Honeymoon in Greece (Athens, Santorini & Milos)
When we started planning our honeymoon in Greece, we knew exactly what mattered most to us: relaxation, romance, and privacy. We love adventure and history, but for this trip we wanted to prioritize each other — slow mornings, long sunsets, and time to simply be together. That meant no hectic schedules or hopping between a half-dozen islands.
We’d read how the travel days can eat up precious time (and how the ferries can leave you seasick), so instead we chose to focus on just two destinations: Santorini and Milos. Looking back, it was the best decision we made.
And if you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a quiet getaway with the same hopes we had — slowing down, enjoying each other, and soaking in the beauty — our story might inspire your own trip to Greece.
Athens: A Quick but Magical Stop 🏛️✨
In order to get to the islands, we first had to fly through Athens — and of course, we couldn’t resist stopping! We planned a quick one-night stay, which gave us just enough time to tour the historic city center and soak in the ancient sights before heading to Santorini.
Electra Metropolis Hotel – Starting Our Honeymoon in Greece 🛎️🍾
We checked into Electra Metropolis Hotel, a chic city resort in the heart of town. In our room we found the sweetest surprise — a complimentary bottle of champagne and a chocolate cake with “Happy Honeymoon” written on it. The thoughtful touch instantly made us feel celebrated.
From the hotel, we could also walk easily to the historic district of Plaka, with its winding streets, shops, and cafés.
Rooftop Dinner With a View 🌃🍷
That evening we headed up to the hotel’s rooftop restaurant for dinner overlooking the Acropolis. As the sun set, the city glowed in soft golden light, and it felt surreal to sit there with a glass of wine, knowing we were really in Athens.
By the time we finished, night had fallen and the Parthenon was glowing against the dark sky — so bright it almost didn’t look real. Enjoying dessert with that view was one of those pinch-me moments from our honeymoon in Greece that we’ll never forget.
Breakfast Before the Acropolis 🍯☀️
The next morning, we started our day back on the rooftop — this time for breakfast. From our table we had a clear view of the Acropolis in the morning light, which felt so surreal knowing we were about to go and explore it in person.
The buffet spread was incredible, complete with a fresh honeycomb dripping into a serving bowl and just about every type of food you could want — from flaky pastries to fresh fruit and savory dishes.
The Parthenon 🏛️
We hadn’t pre-booked tickets, but licensed guides were outside the entrance offering small group tours for cash. With only a short time in Athens, it worked out perfectly.
The highlight was the Parthenon — the massive temple built for Athena. Even after thousands of years, its towering marble columns still impress. Our guide explained that it isn’t built with straight lines: the columns curve slightly and the base arches upward, creating an optical illusion of perfect symmetry.
Even more surprising? In ancient times, the Parthenon was painted in vivid reds, blues, and golds — colors that have long since faded away.
the odeon 🎶
Just below the Acropolis sits the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman amphitheater built in 161 AD. Unlike the larger theaters meant for plays, this one was designed for music. Its stone arches still stand, beautifully preserved. Amazingly, it’s still used today for summer concerts under the stars.
After exploring the Acropolis and wandering through Plaka’s winding streets, we stopped for lunch in the central district before heading back to the airport for our flight to Santorini.
Santorini: Sunset Dreams on Our Honeymoon In Greece 🌅
For our first island stay, we wanted something romantic and private, yet still close enough to explore. We spent a week in Imerovigli, a quiet village perched on the caldera cliffs between Fira and Oia. Known as the “balcony of Santorini,” it offers stunning views. The village gave us the perfect balance — peaceful and tucked away, but still with easy access to the rest of the island.
Secret Path Luxury Villas – A Secluded Honeymoon in Greece Stay 🌸🌊
We stayed at Secret Path Luxury Villas, a boutique spot with our own pool, sunrise views, and a cozy hideaway feel. Renting a car made it effortless to get around. With air conditioning instead of dusty ATVs, we could dress up for dinners without worrying about helmets. It made evenings out so much more enjoyable.
Villa Mornings 🥐☀️
Our villa felt like its own little world. Just outside the pool sat a massive round cushion lounge where we spent many quiet mornings. We’d drag our big duvet outside, curl up together, and watch the sunrise spill across the sea. Those simple, intimate mornings made our honeymoon in Greece feel so magical.
Every morning, we’d call when we were ready, and within minutes a natural wooden crate arrived at our door. Inside was a mix of fresh pastries, croissants, yogurt with fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and bright orange juice. The assortment changed each day, so it always felt like a little surprise. We’d carry it out by the pool and eat with the sea in front of us. Slow, easy, and unforgettable.
On days we wanted to stay in, Santorini made it easy. The island has a local app, Wolt, where you can order everything from groceries to full meals and even cocktails. A few times we skipped going out and had fresh food delivered right to our villa. It was the perfect way to relax while still enjoying the incredible flavors of the island.
