant trees and with crystal clear water. It has been made quite famous in recent years as it’s where many parts of the Mama Mia movie was filmed, including the wedding in the tiny, isolated chapel.

Skopelos is larger in size than both Santorini and Mykonos with an area of 96 square kilometres (37 square miles). The nearest islands with any sizable population are Skiathos to the west and Alonissos to the east.

There is no airport on the island so ferries are relied upon by visitors ensuring low numbers year-round. Most people fly into Skiathos and catch a ferry over from there.

Key things to do on Skopelos include:

• Explore the heritage-protected old town of Skopelos Town.
• Hike up to the Church of Panagia – this much-photographed church towers over the main town and the sea
• Explore the Chora Castle
• Spend you days at the many wonderful beaches where you can find trees hanging right down to the crystal clear water
• Hike u the stairs to the Mama Mia chapel – The Church of Agios Ioannis Kastri
• Visit the Monastery of Evangelistraia
• Hike up to the ruins of the Venetian Castle
• Visit the Folklore Museum in Glossa and the Olive Oil Museum too 
• Enjoy the great outdoors – Skopelos is a nature lovers dream with great hiking, diving and water sports

Skopelos restaurants

There is a big selection of excellent local tavernas and eateries situated in cobbled lanes and right by the sea.

Famous Agnanti in Glossa is a must. It has been a favourite and landmark eatery since it opened its doors in 1958. Stou Dimitraki enjoys a similar reputation in Skopelos Town. 

Zoupa in Skopelos town is a romantic spot in an oasis courtyard that provides meals made with local produce as does very charming Olivo. Azan is the new kid on the block and has been causing quite a stir since opening. 

It’s worth a trip up the hill in Skopelos Town to visit Peparithos with its sweeping views and beautiful garden and similarly Η Πλατεία in Neo Klima for its authentic Barbeque. 

For somewhere to eat with ocean views nothing beats The Muses, also located in Skopelos town or Nikos Taverna in Panormos or Korali Seafood Restaurant on Agnontas Beach (see photo below).

In terms of Bars Vrachos All Day Bar on the harbour in Skopelos Town is the place to be or Mercurius Cocktail Bar for a late-night tipple. There are also numerous tavernas on the beaches that have umbrellas and sunbeds for hire.

Where to stay in Skopelos for couples

There are some really beautiful accommodation options on Skopelos. With no huge resorts of big-brand chains, the boutique hotels are intimate and often quite luxe.

Some of the nicest accommodations in Skopelos Town are self-catering options overlooking the sea such as Aeolos Hotel. There is also the charming Denise Hotel and beautiful Olia Green, a boutique luxury hotel with stunning waterfront rooms.

For something truly special, romantic and secluded check out Christine’s House up in the hills with its chic luxe styling and private pool.

Budget travellers would be hard-pressed to beat Thea Home Hotel or Pansion Prodromina for both ambience and amenities or Achinos one-bedroom Guest House if you want something fully self-contained and very private. 

Another place to stay on Skopelos is Skopelos Glossa – it is the second largest town and is located 25 kilometres from the capital. It is a sloping village with white-washed houses and views out over the sea. 

The ferry port here makes it a good place to stay if you want to explore nearby islands too. Here we are big fans of Aegean Wave and Natura Luxury Boutique Hotels.

Further reading:

A complete Guide to Skopelos

Folegandros

Located right in the middle of Santorini and Milos is the lovely island of Folegandros but despite its location close to these popular islands it’s not as busy as most of its neighbours and therefore boasts a more unspoilt, traditional atmosphere.

Quiet, original and stunningly beautiful this may not be the island all your friends have been to but this is where you can have an authentic Greek experience with few other tourists and a very laid back summer vibe.

There is no airport on the island so ferries are relied upon by visitors ensuring low numbers year-round.

Key things to do on Folegandros include:

• Enjoy beach-hopping the excellent beaches including Agali, Katergos, Livadaki and Fira Beach, which has amazing sunsets
• Hike up to the Church of Panagia – this much-photographed church towers over the main town and the sea
• Explore the Chora Castle
• Take photos between the ‘twin chapels’ between Agali and Galifos Beaches
• Visit the ‘Lemonospito’, round stone sturtures that protect the lemons trees from the Meltemi winds
• Visit the Ecological and Folklore Museum
• Hike around Chrissospolia Cave
• Drive down to Aspropounta Lighthouse, high above Livadaki Beach

Folegandros restaurants

Most of the island’s eateries are located in Chora, the capital, where you can find everything from a welcoming café to an easygoing bar or a traditional restaurant.

