With its charming and often awe-inspiring locations filled with white sugar cube cave villas, converted Byzantine mansions, and luxe modern archictectural abodes, Greece has some of the most romantic places to stay in the world. If you are looking for that special place for your honeymoon, anniversary or just because, these are the most romantic places in Greece right now.
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The Most Romantic Places in Greece – Athens
Athens is a very romantic city. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and home to some of the most incredible ancient sites and monuments anywhere. The whole city is like a living museum with some incredible artifacts or attractions around every corner and amazing views and vistas from the world-renowned rooftop bars and restaurants.
It has a huge range of accommodation choices and no shortage of places to find a swag of romance, despite being right in the middle of one of the world’s oldest and most vibrant cities. From old-world 5-star hotels to small private Airbnbs there is something for all couples and all budgets.
We believe the following properties stand out in terms of luxury, location, service, and ambiance.
Romantic Hotels in Athens
XENODOCHEIO MILOS
Opened in April 2022 by acclaimed Chef Costas Spiliadis who has a restaurant empire, Estiatorio Milos, now in 5 countries, including a collaboration with the Four Seasons group in Mexico.
Located in Syntagma in two beautiful neoclassical heritage buildings near the high end shops and museums of Kolonaki, this boutique hotel has just 43 rooms and suites, Xenodocheio Milos has already positioned itself as one of the Premier hotels in Greece.
There is a lavish and very chic spa and a state-of-the art Gym and the big attraction of course is the restaurant. The dining room is a visual feast on its own with soaring ceilings and white, luxury furnishings, and of course the food is a standard you would expect.
SHILA & MONA
Opened in the summer of 2020 Shila is a small members club and bohemian-style hotel in the upmarket suburb of Kolonaki, the leafy home to 5-star designers, embassies, and galleries.
A stay in one of the 6 rooms here is an intimate occasion with each room designed with upholstered couches, shabby-chic bookcases, and unadorned walls. Discover comfortable day beds, baths that resemble the rainforest, sun-dappled nooks, and a fabulous jungle of a roof garden.
More recently in Pysrri, the lively night district in the heart of the ancient center, Mona has opened as Shila’s edgier sister property housed in a former 1950’s factory.
Mona has retained a more industrial vibe with terrazzo floors, the original metal windows, a magnificent marble staircase and jungle of plants.
There are 20 rooms at Mona, some with outdoor terraces and deep bathtubs as well as a big penthouse (Room 16) with a balcony terrace which is our pick for the most romantic room in the house.
If you are true romantics looking to stay in bygone Athens, with a whimsical, almost Hemingway vibe then these two hotels are perfect for you.
THE MARGI
Located in upmarket Vouliagmeni on the Athenian Riviera, The Margi attracts discerning couples looking to enjoy some time by the beach while staying in Athens.
Since 1960, visitors have been welcomed to stay at The Margi, an exclusive boutique hotel that is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Elegant and cozy, the 89 rooms and suites have neutral colour schemes and wood-paneled walls covered with local art.
The gorgeous pool is a big attraction but the food is also very noteworthy. Owners of the property have been inviting visitors to dine in a private setting at the nearby organic farm since 2015 and The Malabar is a highly sought-after dining experience.
Romantic Wining and Dining in Athens
There are so many amazing places to eat and drink in Athens – the food scene there is truly on fire right now. There’s everything from a plethora of authentic old-school Tavernas to speakeasy bars, rooftop restaurants, Instagram-themed cafes, classic lounge bars, and lots more.
The rooftop restaurants and bars are a magical way to spend a night with your significant other and those with Acropolis views are guaranteed to ensure a backdrop for a night you will never forget.
One really novel idea is to book Dinner in the Sky, a table and kitchen that is hoisted into the air and dangles from a crane which enables incredible 360 degree views of the city. The food is actually very good and it really is worth every cent.
