After the stress of planning a wedding, a honeymoon trip to Greece is just what the doctor prescribed. With sun-soaked coastlines, whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, and crystal-clear waters, Greek islands are what honeymoon dreams are made of.
But with more than 200 inhabited islands, choosing the right destination can be a challenge. To help you decide, we created the Greece Honeymoon Index, ranking the top 20 islands for newlyweds based on the following key factors: adult-only hotels, couple-friendly beaches, romantic restaurants with a view, wine costs – and even love-related mythology.
Each island was ranked and given a score out of 50 (or 30 for the bonus factor). The scores were then totalled to provide an overall score out of 230 for each island.
Top 20 Honeymoon Spots in Greece
| Island | Beaches for Couples |
Adult-Only Hotels |
Romantic Restaurants |
Wine (€) |
Love Myths |
Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corfu | 42 | 37 | 569 | 5.00 | YY | 219 |
| Crete | 117 | 133 | 393 | 4.50 | YY | 217 |
| Rhodes | 44 | 56 | 556 | 7.00 | Y | 200 |
| Santorini | 13 | 157 | 381 | 5.00 | Y | 195 |
| Kos | 22 | 22 | 246 | 6.00 | Y | 190 |
| Kefalonia | 41 | 14 | 250 | 6.00 | Y | 177 |
| Mykonos | 22 | 58 | 167 | 7.00 | N | 168 |
| Naxos | 16 | 20 | 140 | 9.00 | Y | 163 |
| Samos | 20 | 7 | 148 | 6.00 | Y | 151 |
| Lefkada | 18 | 6 | 149 | 6.00 | Y | 150 |
| Zakynthos | 25 | 32 | 379 | 12.00 | N | 147 |
| Milos | 19 | 4 | 55 | 6.00 | YY | 145 |
| Paros | 23 | 18 | 156 | 8.00 | N | 144 |
| Skiathos | 24 | 7 | 143 | 8.00 | N | 124 |
| Andros | 15 | 11 | 34 | 8.00 | Y | 123 |
| Skopelos | 13 | 6 | 49 | 8.00 | Y | 120 |
| Aegina | 3 | 12 | 59 | 8.00 | YY | 119 |
| Paxos | 3 | 0 | 56 | 4.00 | YY | 118 |
| Thasos | 14 | 4 | 92 | 6.00 | N | 115 |
| Ios | 8 | 8 | 41 | 7.00 | Y | 114 |
1. Corfu – Total score: 219
Kerasia Beach, Corfu
Ranking as the best honeymoon spot in Greece is Corfu. This Onian island scored an impressive 219 out of 230 points, making it the best option for newlyweds looking for an unforgettable romantic getaway.
In total, Corfu is home to 37 adult-only hotels and 42 beaches labelled “good for couples”. And for the newlyweds who love a romantic date night, there are no less than 569 romantic restaurants with a scenic view to choose from. The average cost of a wine bottle is a very affordable 5 €.
But Corfu’s romantic allure goes beyond the hotels, beaches and restaurants. It’s also part of the very mythology of the island.
According to Greek mythology, Corfu (or Kerkyra) takes its name from Korkyra, a beautiful nymph and daughter of the river god Asopos. The sea god Poseidon fell madly in love with her, abducted her, and brought her to this idyllic island, which he named in her honor.
This myth, while emblematic of the intense and often wild nature of divine love in Greek lore, adds a deep romantic symbolism to the island.
2. Crete – Total score: 217
Balos Beach, Crete
Crete is not only Greece’s largest island but according to our index, it is also the second best honeymoon location in Greece, scoring 217 points.
Couples can choose from 133 adult-only hotels, 117 beaches that are perfect for couples and 393 romantic restaurants with a view. Crete also offers the cheapest wine, with an average cost of 4,50 € per bottle.
Crete’s romantic appeal is also elevated by its place in one of Greek mythology’s most iconic love stories: the abduction of Europa by Zeus.
According to the legend, Zeus, king of the gods, fell in love with the Phoenician princess Europa. To woo her, he transformed himself into a gentle white bull and approached her as she played by the sea. Enchanted, Europa climbed onto his back, and Zeus swam across the ocean, carrying her all the way to Crete. There, under the shade of a plane tree in Gortyna, Zeus revealed his true identity and made Europa the first queen of Crete.
3. Rhodes – Total score: 200
Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes ranks third on the Greece Honeymoon Index, earning 200 points. One of the largest and sunniest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is a standout for romantic dining options—boasting 556 romantic restaurants with a scenic view, second only to Corfu.
Couples can choose from 44 beaches suitable for romantic escapes and 56 adult-only hotels, and no less than 556 romantic restaurants with a stunning view. The cost of wine is on the higher end at 7 € per bottle, but the atmosphere makes up for it.
Rhodes also has its own tale of divine love tied to its origin. According to Greek mythology, the sun god Helios fell deeply in love with the nymph Rhodos (or Rhode), daughter of Poseidon. When the island of Rhodes emerged from the sea, Helios claimed it as his own and named it after her. Their union produced a lineage of wise and noble sons, and Helios bathed the island in his golden light as a symbol of his eternal devotion.
4. Santorini – Total score: 195
Santorini, Greece
Santorini lands in fourth place with 195 points and remains a symbolic choice for honeymooners worldwide. Though it only has 13 beaches considered romantic or couple-friendly, the island more than compensates with 157 adult-only hotels – the highest in the list – and 381 romantic restaurants with a breathtaking view.
