Key Takeaways
- You can have a wonderful Greek island vacations in the spring, early summer, and fall.
- There are more than 6,000 islands in Greece, offering incredible diversity.
- Whether you’re into history, outdoor activities, stunning beaches, or great food, there is a Greek island that is perfect for you.
- The Cyclades are the most popular islands in Greece, home to the famous Mykonos and Santorini.
The Greek island vacations have been rightfully associated with unique images and memories: the blue sky, the best Greek island beaches, carefree moments, historical monuments, and much more.
Everyone who has visited one of the many Greek islands has witnessed immense natural beauty. People cannot compare this beauty to anywhere else in the world.
Although all the couple-friendly Greek islands present an unforgettable charm, each island is unique without resembling one another.
By choosing the Ionian Islands, you will be taken aback by the strong Venetian influence. Additionally, if you visit the Cyclades, you will be overwhelmed by the trademark traditional style that prevails.
If you want to spend your romantic trip to Greece and Italy on the Greek islands, you have many options. Wherever you go, you will find what you are looking for.
That happens because all the islands offer something different for everyone, even the most demanding visitors.
So rest assured that your romantic escapade or even your Greek island-hopping honeymoon will be unforgettable.
When to visit the Greek islands
If you have not yet decided which month you are going on your Greek island vacation, we are here to offer our advice. It is essential to determine the best time to take advantage of your annual leave. To make a long story short, the best time to visit Greece is spring, early summer, and autumn. Namely, the ideal month is May or June.
On the other side, the months of July and August are probably the worst. That is due to the massive tourist waves and the unbearable heat. During the high-season months, there are many people on the islands. This is especially true if you’re planning a babymoon in Greece. Kids are off on school holidays too, so you might want to book an adult-only resort in Greece.
Moreover, it is difficult for room reservations and offers zero relaxation. If you’re not convinced just yet, here are some reasons why choosing less busy months, such as June, for your Greek island vacations is the best idea.
Fewer tourists
Crowds are the last thing you want on your first couple’s vacation in Greece. Compared to July and August, ports and airports will be less crowded and much less stressful during off-season months, especially in top Greece honeymoon destinations. It will be even quieter, especially if you can travel midweek. By doing so, you will avoid overcrowded ships to have a more tranquil journey to your destination.
Attractions are less crowded, and you are more likely to find a good table in a restaurant. You will also be able to book better rooms for less money, great if you’re a young couple traveling Greece. Fewer people also promise more peaceful nights in the alleys of the islands.
Better weather
June is the brightest month of the year. What does that mean? It means that the sun illuminates the beaches for more hours, and the sunset sets late at night.
June offers an excellent opportunity for anyone who loves photography to capture more enchanting Greek sunset spots! June is also as dry a month as the high-season months of July and August in all Mediterranean countries. The rain chances are much lower at the beginning of summer than at the end.
At the same time, during late spring and early summer, the temperature has not yet reached its peak. In the middle of summer, the temperature can climb up to 40 degrees. The heat is enough to allow an enjoyable sunbathing experience.
At the same time, it is not so much that it will end up preventing you from walking around the islands’ sights. The seas are warm and great for swimming and snorkeling in Greece. Not to mention that the mild temperatures will allow you to sleep well at night. No one should have to deal with the unhealthy assistance of the air conditioner.
More greenery
It’s all a matter of taste, of course, but most prefer green and floral landscapes. Somehow this is the landscape in the Mediterranean in late spring. This is the best time to visit the Greek islands for hiking and nature. In contrast to the middle of summer, when the endless weeks without rain have begun to affect the vegetation, the landscape has an entirely different picture.
The change is visible in the landscape and its people. It may be just a sensation, but accommodation, hotels, and restaurants seem to have something different in June. The locals are more hospitable and have more energy. Therefore expect your Greek island vacations to offer better hospitality and more care in your hotel and other dining places.
Read on: Greece Honeymoon Villas: The Best Places to Stay for Your Honeymoon and Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece for Couples: Luxury Retreats
Which Greek islands should I select for my vacations?