Other really romantic options are taking the Funicular up to Mount Lycabettus for dinner or drinks at Orizontes, which has to boast the best views in the city. Or pack a picnic from one of the many excellent supermarkets or foor markets like Ergon House, and head to Philopappos Hill for amazing views of the Acropolis.
For cocktails, the rooftop bar at the iconic Grande Bretagne Hotel is the place to be or pop into Brettos, the oldest Ouzo distillery in Greece. Finish the night at The Speakeasy Athens, hard to find but lots of fun.
Romantic Places in Greece – The Mainland
The Greek Mainland offers a world of wonders – many say even more fascinating than the Greek Islands. Affordable, authentic, this is where you will see the ‘real’ Greece.
From the Northern region of Macedonia and the food capital of Thessaloniki, through mythical Mount Olympus and the wonderous floating monasteries of Meteora over to the western mainland where the magical sunsets over the Ionian islands can literally make grown adults cry.
The Peloponnese is particularly incredible and full of ancient sites such as Mycanae, Olympia and Messinni as well as wine regions, rugged mountain villages, beautiful neo-classical towns and stunning beaches. It is also one of the most affordable areas in Europe.
Most Romantic Towns and Villages
It would probably be quicker to say which places AREN’T romantic on the Mainland, with so many charming and quiant towns and villages across the land. Some are more inimate than others though and those that include magical sunsets, sweeping vistas and tranquility are going to be our picks.
Medieval Mountain Charm
Metsovo, Arachova, Kastraki(Meteora) Zagorochoria ( 46 villages in the Zagori region), Tsagkarada, Kalavryta, Dimitsana in the Peloponnese.
Most Romantic Beach Towns and Villages
Many to choose from but the standouts would be:
Parga, Syvota, Galaxidi, Nafpaktos, Nafplio, Limeni, Gythio, Monemvasia Castle, Damouchari, Kamena Vourla, Nikiti, Avaton, Portes, Cape Sounio.
Limeni
Location: Mani, Peloponnese
Located almost 4 hours south of Athens and 2 hours south-west of Nafplio, Limeni is a tiny village with just a handfuly of hotels and 4 tavernas. The water here is crystal clear and azure and it is a great base to explore the Mani peninsula. The incredible Caves of Diros is only 20 minutes south.
There are a couple of very charming boutique hotels in Limeni and they are all just meters from the water. Mavromichalai is a gorgeous, small, luxury hotel on the waterfront in a restored 18th century tower house and is hard to beat although Vasilios Apartment Hotel has commanding views on the hill above and is somewhat less expensive. They are both truly fantastic places to spend some time.
Damouchari
Location: Pelion
Damouchari is a gorgeous little seaside village about 45 minutes drive from Volos, north of Athens.
The Pelion Peninsula is the ‘land of the centaurs’ and a stunning part of the mainland to explore. There are mountain villages and views here that could rival the Swiss Alps, and magical beaches around the coastline.
Damouchari has both a small fishing harbor and a beach, and has just a handful of small hotels and tavernas. It is where the Dancing Queen scene in the Mama Mia movie was filmed and the cast and crew rented the entire village for a few idyllic weeks.
We highly recommend staying at Cleopatras Miramare, a converted stone house right on the waterfront. Book one of the bottom rooms which have a big wide terrace and sun bed. There is a lovely garden and a hot tub too.
Romantic Hotels on Mainland Greece
MARBELLA ELIX – Parga
Perched high on the cliffs on top of a pine-forested hill, MarBella Elix has sweeping views over the islands of Paxos, Antipaxos, and Corfu, with the stunning beach of Karavostasi stretching out below. The closest airport is Preveza which is less than an hour’s drive.
Designed by award-winning Athenian Architect Dimitris Thomopoulos the property is a sister property to the MarBella Corfu and Marbella Nido, a member of the Small Hotels of the World.
