The best Greek islands for a couples vacation
Fancy a Grecian trip with your loved one?
Discover the best islands for intimate spots and romantic scenery
If romance is a top priority for your next holiday, the Greek islands are guaranteed to deliver, especially when sailing with Princess, the original Love Boat®. With an abundance of secluded, sandy bays lapped by turquoise water; rooftop restaurants and bars with dazzling ocean views; and sunsets good enough to write home about, places like Santorini, Crete and Mykonos are perfect for an intimate and picturesque escape.
So, ready for an island-hopping adventure for two? Discover the best Greek islands for couples below.
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When is the best time to visit the Greek Isles?
Greece is beautiful anytime of the year, and picking the best time to visit is a balancing act between weather and crowds. The best weather on the islands is April through June and September through October, and the biggest crowds are around during the summer. So to find great weather and sparser crowds, consider a late spring or early fall visit. If you’re not planning on hitting the beaches, winter can be rainier but you’ll have the islands almost to yourself.
ミコノス
Our first pick in the best Greek islands for couples, the winding streets of Mykonos Town (called Chora by locals) are a labyrinth of cobbled pathways, whitewashed buildings and historic churches, and perfect for a romantic amble. Ditch the crowds of summer by ducking in and out of the boutique shops, where you can bag artisan clothing, wide-brim sunhats, handmade jewelry and other local wares. Afterward, head to the area of Little Venice (a string of traditional houses and venues that face onto the sea) and grab a snug table for two at Cerise Bar, where the cocktails are good and the sunset views even better.
Santorini
While the pretty old town of Fira is renowned for its sunsets, blue-domed buildings and rooftop eateries, it’s a tourist hotspot and can get rather busy. Somewhere that offers much more alone time in Santorini is the peaceful village of Megalochori, in the south of the island. One of Santorini’s oldest villages, it’s home to a pretty square, historic mansions, hideouts once used by pirates, and a handful of traditional Greek tavernas serving the likes of souvlaki and grilled fish on bougainvillea-clad patios. On its outskirts lies Venetsanos Winery, which produces delicious whites, reds and rosés, as well as Vinsanto, a sweet dessert wine that’s native to Santorini. Book onto a tasting and you can sample six wines with a platter of local cheese, cured meat and fruit on one of Venetsanos’ terraces, all of which overlook the dazzling Caldera of Santorini.
Crete
Crete, the largest of all the Greek islands, boasts spectacular beaches, vibrant towns such as Chania and Heraklion, and myriad opportunities for enjoying watersports. If you’re after some more serene moments with your loved one, head to the picturesque Botanical Gardens of Crete, located 30 minutes from the city of Chania at the foot of the island’s White Mountains. Open every day from March to November, and spanning almost 20 hectares, the gardens are home to rare examples of local flora and fauna, along with tropical and subtropical species from across the globe. You’ll find fruit trees laden with cherries, lemons and Cretan oranges; an aromatic herb garden filled with lavender and sage; vineyards; and wildlife such as porcupines, peacocks, frogs, green lizards and badgers. After a peaceful stroll through all this nature, sit down for a lunch date in the restaurant, which has sweeping views of the gardens, and serves up superlative Cretan cooking made using produce grown onsite.
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Rhodes
If you’re a pair of history nuts, then the ancient ruins of Rhodes should be top of your to-do list. The Acropolis of Rhodes dates back to the 5th century BC and is located only a few miles from the center of Rhodes Town. An hour's drive south is Lindos Acropolis, thought to have been built in the 10th century BC and features the remains of a Roman temple among other ancient monuments. If visiting those is nothing like your idea of a romantic activity, then beeline to the beach for a scenic horse ride. Saddle up and head off together on a guided adventure, taking in stunning coastal views and, in some cases, forest paths as well. If timings align, many companies offer rides at sunset, too.
Corfu
Fewer than 2 miles away from the country of Albania, Corfu is an ancient island that’s been inhabited for 3,000 years and home to the first modern Greek university. See the best of the island at the neo-classical Achilleion Palace built for an Austrian empress and used in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only — and by exploring St. Spyridon Church, the most famous religious site in the island that dates back to the 1500s. After getting your fill of history, take a guided hike with Princess to the Plateau of Bellavista where you can see the best views of the blue ocean around the island and to the Rock of Kolovri, where legend says that Poseidon turned Odysseus’s ship into stone. If you two want to take it slow, head to the Barbati beach resort with Princess to swim in the Ionian Sea and relax on the sun-warmed sand.