The island complexes
Cyclades
The islands of the Cyclades are the most famous holiday destination for luxury Greek island vacations and the staple on many Greece honeymoon itineraries. These are 39 islands, of which 24 are habitable. All of them are famous for the whitewashed churches that dominate the scenery. Here you’ll find some of the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece for Couples.
Those create a stunning contrast with the deep blue of the sky and the sea. Among them are some of the most popular islands for couples in Greece, such as Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, and Paros. Those are also the most beloved of local and foreign tourists, and a top choice for elopements in Greece and wedding vows renewals in Greece. To pack in multiple islands in one trip, why not book a Greek cruise?
Read also: Mykonos Vacations Guide and Santorini Honeymoon Guide
Apart from the remarkable points of interest, they are also top Greek party islands. They offer their visitors many entertainment options as well as bars, cafes, restaurants, and clubs. This makes the area a popular option for bachelor or bachelorette parties in Greece.
Dodecanese
The Dodecanese islands are located at the northeastern tip of the Aegean and are another popular tourist destination. In addition, they offer excellent destinations for enjoyable holidays. Rhodes, Kos, Symi, and Karpathos are among the largest and most famous islands of the Dodecanese. But don’t forget about more remote Greek islands like Astypalea and Patmos.
As a result, they attract a large number of visitors every summer. With beautiful beaches and interesting sights to visit, the islands offer something exceptional to their visitors.
They combine natural beauty with a remarkable history. They also provide unique tourist scenery and many options for both quiet or extravagant -but always romantic- Greek island vacations.
Northeast Aegean islands
Another distant tourist destination in the Greek seas is the islands of the Northeast Aegean. Although many islands are relatively famous, all are ideal holiday destinations with a quintessentially Greek character.
Among them, you can find Chios, Lesvos, and Samos. They are islands with endless sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and unique natural landscapes. They will make your Greek island vacations a dream come true.
Each island has its beauty and charm and offers its visitors an alternative life. Additionally, they provide a wide variety of entertainment options that have nothing to be jealous of compared to the more advertised Greek islands.
The Northeast Aegean island complex is one of Greece’s most sought-after island complexes. The visitor can enjoy a quiet vacation and relax away from the stress of everyday life.
Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands are at the western end of the Greek seas, where the Venetian element creates an imposing scenery. The architecture of the buildings is a typical example of the past domination of the Venetians in the region. Especially in the old town of Corfu, which is one of the island’s most important attractions, the unique sight will leave you in awe.
Apart from Corfu, all the Ionian Islands, such as Zakynthos, Kephalonia, and Ithaca, have to show their distinctive beauty that is utterly different from the Cyclades.
The stunning natural beauties of the Ionian islands, such as the endless beaches with turquoise waters and golden sand, are unforgettable images. They make memories every visitor will take as a souvenir back home from their Greek island vacations.
Saronic
The islands of the Saronic Gulf are one of the busiest tourist destinations with effortless access as they are some of the closest islands to Athens and the coasts of the Peloponnese.
Aegina is the largest island of the Saronic Gulf and the closest to the port of Piraeus, while Spetses, Poros, and Hydra are a bit farther away but just as magical. The Saronic islands have lovely beaches ideal for summer excursions and unforgettable romantic moments.
Whichever of the Saronic islands you visit, be sure to enjoy every moment there as each has its unique beauty and charm.
Read more: Couple-friendly islands near Athens.
Sporades
The visitors who travel to Central and Northern Greece can visit the beautiful islands of the Sporades with great ease. These include Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos, and Skyros, which are destinations of unique natural beauty and tranquility.
Swamped in lush vegetation, they offer the visitor moments of relaxation, peace, and quiet away from the intense pace of everyday city life.
The island of Skyros presents a peculiarity: it belongs to the Sporades and lies northeast of Evia. It is a beautiful island with authentic character natural beauties. It also boasts excellent tourist infrastructure, ideal for relaxing and enjoying a Greek honeymoon.