There are 13 different room types all with balconies offering uninterrupted views of the Ionian Sea, and some rooms have large private pools or swim-ups. There are four restaurants and three bars and even an exclusive ‘dine out’ programme allowing guests on the Ultra-All-Inclusive package to enjoy dinner at selected local restaurants during their stay.
DEXAMENES SEASIDE HOTEL – Western Peloponnese
This stunning new hotel is an abandoned winery conversion is located on Kourouta Beach in the Western Messinia region of the Peloponnese.
The award-winning architects have retained industrial elements of the remaining winery buildings and the highlight of the property is the original wine tanks that now home the guest rooms, each decorated with fluted glass and exposed concrete.
Guests can indulge in degustation dining and tastings, yoga classes and workshops by local artists. There is also a bar-lounge, a taverna, a history room, and a boutique “Bakaliko” store selling local produce complete the property.
KINSTERNA HOTEL – Monemvasia, Peloponnese
Located in Laconia in the Peloponnese is the stunning Kinsterna Hotel, high on a hill overlooking Monemvasia, and considered one of the best hotels in Europe.
Situated on a sprawling estate the Byzantine Era mansion houses a luxury spa, two swimming pools, and an award-winning restaurant. The gardens are quite magnificent and include a vineyard, herb and vegetable garden, and animal farm. The hotel produces its own wine, cheese, olive oil, bread, soap, and more.
You can visit Monemavasia during the day, itself a very romantic place, but retreat back to the pool, day spa and other luxury facilities that Kinsterna offers. This is the perfect place to base yourself to explore the south-east part of the Peloponnese before moving on to places like Limeni in the Mani, as part of an extraordinary Mainland roadtrip.
Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor House
Location: Kardamyli, Peloponnese
Considered one of the most beautiful properties in Greece. Sir Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor left their house to the Benaki Museum in 1996 with the specific intent that it serve as a home for intellectuals and scholars looking for a stimulating environment in which to work or study.
The museum was also given permission by the Leigh- Fermor’s to rent the property out for three months each year.
Three stone structures stand in a Mediterranean garden with cypress trees, olive trees, fragrant shrubs, white oleanders, and wildflowers that slope down to the sea: the Main House with three suites, the writer’s studio next to it, which is transformed into the Traditional House, and the Guest House, which is located next to the Main House.
Parties of up to ten people can hire this ancient home as a whole villa, including the Main House, Traditional House, and Guest House. All visitors have access to the property’s shared pool, private beach, and parking area.
This is the perfect place for people looking for romance but perhaps traveling with family or friends.
Most Romantic Greek Islands and Hotels
KALESMA – MYKONOS
‘Kalesma’ means ‘inviting in Greek, and this small, contemporary hotel in the Aleomandra region of Mykonos lives up to the phrase.
Looking out over the Aegean sea and popular Ornos Beach Kalesma is an all-suite and villa-only property with only 25 rooms on offer.
The property was designed by the award winning team at K-Studios and Studio Bonarchi to feel lavishly Greek with a modern spin. Owner Aby Saltiel wants guests to feel they are staying in a tranquil sanctuary, away from the liveliness of the beach bars and high end restaurants nearby. Each suite is designed with privacy in mind and guests should feel completely safe and free lying by their private pool in the great outdoors.
The intimate restaurant Pre Ubu offers an innovative, seafood focused menu and a cocktail and wine program. There is also a chapel, in-room spa treatments and on-demand concierge on offer.
PARILIO – PAROS
Located on Plastira Bay just 5 minutes by car from the popular, cosmopolitan town of Naoussa on Paros island, Parilio is a member of the Design Hotels of the World and a honeymoon favourite.
Designed by the Athens-based Interior Design Laboratorium and led by Kalia & Antonis Eliopoulos, the team behind many of the best hotels in Greece, Parīlio is inspired by its landscape, history, and mythology.
The hotel has 33 luxury suites, some with private pools and a stunning communal pool with a day spa, restaurant, and bar.
