Looking for the best Greek island for couples? You are definitely in the right place. However, we know lots about feta, warm Aegean waters, and sandy beaches. We put together our top choices for couples wanting a taste of southern Europe.
Our picks are quite different. Some let you avoid crowds at big resorts. Others offer quiet fishing villages and hiking away from towns. And some have long seasons – staying warm into November and getting warm in May – perfect for vacations outside peak times.
From Crete, where waters are 77°F until late fall, to Ithaca in the Ionian Sea with secret coves linked by old donkey trails, our picks cover diverse islands. Moreover, let’s dive into our top Greek island for couples.
The 9 Best Greek Islands for Couples
Ionian Islands:
1. Sifnos
Sifnos is a fairly small island in the Cyclades region, like Santorini and Mykonos. Besides, it has a charming heart and isn’t overcrowded yet, so it stays authentic. However, Greeks and tourists make it popular in summer. In my opinion, Sifnos is worth a visit and deserves a spot on your travel radar!
Traditional Cycladic architecture with white houses and blue windows/doors has thrived on Sifnos for centuries. The amazing blue sea surrounds these in a mesmerizing way. The capital village, called “Hora,” is Apollonia. This is the island’s beating heart day and night.
You’ll find food, drinks, bakeries, cafes, bars, shops, local brands, and quaint streets – signs of a vibrant Greek island! Buses also pass through here from the port or to other Sifnos villages since it’s in the middle of the island.
2. Naxos
Naxos deserves a mention as potentially the best Greek island for couples. In addition, this big Cyclades island offers a quintessential Greek experience – some nightlife, great beaches, and laid-back vibes throughout.
From my experience, the best way to enjoy Naxos is to base yourself in Naxos Town then drive around the island to explore mountains and sea. The best beaches line the southwestern shore, from vibrant family-friendly Plaka to more secluded Alyko Beach.
Inland, also you’ll find mystical caves, Mount Zeus’ summit to conquer, ruined ancient temples, and thick cypress forests full of hiking trails. See? Something for adventurers and dedicated sunbathers!
Islands in the Cyclades:
3. Crete
Crete gets a mention for the opposite reason as Ithaca: It’s huge – Greece’s largest island. Additionally, nearly 160 miles from east to west, it caps off the southern Aegean Sea with soaring Lefka Ori mountains and beautiful Venetian harbour towns.
There’s something for every type of traveller. Couples should focus on the quieter Chania region in the west. It offers something slower and more thoughtful than the lively resorts near Heraklion, the capital. Chania has two peninsulas – Rodopou and Gramvousa. Each has wandering mountain goats and stunning white beaches like Balos tucked away.
I would highly recommend visiting Crete’s south coast if you can. 6,500-foot peaks descend suddenly into the glassy Libyan Sea – Greece’s southernmost part. This means hot temps well into fall and starting early spring – perfect for trips outside expensive school holiday dates.
4. Alonissos
Alonissos juts off the eastern Sporades islands. Furthermore, it’s nowhere near as built-up as neighbours Skiathos and Skopelos. It’s a land bathed in wild oleander and mountain thyme aromas, where pine woods flow to the sky-blue Aegean.
Secret, wooded beaches hide between coastal rocks. The villages (they’re all pretty much villages!) have little more than a bakery, coffee shop, few fish tavernas, and mini marina. Patitiri on the south-east coast is the largest and likely where you’ll arrive by boat.
Alonissos has two sides that really excited me as a travelling couple. First, the shoreline is dotted with mini-coves like Leftos Gialos and red-cliffed Kokkinokastro. Second, the inland forests are laced with hiking paths leading to ancient olive presses and local dairy farms.
5. Ithaca
While islands like Zante and Corfu buzz with clubbers and chic towns all summer, little Ithaca stays rustic and local from top to bottom. Conversely, its small size is a key factor. It’s one-fifth the size of neighbouring Kefalonia, so it doesn’t have an overload of beaches and big towns. This means no massive port or airport, keeping crowds low.
