Curator’s statement
Greece has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world this year and it's no surprise. Famous for its amazing beaches, Mediterranean sunsets, warm summer weather and Cycladic architecture, the Greek isles are also the perfect honeymoon destination. Read on for tips on how to make the most of your Greece honeymoon.
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Things to do in Greece
If you are opting for a Greece honeymoon, you should not skip Athens, especially because you will have to fly in/out of the country's capital before reaching the islands. With a 3.1 million population in the metro area of Athens, there is so much to see and do in the city. I recommend spending two nights in the city center so you can see all the sites, shops and museums it has to offer!
Tours
Acropolis & Acropolis Museum
Cultural Highlights of Athens Tour
Food Tour of Athens
Museums
Beaches
Astir Beach - The most popular organized beach in the Athenian Riviera.
Vouliagmeni Lake - An all-day spot located around the infamous and beautiful lake and caves of Vouliagmeni.
After spending a few nights in Athens, it's time to head to Santorini, the must-visit island if you are on your honeymoon. While Santorini is renowned for its whitewashed buildings, blue domes and steep cliffs, it also features a variety of incredible natural hues, from terracotta red rock to black lava sand and a spectrum of glowing colors in its vivid, magical sunset. Beyond the caldera views, there are incredible archaeological sites, high-end shops and art galleries, fun excursions, picturesque villages and delectable cuisine to be enjoyed. We believe that the island's stunning colors and features are best viewed from the water!
What to do in Santorini
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Private Wine Tasting tour at family-owned cliffside estates
Restorative spa day
Jeep 4 x 4 tour around the island
Akrotiri Site Tour
Local cooking Experience
For a different taste of Greece, I like to pair Santorini with a more traditional Greek island, Crete. Crete is the largest island of Greece and arguably one its most unique. I love the western seaside town of Chania, complete with an old town area with incredible Venetian influence and boutique hotels bursting with character. Chania is a great springboard to visit Crete's traditional villages, beaches, museums and ancient sites...and has wonderful boutiques and incredible restaurants.
What to do in Crete
Organic Farm & Cheese Making Workshop
Cooking Class in an 18th century Olive Oil Mill
Pottery making in the village of Margarites
Visit to Knossos Palace, arguably the first civilization in Europe
Historic Monastery visit and scenic hike
Beach visit to Falassarna and Elafonisi, with a stop at one the world's oldest olive trees
Traditional caique or yacht to Balos Lagoon
Day trips
Visit the Oracle of Delphi - Take an inspirational day trip from Athens to Delphi, the ancient ’Navel of the World’ and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the most sacred site of Ancient Greece, where great kings, emperors and simple men traveled from all over the Mediterranean to consult the Oracle of Apollo. Enjoy a guided tour with an expert, state-licensed guide of both the archaeological site and the museum.
Nafplion & Epidavros - From Athens, take a day trip to Nafplio. On your way there, stop for a guided visit of the Ancient Theater of Epidavros, considered to be one of the greatest theaters ever built for its exemplary acoustics and aesthetics. Initially built for patients, the ancients believed that drama performances had the ability to heal body and mind. Continue on to Napflio, and stop for a traditional homemade lunch and some delicious wine at one of the town's many spots. After lunch, walk around town. Nafplio was the capital of Greece from 1827 to 1834 and is one of the most historical and quaint towns of the Peloponnese. Visit the famous Fortress of Palamidi and enjoy the panoramic views of this beautiful location. Get lost walking its cobblestone street and picturesque alleys.
In Crete, depending on how much time you are spending there and which side of the island you are on, make sure to take a day trip to the other side (West/East) in order to experience all it has to offer!
Places to eat and drink in Greece
Athens center - restaurants
Omorfi Poli ($) - Small quirky restaurant in the historical center featuring local, handmade fare. Also great for lunch.
Kuzina ($$$) - Enjoy modern Hellenic cuisine, ambiance, and divine views from your rooftop table
Cookoovaya ($$$$)- Scrumptious dishes served with a side of hospitality
Aleria ($$$$)- Located in a 19th-century neoclassical villa, a night here is truly a dining experience to remember.
Oikeio ($$) - Oikeio is a cute and quirky casual eatery with sidewalk seating. Lots of vegetarian dishes.
Alficon ($$$) - A hidden gem in a residential neighborhood. You may want to try the tasting menu which as gotten a Michellin star.
Kalamakia O Elvis ($) - arguably the best souvlaki in Athens is served at this casual take-out spot.
Ergon House ($$)- Great lunch spot for foodies that's a classic European deli-style market, bakery, fishmonger and cava, all with upscale flair.
