With its white sandy beaches and the relaxing island vide, Greece is a picture-perfect place to travel for your luxury honeymoon. A choice destination for many newlyweds, Greece is top of the list for honeymoon destinations.
WHY HONEYMOON IN GREECE
Think of the quaint little villages on the waters’ edge surrounded by both historical and vibrant cultures, combined with a multitude of activities to keep you busy while enjoying one another’s company. There is a range of opportunities for relaxation and adventure is this European wonderland.
Greece offers a number of island escapes, each to suit your preference. You cannot simply get more romantic than the island of Santorini, the perfect place for a relaxing island retreat. If you and your spouse would like to enjoy the social side of Greece, then Mykonos is an ideal destination.
Here you can get lost in the local culture and enjoy a labyrinth of cafés, restaurants, bars, high-end shops and boutiques. You can enjoy both the relaxing and social elements of a honeymoon in Greece by taking a ferry between two islands to make the most of your time in this island paradise.
HOW TO GET TO GREECE
Greece situated on the Northern side of the Mediterranean Sea and has a host of international and 
domestic airfields making it an easy destination to get to by air. Many of the islands in Greece such as Mykinos, Crete and Rhodes Island have their own international airports so you won’t necessarily have to fly into the mainland if you are looking to transfer to islands within Greece.
If you are in Europe, the European can also be an easy and cost efficient way to get to Greece.
Flight times from (to Athens):
- New York: 10 hours
- L.A.: 16 hours
- London: 4 hours
- Sydney: 23 hours
- New Delhi: 10 hours
- Beijing: 14 hours
- Dubai: 6 hours
HONEYMOON ACTIVITIES IN GREECE
Greece is filled with an array of activities to suit any couple. From romantic and relaxing to cultural and adventurous, there is something for everyone to enjoy the perfect honeymoon.
Walk through the National Gardens
The National Garden in Athens is known for its natural beauty within the city. These gardens make for a great place to take a romantic stroll and a lovely picnic too. Plus, it is right next to the Parliament House and the Kalimarmaron Olympic Stadium, some site-seeing opportunities.
Hiking in Santorini: The Fira-Oia Trail
Hiking can be a great honeymoon activity, especially along the scenic Santorini trial that spans from Fira to Oia. The trail passes through the village of Firostefani, where you can stop or continue to the end to see more beautiful views.
The best time to hike is in the afternoon so that you can arrive at Oia in time to experience a beautiful sunset. The best time of year for this trail is between March and June or September to October, when it is not too hot or too cold.
The Acropolis and the Museum
If you are up for a historical day trip, then the Acropolis of Athens is one you cannot miss. The nearby Acropolis museum is an ideal stop to learn more about the site. There you can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant and visit one of the shops to find a souvenir or interesting book to take home.
A Spa Day at Cape Sounio Elixir Spa
What is more relaxing than a day at the spa? While in Athens, visit the Cape Sounio Elixir Spa for a wonderful and relaxing day with your spouse. The spa is surrounded by absolutely beautiful views, allowing your body and mind to relax completely.
Watch the sunset in Athens
Sunsets have the reputation for being romantic, however, if you pick just the right spot in Athens, you can easily double the romance.
Head down to Aeropagus (the hill on the west side of the Acropolis) for a beautiful view coupled with some historical sight-seeing. Alternatively, you can watch a romantic sunset with a glimpse of the whole city from tallest hill in Athens, Lycavittos.
Water Sports at Elia Beach, Mykonos
If boating, water skiing, parasailing and windsurfing are up your alley, then you need to visit Elia Beach in Mykonos. Enjoy an afternoon of water sports with your spouse, and have a great amount of fun together on the water.
Visit Olympia
Famous for hosting the first ever Olympic Games, Olympia is rich in ancient Greek history. Explore the temples and ruins of the ancient stadium of Olympia and even view the statue of Zeus, a solid gold and ivory statue within the temple of Zeus, the largest and most important temple of the ancient world.
Relax on the beach
The Greek islands are known for their stretches of beautiful beaches with white sands and crystal-clear, turquoise waters. Myrtos Beach on the island of Kefalonia is an idyllic beach that has won awards for being that beautiful.
However, any of the island beaches are a great place for you to relax with your spouse, enjoying the natural beauty of the ocean.
Greek Island Yacht Cruise
Booking a yacht charter will be one thing in Greece that you will never regret. Spend some quality time together sailing around the Greek islands. Go for a swim in the beautiful surrounding waters and enjoy a delicious meal aboard the yacht.
Enjoy a night out at an outdoor cinema
If you are enjoying your honeymoon during summer, then you absolutely have to make your way to an outdoor cinema in the gardens. With romance in the air, what could be better than enjoying a delicious snack and the company of your loved one while you watch a movie under the stars?
Explore Meteora
The interesting landscape of Meteora you make you feel as if you are on a completely different planet. With rock pillars shooting up to around 1200ft on the flat landscape, Meteora also holds a lot of history.
One can find monasteries perched on top of these rock formations where monks and nuns have worshipped since as early as the 11th century.