Bonus islands for an extended vacation
Looking for more amazing Greek islands to visit? Princess doesn’t visit every island, but you can extend your trip before or after your cruise and hop on over to these gorgeous spots to keep your Greek adventure going.
Cephalonia
The largest of the Ionian Islands, Cephalonia boasts numerous must-see towns, sights and landscapes. One of the most intriguing attractions is Melissani Lake near the village of Sami. Up to 30 meters deep in places, the lake, situated in a roofless cave, is accessed via boat through an underground tunnel, and is famed for its crystalline waters that shine bright blue in the midday sun. Sami itself offers plenty of waterfront restaurants, and postcard-perfect Antisamos Beach, just a short drive away, is the perfect spot for a romantic picnic. Nestled between two verdant hills, the white-pebble beach is one of the prettiest in all of Cephalonia, so grab some slices of fresh spanakopita (spinach and cheese pie made with flaky pastry) from one of the bakeries in Sami and make an afternoon of it.
Paros
With almost 75 miles of coastline, golden sand beaches and white stucco villages, Paros is a Greek paradise. The ferry from Athens will take you to the bustling port city of Parikia where a few must-see sights include a 13th century Venetian castle and the Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a 4th century Byzantine church. As the sun goes down, head to the Alexandros — a bar inside of an old windmill where you can sip your favorite drinks and watch the sun dip into the ocean. After dark, join in the area’s vibrant nightlife at the Linardo where you can dance the night away with your lover right on the island’s coast. Want to take it slower? Pounta is a small village on the western coast with stunning golden beaches and world-famous kitesurfing.
Naxos
Stand in the shadow of a massive marble doorway built for Apollo in the 6th century B.C. when you visit this charming island — all a 15 minute walk away from the ferry port. If you’re a pair of adventurers, climb Mount Zas, where legends say Zeus spent his childhood, to get breathtaking views of the turquoise sea all around the island and the bragging rights about standing on the highest point in the Cyclades. Head back into Naxos Town to refuel at the Rotunda where you can try a Naxian salad and your favorite cocktail with coastline views. Afterward, soak in some rays at Hawaii Beach — a stretch of coastline with warm sand, water so bright it looks green and rugged orange cliffs.
Milos
When you think of volcanoes, you probably think black and gray ash piles — not white volcanic ash rock formations that look like another planet. But that’s what you’ll find on Milos! Head to Sarakiniko for chalky white moonscapes where you can bask in the sun, cliff jump into turquoise waters and enjoy views unlike anywhere else in the world. For a more traditional beach, climb down a ladder to Tsigrado beach for a secluded sandy paradise surrounded by jagged cliffs. Let out your inner history buffs and hit the ancient amphitheater near Tripti where you can see the island’s ancient roots. Fun fact: the world-famous Venus de Milo statue was found on this island (hence why the name), and while that is in the Louvre, this Hellenistic amphitheater can show you a bit of what ancient Greek life on the island was like.
Folegandros
This island has everything a couples’ vacation needs: cliffside scenery, beautiful beaches and a fun (but uncrowded) downtown with ample food options. Create a romantic excursion by picnicking during sunset at the Church of Panagia, a whitewashed chapel on a hill overlooking the ocean. Once the sun disappears into the sea, hold your lover’s hand while watching the city of Chora light up. Wander the stone-paved streets between whitewashed houses and distinctive yards that will remind you of Santorini — but you’ll likely have it to yourself! Walk from Pounta Square and the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God and take in this fortified city built by the Venetians in the 13th century. Relax after a day of exploring on the golden sandy shores of the Agali Beach where you can soak in sunshine and enjoy views of water so blue it nearly glows.
Ready to fall in love with Greece?
From the sundrenched beaches and jagged cliffs to whitewashed villages in the mountains, Greek islands are a perfect spot for a romantic vacation. You and your love can explore picturesque cities, eat fresh seafood and dance the night away hand-in-hand on one of the best Greek islands for couples. Plan your dream Greek vacation with Princess and learn more about Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises.