The Best Greek Island Holidays for Couples

Planning a romantic couples holiday? A trip to the Greek islands should be top of your list. From the sun-kissed Old Towns to its azure waters, Greece is packed with vibrant culture, secluded beaches and ancient history – not to mention the unforgettable sunsets! From why Greece tops the list for romance to the best locations to visit, here’s everything you need to know to plan a couple’s holiday to the Greek islands.

What part of Greece is best for couples?

While mainland Greece is packed with history and culture, if you’re looking for a romantic couple’s holiday, you can’t get much better than the Greek islands. From hotspots like Santorini and Mykonos to charming locations like Rhodes, there are plenty of options to explore to find the perfect destination for you.

What are the best Greek island holidays for couples?

If you’re thinking about a holiday to the Greek islands as a couple, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice. Greece has multiple beautiful islands with options to suit any taste and personality.

Of course, the ‘best’ Greek island for you depends on you as a couple – what are you looking for from your holiday? Do you want to explore and immerse yourself in culture and history? Maybe you’re looking for a romantic island holiday where you can simply relax and enjoy beautiful sunsets? Consider whether you’d prefer a secluded getaway or something more adventure-packed, and use that to make your decision.

Here are some of the most popular Greek islands for couples, with some information about why they could be your perfect holiday destination:

If you’re looking for romance, Santorini is a must-visit. Santorini is world-renowned for its stunning surroundings and breathtaking sunsets. The white buildings stacked up from the coastline are picture-perfect, and the views are once-in-a-lifetime, making Santorini an excellent choice for couples looking for an iconic, inherently romantic Greek island. Head to the small town of Oia and take a stroll along the cliffs; visit at sundown to catch some of the most magical sunsets you’ll ever experience.

If you’re a couple who love history and culture, a trip to Corfu should be at the top of your list. The island has a Venetian influence, and the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town of Corfu is a particular highlight. Explore the winding cobblestoned streets, discover picturesque town squares and take in the beautifully historic architecture. The Old and New Fortresses also provide an excellent location to immerse yourself in the history of Corfu.

For couples who like to get off the main tourist track, we’d recommend planning a romantic trip to the Greek island of Hydra. This island has a unique selling point – it’s car-free, instead relying on donkeys for transportation. This lack of motor vehicles helps create a relaxing, serene atmosphere across Hydra, making it ideal for couples looking for a peaceful holiday. There are also a range of upscale accommodation options across the island for couples who want to bring an extra touch of luxury to their trip.

Looking for an idyllic island escape for your couples’ holiday? Look no further than the Greek island of Paros. This island is renowned for its beautiful beaches – you can expect plenty of options for sun and sand, with aqua water and golden white beaches full of natural beauty. Secluded beaches like Kolymbithres are perfect for the idyllic island experience, while charming towns such as Naoussa allow you to take romantic strolls in stunning surroundings.

Part of the Cyclades group of islands and located in the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is a popular island destination for couples for multiple reasons – and is an excellent choice for those looking for a party scene. Mykonos is a small island known for its picturesque beaches and captivating historical villages – not to mention its vibrant nightlife. While many beaches are known for their party vibes, you can also enjoy calm, relaxed beaches if you want to unwind. Head to Little Venice or the windmills in Mykonos Town for the best sunsets.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, offering a hugely diverse destination to suit any taste. Crete is ideal for luxury holidays and for couples looking for the full beach resort experience. The islands’ varied landscape includes beaches, mountains and gorges – meaning plenty of opportunity for scenic drives or romantic walks through nature. Crete is also rich in history, with a range of archaeological sites and landmarks, making it a great spot for couples looking for a culture-packed adventure. For couples looking to turn up the romance, Crete has a range of luxury resorts with spa and wellness activities and secluded beaches where you can experience dazzling sunsets.

Want an all-round beach holiday experience with the full flavour of Greece? The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is a beautiful location packed with impressive history, making it an excellent spot for couples looking for a memorable experience. There are a range of accommodation options, from smaller boutique hotels to luxury resorts, making Rhodes perfect for couples looking to tailor their holiday to their tastes. Across the island, couples will also find plenty to explore. Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Medieval Old Town to explore the Palace of the Grand Master and Street of the Knights, or visit Mandraki Harbour, the main harbour of Rhodes, to take a romantic stroll or boat ride.