The average wine cost is a modest 5 €, and many local wineries offer tasting experiences among the volcanic vineyards. Santorini’s beautiful sunsets over whitewashed cliffs, luxurious cave hotels, and infinity pools make it a world-class destination for romance.
5. Kos – Total score: 190
Kos, Greece
Fifth on the list is Kos, with a solid score of 190 points. Often overlooked in favor of more famous islands, Kos offers a balanced romantic experience. It features 22 adult-only hotels and 22 couple-friendly beaches, creating a serene setting for intimacy and exploration.
There are 246 romantic restaurants on the island, providing plenty of date night opportunities with seafront views. Wine averages 6 € per bottle.
Kos is steeped in ancient history, with sites such as the Asklepion (a healing temple) and a medieval castle that gives it even more of a romantic feel. With fewer crowds than Santorini or Mykonos, Kos allows couples to have a more relaxed honeymoon and enjoy a Greek island without the crowds.
6. Kefalonia – Total score: 177
Assos, Kefalonia, Greece
Kefalonia ranks sixth with 177 points. The largest of the Ionian Islands, it offers 41 beaches rated as ideal for couples – one of the highest numbers on this list. Although it has fewer adult-only hotels (14), the island’s charm lies in its untouched nature, dramatic cliffs, and vivid turquoise waters.
There are 250 romantic restaurants across the island, and wine is affordably priced at 6 € per bottle.
Kefalonia’s village of Assos, pine forests, and Melissani Cave make it the perfect place for couples Greece’s beauty and authentic culture.
7. Mykonos – Total score: 168
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos, despite its party reputation, ranks seventh with 168 points. It has the third-highest number of adult-only hotels (58), indicating a strong hospitality sector geared toward couples. The island offers 22 beaches suitable for romantic outings and 167 scenic romantic restaurants.
With wine priced at 7 € per bottle, the cost of luxury is slightly higher, but for many, the atmosphere is worth it.
Mykonos’ boutique hotels, private cabanas, and Michelin-level dining make it perfect for stylish, fun-loving newlyweds.
8. Naxos – Total Score: 163
Naxos, Greece
Eighth on the list is Naxos, which scores 163 points. This Cycladic island offers a strong mix of affordability and intimacy: 20 adult-only hotels, 16 romantic beaches, and 140 scenic restaurants. However, wine prices are on the higher end at 9 € per bottle.
What sets Naxos apart is its mythological depth. It’s the setting of the story of Ariadne, who was abandoned by Theseus and later loved by Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy. This gives the island a sense of tragic romance.
Naxos is perfect for couples who prefer authenticity over popularity. You can wander through stone-paved villages, dine in family-run tavernas, and hike to ancient temples, making it a great honeymoon destination for culturally curious honeymooners.
9. Samos – Total Score: 151
Samos, Greece
With 151 points, Samos takes the ninth spot. A lesser-known but gorgeous island, Samos offers 20 couple-friendly beaches and 148 romantic restaurants. While it has only 7 adult-only hotels, it compensates with incredible landscapes, mountain villages, and a slower pace.
Wine lovers will enjoy Samos for its sweet muscat wines, with bottles averaging 6 €. It also earns bonus points for mythology: Samos is said to be the birthplace of Hera, goddess of marriage – a fitting detail for honeymooners.
This island is ideal for couples looking to escape the beaten path, connect with nature, and enjoy vineyards, waterfalls, and ancient ruins.
10. Lefkada – Total Score: 150
Porto Katsiki, Lefkada, Greece
Rounding out the top 10 is Lefkada, with a score of 150. Connected to the mainland by a floating bridge, Lefkada features 18 romantic beaches and 6 adult-only hotels. It also has 149 romantic restaurants and a mid-range wine price of €6.
Lefkada has a deeply poetic legacy. It’s associated with the Greek poet Sappho, who is said to have leapt from its cliffs out of heartbreak. This myth adds emotional depth to the island’s dramatic landscape.
The island is perfect for couples seeking beautiful landscapes like the iconic Porto Katsiki beach, and a slightly more adventurous, road-trip-friendly honeymoon experience.
Plan Your Honeymoon in Greece Now
Why not plan your honeymoon in Corfu? This island stands out as the best Greece honeymoon destination because it offers plenty of couple-friendly activities and places. From quiet beaches and historic villages to beautiful coastal drives and excellent food, there’s a bit for every taste. Staying in one of the many Corfu villas gives you the space and privacy to enjoy the island on your own terms – whether that means exploring by day or staying in with a bottle of local wine and a view.
Methodology
We scored Greece’s top 50 most populous islands based on 4 main factors and a bonus score:
1. Number of beaches labelled as ‘good for couples’ (Tripadvisor)
2. Number of adult-only hotels (Booking.com)
3. Number of restaurants classified as romantic and with a scenic view (Tripadvisor)
4. Average cost of a bottle of wine (Numbeo / Hikers Bay)
BONUS: Does the island have any myths centering around love? 30 points for a strong love story, 20 for some love connection and 0 for no love related myths or legends.
Each island was ranked and given a score out of 50 (or 30 for the bonus factor). The scores were then totalled to provide an overall score out of 230 for each island.