SANTORINI SKY – SANTORINI
Santorini is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations on the planet. With mesmerizing sunsets, unique cycladic sugar-cube architecture and award winning restaurants and activities this is one of the most romantic places of them all.
Perched on one of the highest points of Santorini near the Moni Profiti Ilia Monastery, the views from Santorini Sky are truly remarkable.
Chosen by The Bachelorette as one of its ‘date’ locations, Santorini Sky oozes romance and offers patrons a very special experience, including the transparent Sky Dome which people can book for a very special dinner, marriage proposal or just to enjoy the sunset.
With just 6 luxury villas, all with private pools, luxury APivita products, Concierge service, and services such as yoga and photoshoots this is truly a once in a lifetime destination.
ACRO SUITES – CRETE
This adult-only restorative retreat on the cliffs of Northern Crete is located only 30 minutes from Heraklion airport or port.
Each of the 49 villas and suites has panoramic views of the sparkling Aegean Sea and has its own plunge pools carved into the cliff face. The minimalistic design is inspired by the natural beauty of the area—stone, wood, and marble—with thoughtful lighting and neutral tones.
The onsite restaurant, Cremnos has a farm-to-table menu with a twist on modern Greek food, and the Bath House offers a range of treatments, including an indulgent Hammam Experience.
The area of Agia Pelagia offers a range of experiences, such as the use of the sister property – Seaside, beach bars, hiking, Quad bike safaris, and cocktail bars.
WHITE PEBBLE SUITES – MILOS
White Pebble Suites opened in 2021 and is a project launched by 3 Australian women who fell in love with Milos.
Their seafront suites are stunning and are considered some of the best on the island. The hotel was designed by Athens-based KKMK Architects, with interiors of polished cement, wood, and pale marble showcasing a modern interpretation of Cycladic minimalism.
There are honeymoon penthouse suites at the top of the resort with private plunge pools and spectacular water views. The resort has its own excellent poolside dining and room service but it is also only a 15 minute walk into the lively little village of Pollonia which offers some of the best dining on the island as well as a winery and boat trips to nearby Kimolos island.
The hotel is a dream destination for weddings and honeymoons, offering the perfect backdrop for special occasions — from intimate weddings to anniversaries, special birthdays, or private parties. They also have a team of event planners that can design any event, from banquets and beach barbeques, to sunset cruises and island-hopping adventures.
Listen to my podcast episode with White Pebble owner Lefkothea
NOS – SIFNOS
Located above the small coastal village of Faros NOS has 18 suites with breathtaking views of the Aegean sea and the 17th-century Monastery nearby.
Designed with intimacy, tranquility, and elegance in mind, NÓS is a peaceful hideaway that is true to the beauty and unique fabric of Sifnos, which makes it one os Greece’s best-kept secrets.
Bright and spacious interiors open up to secluded courtyards, terraces, and balconies for seamless indoor/outdoor living. Natural materials, earthy textures and art and ceramics by local artists give the hotel a chic, artisan aesthetic.
There is a restaurant run by award-winning Executive Chef Athinagoras Kostakos as well as an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, spa, bar and a tranquil garden.
CALILO – IOS
Located on Papas Beach on the Cycladic Island of Ios, Calilo is one of the most unique hotels in Greece, offering guests an experience that combines opulence with a strong commitment to conservation and sustainability.
The resort is part of the LuxurIOS project, and dedicated to preserving the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
It has 30 individually designed suites, each with its distinct features and amenities, including multiple, very special swimming pools. Some of the most Instagrammed in Greece in fact!
Calilo offers several dining experiences, including a main restaurant that serves a blend of traditional Greek flavors and international dishes, a beach bar, and a sunset lounge that provides a perfect setting to enjoy the island’s stunning sunsets.
Ios is less than an hour from Santorni and is connected to it be several ferries every day. It’s beaches are far superior than its more famous neighbour so it can be an excellent combination iterirary.