Naxos is the largest (and greenest!) of the Cyclades islands. It’s well known for its luscious landscapes, rich history, and many pretty beaches. If you’re looking for a great all-rounder destination in Greece to visit as a couple, Naxos ticks all the boxes. The island’s main town, Chora, offers delightful architecture alongside museums and cultural landmarks. Portara, a marble doorway that marks the entrance to an unfinished historical temple, is an ideal spot to explore around sunset. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the town and the Aegean Sea. Naxos is also an excellent central hub for island hopping around the Cyclades: Mykonos, Santorini and Paros can all be reached by ferry.

Kefalonia is a Greek island well known for stunning landscapes, making it an excellent choice for couples looking for beautiful countryside and a laid-back vibe. You can find diverse backdrops around every corner, from lush greenery and rolling hills to vineyards and olive groves. The beaches, too, are breathtaking, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy romantic sunsets together. For a unique experience, head to Melissani Cave Lake, a natural underground lake surrounded by rock and stalactites, where the beams of sunlight create true magic across the water.

If you’re a couple looking for a great-value beach holiday, look no further than the Greek island of Kos. Kos offers a beautiful beachside experience, with a range of affordable resorts catering to different preferences. Whether you’re looking for a lively beach resort or something a little more secluded, you can find it in Kos. As well as an abundance of beautiful beaches, Kos boasts historical sites, mouth-watering cuisine and a great location for exploring nearby islands. Plus, as the terrain is flat, Kos has an extensive network of bike lanes and affordable bike hire – a romantic bike ride at sunset is a must!

Spoiled for choice? Try Greek island hopping

If you’re spoiled for choice when thinking about a couple’s Greek island holiday, why not consider Greek island hopping? Island hopping is an exciting and diverse way to explore multiple destinations across Greece. You can head to Santorini for a romantic meal and sunset before visiting Naxos to unwind on the beach. From nightlife and culture to history and beaches, island hopping means you can experience even more from this stunning Mediterranean country in one holiday. You’ll make countless memories from various, unique locations – and what could be more romantic than that?

What is the most romantic Greek island?

While the ‘most romantic’ destination for you depends on your own unique tastes, Santorini is widely considered to be one of the most romantic destinations for couples in Greece and often ranks as one of the most romantic destinations in the world.

The white-washed, blue-domed buildings, panoramic ocean views and enchanting sunsets all contribute to Santorini’s romantic reputation. Santorini is also a popular wedding and honeymoon destination, meaning you’ll find many resorts catering for couples looking for a romance-filled trip.

Why visit a Greek island as a couple?

There are a plethora of reasons why you should visit the Greek islands as a couple. Greece is an outstanding holiday destination for couples looking for sun, sea, sand and culture – and the Greek islands offer this in abundance!

If you opt for a holiday to the Greek islands as a couple, you can expect:

• Beautiful surroundings. The Greek islands are known for being some of the most stunning around – you’ll never be too far from beautiful beaches and awe-inspiring coastlines. 
• Rich culture. Greece and the Greek islands are extremely rich in history and culture. Whether you want to explore ancient ruins or immerse yourself in local traditions, you’ll find yourselves surrounded by culture on a couple’s Greek islands’ holiday. 

• Mouth-watering food. The food in Greece is excellent; the country is known for producing delicious dishes with fresh ingredients. From classic Greek gyros and moussaka to grilled octopus or calamari skewers, on a couple’s holiday to the Greek islands, you can enjoy the heavenly cuisine in picturesque, oceanside surroundings.

• Beaches and sunsets. On a Greek island, you’ll always find a pristine beach nearby. Explore secluded beaches together and take a romantic stroll across the sand, discover postcard-perfect beaches for relaxation, or head to bustling beaches to participate in activities together. However you choose to spend the day, you can expect spectacular sunsets in the evening – Greece is known for boasting multiple prime spots to enjoy a romantic sunset together.

When is the best time for couples to visit Greece?

The best time for couples to visit the Greek islands depends on your preferences when it comes to weather and crowd levels. July and August are when you’ll find the hottest temperatures – but they are also peak tourist season, so some popular locations may be slightly more crowded. You may need to book ahead for certain meals or activities. School holidays also fall in this timeframe, so you may find more families and children visiting.

If you’re looking for a quieter romantic trip, you may consider visiting in spring or autumn, just outside of peak season, when fewer families will be visiting. Late spring and autumn in Greece offer pleasant temperatures. Plus, if you visit in autumn, you’ll find the seas remain warm from summer and are perfect for swimming.

Are you thinking of booking a couple’s holiday to the Greek Islands? At eShores, we offer a range of romantic holidays for couples in Greece. Explore our popular destinations, including Greek island hopping, or get in touch with our friendly team, who can help you start planning your dream itinerary today.