6 of the Most Romantic Islands in Greece
It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to plan for a romance filled holiday. Here’s a look at the most romantic islands in Greece.
The Most Romantic Islands of Greece
Over a span of eight years I have visited 30 different Greek islands. There are similarities among various island chains. For example, the Cycladic islands are known for their whitewashed cubist buildings with Santorini and Mykonos being the most famous in that group.
One thing I have learned is that each island has its own charms and local customs. If you love the thought of island hopping and have the time, Greece is a great destination to do this.
The Romantic Islands
During my travels, I have visited islands that truly struck me as romantic destinations. In fact, my romantic comedy/women’s fiction novel Chasing Athens features a few of them I thought inspired romance.
Here is my list of the most romantic islands in Greece:
Hydra
The only traffic on this quiet little island will be donkeys. That’s right. There are no cars allowed here. There’s something about that atmosphere that makes it so relaxing.
I’ve also had the pleasure of soaking in some amazing sunsets while visiting Hydra. I love that you have to walk everywhere (it’s a tiny island so no problem) or hire a water taxi to hit various beaches on the island. It’s also a quick trip from Athens. You can get here in about an hour by ferry from the Athens port of Piraeus.
Romantic Stays:
Porta Del Mare Suites
Suggested Tours:
From Athens: Full-Day VIP Cruise to Hydra, Poros and Aegina
Also check this post on the Best Restaurants in Hydra
Santorini
It’s touristy. It’s crowded. You may have selfie sticks constantly swinging in your face. However, Santorini is a dream. It is worth the trip if you have never been.
I have been several times and each time I am impressed. There’s a breadth of experiences possible. It’s a big island so many excursions can be planned for. For the romantic, think sunset cruises, private dinners with a caldera view, beautiful walks, scenic boat trips and wine tastings. If you didn’t know, Santorini produces the best wines in Greece.
But if you are only going once in your life, it will be that memorable because the scenery is just that stunning. There is no place like it in the world and that in itself makes it so romantic. Don’t you think?
Tip: You can avoid the crowds by booking your romantic holiday outside of peak summer season (June – August).
Romantic Stays:
Recommended Tours:
Santorini: 4-Hour Sunset Wine Tour
5-Hour Private Customized Tour of Santorini
Santorini: Small Group Catamaran Cruise with Meal & Drinks
Mykonos
Like Santorini, Mykonos is another one of the most popular islands to visit in Greece. Like Santorini, on Mykonos you can go to and book romantic experiences like private dinners, sunset cruises, picnics and luxury spa treatments. A big difference – in favor of Mykonos – is that Mykonos is blessed with idyllic, beautiful beaches.
Mykonos Town has fantastic cocktail bars and nightlife venues. The Little Venice district is crowded in the summer but a captivating location where you’ll find yourself “oohing and ahhing” in view of a romantic sunset.
Romantic Stays:
Recommended Tours:
7-Hour Catamaran Cruise with BBQ and Drinks
Sunset Sailing Cruise on Mykonos
Delos and Rhenia Boat Tour from Mykonos
Mykonos Private Sunset Catamaran
Crete
This is one of my favorite islands in Greece because it is full of the things I love about Greece including amazing food, hospitable people and gorgeous beaches. I love the towns of Rethymnon and Chania which are romantic settings. These Venetian old towns worth exploring with your loved one.
Romantic Stays:
Recommended Tours:
Full-Day Private Sailing Trip to Dia Island from Heraklion
Agios Nikolaos: Sailing Trip in the Bay of Mirabello
Bohemian Crete Small Group Sunset Tour in Chania
Naxos
Naxos is my all-time favorite island, so I’ll come back here anytime with a special someone.
It is a versatile destination that can cater to the adventurer, the culture vulture, the beach goer and for families. It is also chock full of romantic places.
I love the Portara which is an ancient doorway to a temple that was never finished. There is much amazing energy at that very location during the sunset hour. You’ll have to go to know.
Naxos isn’t nearly as packed with people like Santorini and Mykonos, so it feels a bit more “Greek island authentic.” Plus, Naxian restaurants are just wonderful. The Old Town is worth exploring and the beach resorts are secluded on fantastic stretches of perfect beaches.
Romantic Stays:
Recommended Tours:
Full-Day Catamaran Sailing Tour from Naxos
Ano Koufonissi Day Boat Trip from Naxos
Lesbos
Lesbos is way up there in the Aegean Sea. It’s a short plane ride from Athens and a long ferry ride away. However, if you are looking for a place that is not touristy (but should be) and has a history of romance – I highly recommend Lesbos. This is where Sappho is from. She was the ancient Greek poetess whose lyric poetry inspired love.
The sunsets are pretty, the villages are charming, the food is fantastic, the nature is rich and the people are incredibly hospitable. This is the island where you can kick back, relax, drink local ouzo (the island’s specialty) all you want with your significant other and simply watch the world go by. Sounds romantic to me!
Romantic Stays:
Heliotrope Boutique Hotel
That sums up my favorite romantic Greek islands. Do you have any to add to the list?
Love your post! I am traveling to Greece for the first time this summer and I’m starting my research! I loved how you described each island – helped me a lot!