The Absolute Best Destinations For A Romantic Vacation In Greece, According To Reviews

Ask any of your married friends where they went on their honeymoons, and you're guaranteed to hear "Greece" at least once. That decision is no accident, as the country has pretty much every element of romance that a lovestruck couple can imagine, from beautiful, turquoise beaches; to some of the best sunset views in the world; to stories from Greek mythology that are heavy-handed in romance. Plus, it's one of the top travel destinations for 2024, according to our experts. 

If you're planning to jet-set to Greece on a honeymoon or romantic getaway, then you can't miss out on some of the country's best spots for couples — which is why we got to work creating this list for our smitten readers. To find the most romantic places in the country — ranging from islands where Greek gods married to canals that will supposedly guarantee your love for life — we read through countless reviews to determine which destinations had the highest and most accolades. We also considered which places had the most activities suited for couples, and were most frequently called romantic by travel publications and bloggers. Here's what we found.

At Elafonisi Beach on Crete, even the sand is romantic. That's because this beach is lined with powdery pink sand made up of the red shells of foraminifera, which are single-celled organisms, most visible in the morning before the sand has been disturbed by visitors. The season, wind, and tide also influences how pink the sand is on any given day. But pink sand or not, Elafonisi Beach is still full of romance thanks to its scenery (it is a protected nature reserve, after all). Its turquoise waters are crystal-clear and due to a sandbar, visitors can walk across water to explore the island's natural beauty and greenery. It's no surprise that people who enjoy swimming in the buff can sometimes be found in the beach's waters, as it's home to plenty of private areas throughout the sandbar.

Besides the pink sand, Elafonisi Beach is home to another environmental and romantic wonder — a flower called Androcymbium rechingeri, which doesn't grow anywhere else on the planet. It's joined by other unique plants such as summer sea daffodils, but resist the urge to pick a bouquet for your sweetie, as it's illegal to remove any of the plants on the reserve. Elafonisi Beach has earned 16,000 reviews on Tripadvisor which have cultivated four-and-a-half stars for the spot. Said one past visitor, "It was amazing ... exotic ... a unique experience ... a natural lake and, at the time so romantic ... the best beach all over the world!"

If you've ever seen a stock photo of Greece featuring whitewashed buildings topped with blue caps overlooking serene waters, you were probably looking at a photo of the town of Oia on the northern end of Santorini. Those stunning surroundings make Oia romantic enough in its own right, but this ancient town that dates back to the Byzantine era is also known all over the planet as being one of the best places to watch the sunset on Earth. To get that perfect glimpse of the sunset as it goes down past the Aegean Sea surrounded by other Greek islands, head to the remains of Oia Castle (also called St. Nicholas Castle).

If you can't manage to snag a spot here (as the castle gets very popular around sunset), simply meander the beautiful town to a high point and you'll still see a sunset that's renowned all over the world. Or, watch it from an al fresco restaurant, as Oia makes some of the best wines in the country thanks to its volcanic soil, so you can see the sunset with a glass of wine in hand. Just the sunset in Oia alone has garnered more than 9,900 reviews and four-and-a-half stars on TripAdvisor. "We have seen sunsets all over the world, however this one is second to none," said one reviewer. "The magic of this place is magnified by the stunning sunsets that symbolizes the romance of this place!"

Want to keep from calling it quits on your relationship? Just take a swim through the Canal D'Amour, a narrow canal lined with crystal-clear water and sandstone white rocks on the island of Corfu with a name that means "Channel of Love." According to a legend supposedly started by a French tourist who swam the canal alongside her special someone, couples who wade through the canal beside one another will stay beside one another throughout their lives. Another legend states that people who are looking for love who make their way through the canal will find their soulmate awaiting them. But just like it isn't easy to find a lifelong partner, it isn't easy to swim the canal, either.

With so many rocks, it can be difficult to traverse the canal without hitting one — which is why some tourists opt to wish for lifelong love on a coin before throwing it into the waters of the canal instead. Follow up your wishes with a visit to one of the canal's coves, as it is home to plenty of them formed by clay rocks that have been battered over time. The Canal D'Amour has garnered more than 4,600 Tripadvisor reviews and four stars, with people writing comments such as, "Beautiful and romantic. Lots of nice hidden coves to sunbathe and swim, definitely worth a visit, we visited twice. Stunning scenery, crystal blue waters, some lovely restaurants nearby to sit and admire the views."

Nothing is less romantic than a cloud of smog covering up an Argo-Saronic Gulf view — which is why the island of Hydra doesn't have any cars, or even roads or bikes. Instead, in an old-world romanticism, people travel by water taxi or donkey to reach their destination, although good luck finding one, as Hydra often lacks street signs. But there's no better way to relish time with your sweetheart than to live in the moment without staring down at a map. Perhaps that's why several romantic movies have been filmed on this scenic island, such as "Phaedra" and "The Sailor From Gibraltar," and the Sofia Loren-starring "The Boy On a Dolphin" which was filmed on Hydra. It remains a popular spot for celebrities, artists (it was even a favorite of Pablo Picasso), and of course, tourists. Want to tie the knot here? The island is home to 300 churches and plenty of luxurious stone homes so you can have a one-of-a-kind ceremony and wedding night. For another quiet spot, check out this little town in Greece that's an underrated destination for a romantic getaway.

