Planning a honeymoon in Greece? Or,  better yet, a romantic Greek Island vacation just because. These eight romantic islands offer intimate beaches, unbelievable scenery, luxury hotels, ancient and medieval history, and unforgettable dining. 

The Greek Islands have long been a destination synonymous with romance. In this place, turquoise waters meet whitewashed villages, where candlelit dinners spill onto cobblestone streets, and where time slows down to a rhythm dictated by the sea. After traveling to over 50 countries together, this is where my husband and I chose to celebrate our honeymoon - and it was unbelievably incredible. If you're planning a honeymoon, an anniversary trip, or simply a romantic escape,  Greece offers islands that balance serenity and adventure.

Each island has its own personality. Some are wild and rugged, perfect for couples who crave seclusion, while others brim with cosmopolitan charm and late-night energy. The appeal lies in the variety - a choice between golden beaches or volcanic landscapes, mountain villages or cliffside tavernas, sailing adventures or lazy afternoons with nothing but a bottle of local wine; whether you are looking to stay in resorts, homestays or amazing villas with Ionian & Aegean Island Holidays.

Here are eight of the most romantic Greek islands for couples - complete with recommendations on where to stay, what to eat, and how to experience each island in a way that feels both timeless and unforgettable.

1. Milos

Milos is the island of hidden coves and dramatic coastlines, less crowded than its Cycladic neighbors yet perhaps more romantic because of it. Known as the "Island of Colors" for its mineral-rich cliffs and surreal beaches, Milos offers couples a sense of discovery at every turn.

Spend the day swimming in the luminous waters of Sarakiniko Beach, with its lunar-like white rock formations, or explore Kleftiko by boat, where sea caves and turquoise lagoons create a natural playground. For privacy, head to Firopotamos or Tsigrado, both smaller and more secluded than the island’s more photographed spots.

Stay at Domes White Coast Milos for a minimalist luxury experience directly on Paliochori Beach, or opt for the romantic cave-style suites at Milos Cove if you want dramatic architecture overlooking the Aegean. Dining is best enjoyed in Pollonia - try Enalion for fresh seafood at sunset or Medusa in Mandrakia for a traditional taverna set right on the water’s edge.

Travel tip: Milos is best reached by a short domestic flight, but is also accessible by ferry. Renting a car or ATV is essential if you want to get to the island’s many hidden beaches.

Read my post on Milos's best beaches here

Read my post on Milos's best hotel here

2. Karpathos

Karpathos feels like Greece before mass tourism - raw, mountainous, and quietly breathtaking. For couples seeking authenticity over glamour, it is one of the most rewarding islands.

The northern village of Olympos is a must-visit - perched high above the sea, it preserves centuries-old traditions, with women still wearing brightly embroidered dresses and bakeries firing bread in wood ovens. Spend mornings on Apella Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the Aegean, and evenings wandering through the waterfront tavernas of Pigadia.

For accommodation, Alimounda Mare Hotel offers five-star luxury with sea views, while smaller guesthouses like CHC Sound of the Sea provide intimate stays closer to the island’s character. Dinner at Under the Linden Tree in Olympos offers not only traditional recipes but also a dining experience infused with local storytelling and music.

Travel tip: Karpathos has an airport with flights from Athens and some European cities in summer. Because of its size and rugged terrain, renting a car is essential for exploring remote beaches and mountain villages.

3. Mykonos

Despite its reputation for nightlife, Mykonos also delivers moments of surprising intimacy. Beyond the beach clubs and cosmopolitan energy lies a softer side perfect for couples who want a balance of indulgence and romance. The best way to explore the island is to rent an ATV and drive around together to explore all of the beautiful beaches in Mykonos.

Spend a day at Agios Sostis Beach, a quiet, unorganized stretch that feels worlds away from the island’s buzzing south coast. For something more luxurious, book a sunbed at Scorpios or Nammos, where service and atmosphere are designed for all-day lounging.

