Couples Holidays, Marriage proposal, honeymoon, vow renewal, a dream wedding. In Greece, Santorini is the star of romance, awarded year after year as the leading romantic destination in the world. But there is also Corfu, Rhodes, Halkidiki, Kalymnos, Monemvasia, and more. Greece’s magical landscape promises to be the ideal setting for your romantic getaway.
Marriage proposal with a view of the volcano
You’ve kept it a surprise, but the ring is already in the pocket of your suitcase. Everyone in the hotel knows what lies ahead. The candle-lit terrace has a view of the volcano and the illuminated caldera, the jacuzzi is glowing, the champagne is chilled, the flowers have been arranged on the table set for two. Love is in the air, and there is no need for music – the sound of the sea and the wind is enough. Santorini, awarded every year as one of the most romantic destinations in the world, promises to make your marriage proposal unforgettable.
Honeymoon in Greece, full of light and romance
Charter a private luxury yacht or sailboat, and tour the Cyclades or the Dodecanese with your love. In Corfu, you’ll experience a dream honeymoon with a Venetian vibe, while the castle of Monemvasia will transport you to mediaeval times. Spoil yourselves at the luxury resorts of Elounda in Crete, Messinia, Halkidiki. Indulge in specialised rejuvenation treatments at their world-renowned spas, and the high-end gastronomy served at their five-star restaurants. Relax at boutique hotels in Mykonos and Santorini, with their heavenly honeymoon villas and suites, with jacuzzis, private pools, and impeccable, personalised service. The big blue of the Aegean and its impressive landscapes make Greece the perfect honeymoon destination for Couples Holidays.
A dream wedding in Greece
These romantic destinations in Greece will make your wedding unique: Monemvasia, Nafplio, Corfu, Mykonos, Rhodes, Spetses. Milos, Skiathos, Halkidiki. And of course, the star of the Aegean, Santorini. Each place has its own special atmosphere, that awakens the romantic in you and offers endless choices for your dream setting. The Venetian ambience of Corfu, the volcanic splendour of Santorini, cosmopolitan Mykonos. The churches of Plaka, in Milos, gaze out at the Aegean Sea. The old town of Rhodes takes you back in time. Whatever destination you select as the setting for you wedding in Greece, it promises to be special to Couples Holidays.
A traditional wedding in Greece, with lutes and violins
If you have witnessed or experienced wedding customs on the Greek islands, then you may be inspired to have a traditional Greek wedding, accompanied by lutes and violins. A traditional wedding in Greece is a joyful occasion for the whole island.
The preparations last for days, filled with raki, wine and local delicacies – particularly the wedding sweets: pasteli (sesame bars), amygdalota (crushed almond shortbread) and ksirotigana (deep fried fritters) soaked in local honey. Customs like ‘making the bed’ and transporting the dowry, shaving and dressing the groom, dressing the bride, the wedding procession and the festivities that follow the ceremony will give you an authentic wedding experience in Greece!
Wedding against an Aegean backdrop
Picture the two of you surrounded by all your loved ones in the courtyard of a whitewashed chapel in Folegandros, Paros or Naxos. At the Orthodox Metropolis of Corfu or Kefalonia. In the churches that seem to reach the heavens, on the shady squares in the villages of Tinos and Amorgos with their marble fountains and plane trees. In the courtyards of the Byzantine monasteries of Sifnos. In the seaside chapels of Chios and Skiathos. Simple wedding rituals that are as moving and emotional as the wedding vows you will exchange.
Event planners of the highest standards
Flora arrangements, design, and special lighting, photography and videography, music, gastronomy. Specialisied companies with superior service will make your dreams comes true, whatever romantic destination in Greece you choose!
15 beautiful destinations for couples holidays in Greece
1- Santorini
You might feel like you’ve already been there; you’re bound to have seen the iconic shots of domed white-washed houses set against bright blue sea (if not, see below). Well, it’s even better in person and you might be surprised to find that not all the beaches are pristine swathes of golden sands, but some are in fact black! The most southern island in the Cyclades chain, Santorini, is made of volcanic rock, hence the unusual colour of their dunes.
How to get to Santorini: Good news – you’re just a plane ride away from sipping cocktails on the beach. Fly directly to Santorini from Manchester, London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Bristol and Newcastle, with regular routes from easyJet and TUI. Find flights and start discovering Santorini.
