White-washed buildings complimented by the Aegean and Ionian Sea’s gorgeous shades of blue serve as the perfect backdrop for the best Greek Islands for couples to explore. Love blooms under fiery sunsets and a slower pace of life. Sweeping views, quaint fishing villages, fresh seafood, local wine, and invigorating ocean air are just some of the draws to visiting these iconic isles.
Each island has its own character, allure, history, and beauty. It’s a difficult task to rate their romance levels, but these Greek Islands will definitely have you falling head over heels, Mediterranean style.
Santorini
Oia, Santorini
One of the most recognized Greek Islands, Santorini lures visitors with its postcard-perfect sunsets illuminating white and blue Cycladic-style dwellings. Watching the sun go down over the caldera while perched on the northern cliffside village of Oia will have your heart stopping (in a good way).
When strolling the charming lanes of Fira, Imergolvi, or Oia, relaxing on the beaches, or enjoying local fare with a view, it’s hard not to be entranced by Santorini. It’s easy to see why this is one of the number one honeymoon destinations in the world. Stroll down the quaint cobblestone streets lined with small shops, cafes, and art galleries. The weaving roads against the cliffside setting will make you swoon.
Santorini
For a different vantage point of the island, bring the romance to the water with a catamaran ride through the caldera and Volcano Island. You and your partner can swim in the sea and laze the day away on the boat against the backdrop of Santorini.
If you’re looking to explore Santorini’s history, discover the Akrotiri Ruins, dating back to 1627 B.C. when the prehistoric settlement was buried under immense amounts of ash after the Theran eruption. Well-preserved ruins of housing, frescoes, and shops are part of this discovery. Make sure to visit the lighthouse here for one of the best panoramas on the island.
Perivolos Beach, Santorini
If it’s a Santorini beach day you and your significant other are after, head to the lively black sands of Perivolos, where you can take a dip, marvel at the volcanic landscape, or play in the water.
For active couples, a hike on the trail from Oia to Fira is not to be missed. Enjoy amazing views the entire way and explore the tiny villages and blue-domed churches in between. No matter what, you can’t go wrong on the romantic island of Santorini, one of the best Greek Islands for couples.
Mykonos
Mykonos
The Greek island of Mykonos offers plenty to fuel a romantic getaway in Greece. Feel like a celebrity on this cosmopolitan island with a cinematic Cycladic Greek backdrop of white architecture, windmills, bougainvillea, and turquoise waters.
For some of the top culinary wonders of the Greek Islands, Mykonos has much to offer.
Since food is the way to most people’s hearts, why not indulge in the local cuisine for a little romance? Seafood is an obvious must, along with louza (spicy pork) and horiatiki with feta (Greek salad).
Elia Beach, Mykonos
Beach-loving couples will rejoice over the sheer amount of sand strips to choose from. With about 25 Mykonos beaches of varying ambiance and size, there’s something for every mood. Kalafatis Beach, Elia Beach, and Ornos Beach are just some of the dazzling options. From remote coves to watersports hubs, it’s all up to you.
For an extra dose of history, consider island-hopping to the nearby uninhabited island of Delos. Wander ancient Greek ruins and learn about the mythological and sacred importance of this land to the history of the Cyclades.
For a double-dose of romance, head to Little Venice on the west coast, where Greek and Italian influences collide. This picturesque waterside location lined with endearing old houses, restaurants, and bars is quite possibly the most romantic spot on the island. A sunset stroll or drink along the Aegean Sea in this neighborhood might just take your breath away.
Crete
Balos Lagoon, Crete
Crete is one of the best Greek Islands for couples looking for a romantic adventure filled with amazing beaches, rich culture, and natural wonders.
Beach hopping is the key to romantic relaxation on the island of Crete. The village of Agioi Apostoloi has three tranquil cove-like beaches, making it an ideal destination for sun and sand. The Balos Lagoon in Chania is well worth a visit as well, and when you’re ready for a beach break, the village is chock full of historical sites like the British Commonwealth War Cemetery and many neoclassical mansions.
Samaria Gorge, Crete
For outdoorsy couples, choose your own adventure in one of the island’s many incredible canyons, trails, and lagoons. Samaria Gorge is the most well-known canyon, marked by its “iron gates”, or cliffs that loom over the trail.
Another notable cavern trek is Zakros Gorge, referred to as the “Gorge of the Dead.” You’ll wander through soaring rock walls past caves formerly used as tombs from the Minoan Era, giving it the nickname it has today.
To really test your endurance, a trek up Mount Ida will reward you with sweeping views and the honor of having tackled the tallest Greek mountain on the island. Water sports and SCUBA diving are also well-loved activities in and around the island.