It's no surprise that Hydra has earned 4.4 stars based off of more than 40 reviews on Greeka. "Everything I saw and read was overshadowed by the experience of 'being' in Hydra," said one past visitor. "Hiking the hills behind the village, walking the pathways along the shoreline, dining and swimming at the Castle, shopping and especially the grocery stores was a treat to our senses. It was our honeymoon and made for sensual nights and adventurous days."

If you need an aphrodisiac, the island of Kefalonia specializes in one. Real Robola wine is only grown here within a specific 3,500 acreage called the Robola Zone, and no matter where in Europe or the United States you drink it, it was created in Kefalonia. Made into a white wine with notes of fruit like green apples and pineapples, the grape uniquely thrives among Kelafonia's limestone-ridden soil. Plenty of vineyards and wine tours exist throughout the island to showcase this one-of-a-kind amenity in a romantic, lush setting.

Or, take a bottle with you to the Ionian Sea beaches on Kefalonia, which are so beautiful that they were featured in the movie "Captain Corelli's Mandolin." Many of the island's beaches have also been spotlighted on postcards and posters. The island also has plenty of isolated beaches less-visited by the masses, making for a romantic getaway in case you need some privacy. It even has caves like Melissani Cave, and here's why you should definitely brave the crowds to experience it. Over 400 people have reviewed Kelafonia on Greeka, and the island has 4.9 stars on the site. Said one past visitor, "Pine-covered hills, crystal waters sparkling in the sunshine, pastel-colored buildings festooned with flowers, Kefalonia is an island of outstanding natural beauty. Here, you'll find friendly people, good food and a choice of small, unspoiled harbor towns, such as Fiskardo, Assos, and Agia Efimia."

In 1980, a Scottish-built ship called Panagiotis that had been traversing the seas since 1937 went for its final voyage and landed on the Agios Georgios beach on the island of Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea due to some unforeseen circumstances. In the midst of a storm and chase by the local authorities due to carrying illegal cigarettes, the crew abandoned the ship on the white-sand beaches. But in the process, they created a picture-perfect, real-life image of the ruins of a ship surrounded by a bay aptly called Smugglers Cove, turquoise waters, and towering limestone cliffs. Now, couples and families alike flock to the beach — renamed Navagio Beach (which translates to "shipwreck" in Greek) for a stunning, once-in-a-lifetime view of ship ruins covered in sand as well as graffiti from visitors. Here's how to see the shipwreck of Zakynthos, Greece up close.

To reach the shipwreck as well as an overlook that looms 200 meters above and provides the best view, visitors can book boat tours that stop at both locations. Cars can also be rented to take visitors to the overlook. More than 8,000 people have visited the island and reviewed it on Tripadvisor, earning it four-and-a-half stars. One reviewer said, "When you're in Zakynthos, make sure you don't pass up the opportunity to visit this stunning beach! Navagio is an absolute must-see location that will leave you in awe."

Kythira isn't just a Greek island that's romantic because it's adorned with beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and quaint villages — it also has an important past in Greek mythology when it comes to matters of the heart. According to legend, Kythira was where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was born, and it's also where Paris and Helen consummated their relationship and where they lived before going to Troy. Plus, according to one past visitor on Greeka, a bridge in the town of Katouni on the island was built by an Army commander only so he could keep watch on his beloved's nearby home.

To no shock then, this island of love has plenty of activities and destinations perfect for igniting romance. With so many paths and tiny villages, it's home to lots of isolated beaches ideal for taking a private swim, as well as several ancient castles that can be explored with your sweetie. One of the favorites on the island is the Venetian castle, which was built in 1503 atop a Byzantine fortress, so you know it has stunning island views. But don't leave without purchasing a bouquet of dried sempreviva flowers for your honey, as these flowers only grow here and have strong longevity. With so much fun and romance, Kythira has earned 4.4 stars through more than 50 reviews on Greeka. One commenter wrote, "Absolutely amazing place! The food, the place, the service all was just perfect. The best place!"

Perhaps no Greek island elicits romance by name alone quite like Santorini does, as there is a reason that this island is the number-one Greek destination for most couples headed to the area. Santorini has a lot — not a little — of everything for couples, some that are on this list. Santorini is the home of Oia, where the world's most beautiful sunset can be seen every night. Plus, it's home to plenty of vineyards that thrive on the island's volcanic soil and offer local wines like Nykteri, Assyrtiko, and Vinsanto alongside unbeatable countryside views. Since the island is so popular with love birds, it's even home to a restaurant called Ambrosia – also in Oia — that is thought to be the island's most romantic eatery thanks to its white tablecloths upon clifftops, volcano and seaside views, and traditional Greek fare.