Stay at Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge, known for its infinity pool sunsets, or Cavo Tagoo, where cave-like suites spill out onto the sea. For dinner, Kiki’s Tavern at Agios Sostis is famous for its grilled meats and no-reservations policy, while M-eating in Mykonos Town offers refined Greek cuisine with a creative twist.

Travel tip: Ferries connect Mykonos to Athens and other Cycladic islands, but direct summer flights from Europe make it easy to reach.

Read my post on Mykonos's best beaches here

4. Crete

As Greece’s largest island, Crete offers couples a blend of everything - beaches, mountains, history, and cuisine. It’s ideal for those who want variety rather than a single-note vacation.

Couples should not miss Elafonissi Beach, with its pink-hued sands, or Balos Lagoon, which feels like a Caribbean escape. Chania’s Venetian old town is the perfect backdrop for evening strolls, while the mountain villages inland provide quiet moments away from the coast.

Stay at Domes Noruz Chania, an adults-only resort with a focus on design and wellness, or Casa Delfino, a historic mansion turned boutique hotel in Chania. For dinner, Tamam serves classic Cretan dishes in a romantic, candlelit setting. Adventurous couples can hike the Samaria Gorge or explore the ancient ruins of Knossos.

Travel tip: Crete has two international airports, in Heraklion and Chania, making it one of the easiest islands to access. Renting a car is highly recommended due to its size, and don't focus too hard on trying to see everything unless you're spending over a week on this island alone - it's simply too large to go tip to tip comfortably without spending so much time in transit. 

5. Rhodes

Rhodes offers a unique mix of history and seaside relaxation, perfect for couples who want more than just beaches.

The medieval Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, Gothic arches, and hidden squares. Lindos, with its Acropolis perched above whitewashed houses and turquoise coves, is equally romantic. For beaches, Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika are favorites for their clear waters and scenic surroundings.

Stay at Casa Cook Rhodes, a chic adults-only resort, or Melenos Lindos, which combines boutique luxury with views of the Acropolis. Dining at Marco Polo Café inside the Old Town offers a mix of history and gastronomy, while seaside tavernas in Lindos bring quiet evenings to life.

Travel tip: Rhodes has an international airport with connections across Europe. It’s also a hub for ferries traveling further into the Dodecanese.

6. Corfu

Corfu blends Venetian elegance with lush landscapes, making it one of the most romantic Ionian islands.

There are so many things to do in Corfu: Couples can wander through Corfu Town, where pastel-colored mansions and cobblestone alleys set a timeless scene. Paleokastritsa offers some of the island’s most striking beaches. At the same time, the coastal village of Kassiopi is ideal for a quieter escape, or even take a ferry to Albania just across the Eastern tip to explore the waters from a different country. 

Stay at Ikos Dassia for a luxury all-inclusive experience, or Bella Venezia Hotel in Corfu Town for a boutique, old-world charm. Dining at Venetian Well is essential for a romantic evening, with its intimate courtyard setting.

Travel tip: Corfu has an international airport and frequent ferry connections from mainland Greece, Albania, and Italy.

7. Kefalonia

Kefalonia is rugged, dramatic, and effortlessly romantic. Known for its beaches framed by towering cliffs, it’s perfect for couples who love nature and scenery.

Myrtos Beach is its crown jewel, but Antisamos and Skala offer equally beautiful waters. The village of Assos, with its colorful houses hugging the bay, feels designed for leisurely evenings, while Fiskardo combines cosmopolitan dining with Ionian charm and a sampling of local wines.

Stay at F Zeen Retreat near Lourdas Beach, a luxury wellness-focused resort, or a boutique guesthouse in Fiskardo for a more intimate setting. Dinner at Votsalo Restaurant in Assos brings traditional recipes with a refined presentation.

Travel tip: Kefalonia has its own airport and ferry connections to neighboring islands. Renting a car is the best way to explore its mountainous terrain.