Corfu
Old Town, Corfu
Romance is alive in the Ionian Islands, with a strong trifecta of beach, history, and culture to be discovered on the island of Corfu. Situated just off the mainland’s west coast, this is a true gem to explore. With the old town as a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site and the pair of landmark hills for which the island is named after, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better balance of activities in one destination.
Corfu’s Old Town will have you stepping back in time as you wander the charming cobblestone streets, admiring the Venetian influence dating back to the 8th century. Stroll the Liston Promenade, observe the buzz of town in Spianada Square, or stop in one of the many museums.
Explore the two medieval fortresses perched upon the island’s hills for an extra dose of regalness. Along with discovering the island’s history, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Corfu, mainland Greece, and the shimmering sea beyond.
Glyfada Beach, Corfu
A visit to Corfu isn’t complete without taking advantage of the stellar beach selection. Head to one of the most popular beaches in Corfu, Glyfada Beach. Due to its location on a protected lagoon, the calm waters are ideal for swimming.
Freshly caught seafood and cool cocktails will help refresh you after a relaxing and romantic day in the sun. If adventure’s more your style, the trio of small caves and grottoes in St. Spiridon Bay are ready to be explored by boat.
Hydra
Hydra
Frequented by artists, sailors, and yachting enthusiasts, the island of Hydra is known as a sophisticated and cultured destination. Its name is derived from the natural springs found throughout the land. The island is also unique as there aren’t any cars allowed; only donkeys, boats, and foot traffic.
Adding to the romance, Hydra’s setting is one for the books, with charming squares, stone houses and mansions, and over 300 pretty churches positioned on the waters of the Argosaronic Gulf. Finding romance on the island of Hydra, one of the best Greek Islands for couples, will prove an easy feat.
Beaches and history make an alluring pair here. Vlichos Beach will invite you to dip in its clear blue waters, while the local tavernas are ready with refreshments afterward. For a dramatic cliffside swim, Hydroneta provides a fantastic view as well as an interesting watering hole built into the rock wall.
Get a respite from the Mediterranean sun by visiting one of the several museums in town. Browse restaurants and shops for the best souvenirs from Greece while getting lost in this pedestrian-only paradise, where romance is sure to ensue.
Rhodes
Palace of the Grand Masters, Rhodes
You’ll feel like you’re in a Greek fairytale as you explore the ancient ruins and picturesque villages of Rhodes. Referred to as “Knight’s Island,” the historical remnants, rich archaeological sites, and monuments offer a glimpse into the past.
Visit the impressive Acropolis of Lindos, parts of which date back to the 4th century. Wander through the ancient theater, stadium, and temples as you gaze in wonder. Other notable historical sites include the old port of Mandraki, the Palace of the Grand Master, and Kallithea Springs.
Kallithea, Rhodes
For an extra romantic date idea on the island, head to the Valley of Butterflies on the western side. In this idyllic outdoor haven, stroll easy walking paths with wooden bridges and waterfalls. Visit from May to September to see the resident butterflies.
Nothing says romance like a dip in a hot spring. In the village of Kallithea, a waterside spa awaits to soothe and heal you with its mineral-rich waters.
Aegina
Aegina
If you’re looking for one of the best Greek islands for couples without getting weighed down with logistics, Aegina is a perfect choice, so close to Athens that you can get there on a 40-minute hydrofoil ride. The pastel-colored neoclassical buildings that line the harbor at Aegina Town are a delightful first glimpse of island life.
Beyond the promenade, there are golden beaches and easy culture hits at the Greek ruins of the Acropolis of Kolona and the Temple of Aphaia. For a romantic lunch, head to the fishing village of Perdika, a 15-minute drive south of Aegina Town, where waterside tavernas line the quay.
Aegina is famed for its Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) pistachios—often seen as a symbol of love across the Middle East—so grab a bag from the harbor kiosks to take home.
Agistri
Megalochori, Agistri
One of the best places to visit in Greece for couples, this tiny, pine-covered island lies in the Saronic Gulf, just off Aegina and an easy hop from Athens. You can get there by hydrofoil in just under an hour, or get two-for-one by jumping on one of the sea taxis that run between Agistri and Aegina. Low-key and light on traffic, the island has plenty of wild-swimming opportunities in small, romantic coves.
Check out the whitewashed lanes of the main village, Megalochori, or swim and snorkel in glass-clear waters at Aponisos or Dragonera. For those feeling brave, Chalikiada is a beautiful, clothing-optional cove. Finally, be sure to head to Skala for waterside dining: simple grilled sardines and octopus fresh from the sea.
Poros
Poros
When it comes to the best Greek islands for couples, it’s impossible to ignore one with a beach called Love Bay. Poros—not to be confused with Paros—is the next island on the same hydrofoil route as Aegina, making it another great option to access in under an hour from Athens.