A Paradise of Hot Springs
Greece is known for their hot springs, so you simply cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy the healing and restorative hydrotherapy that they offer. If you get the opportunity, you simply must visit a thermal spring in Greece while on your honeymoon.
STAYING FOR LONGER?
If you’re looking to get out of Paris and have a few spare days, why not take a look at other attractions nearby.
A road trip across Crete
If you have a little more time to spend in Greece, a wonderful and exciting road trip across the 
island of Crete may just be for you. You can easily explore the island in a day, stopping off at different places of interest along the way.
Crete offers the full Greek package, just on a smaller scale, all-inclusive of the history, natural landscapes and urban life. Stay in one of the islands luxury hotels and pick up an island itinerary and personalise it to suit your preferences, finding sites that interest you. A road trip on Greek island is a great way to start married life.
SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR HONEYMOON NIGHT 1
A Special Experience
Plan something extra special for one night of your trip. After all, it is your honeymoon! Take your new spouse for a special, celebratory dinner at one of the best restaurants Greece has to offer. If you are spending some time in Crete, you need to enjoy a meal at the highly-rated, Oinoa restaurant in Chania Town.
This wonderful restaurant is known for their signature Mediterranean cuisine as well as the incredible selection of wines. It is the perfect place to share a delicious meal together as newlyweds.
FESTIVALS IN GREECE
The Greek culture is known for their love for celebration, and as a result, there is always something to celebrate, with festivals happening all year round.
The Orthodox Easter
The biggest event in Greece has got to be Easter, when locals celebrate with fireworks, candle-lit processions and spit-roasted lamb. The festival spans the duration of Holy Week with various rituals for each day. The festival ends on Easter Sunday with feasts of lamb roasts. If you’re planning to join in the celebrations, remember that the Greek Orthodox Easter occurs on the Julian calendar and may differ from the Catholic Easter.
Carnival Season (Apokreas)
Three weeks before the start of Lent, the season of fasting before Easter, the Greek locals celebrate with a carnival. The carnival sees locals dress up in costume and parade around the streets with colourful floats and traditional dancing.
In addition, there is much feasting involved. Each region of the country has a different way of celebrating, making it a very interesting festival. Clean Monday, the first day of lent, ends this celebration.
The Hellenic Festival
This festival takes place during the summer (from June to August) and features prominent musicians, both local and international, as well as dance and drama acts. This festival takes place the historic Oden of Herodes Atticus in Athens, with the incredible, backlit Acropolis as the backdrop.
HOW TO GET AROUND GREECE
Bus – Greece has an excellent bus network with an ability to get to and from most of the major cities and regional towns. The bus network is the main mode of public transport used in Greece and is a reliable way to get around. The prices are reasonable and are run by KTEL on the mainland and the islands.
Train – The Greek train network is not as expansive as the bus network however can offer a cheaper way to get around. Some routes offer a picturesque view of what Greece has to offer. Try the Rack Railway or Katakolon Train if you are after a unique train ride. The main train operator in Greece is OSE: Greece Train Network or Eurail passes can get you between some of the main cities.
Walk – Walking when you have the time can be one of the best ways to experience a city. Ground zero is a great way to immerse yourself in the strong and historic culture that Greece has to offer.
Boats – Looking to go Island hopping – Maybe you should consider taking a Ferry / Hydrofoil / High speed boat. The most cost effective water transport is the Ferry however will come at the cost of time and comfort.
Plane – If boats aren’t your thing – the majority of islands will have some form of regional plane service so you can still go on an island hopping adventure.
Hire a car / motorcycle – While driving yourself may seem like a great way to get around and enjoy the picturesque scenery that Greece has to offer, it can come with heightened risk. Poor driving habits like speeding, drink driving and overtaking on blind corners are all too common so ensure you are well rested when taking on the Greek roads.
ACCOMMODATION IN GREECE
Greece is filled with accommodation for visiting tourists, whether you are looking for a hotel room, a guesthouse, a room or apartment to rent or even a villa. There is a wide array of accommodation types to suit any budget, from penny-saver, to mid-range and luxury.
Budget – If you are on a tight budget, opt for a guest room priced at around 18€ per night for a couple.
Mid-range – If you are in the mid-range budget, you can find a lovely apartment to rent for around 95€ per night.
Luxury – If you’re going all out for your special holiday, a luxury accommodation suite will costyou in the range of 190€ or more per night.
All-Inclusive Resorts
Ikos Olivia
This resort offers guests wonderfully spacious rooms with incredible views out to sea in Halkidiki.
Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort
and Villas
This 5-star luxury hotel boasts quality in their services as well as amenities. The resort offers stunning views of the Kalathos Bay.
Minoa Palace Resort
This resort is located on the island of Crete and boasts a beautiful 5-star, island experience.
Neptune Hotels – Resort, Convention Center and Spa
This resort is perfect for a combination of cuisine, sports, and wellness. Enjoy your stay in the area of Kos.
La Marquise Luxury Hotel Resort
Another great hotel option, this resort embodies luxury on the coastline of Rhodes.