Where to stay in Santorini: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Santorini. For the couples holidays you can stay in Pension Stella, Sunset Hotel, Costa Marina Villas, Porto Fira Suites, Amaya Selection of Villas, Roubeti Village, Nissos Thira, Prime Suites and Villa Pelekanos.
2- Mykonos
While its cousin in the Cyclades, Santorini, is the spot for canoodling lovers, Mykonos is the place to go to party ’til dawn. It’s a popular stop for island hoppers, looking for a good time. Head to Mykonos Town for your pick of the island’s best bars and nightclubs; from classy cocktails in Caprice, to pumping dance music at Argo Bar. Looking for more to do in Mykonos? Here are our favourite 10 things to do in Mykonos.
How to get to Mykonos: Fly in the day, party at night. British Airways and easyJet have direct flights to Mykonos from London, while Thomas Cook and easyJet fly from Manchester. Find flights and start discovering Mykonos.
Where to stay in Mykonos: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Mykonos. For the couples holidays you can stay in Poseidon Hotel Suites, Ilio Maris, Aeolos Hotel, Nida Mykonos, Mykonos Town Suites, Avra Mykonos, Dreambox Mykonos Suites, Myconian Kyma, Salty Houses and Casa Grande Hotel.
3- Corfu
The hideaway of choice for Jason and his Argonauts after they took the Golden Fleece, playwright William Shakespeare was also apparently inspired by Corfu, basing Prospero’s island in The Tempest on the place. You’ll find plenty of drama in the bustling bars and nightclubs in Kavos, but head to Old Perithia in the north east to see a different side to the island. This is Corfu’s oldest village, nestled at the foot of Mount Pantokrator, surrounded by peaceful vineyards and beautiful Venetian-style ruins.
How to get to Corfu: This is one of the easiest (and most popular) islands to visit from the UK, with direct flights from 17 airports. Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TUI, Norwegian and Thomas Cook all fly to Corfu International Airport (aka Ioannis Kapodistrias). Find flights and start discovering Corfu.
Where to stay in Corfu: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Corfu. For the couples holidays you can stay in Arcadion Hotel, Corfu Palace Hotel, Siora Vittoria Boutique Hotel, Locandiera, Satori Boutique Hotel, Dimitra Apartments K, Villa Perris Studios, Casa Kalami, Corfu Palma Boutique Hotel and Thomas Art Hotel.
4- Milos
Another volcanic island in the Cyclades, Milos is earning itself a reputation as a holiday hotspot with international tourists, although its turquoise water and rocky hills have been popular with locals for years. Also known as ‘the Island of Colours’ Milos is relatively quiet, compared with its bigger neighbours, so stop-by soon to enjoy its unspoilt landscape.
How to get to Milos: Part of Milos’ charm is its unspoilt nature, so it makes sense that its airport is pretty small. Sadly, there are no direct flights from the UK, so the best option is to fly to Athens, then hop aboard a ferry from Piraeus. Find flights and start discovering Milos.
Where to stay in Milos: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Milos. For the couples holidays you can stay in Capetan Giorgantas, Lithos Luxury Rooms, Olive Studios, Milos Breeze Boutique Hotel, The White Suites, Olea Bay Hotel, Garifalakis Comfort Rooms, Psaravolada Resort, Artemis Deluxe Rooms and Palaios Rooms.
5- Kos
Moving over to the Dodecanese islands, Kos is the third largest in this group, after Rhodes and Karpathos. The birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, why not see where he trained, the Asklepeion? Lazy beach days are best enjoyed down on the south-west coast; head to Kefalos for the best selection of sandy spots to throw your towel down on.
How to get to Kos: You can fly directly to the island from 12 major UK cities, including London, Leeds, Cardiff and Glasgow. Thomas Cook, Jet2 and easyJet all run regular routes, so you’ll be turfing out your spot of sand in no time. Find flights and start discovering Kos.
Where to stay in Kos: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Kos island. For the couples holidays you can stay in Kos Aktis Art Hotel, Mitsis Ramira Beach Hotel, Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel, Gelli Apartments, Andromeda Hotel Apartments, Peridis Family Resort and Alexandra Hotel.
6- Crete
The largest Greek island, Crete is home to the legendary Palace of Knossos. The Bronze Age complex is considered Europe’s oldest city, dating back to 7000BC. Today, there are scores of beaches for you to top up your tan on, plenty of fun in party town Malia, and traditional tavernas tucked away in hillside villages all over the island. Make sure you try a plate of snails, steamed, fried or grilled, they’re a local delicacy.