When you arrive, you’ll find it’s compact, green, and easy to get around, with a harbor that’s pure postcard, all neoclassical façades and bobbing fishing boats. Love Bay, to the west of the port, got its name in the 1950s when arranged marriages were prominent and couples who fell in love outside those matches used it as a romantic escape.
The mainland is a 10-minute water taxi ride from Poros, and the quick trip reveals another romantic spot, Lemonodasos, or Lemon Forest. Head here for fragrant walks under citrus trees.
Kea
Otzias, Kea
Kea is the closest of the Cyclades islands to Athens, with ferries running from the capital’s second port, Lavrio, and arriving at Korissia in around an hour. Despite its proximity to the capital, it still feels wonderfully remote, with stone-built Greek villages and some truly jaw-dropping beaches.
Make sure to visit the gorgeous hilltop capital of Ioulida and wander its lanes, which are paved with local slate. Koundouros, Otzias, and Spathi are three of the main beaches, or you can hire a boat to discover more remote coves.
Lion of Kea
According to legend, the island was once known as Hydroussa because it was so beautiful and rich in water that it was inhabited by water nymphs. This angered the gods, who sent a lion to drive them away—a story honored by the Lion of Kea, a gigantic, archaic sculpture carved from a single limestone block.
For dining out, try I Strofi tou Mimi in Vourkari for lovely harbor views, or To Steki along one of Ioulida’s winding lanes.
Thasos
Giola, Thasos
When you visit Thasos, the Aegean island just off Greece’s northern coast, you’re also visiting the personal bathing spot of Aphrodite. According to mythology, Zeus, king of the gods, created a special pool so the goddess of love, beauty, and desire could bathe in privacy.
So as far as Greek islands go, it doesn’t get any more romantic. That bathing pool is today known as Giola, and you can swim there in Aphrodite’s stead—just prepare for a short hike and bring everything you need, as there are no facilities.
Archangel Michael Monastery, Thasos
Beyond Giola, expect pine-backed beaches, rolling green hills, ancient springs, and the cliff-hugging Archangel Michael Monastery—all ingredients that help make Thasos one of the best Greek islands for couples seeking easy romance and clear water without the crowds.
To get to Thasos from Kavala, you have two options. Take the direct ferry from Kavala port to Skala Prinos, around 90 minutes, or go by road to Keramoti, a journey of 40 minutes, and hop on the short, frequent ferry to Limenas, a further 40 minutes.
Tinos
Chora, Tinos
Sitting just 30 minutes northwest of Mykonos, Tinos may as well be a world away from the party capital of the Cyclades. Known for the Church of Panagia Megalochari, Greece’s most famous pilgrimage site, the island’s low-key vibe and striking beauty make it one of the best places to visit in Greece for couples.
The church itself is magnificent. Set in the center of Chora, it’s home to an icon of the Virgin Mary that is said to grant wishes to worshipers; just light a candle as you ask for her favor. After starting here, wander the village lanes for marble workshops and traditional cafés.
Pyrgos, Tinos
In the village of Pyrgos, there’s wonderful marble architecture and shady squares in which to spend time with a loved one. The tiny village of Volax is a throwback in time, surrounded by a remarkable, boulder-strewn landscape. For swimming spots, head to Agios Sostis and Agios Romanos beaches, or to Kolymbithra, a wilder sweeping bay backed by dunes.
Food here is simple and mainly local, with volaki and graviera-style cheeses, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and the local sweet amygdalota. This traditional treat is made from ground almonds, a symbol of love and hope in Greek tradition.
Syros
Ermoupoli, Syros
Syros is another great romantic Greek island option, just a short 30-minute journey on the fastest ferry services from Mykonos. Small in stature, it’s big when it comes to reach. The capital, Ermoupoli, is the administrative hub of the Cyclades island group, no mean feat given the international acclaim received by many of its near neighbors.
Ermoupoli is a joy to explore, its winding streets lined with pastel-colored neoclassical mansions and marble squares perfect for leisurely strolls hand-in-hand. Wander up to the hilltop medieval quarter of Ano Syros for top-class Aegean views that get better toward the end of the day.
Greek beaches are aplenty, with Vari, Agathopes, and Galissas all great choices. Kini, on the opposite side of the island to Ermoupoli, is ideal for relaxed, romantic waterside dining.
Paxos
Gaios, Paxos
According to myth, Paxos was created when Poseidon, god of the seas, struck Corfu with his trident to carve out a private little love nest for himself and the sea nymph Amphitrite.