Adult-Only Resorts
Lindos Blu
This beach-side paradise is situated in Rhodes, boasting 5-star luxury.
AquaGrand Exclusive Deluxe Resort
Situated on the beach, overlooking the beautiful turquoise waters from the Rhodes coastline.
Oceanis Beach and Spa Resort
Located in Kos, this hotel has been specially designed for couples- the ideal, romantic honeymoon hotel!
Port Royal Villas and Spa
With exceptional service and elegant restaurants, this hotel is a must if you are exploring Greece.
The Island Hotel
Located in Kato Gouves, Crete, this adult-only hotel offers wonderful rooms, restaurants, bars, spas, and sports.
Local food in Greece
Greek cuisine is known for their beautiful ingredients, as well as being one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. Their way with food dates back thousands of years, having passed on many of their ancestors’ recipes. The cuisine showcases fresh fruits and vegetables along with delicious cuts of meat. There are a few dishes you simply have to try when in Greece, such as:
- Moussaka, a lamb and eggplant casserole,
- Taramasalata, a fish roe dip,
- Dolmades, a rice parcel wrapped in grape leaves
- Baklava, a dessert of layered filo pastry, honey, and nuts.
Greek cuisine is also well known for its use of olives and olive oil. Olive oil has been dubbed as “the elixir of Greece” and is used liberally in Greek food for cooking, in dips and sauces or over a salad. While in Greece you should also try the fresh seafood caught fresh from the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea. Cheeses are another Greek delight that you absolutely have to try.
LANGUAGE IN GREECE
Greek is by far the most widely spoken and accepted language in Greece being spoken by 99% of the citizens. Other somewhat common foreign languages are English, French, German and Italian. A few simple phrases will assist with showing your respect for the Greek culture.
Useful Greek phrases
- Hello = Χαίρετε (Chaírete)
- Good morning = Καλημέρα (Kaliméra)
- Good evening = Καλό απόγευμα (Kaló apógevma)
- Good night = καληνυχτα (kalinychta)
- Goodbye = αντιο σας (antio sas)
- How much is this? = Πόσο κοστίζει αυτό (Póso kostízei aftó)
- Thank you = Ευχαριστώ (Efcharistó)
- You’re Welcome = Παρακαλώ (Parakaló)
- Yes = Ναί (Naí)
- No = όχι (óchi)
- Where is the toilet = Που είναι η τουαλέτα (Pou eínai i toualéta)
MONTHLY WEATHER IN GREECE
High season: July to August
Dry Season: June to August
Rainy Season: October to March (also the coldest / low tourism period)
| Months | min. Temp. | max. Temp. | Rain days | Rainfall | Season | ||
| January | 7°C | 45°F | 12°C | 53°F | 10 | 62 mm | Wet |
| February | 8°C | 47°F | 13°C | 55°F | 8 | 50 mm | Wet |
| March | 9°C | 48°F | 17°C | 63°F | 8 | 43 mm | Wet |
| April | 13°C | 55°F | 20°C | 68°F | 5 | 32 mm | Wet |
| May | 16°C | 61°F | 26°C | 78°F | 5 | 30 mm | Changing |
| June | 20°C | 68°F | 30°C | 86°F | 2 | 8 mm | Dry |
| July | 23°C | 74°F | 32°C | 90°F | 1 | 4 mm | Dry |
| August | 24°C | 75°F | 33°C | 91°F | 2 | 7 mm | Dry |
| September | 21°C | 70°F | 30°C | 86°F | 3 | 15 mm | Changing |
| October | 16°C | 61°F | 25°C | 76°F | 6 | 54 mm | Wet |
| November | 13°C | 55°F | 19°C | 66°F | 9 | 65 mm | Wet |
| December | 9°C | 48°F | 16°C | 60°F | 11 | 95 mm | Wet |
COST OF THINGS IN GREECE
- McDonalds Combo Meal – $7.38 USD
- Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) – $4.92 USD
- Imported Beer (0.33 litre bottle) – $4.92 USD
- Cappuccino (regular) – $3.60 USD
- Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle) – $1.72 USD
- Water (0.33 litre bottle) – $0.62 USD
GREECE TRAVEL TIPS AND TRICKS
If you are planning to visit Greece for your honeymoon, take these tips into consideration to ensure a beautiful trip:
- Try to avoid peak season. That is usually when it is most hot and crowded. May and June offer warm days and cool evenings. While September and October have warm days and the seas holds the summer heat. You’ll also get better rates for accommodation out of season.
- You don’t have to only hop around the islands. The mainland has a wonderful array of sights to see, and beaches to enjoy.
- Be culturally sensitive. Many of the older generation are very conservative, so dress appropriately when visiting monasteries and churches.
- Take care when in the capital. Although it is safe, keep an eye on your valuables if you’re travelling on crowded transport.
IS GREECE SAFE?
Greece is generally a safe place to visit with increased risk of pickpocketing in areas of heightened tourist activity such as Athens and tourist resort areas. For the latest travel assessments and warnings, take a look at the Greece page for the US passport and International travel website for the latest travel warnings and information for Greece.