After dinner, head to the town of Kamari's outdoor movie theater, where you can feel like you're enjoying a private show from your picnic blanket alongside snacks and wine underneath the starry sky. The next morning, unwind from your long night at one of Santorini's many acclaimed spas for a couples' treatment, as they offer unique services like frangipani flower massages. Nearly 650 people have rated their Santorini getaway on Greeka, earning the island 4.7 stars. "The most amazing, magical, beautiful place in the world," said one reviewer. "A place to go to enjoy spectacular views, amazing meals and kind helpful people."

Another popular Greek island that often makes it onto honeymooners' itineraries — and for good reason — is Corfu. Home to romantic points of interest like the Canal D'Amour, Corfu has some of the best beaches in the country to enjoy with your special someone. Plus, most of those beaches are completely undeveloped, so you two can whisk off to a secret swimming area or cove for a rendezvous. That's especially true in the village of Palaiokastritsa, which is home to some of the prettiest beaches on the island. For a different taste of natural beauty, spend the afternoon waltzing through the Achilleion Palace's manicured gardens dotted with magnificent statues, all with a bird's-eye view of Corfu. To get even more unparalleled Greek views, hike to the Byzantine castle of Angelokastro (hand-in-hand, of course), to see age-old ruins and also the blue seas beneath you. Even more romantic strolls await at Kaiser William II Observatory, where you can watch the sunset after hiking to the top of the tallest mountain on Corfu.

More than 250 people have reviewed Corfu on Greeka, giving the island 4.8 stars. "Corfu has many types of beaches, from long sandy beaches to secluded ones that offer a lot of privacy," said one past visitor. "Moreover, the island has been the perfect place to capture its beauty with hundreds of photos."

If you're a sucker for a good old-fashioned fairy tale where the prince and princess fall in love and live happily ever after, then you and your sweetie will swoon over Monemvasia, a small, quiet island that doesn't even allow cars and features the medieval Monemvasia Castle surrounded by stone fortress walls. Plus, it offers its own local wine in the Laconia countryside called Malvasia, making for something delicious to sip on while watching the sun go down over the water. For couples looking for privacy, Monemvasia is a true hidden gem with history, as it dates back the sixth century and is far removed from Athens, the capital and biggest city in the country. It also lacks the high traffic that islands like Santorini and Mykonos often receive. It's in Greece's most underrated region, according to Rick Steves. 

And due to so many couples — especially Greek couples — flocking here for romantic time away from home, the island has plenty of serene hotels to choose from nestled on cobblestone streets and inside ancient Byzantine, Ottoman and Venetian-style buildings. Just ask Greeka, on which Monemvasia has earned more than a dozen reviews and 4.7 stars. "I didn't know how beautiful it would truly be until I finally traveled there last summer," said one reviewer. "I can tell you Monemvasia is definitely ideal for couples who wish to spend some days in a romantic place."

Like Monemvasia, Pelion is a hidden gem of a Greek region with its own ancient Greek mythology history. It's even the birthplace of Greek mythology. According to legend, this is where Thetis and Peleus (father of Achilles) were wed, and celebrated their matrimony outside the cave of the Centaur Chiron on the famous Mount Pelion, so love goes way back in this Greek destination's history. But unlike some other romantic spots in Greece, you won't find white-and-blue buildings here — or hefty crowds clamoring for a spot on the beach. Instead, Pelion is known for its lush mountainside, seemingly endless forests, and quaint coastlines dotted with small villages with cobblestone streets and countryside restaurants, ideal for couples looking for privacy and simplicity. Foodie couples looking to share a plate of baklava or two will also love Pelion, as the area is quickly gaining traction as one of the best spots in the country for delicious Greek eats. 

The region has earned acclaim on Tripadvisor, as it has more than 250 reviews and a rare five stars. "The exotic natural beauty of this place holds absolute first place in my heart," wrote one reviewer. "Rich in stunning romantic little villages all along the breathtaking mountain, crystal clear turquoise beaches with water that seems unreal, great variety of places to explore, breathtaking views of the mountain and the sea, history and plenty things to do."

With so many romantic places tucked within every nook and cranny of Greece's 6,000 islands and islets, it wasn't easy to determine which were the best for couples on the hunt for a romantic vacation, whether they're celebrating their first week or marriage or their first two decades of marriage.

To decide who made the cut, Explore read through reviews on sites such as Tripadvisor and Greeka to see which spots had the highest reviews — at least four stars — as well as the most reviews. We also considered which Greek destinations had been called the most romantic by travel publications such as Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. Plus, we perused which activities were available in each Greek place to see which would be the most fitting for couples.