Tzitzikas kai Mermigas ($$) - An unpretentious traditional tavern favored by locals for lunch.
Botrinis ($$$$) - From the Michelin star head chef at Santorini's Selene.
Elia Ermou ($$)- A nice hotel roof garden restaurant with good food and views of the Acropolis.
Spondi ($$$$)- An atmospheric Michelin-star restaurant in the heart of Athens.
Stamatopoulos Tavern ($$)- Nestled in a courtyard in Plaka where you'll enjoy delicious Greek authentic dishes accompanied by live music.
Mavro Provato $$ - Casual Greek meze restaurant known for its meats in a popular neighboorhood.
Athens center - bars/cafés
The Clumsies - Started by a Greek duo, this bar is rated one of the World's Best 50 Bars and oozes personality. Not only does it offer impeccable craft cocktails, but you can enjoy private access to "The Room".
Drunk Sinatra - A fun and eclectic speakeasy-style bar in the heart of the city.
7 Jokers - Where the bartenders go to wind down and enjoy top-of-the-line cocktails and drinks! Get there early because after 2 am you can barely squeeze through the door!
Balthazar - A cocktail spot, also serving food and sushi, beautifully located in a 19th-century mansion. We love the vibe in the garden.
By the Glass - An exquisitely designed wine bar serving over 500 wines.
Baba au Rum - Acclaimed rum cocktails in a fun atmosphere.
Couleur Locale - A vibrant rooftop bar with unbeatable views.
Brettos - Traditional Greek spirits in the heart of one of our favorite neighborhoods, Plaka.
Santorini restaurants
Armeni Fish Tavern ($$)- This unpretentious tavern will charm you, as will the fact that access to the restaurant is by boat (the restaurant provides a boat taxi.)
Red Bicycle ($$$)- Classic Greek cuisine served in a cliffside 19th-century mansion.
Lycabettus ($$$$)- A panoramic dining experience with sweeping views of the Caldera.
To Psaraki ($$)- Unpretentious and delicious seafood taverna.
Kaliya ($$$) - Delicious food with unbeatable caldera views.
Selene ($$$$) - Very high-end upscale cuisine with an antique wine cave.
Remvi ($$$) - A great option for lunch with views.
Volkan on the Rocks ($$)- This trendy and laidback spot is open all day. Some nights, an open-air cinema is set up outside.
Metaxi Mas - A meat-forward cozy spot inland.
Santorini nightlife
Hassapiko Bar - A simple, traditional bar in Oia.
Koo Club - Dancing and drinks.
PK Cocktail Bar - A cocktail bar set out on three floors overlooking the caldera.
Kira Thira Jazz Bar - The oldest bar in Fira.
Buddha Bar - Great drinks, food, music, sunset views and vibes.
Santorini beach bars
Crete - west Crete restaurants
Gramvousa Restaurant ($$) - Authentic traditional Cretan cuisine, cooked the ancient way.
Palazzo Almare ($$) - An exquisite dining experience with a view of the Old Venetian Harbor.
Kouzina ($$) - Warm dishes made from family recipes.
Matzenta ($$) - Mexican cuisine with a Cretan touch, a unique dinner choice.
Periplous ($$) - An elevated dining experience with an open kitchen.
To Pigadi ($$) - A funky restaurant with recipes with ingredients from the garden.
Avli ($$) - An enchanting restaurant located in an old town with fresh local products.
Raki BaRaki ($$) - Local Cretan meze with their traditional (and strong) moonshine drink.
Pallas Restaurant ($$) – Trendy restaurant with outdoor seating and sea views.
Thalassino Ageri ($$) – Seafood tavern located in the old quarter of Halepa.
Crete - east Crete restaurants
Peskesi ($$)- Classic regional dishes are served in this snug, rustic-chic eatery that has stone walls & a bar.
Kanali ($$)- Traditional tavern with Cretan recipes across the Elounda Canal.
Paralia ($$) - Enjoy a meal on the patio with an enchanting view of the imposing Castle of Koule.
Abaton ($$$) - Abaton has 3 wonderful restaurants on the premises.
Hiona Tavern ($$) - Set in the cool and quiet fishing village of Palekastro.
Galini Restaurant ($$) - A restaurant offering unique "symposium" menus rooted in ancient Athens and Sparta.
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Travel Advisor
Artemis Koutsogiorgas
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Looking for more travel inspo? Check out Fora Advisor Caroline Bernthal's guide, Let's Sail Away! Two of the Best Yacht Charters in Greece. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mykonos, part of our larger series on travel to Greece.