Exploring Santorini 🚗🍷🍦
Exploring Fira 🍽️🍦
On our first night in Santorini, we drove into Fira and found a tiny, authentic restaurant tucked into the narrow streets. It was small and simple, but the food was fresh and delicious — the perfect way to ease into island life after a full day of travel.
The next afternoon, we went back into Fira to explore. The town was bustling with people, shops, and restaurants. It felt a bit crowded and touristy, but we’re always up for exploring — and of course, for good food. We grabbed lunch at Falafeland (absolutely delicious!). After that, we wandered through a lively street full of cafés and finished with gelato we couldn’t resist.
First Dinner in Oia 🍷✨
That evening we headed to Oia for dinner. The streets buzzed with people, but in a completely different way — lively, romantic, and with an upscale feel. The restaurant we chose didn’t have a view, but the food was incredible and the atmosphere made it such a memorable night.
Wandering Oia 🏘️💙
The next day we found ourselves back in Oia, and it quickly became the part of the island we returned to again and again. Throughout the rest of the week, we spent hours wandering its whitewashed alleys and blue-domed churches. We shopped in the boutiques, stopped for gelato in the afternoons, and walked hand in hand through winding streets with endless sea views.
One of our favorite parts of Oia was how easy it was to find a spot with amazing food and a view. Lunchtime felt unhurried — fresh dishes, the sea stretched out in front of us, and that relaxed Greek rhythm where no one rushes you.
Sunset Gyros at Ammoudi Bay 🌅🥙
After a long day of exploring, we grabbed authentic gyros from a little spot in Oia called Souvlaki’n’Wrap. We drove down to Ammoudi Bay and ate on the rocks while the sun set over the water. It wasn’t fancy, but it was one of those simple, unplanned moments that made the trip feel even more special.
Rooftop Sunset Dinner 🌇🍴
One of our favorite evenings was dinner at a 360-degree rooftop restaurant in Oia, where we watched the sunset paint the entire island in shades of gold and pink. It felt like the whole town had paused to watch with us.
Perissa Black Sand Beach 🏖️🪨
The following afternoon, we ventured to the southern side of the island and spent time at Perissa Beach, one of Santorini’s most famous black sand beaches. The sand gets its deep color from volcanic rock. Rising above it is Mesa Vouno mountain, where the ancient city of Thira once stood. Thousands of years ago this was a thriving settlement overlooking the sea. Today, the ruins can still be explored on the hillside.
We stayed by the water, relaxing in lounge chairs and ordering food right to our spot. The dramatic scenery felt so different from the rest of the island.
Last Night in Santorini 🌬️🍷
On our last night in Santorini, the winds picked up, so we found shelter at Dear Elie, a beautiful restaurant in Imerovigli near our villa. The food was absolutely delicious, paired with incredible wine and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. We lingered over dinner, laughing and soaking up our final night on the island before heading to Milos.
After a week in Santorini, we took a ferry to Milos. The ride started out calm but quickly turned rough. Even with ginger chews I felt seasick, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, be prepared. Thankfully, once we arrived, the island quickly made up for it.
Milos: A Honeymoon in Greece Best-Kept Secret 🐚🌊
Why We Chose Milos for Our Honeymoon in Greece 🌿🏝️
When we planned our honeymoon in Greece, we wanted to balance Santorini’s iconic romance with somewhere more relaxed and untouched. That’s why we chose Milos. The island has more than 70 beaches and a slower pace. It’s also home to the surreal white rock formations of Sarakiniko Beach — one of the most photographed spots in Greece.
We rented an SUV, which was highly recommended since many of Milos’s best beaches are only accessible by unpaved roads. It gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace and discover the hidden corners of the island.
Domes White Coast Milos – A Luxurious Honeymoon in Greece ✨
For the first half of our stay, we checked into Domes White Coast Milos, an adults-only resort perched above the sea and dramatic white cliffs. From our terrace, we looked out over our private pool and could even spot Sarakiniko in the distance.
One of my favorite touches was their pillow menu. We could choose exactly the style of pillow we liked best. It was such a small detail, but it made our stay feel extra personalized.
Steak & Salts – A Honeymoon in Greece Highlight 🥩🧂
That first night we ate at the hotel’s restaurant, where they served one of the best steaks we’ve ever tasted — beautifully arranged on a wooden board with an array of specialty salts and sides.
Poolside & Couples Massage 💆♀️💆♂️
The rest of our time at Domes was slow and indulgent. We spent mornings by the pool and afternoons with room service delivered to our villa. One evening, we booked a couples massage on our private terrace, with the sound of waves below and the sun setting in front of us.
Sarakiniko’s White Rocks 🤍🌊
On the day we checked out, we finally ventured out to see Sarakiniko Beach up close. The white volcanic rock against the turquoise water looked even more surreal in person than from our villa terrace — like stepping onto another planet.
We walked along the smooth rocks, taking in the otherworldly scenery. Everywhere you look feels breathtakingly unique, and photos hardly capture how surreal it is in person.