Crete
Sailing in the Mediterranean, right before one reaches Africa, they will come upon beautiful Crete, the largest island in Greece.
Crete straddles two climatic zones, the Mediterranean and the North African, with most of its characteristics deriving from the former. Due to its size, Crete is a small state where each region has to show something special.
Whether you’re here for a Crete honeymoon or to experience a Greek party island, visitors can find the vacation of their dreams, depending on the area they choose.
In some parts of the island, you will experience utter calm. On the other hand, you will experience an intense lifestyle, nightlife, and fun in other parts of the island.
If you love adventure, Crete is the ideal destination for exploring and wandering, even in the most inaccessible parts of the island. Especially in them. All you have to do is be daring and open to new adventures alongside your partner.
Read on: Best islands to party in Greece and Crete Honeymoon; The Ultimate Guide
Best Greek islands to visit depending on your type of vacations
You have decided that the Greek islands are ideal for your romantic exploits. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to experience them the same way as the rest of the world. Depending on the type of vacation you want to enjoy, certain islands potentially better fit your needs.
The islands of the Cyclades are the first choice in the preferences of visitors, with Mykonos being the most popular holiday destination worldwide. They are all wonderful options if you want to plan an elopement in Greece.
The island mentioned above is perfect if you’re looking for a cosmopolitan island with a solid Cycladic character, crystal clear beaches, and wild nightlife. It will be the ideal match for you if you’re not afraid of large crowds and busy beaches and streets.
Read on: Mykonos Vacations Guide and The Ultimate Paros Honeymoon Guide
On the other hand, Naxos is the largest and most fertile island of the Cyclades with a rich historical past. Therefore, it combines a little bit of everything, and it offers a more tranquil setting than the rest of the Cyclades.
Paros is also a popular holiday destination with picturesque traditional settlements and sandy crystal clear beaches. It is a local-favorite destination and attracts young crowds who want to party.
For striking beaches:
Crete, Lipsi, Cephalonia, Skiathos, Mykonos, Koufonisia
Almost every Greek island has lovely beaches, but one has a Venetian castle, such as Frangokastello in southern Crete. Famous for its turquoise waters are Platis Gialos in Lipsi, Pori in Koufonisia, and the bay of Myrtos in Cephalonia.
The island of Skiathos has 65 beaches, the most famous of which are Koukounaries. At the same time, there are many romantic Mykonos beaches that people do not know, such as Houlakia and Kapari.
Don’t forget to read our Best Greek islands for couples guide.
For history buffs:
Rhodes, Delos, Corfu, Crete
You can not visit Rhodes without going through the Old Town, where the Knights of St. John ruled from 1309 to 1523, and explore the Palace of the Grand Master.
The tiny Delos, near Mykonos, was once dedicated to Apollo, today invites you to see the ruins of the sanctuaries for the gods and explore the rich mosaic of ancient houses.
For an active lifestyle:
Crete, Naxos, Alonissos, Skopelos
The largest island in Greece, Crete, offers a variety of terrain with gentle plateaus, gorges, and mountains. The gorge of Samaria, the largest in Europe with a length of 16 km, leads you to the homeland of the famous ibex of Crete, Kri-Kri.
Naxos has many paths that connect the villages of the central plain with ancient temples, towers of the Hellenistic era, and Byzantine churches.
Read on: The Best Greek Islands for Hiking and Nature-gazing
For diving and snorkeling:
Karpathos, Milos, Paros, Kastelorizo
For organized diving in underwater caves, you can visit Karpathos. In addition, Milos has an impressive Diving Center that promises to bring you face to face with dolphins and seals.
See also: Guide to an Adventure Honeymoon in Greece
For delicious food and drink:
Lesvos, Samos, Corfu, Folegandros, Crete
Lesvos is famous for its olive oil and ouzo -since it produces about 70% of all Greek ouzo. The national aperitif is served with various delicacies in traditional ouzo, combining the influences from the era of Ottoman rule with Greek seafood specialties. Lesvos also produces terrific wine from traditional Greek vineyards, as does Samos, which is famous for its sweet muscat wine.
