When you decide to plan a romantic getaway in Santorini, you must find the best honeymoon spots to celebrate your new union.
Learn the top reasons to select Santorini when planning a honeymoon and the experiences and landmarks you won’t want to miss during your travels.
Reasons to Choose Santorini for Your Honeymoon
Here’s a look at some reasons why the island is romantic and ideal for a honeymoon.
- Stunning sunsets
- Clean, brilliant beaches
- Rugged landscapes
- Picture-perfect backdrops
- Plenty to explore
- Relaxing excursions and experiences
- Private pools
- Fresh, authentic cuisine
- Vibrant nightlife
- Honeymoon suite options
- Affordable guesthouse options to help your finances recover post-wedding
Best Santorini Honeymoon Spots
Now that you know why you should honeymoon in Santorini, here’s a look at the must-see experiences you can’t miss during your stay.
1. Book a Romantic Cruise
Because the island is well-known for its sunsets, there are plenty of romantic cruises that will help you celebrate your wedding and spend some quality time together. Some options include sunsets with wine, private cruises, BBQ, fresh seafood, buffet meals, yacht cruises, catamaran tours and more. There are also day cruises that take you to various beaches to help you see more of Santorini from the water. Cruises are also a great way to see the caldera.
2. Take a Winery Tour
You have many winery options on the island. With just 30 square miles of island, there are an astounding 20 wineries. Many of the locations offer tours to help you learn about what makes the wines unique. But maybe you’d prefer to spend your time tasting instead of touring. That’s understandable and there are plenty of places to relax and sip wine while enjoying the stunning views. Some top wineries to consider include Domaine Sigalas, Vassaltis Vineyard, Gavalas Winery and Hatzidakis Winery.
3. Visit the Beach
You won’t want to miss the Santorini beaches. You have many to choose from, each with different terrain and characteristics. The Red Beach is quite famous because of its lava rock that gives it a unique color. Kamari Beach is a resort beach with a more manicured feel and features like umbrellas and chairs to rent. Perissa Beach is an organized beach with black sand. It does get crowded during tourist season. Perivolos Beach has many resort and tourist areas with plenty of taverns and bars. It also features black sand. White Beach is much like the Red Beach but with white cliffs surrounding it instead of red.
4. Tour Ancient Akrotiri
Santorini is a rare place where you can tour an archaeological site. In 1613 BC, the volcano erupted on the island, preserving an ancient town. The 50-acre excavation site gives you a chance to explore artifacts and see what life was like in the ancient times.
5. Take in the Sunset
There are several great locations to take in the sunset on the island of Santorini. One is the lighthouse, which is located in Akrotiri. Stake out your spot early because it’s well known for being a great sunset location. Oia also has some great places to relax and watch the sunset. Since it is over the sea, it is more dramatic and makes for some stunning colors and a relaxing way to spend an evening.
6. Hike Fira to Oia
If you want to get active during your travels, there’s a great hike that will take you several hours. It’s not challenging, but it is time-consuming. While you’ll be exercising, it’s still a relaxing experience because it features some of the best views in Santorini.
Come with practical shoes for the journey though because this is a 6-mile hike on dirt trails. It is somewhat hilly and you’ll be exposed to the elements most of the time since there is minimal shade. So if your honeymoon is in the heat of the summer, plan to get started early in the morning to stay comfortable and carry water with you.
7. Relax at the Open Air Theater
The Kamari Theater lets you soak up the stunning weather on the island while enjoying a film. You’ll feel like you’ve walked into a secret garden because it is lined with trees and plants. But don’t worry, the theater still features the best audio and projector technology. Enjoy the full bar. There’s easy access to the theater via the bus.
8. Shop for Unique Treasures
Oia and Fira have some of the best shopping on the island. You’ll find unique gifts and charming shopping experiences. Some items available for purchase include art from local artists, glass, wool, purses, silk scarves and beautiful jewelry for your new bride. Or spend some time perusing books in Oia’’s Atlantis Books.
9. Celebrate with Nightlife
If you want some hopping nightlife, travel to Fira. For disco, head to Koo Club. Or hit up Franco’s Bar, which is known for its music. Restaurant 1800 is located in a restored mansion and has fine dining, an outstanding wine selection and beautiful caldera views.
10. Enjoy the Fine Dining Options
The food in Santorini is outstanding! You have many fine dining options where you’ll find unique dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Some restaurants also offer cooking classes so you can spend quality time with your new spouse. A few restaurants you might want to consider during your travels include Selene Restaurant, Roka, Santo Wines, Restaurant 1800, Ambrosia and Aktaion.
What to Pack
What you pack will depend on the time of year you visit. But some considerations for your suitcase include the following.
- A light jacket because the air gets chilly in the evenings thanks to the breeze.
- A sweater, shawl or other scarf to stay comfortable when dining out in the evenings but to still keep with the island style.
- More formal attire for evenings out.
- Resort wear as this is the most popular dress on the island. This includes bathing suits, coverups, open-toed shoes, etc.
- Closed-toe shoes for hiking and cobbled streets. You’ll want to be comfortable while exploring the island and ensure proper foot protection.
- An easy-to-carry water bottle so you can spend a day hiking and exploring.
- Room in your suitcase in case you enjoy shopping the unique shops and want to bring some things home.
The Best Honeymoon Accommodations
Staying at a guesthouse is both affordable and quiet. You’ll enjoy a more laid-back setting, which will help you settle down from the hustle and bustle of wedding planning and then the magical week of festivities. If you’re worn out from being around family and friends and want to relax away from the crowds, a Santorini guesthouse could be right for you.
The Fisherman’s House is set in Akrotiri village and close to the White Beach and Red Beach. You’ll have fast access to many landmarks and tourist stops without being in the heart of the city where it’s constantly active.
Enjoy the private pool with a bar. Take your mornings slow and easy with a complimentary continental breakfast delivered to your room each day. And when you want to take it easy for other meals, room service is available.
Book your romantic getaway now to experience one of the most beautiful areas in Greece!
Further Reading:
- Why Booking Directly with Santorini Hotels is a Better Option Than via Booking Channels
- Where Can Your Family and Friends Stay for Your Wedding in Santorini?
- Top-Rated Hotels and Guesthouses in Akrotiri, Santorini: Reviews and Recommendations
- Make the Most of Your Stay at a Santorini Bed and Breakfast
- Santorini Birthday Party Accommodations: Finding the Perfect Place to Celebrate