Hotel Milos Resort – A Relaxing Honeymoon in Greece Stay 🏡🌸
For the second half of our time in Milos, we stayed at Hotel Milos Resort, a boutique property with private villas, each with its own pool, tucked near a quiet beach. It was a different kind of luxury — still private and romantic, but in a setting that felt more connected to the rhythm of island life.
From there, we set out to explore more of the island — driving to different beaches and discovering some incredible local spots to eat along the way.
Garden Taverna Lunch 🌿🍴
One afternoon we stopped for lunch at Oh Hamos, a cozy taverna on the main road near our hotel. The whole place felt like dining in a garden, with greenery all around us and rustic tables tucked into little corners.
Just across the road was a quiet beach with lounge chairs set up by the water — the perfect spot to wander down to after a delicious, authentic meal.
Dockside Dining ⚓️🍽️
Another afternoon we headed into the main harbor area for lunch at Mikros Apoplous, one of many tavernas lined up along the water. The tables sat right on the dock, and the water was so clear that fish swam right up to the edge while we ate.
Later in the week, we tried Petrinos Aegean Traditional Cuisine, just a few doors down. The meal was incredible, and that whole stretch of seaside restaurants had a lively, authentic vibe. Dining there felt uniquely Milos.
Mandrakia Village 🌊🍴
We also visited Mandrakia, a tiny fishing village where brightly painted boathouses sit right on the water. The harbor was filled with small boats. Along the shore we spotted octopus hanging to dry — a classic Greek island scene and one of the details that makes Mandrakia so unique.
The water here was crystal clear and unbelievably refreshing. It was the perfect way to cool off on a hot day before continuing our exploring.
Firiplaka Beach 🏖️💙
Of all the beaches we visited in Milos, Firiplaka Beach was the one we loved most. We loved it so much that we went back a second time. From above, you see dramatic cliffs rising over a wide stretch of sand, with turquoise water shimmering below. It’s one of those views that immediately takes your breath away.
Down in the water, it was just as magical. The sea was crystal clear and perfectly warm. Since the beach never felt overly crowded, we could relax, swim, and soak in the incredible scenery all around us.
The Cats of Milos 🐾☀️
Everywhere we went, cats greeted us — wandering through restaurants, lounging in the sun, and weaving between tables like they belonged to everyone. Locals told us they were originally brought to the island to help with pests. Now they’re simply part of Milos’s charm.
Two of our favorite meals were at O Zygos and Alevromilos Cycladic Cuisine, where the food was especially delicious. And of course, the cats made themselves right at home around our table.
Milos: Greece’s Best-Kept Secret 🌿✨
Milos truly felt like Greece’s best-kept secret. It was quieter and less touristy than Santorini, but every bit as breathtaking. With its dramatic white cliffs, endless beaches, and hidden villages like Mandrakia, it gave us the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation to end our honeymoon.
One Last Honeymoon in Greece Lunch at Arhontikon 🍴🍰
When it was time to leave, we flew back to Athens from Milos and had about five hours before our connection home. Instead of waiting at the airport, we left our bags in the holding area and grabbed a cab to a seaside town nearby, where we had a long, lingering lunch at Arhontikon.
One of the things we loved about dining in Greece is how every restaurant ends the meal with a complimentary dessert or drink. No one ever rushes you — in fact, you usually have to track someone down to get your bill.
At Arhontikon they outdid themselves, bringing us not one but TWO complimentary desserts plus a drink. By the time the second arrived, we were already full. It was the sweetest way (literally!) to wrap up two unforgettable weeks before flying home.
Final Thoughts on Our Honeymoon in Greece 💌
Looking back, we couldn’t be happier with our decision to keep it simple — two islands in two weeks. It gave us the space to slow down, connect, and really experience each place instead of rushing from one transfer to the next.
If you’re dreaming of a romantic or relaxing getaway to Greece, here are the takeaways we’d share:
- Keep your itinerary simple. Choose fewer destinations and give yourself time to actually enjoy them.
- Splurge on private stays with a pool (if you can). Those quiet, just-us moments were some of our favorites. No rushing for pool chairs, no crowds — just waking up slowly and stepping into the sun whenever we wanted.
- Rent a car or SUV. It’s the best way to explore beyond the busy centers and reach hidden corners of the islands.
- Don’t skip Athens. Even just one night gave us an unforgettable glimpse into the history that makes Greece so magical.
For us, it was the perfect beginning to our marriage — filled with beauty, adventure, and plenty of time to just be together. 💙
🌍 TripAdvisor was especially helpful while planning our honeymoon in Greece — from reviews on hotels to restaurant recommendations, it made navigating a new country so much easier.
✨ P.S. If you’re new here, welcome! I share more travel, home, and lifestyle stories both here on the blog and over on Instagram 📸 @jess__gardens. If you’re planning a honeymoon in Greece, you might also love my post on 🧳 Summer Travel Essentials 2025 You’ll Actually Use. 💕