How to get to Crete: Direct flights are available to Crete from over 10 major cities, including Edinburgh, Manchester, London and Birmingham. Tempted by those tavernas, yet? Find flights and start discovering Crete.
Where to stay in Crete: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Crete island. For the couples holidays you can stay in Ibis Styles Heraklion Central, Royal Sun, GDM Megaron, Kastro Hotel, Menta City Boutique Hotel, Central City Hotel, Santrivani Rooms, Veneziano Boutique Hotel, Consolato Boutique and Elia Palatino.
7- Naxos
Possibly the greenest island in the Cyclades, Naxos’s incredible natural beauty has earned its reputation as the Hawaii of Greece. Almost 100km of white sandy beaches are lapped by incredibly clear waters, the perfect spot to get down on one knee perhaps? Do like Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, and find yourself a maiden to marry on Naxos, or take your own beach goddess there for a romantic retreat.
How to get to Naxos: Beautiful beaches Naxos may have, but international airports it does not. If you want to visit this idyllic island, your best bet is to fly to Santorini or Mykonos, then get the ferry across. If you want to spend a couple of days in the capital, there are also direct flights from Athens to Naxos. Find flights and start discovering Naxos.
Where to stay in Naxos: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Naxos island. For the couples holidays you can stay in Anassa Suites, Xenia Hotel, Apollon Hotel, Very-Kokkos Pension 2, Fragias Studios, Lefkes Studios, Pension Ocean View, Golden Beach Studios, Studios Bourgos and Hotel Anixis.
8- Paros
A pearl in the Aegean Sea, Paros is often just a stopping-off point for holidaymakers on their way to nearby Ios and Santorini, but it deserves a little bit more of your holiday time. Home to plenty of postcard perfect villages, make sure you pop in to Parikia (the main town), Lefkes and Marpissa, to name just a few, for your fill of white-washed houses and mountains of home cooked meze, the Greek version of Spanish tapas.
How to get to Paros: Once again, you can’t fly directly to the island, but don’t let that put you off: it’s an easy ferry ride (or a short flight) from Athens, or even Santorini if you were doing some of that aforementioned island hopping. Find flights and start discovering Paros.
Where to stay in Paros: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Paros island. For the couples holidays you can stay in Siroco’s Rooms And Studios, Ragoussis Sweet Rooms, Hotel Polos, Irini Rooms, Hotel Papadakis, Romantica Suites, Margarita, Villa Irini, Zoumis Studios and Despina’s Mare.
9- Halkidiki
The main summer destination in northern Greece, Halkidiki is a lush region with three peninsulas located near Thessaloniki. Kassandra, the first finger, or leg, is famous for its many tourist resorts and beaches. The second leg, Sithonia, is less touristy and boasts hidden coves, mountainous villages, verdant valleys and isolated beaches. The third leg is Mount Athos, a monastic community where only men are allowed. If you need some convincing on why to visit the beautiful mainland of Halkidiki.
How to get to Halkidiki: There is no airport in Halkidiki. The nearest airport is located in Thessaloniki, 16 km east of the city centre, in the region of Thermi. The airport of Thessaloniki operates domestic flights from Athens and other Greek airports, as well as international and charter flights from abroad. Find flights and start discovering Halkidiki.
Where to stay in Halkidiki: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Halkidiki region. For the couples holidays you can stay in Hotel Nautilos, Hotel Aeollos, Archodariki, Sokratis Hotel, Prasino Horio, Avatel Eco Lodge, Art Boutique Suites, Archontiko Liamas, Makedonia Hotel and Hotel Markos.
10- Thassos
An island with crystal beaches and lush greenery, Thassos holidays in Greece is the northernmost island of the Aegean Sea, very close to the coasts of the mainland. Ideal for family and relaxing holidays, Thassos island has gorgeous beaches, either organized or totally secluded. The mountainous villages in the inland have traditional architecture, with stone houses, paved streets and grey-tiled roofs.
How to get to Thassos: Its easy to reach Thassos because this island is all closed to transportation centers such as Kavala, Xanthi, Thessaloniki, airports. If you want to know more about Thassos (Thasos, Tasos) please click this link.