Read on: Best places to visit in Greece for your honeymoon and Santorini Wines: The Best Varieties and Wineries
What to pack for your Greek island vacations
Apart from the essentials for a short or distant getaway, such as your passport, ticket, and of course, your clothes and personal belongings, there are some things that you will most likely neglect to take with you.
A good tip is to make a detailed list of what you will need on your much-anticipated Greek island vacations. This list will help you identify any omissions and deficiencies. But what are the seven key points that you should not forget?
The checklist
- Power converter. In many countries, you will not be able to plug the charger of your mobile phone or camera directly into the socket.
- First aid kit. A first aid kit should never be forgotten while traveling. Accidents can happen no matter where you are, and a first aid kit could be a great relief.
- Camera. Whether you prefer film or digital, no traveler would ever want to forget their camera. Do not forget extra memory cards and a battery charger.
- Maps. Even if you have GPS on your phone, it is always a good idea to have a map with you. This way, you will have a sense of where you are and you will be able to navigate the various cities with ease.
- Personal items for entertainment. Some trips can be long and tedious, especially if your flight or car journey takes many hours. Take an iPod, an mp3 player, or a book with you. You can even bring card games to get through the boring part of your trip faster.
- Security. Especially on a car trip, it is always a good idea to have your travel insurance details with you. They can come in handy and cover any accident or damage costs.
- Comfortable shoes. It is important to bring comfortable shoes for the trip. After a day walking in the city, you will need some moments of relief.
Read also: Packing List for a Greece Honeymoon | A Handy Traveler’s Guide
Local tips for your trip to the Greek islands
- If you have a long trip, over 8 hours, you may need to consider booking a cabin for a comfortable and relaxing trip.
- Do not forget that children under the age of five travel for free. Additionally, children between the ages of 5 and 10 are entitled to a 50% discount.
- Finally, it is good to have your supplies such as food and water. You will probably find something no matter where you are or how you’re traveling. However, everything is unreasonably expensive, especially at the airport or in the ferry boats.
There are more than 6,000 islands in Greece, and each has its unique character. The excellent climate, the diversity of the coasts, the archeological sites, the excellent tourist infrastructure are just a few of the reasons why our islands are the favorite destinations of our luxury travel planners.
Helpful resources:
Why you should plan your first couple vacation in Greece
20 Greek islands you may not have heard of
Visit Greece after Covid19: Plan a safe trip
Best time to visit Greece on a honeymoon
Wedding vows renewal in Greece
Romantic things to do in Greece
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the safest Greek island to visit?
Greece is one of the safest places to visit in the Mediterranean. If you want to be extra careful, Crete, Rhodes, and Santorini are all popular and safe options.
Do you need a car to get around the Greek islands?
Whether or not you need a car on the Greek islands depends on what you want to do while you’re there.
Many popular tourist spots are accessible by bus and with a car you have the added worry about finding somewhere to park.
If there is a specific place you want to go and you can’t get there by public transport, you can make room in your Greece honeymoon budget for a taxi or private transfer.
But if you’re the type of person who has lots of get up and go on vacation or love getting off the beaten path, a car will give you more freedom.
A compromise could be to go without a car but get a rental for one or two adventure days.
For inspiration, check out this guide to adventure honeymoons in Greece.
Read also: Greece Transporation on Your Honeymoon
Is it better to fly or ferry between Greek islands?
It’s usually cheaper and more eco-friendly to get around the Greek islands by ferry.
A flight may seem cheaper and more convenient on paper, but you have to factor in the time spent dealing with the logistics of the airports.
Many flights between islands aren’t direct, so you’ll have to hang around for a layover in Athens.
On a ferry, you can walk around, relax on the deck, and browse the shops, restaurants, and bars on board, making for a more relaxing experience.
For more advice, check our guide to Greek transport on your honeymoon.
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