Here our favourites are Souvlaki Club and O’kritikos Grill House for cheap and cheerful meals and Melissa and To Goupi for romantic dinners.

There are also many low-key eateries found around popular beaches, such as Agali Beach, which are helpful if you’re spending the day by the sea. Here we think O Psaromiligkas is not to be missed! 

Don’t expect much in the way of nightlife, but there are a few bars that stay open until well past midnight.

Where to stay in Folegandros for couples

The Capital, Chora is a charming town and a beautiful place to stay in Folegandros.

It sits high on the cliffs with amazing views with a traditional local vibe – soak up local life, eat in traditional tavernas, and look out on an amazing sea view studded with islands.

There is a selection of hotel options in town, including the affordable Aegeo Hotel, with its Cycladic style, and Aeri, which mixes modern and tradition and boasts amazing sea views and an outdoor pool. 

Then there’s the picturesque port town of Karavostasis. The second-largest town on the island, you’ll find many hotel options here.

It’s great if you want to be near the beach, conveniently located for tours, or transport. Hotels include the centrally located Onar Suites & Villas – a stone’s throw from Radia Beach – and the elegant Amosuites & Spa who have fantastic open-air hot tubs.

The coastal village of Agali may be small, but for a quieter place to stay, this is the option for you. As well as a handful of beaches to explore, there are also some great eateries to sample – it’s a good option for those with a hire car. Blue Sand Boutique Hotel & Spa is built into the rocky hillside itself, while Pasithea Folegandros is a traditional Cycladic gem with astonishing views. 

Further reading:

A complete Guide to Folegandros

Symi

Symi is located in the Dodecanese islands, approximately 25 miles north of Rhodes. Its nearest neighbour is Turkey which lies just across the sea.

It is a small island with arguably the most beautiful harbour in Greece with its rows of brightly coloured Venetian buildings cascading down the hills to the sea.

Visiting Symi is a popular day trip from Rhodes and Kos but it really is worth staying a few days. There are no big resorts or hotels and when the sun goes down and the daytrippers leave the locals come out and enjoy their beautiful island and its authentic culture, steeped in history and intrigue.

You can rent a scooter or car to explore the island and its possible to find small coves and beaches that you can have all to yourself. Rent a room with a view over the harbour and walk around the charming town with its storied streets, where you’ll see historic buildings and charming churches. There are some great taverns so you’ll have the chance to sample lots of local cuisine too.

Things to do on SYMI include:

• Explore the beaches – Agios’ Emilianos, Georgios, Nikolaos, Vasilios and Marina are all wonderful. Nanou Beach is great for snorkeling too.
• Visit the Monastery of Panormitis
• Climb up to the Venetian Castle
• Visit the the fortress-like Monastery of Roukouniotis, built by the Knights of Saint John in the 15th century.
• See the Byzantine Wine Presses in the Kourkouliotis area.
• Head to Ano Symi and see the Pontikokkastro, a circular structure thought to be the ancient to of King Nireus.
• Visit the Museums – there is a very good Nautical one and the excellent Archaeological and Folklore Museum housed in an old neo-classical mansion.
• get into some hiking or diving – lots of options here

Where to stay in SYMI

Accommodation on the island is mainly made up of small hotels and private houses for self-catering options. Most of these are located in Symi Town (which is also called Gialos), and mostly crowded around the port area. 

There are some charming neoclassical villas that make up some of the accommodation options here. These include Marika’s Deluxe Rooms – an elegant villa with polished rooms close to the port – and Symi Nautilus Luxury Suites which boasts self-catering rooms in a stunning neoclassical mansion. 

We also love Marina Studios – be sure to book a harbourview room, and Kokona Hotel too, both elegant and good value.

Just around the bay from the Gialos is the town of Pedi. This is a great alternative to the busy area around the port of Symi Town. Pedi has a beach and a natural harbour that is filled with locals’ boats and boasts a good selection of places to eat and drink – and a lot of self-catering accommodation, too.

Our pick here is Pedi Beach Hotel. Alternatively, you could try Gompos Apartment with its sea views and modern interiors.

Read our Complete Guide to Symi for more

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