Where to stay in Thassos: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Thassos island. For the couples holidays you can stay in Angelica Hotel, Metsikas Residence, Lydia Studios, Thassos Grand Resort, Patiras Deluxe B&B, A for Art Hotel, Komninos Rooms, Sunny Hotel Thassos, Elektra Hotel and Galaxy City Hotel.
11- Folegandros
For an authentic slice of Greek island life head to Folegandros, where there are few distractions besides Angali Beach, Chora Town, Karavostasi Port and Ano Meria village. This little-known island escape is a great place to go hiking, but despite being a little quieter than its neighbours, Folegandros gets pretty busy in high season and accommodation fills up quickly, so make sure you book in advance.
How to get to Folegandros: No, Folegandros doesn’t have an airport, but it does have regular ferries to and from Santorini. Noticing a pattern here? Find flights and start discovering Folegandros.
Where to stay in Folegandros: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Folegandros island. For the couples holidays you can stay in Aeri, Paraport, Meltemi, Belvedere Apartments, Miramare Hotel, Aspalathras White Hotel, Horizon Hotel, Aegeo Hotel, Vrahos Boutique Hotel and Coral Apartments.
12- Alonissos
Pine forests and pebble beaches await in Alonissos. This island in the Sporades group has become popular in recent years with jetsetters looking for a greener Greek getaway; there are many eco-resorts on the island, which means there are plenty of camp grounds where you can stay and convene with nature. Alonissos is one big marine park, the largest in Europe, so head here if you want to see monk seals or enjoy a bit of snorkelling.
How to get to Alonissos: Another airport-less, but beautiful island. Fly to Skiathos or Athens, then get the boat across. Find flights and start discovering Alonissos.
Where to stay in Alonissos: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Alonissos island. For the couples holidays you can stay in Pension Galazios Kolpos, Liadromia Hotel, Levantes Hotel, Yalis Hotel, Kostas Rooms and Alonissos Beach Bungalows.
13- Kefalonia
The sixth largest Greek island, Kefalonia is the place to go if you want to supersize your island experience; from wide lakes and towering mountains, to heaving plates of hummus and olives dished out in local tavernas. For humble Greek cooking, get your laughing gear around a slab of Kefalonian meat pie; it’s not exactly dainty but it’s certainly delicious. Kefalonia also features on the big screen in the romantic war film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, starring Nicholas Cage.
How to get to Kefalonia: An airport – it has an airport! You can fly directly to Kefalonia from 12 UK cities, including Edinburgh, Manchester and London. Find flights and start discovering Kefalonia.
Where to stay in Kefalonia: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Kefalonia island. For the couples holidays you can stay in Ionian Plaza Hotel, Natalie’s Hotel & Apartments, Petani Resort, Kefalonia Grand, Melmar View, F Zeen, Aggelos Hotel, Stamatia Studios, Romanza Studios and Nicolas Rooms.
14- Patmos
Supposedly picked by St. John as the place to pen the Book of Revelation, the caves of Patmos are a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth taking a peek at. Roam the island’s volcanic hills and swim in the azure waters – it’s the perfect spot to escape the usual package tours. The only thing likely to disrupt your peace and quiet are church and goat bells.
How to get to Patmos: The closest airports to Patmos are Leros and Kos. We’d suggest flying directly to Kos, before catching one of the daily ferries. Find flights and start discovering Patmos.
Where to stay in Patmos: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Patmos island. For the couples holidays you can stay in Byzance Hotel, Captain’s House, Nicolas Studios, Skala Hotel, Blue Bay Hotel, Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa and Patmos Paradise Hotel.
15- Skiathos
The smallest spot in the Sporades, Skiathos is perhaps the most stylish. Here you’ll find narrow cobbled streets lined with local artisan shops, cafés and restaurants. Gems and jewellery, hand-crafted on the island, make unique souvenirs. Apart from shopping, the other two big past-times in Skiathos are sunbathing and swimming. Do both at any one of the 60 beaches on the island – Koukounaries and Kanapista are just a couple of the best spots.
How to get to Skiathos: Fly to Skiathos from five UK cities – London, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham. The less time spent transferring, the more time spent on the beach. Find flights and start discovering Skiathos.
Where to stay in Skiathos: There is several hotels and accommodation options that we advise for you in Skiathos island. For the couples holidays you can stay in Hotel Kastro, Sokaki rooms, Skiathos House, Babis, Chrysoula’s Guest House, Hotel Christina, Blue Horizon Studios, Porto Guest House Skiathos, Main Guest House Skiathos and Villa Spartias.
