Greece for couples: where to go, when and how to pick a hotel
Santorini, Milos, Crete or Athens: a guide to choosing the destination, season and hotel for a couples' holiday in Greece.
- Santorini is the most romantic but pricey; Milos, Paros and Naxos are quieter and cheaper.
- The best months for couples: May, June, September and early October.
- Crete, Rhodes and Santorini have many adults-only hotels.
First decide what kind of holiday you want, views, beaches or a city, then pick the island. Outside July and August you get more peace for less money.
Where to go in Greece as a couple
Greece is one of the most popular destinations for couples from Israel: a short flight, sunsets over the sea, small islands and seaside tavernas. The question is what kind of holiday you want: romance and views, beaches and quiet, city and food, or a mix. Here are the destinations that suit couples best, and why.
The most romantic Greek islands
- Santorini: the classic choice for couples and honeymoons. Hotels with private pools above the caldera, sunsets in Oia, wineries. The downside: expensive and very busy in summer. Santorini off season means fewer people and lower prices. See our Santorini page.
- Milos: colourful beaches and white rocks, fishing villages and boat trips around the island. Quieter than Santorini, and ideal for couples who love nature and the sea. See our Milos page.
- Paros and Naxos: white villages, good beaches and excellent food, at gentler prices than Santorini and Mykonos. See Naxos or Paros.
- Crete: the big island, with beaches, mountain villages and local food. Good for couples who want to combine the sea, road trips and a good hotel. See the best beaches in Crete.
- Corfu and Rhodes: green islands with beautiful old towns, a wide choice of hotels and direct flights from Israel. See Corfu for couples and Rhodes for couples.
A city break for two: Athens and Thessaloniki
For couples who love food, museums and nightlife, a long weekend in Athens works well, with rooftop dinners facing the Acropolis and a day trip to Cape Sounion. See Athens for couples. Thessaloniki suits a food-and-cafés break, in autumn and winter too. See where to stay in Thessaloniki.
When is the best time for a couples' trip to Greece?
For most couples the best months are May, June, September and early October. The sea is warm or pleasant, there are fewer families and crowds than in July and August, and hotels are cheaper. In winter the small islands are almost shut, so a city or Crete is the better choice then.
How to choose a hotel for two
- Adults-only hotels: plentiful in Crete, Rhodes and Santorini, and quieter.
- Private pool or hot tub: common in Santorini and Milos, but priced accordingly.
- Location: check the distance to the beach or town. On islands with poor public transport, pick a hotel within walking distance of restaurants, or hire a car.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary widely by island and season. Santorini and Mykonos are among the most expensive; Paros, Naxos and Crete are cheaper. See how expensive Greece is by island, and direct flights in direct flights from Israel to the Greek islands.
FAQ
What is the most romantic island in Greece? Santorini is the classic, thanks to its sunsets and views. Milos, Paros and Naxos are quieter and cheaper.
Where can a couple go in Greece without spending a fortune? Paros, Naxos and Crete offer a romantic feel at gentler prices than Santorini and Mykonos.
When is the best time for a couple to visit Greece? May, June, September and early October: warm, less crowded and cheaper.
Are there adults-only hotels in Greece? Yes, many, mainly in Crete, Rhodes and Santorini.