Today, this tiny olive-covered island in the Ionian Sea is every bit as romantic. A short 55-minute ride from Corfu, its small size, laid-back vibe, clear waters, and lovely stone-built villages provide the backdrop for a perfect couples’ retreat.
Loggos, Paxos
The three main villages of Gaios, Lakka, and Loggos all have their own character, with fishing harbors, cool cafés, and sea views. Exploring inland bears fruit too, thanks to chalk-white cliffs, tiny churches, and ancient olive groves lined with hiking paths on old mule tracks. Great romantic dining options include Visalo, with elevated sea views, and the harborside Genesis, both in Gaios.
Therasia
Therasia
Santorini is incredible, but its fame precedes it, meaning it can be very busy. If you’d like to step back in time to what the island would have been like 50 years ago, take one of the small boats across the caldera and head for Therasia.
This small volcanic island has the same dramatic cliffs, whitewashed houses, blue domes, and caldera views as its sibling across the water, without the selfie sticks of the masses.
Manolas, Therasia
Manolas, the main village, sits high above the sea with views back to Santorini, while the tiny port of Korfos is a lovely and ridiculously pretty fishing cove. In Riva, visitors can take a dip from the black-pebble beach or enjoy a romantic lunch in one of the small tavernas.
Active couples can hike from Riva or Korfos up the hill to Manolas, before following the trail on to the Prophet Elias church. Here they’ll find huge caldera panoramas—some of the best, but least-known views in the Aegean.
Why the Greek Islands are Perfect for Couples
Beach in Rhodes
When it comes to romance, the Greek islands have an almost unfair advantage. Sparkling harbors, whitewashed lanes, and clear blue water combine to offer the most beautiful scenery imaginable. But there’s variety beyond the common elements, too.
One minute, you can be exploring the cobbled streets and winding lanes of old towns and hilltop villages, the next you can be swimming off a quiet cove or dining on fresh catch in a harborside taverna.
Some islands have big names and high glamor, others are more low-key but no less romantic. Add in the warm hospitality and laid-back lifestyle, and it’s not hard to see why many people choose them as a backdrop to proposals, honeymoons, anniversaries, or simply for “just because” escapes.
Tips for Planning a Romantic Greek Island Vacation
Santorini
Choose your pace, especially if you’re visiting Greece for the first time. Are you looking for the cosmopolitan buzz of Santorini or Mykonos, or is the secret-escape feel of Therasia and Paxos more your style? Perhaps a combo of both works best. Make sure to build some blank space into your itinerary so you’re not rushing from museum to beach without the chance to enjoy either fully.
Consider the shoulder season for less heat and fewer crowds. And in high season, pre-book as many experiences as you can—boat trips, special restaurants, and key sights—because even smaller islands can get booked up ahead of time.
Best Time to Visit the Greek Islands for Couples
Santorini
For most couples, the sweet spots are May–June and September–early October. Days are long, the heat is lower, crowds are fewer, and the overall pace is slower.
That’s not to say you can’t have fun in high season; just be aware that the islands do get busier as the temperatures rise in summer, and plan your trip accordingly.
FAQs
Which Greek island is best for a honeymoon?
Santorini
For classic, jaw-dropping honeymoon views, Santorini is hard to beat: caldera sunsets, clifftop vistas, and great food all in one place. If you’d like a softer, less busy version, pair Santorini with a day trip to Therasia for quiet lanes and big views without the crowds.
For couples who want something more low-key, islands like Paxos, Tinos, or Kea offer a gentler pace, but are still among the best Greek islands for couples.
Which Greek island is quiet for couples?
Kea
If you’re craving peace and slow days, look beyond the headline names. Paxos, Kea, and Tinos all offer a calmer atmosphere, with small villages, relaxed beaches, and just enough tavernas. Agistri and Aegina can be quiet, too, especially midweek outside peak season.
Which Greek island is the best for couples who love beaches?
Beach in Mykonos
Beach-loving couples are spoiled for choice. Crete is home to some long, dramatic stretches of sand; Mykonos is famed for its party beaches; and Santorini has a variety of sand colors, thanks to its volcanic nature. Outside the big names, Kea is a great choice for its Caribbean-style sands and relaxed feel.
What are the most romantic things to do on the Greek islands?
Mykonos
Just being on the islands is romantic enough, but sharing a swim in a clear cove, taking a lazy boat trip, and wandering around towns that feel as old as the islands themselves all add to the magic.
Other things to do in Greece include popping into a church to light a candle for each other, watching the light change over the harbor, and lingering over the freshest seafood lunches with a local wine.
Why choose just one island when you can visit them all? On a Greek Island cruise with Celebrity, you’ll be transported from one romantic destination to another on one of our cruise ships. Browse cruises to the Greek Islands on our website and book your dream couple’s vacation today.