You can find empty coves and secret tavernas to yourself, even in June and July’s peak.Moreover, if you’re energetic, you can walk end-to-end on Ithaca. Old donkey trails connect lovely beaches like Marmagkas, Afales, Polis and Kantina – from pine-backed west coast coves to barren east coast pebble inlets biacked by dramatic cliffs.
Most people base themselves in the sleepy harbour town Vathy, which I really enjoyed. Although Ithaca’s largest settlement, you’ll see locals playing dominoes at 1pm cafe terraces and sipping ouzo after long marina dinners. Talk about chilled!
6. Santorini
Santorini is a tiny, lovely Greek island in southeastern Europe. It is without a doubt the most visited Greek island. It is also one of the most popular places for travel around the world. This is because of its amazing natural beauty.
Several Santorini villages and spots are famous for their wild, natural scenery. However, one of the best places to stay is the caldera edge built 330 meters above sea level.
Whitewashed houses spread across 16 km featuring the extraordinary beauty of Oia, Fira, Firostefani, and Imerovigli. In summer, the whole area bathes in magnificent sun rays. The view from here is unbeatable!
Featuring the remarkable volcanic caldera and stunning sunsets, Santorini is a must-visit gifted with exceptional natural beauty and awe-inspiring attractions. While considered a top romantic destination for newlyweds and couples, it actually offers a wide variety of activities and places for everyone to see, try, and explore.
7. Kefalonia
Kefalonia is a top contender for best Greek island for couples – for many reasons. Firstly, the entire shoreline, west and east, is a montage of ridiculously gorgeous beaches. Likewise, many say they’re hands down the country’s best. You’ll find everything from pine-lined coves like Chorgota to classic Ionian reef-ringed waters at Pessada Beach.
Then there’s Kefalonia’s inland with rocky ridges climbing to Mount Ainos’s summit, offering sweeping Mediterranean and Ionian island views on hikes. Consequently, towns like Fiskardo specialize in luxurious, romantic stays with infinity pools and more.
Additionally, Kefalonia is one of the most accessible Ionian islands. It has its own airport and is linked to the mainland by numerous regular ferries.
8. Poros
Looking for an easy Athens getaway? Consider overlooked Poros island on the Saronic Gulf right in front of Athens. Nevertheless, boats from the city’s main Piraeus port go there every morning and afternoon in peak season – just an hour’s ride dropping you at the marina. Easy!
Poros is actually an old volcano, now covered in pine forests and olive groves. Hop on a bike to explore the eastern coast with the best beaches. A 20-minute ride north of town reveals charming Love Bay inlet, hugged by fragrant evergreens. 15 minutes south is Monastiri Beach, with an Orthodox monastery tucked in the hills behind.
But for me, Poros town itself is the real draw. Also called Poros, it’s a handsome symphony of whitewashed cottages crowned by a bell-tower. Below, tavernas spill onto the quays where you can savour local white cheese and honey platters as catamarans come and go.
9. Symi
Forget crowded Kos and Rhodes in summer. Sure, they have UNESCO sites, Crusader castles, and countless beaches. Also, tiny Symi is truly special.
You’ll first see Symi’s handsome Venetian harbour town – a cascade of grand mansions and guild buildings painted red, mustard yellow, and bluebell blue. Step off the ferry into tavernas praised by chefs like Rick Stein.
Reach Symi’s beaches on foot – no rental car needed. Simply walk the donkey paths past creaking windmills on the hill. Behind them are little coves tinged with daffodils and shaded by gnarled stone pines. Pure bliss.
Our Conclusion on the Best Greek Island For Couples
Hopefully this list has given you lots to consider if seeking the best Greek island for couples. We covered 9 top options, ranging from forever-balmy Crete in the south to quiet Ithaka and Alonissos further north.
Finally, we aimed for a broad range, avoiding big party spots like Zante while offering islands with great hiking, rich history, and more.
Whether you want quiet coves, lively towns, breathtaking scenery, or amazing cuisine, these Greek islands deliver an unforgettable romantic getaway. Let the island vibes sweep you away on your next couples’ vacation!
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