Greece and Italy Honeymoon: How To Plan The Perfect Itinerary

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In winter, from November to March many hotels and restaurants are closed for the season in the coastal tourist areas. However, you can still visit the cities and explore museums, historical sites and incredible restaurants.

While both countries have mild winters (with the exception of the mountainous regions like the Italian Alps) temperatures don’t dip below freezing but it is cold and you should expect rain.

In March temperatures start to rise and are ideal for exploring cultural sites and hiking without the oppressive heat of summer . Although the sea is still colder so, a Greece and Italy honeymoon at this time is not about sunbathing or the beach.

From April, full tourist services ramp up (particularly halfway through the month). Hotels begin to open, as do restaurants and full ferry services resume. These are fully operational until Autumn when they begin to gradually shut down again for the winter throughout the month of October.

The best time to visit Greece and Italy for a honeymoon is late April to June and September to early October.

The Mediterranean and Aegean Seas are warm enough for swimming, and the islands and coastal towns are vibrant yet not overcrowded.

If you want to plan your Greece and Italy honeymoon itinerary between July and August and experience the high summer atmosphere, bear in mind these are peak months.

The crowds, prices and heat rise significantly. Both Italy and Greece have suffered from oppressive heat waves and devastating forest fires in recent summers. 

Research the best times to visit your chosen destinations. The peak summer months can be crowded and hot, while the off-season might offer a more relaxed experience albeit with fewer services available.

Also, consider regional differences – a Greek island may offer a very different experience from a bustling Italian city!

We understand it’s tempting to see and do everything, to cram in as much as possible. But a the key to the perfect honeymoon itinerary is balancing sightseeing with relaxation!

Start by listing the places in Greece and Italy that you most want to visit (more on that below).

Think about what’s most important to you: Is it exploring ancient ruins, lounging on picturesque beaches, enjoying culinary delights, or immersing yourself in art and culture?

Do you prefer a more relaxed pace or an action-packed itinerary? Do you want to spend most of your time in one destination each on your Greece and Italy honeymoon or explore multiple places?

While it’s easy to get around on a Greece and Italy honeymoon and they are well-connected by various modes of transportation, it’s crucial not to underestimate travel time between destinations.

Consider the duration of flights, ferry rides, and train journeys, as well as the time spent at airports and stations and getting to and from your hotel. Allocate full days for moving from one country to the other and even between cities and islands.

Remember that a 7 night Greece and Italy honeymoon will give you six full days to relax and explore and 10 nights, nine full days and so on.

One common pitfall couples encounter on a Greece and Italy honeymoon is trying to pack too many activities into each day.

Remember, this is your honeymoon – a time for relaxation, enjoyment and spontaneity. Allow time to simply soak in the atmosphere of these magical honeymoon destinations.

Don’t overlook the importance of downtime. Whether it’s a spa day or a beach day.

At the same time, if you’ve travelled just after your Big Day, post wedding fatigue and jet lag can kick in if you’ve had a long flight, so prebook some of your must-do activities and opt for the skip-the-line tickets and private tour to make the most of your time in each destination.

The key is not to overbook. Having a plan is important, but so is flexibility and free time.

Keep some mornings and afternoons free or schedule some days with no set plans for serendipitous adventures – a local festival, a recommended restaurant, or a hidden beach that wasn’t on your radar.

These experiences often become some of the most cherished memories!

Two weeks / 14 nights is ideal to give you a chance to enjoy some of the highlights of both Greece and Italy and take in multiple destinations.

A sample 14 night Greece and Italy honeymoon itinerary might include 3 nights in Rome, 4 nights in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, 3 nights in Athens and 4 nights in Santorini.

Or maybe two cities and a week on an island is enough?

How about 3 nights in Florence, 3 nights to explore Tuscany’s rolling hills, 3 nights in Rome before flying to Kefalonia or Crete for 5 nights of pure relaxation.

A 10 night Greece and Italy honeymoon can be great too. For example a more leisurely itinerary might include 3 nights exploring Florence before flying to Crete for 7 nights of relaxing.

A more on-the-go itinerary might include 3 nights in Rome, 4 nights in Mykonos and 3 nights in Santorini, or doing 5 nights on the Amalfi Coast and 5 nights in Santorini. You get the picture!

If you have less than 10 nights, then we recommend sticking with one country.

Whether you want to pack a lot in or take a more leisurely pace. You can base yourself in one destination and take day trips, too.

If you’re packing a lot in, try to stick to the 3 night rule – this gives you the first day to arrive and settle in, go for a leisurely dinner, the second day and third day to explore the highlights and the 4th day to move on to the next destination.

If you have more than two weeks? Well we might be a little jealous. Extending your Italy and Greece honeymoon will give you time to not only include lots of highlights but to explore off-the-beaten-track locations.

During the summer season which is from late April to late October low cost airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Aegean Airlines, Volotea, Wizz Air and Vueling will fly between most major Italian cities to many Greek islands.

In Greece, local airlines like Aegean Airlines and Sky Express connect to the Greek islands from Athens. And new charter airline, Fly Cycladic fly around the Cyclades islands.

Major cities like Rome, Naples, Venice and Milan will have direct flights to Athens year round.

However no flights operate to the Greek islands from Italy in winter so a summer honeymoon in Greece and Italy is a little easier to organise.

Some flight routes don’t operate all summer. They may only operate during the peak months of summer from June to September and may only have flights once or twice a week.

So it’s worth taking a look at the route maps for each airline to see where works for your Greece and Italy honeymoon itinerary. You can always fly from Athens to your must-do Greek islands, too.

Here are some direct flight routes between Italy and Greece:

From Rome or Milan: Crete | Santorini | Mykonos | Corfu | Zakynthos | Kefalonia | Lefkada | Rhodes | Kos | Karpathos | Skiathos

From Venice: Crete | Santorini | Mykonos | Corfu | Zakynthos | Kefalonia | Rhodes | Kos | Karpathos | Skiathos

From Naples: Crete | Santorini | Mykonos | Corfu | Zakynthos | Kefalonia | Lefkada | Rhodes | Kos | Karpathos | Skiathos

From Florence or Pisa: Crete | Corfu | Kefalonia | Rhodes | Kos | Skiathos

From Puglia: Crete | Santorini | Mykonos | Corfu | Zakynthos | Lefkada | Rhodes | Kos | Skiathos

From Sicily: Crete | Santorini | Mykonos | Zakynthos | Rhodes

In Greece, the best way to get to the islands is either to either fly or travel by ferry. Ferries can be busy and have delays in summer so it’s best to be prepared. The seas can be rough and combined with the heat…well it’s a lot.

Be prepared and have some seasickness medication, try to be up on deck when ship moves off.

You can check prices, routes and times for ferries in Italy and Greece with FerryHopper.

It’s best to book car hire early. However a car can be ideal somewhere like Tuscany or Puglia and even on Crete.

Private car transfers are ideal if you want to avoid the hassle of public transport and want a more comfortable experience (it’s your honeymoon after all!).

To get around, many couples opt for excursions and tours but you could also opt for a private driver if budget allows, although it’s certainly won’t be the cheapest way to get around.

When choosing your transportation and transfers, consider your budget and time constraints. 

The best part? No matter where you go, you’re going to have a magical time.

Italy is known for its stunning architecture, world-class cuisine, and fascinating ancient history. From the Colosseum in Rome to the canals of Venice, here’s no shortage of sights to see.

And of course, Italy is the perfect place to indulge in some of the world’s most delicious food and wine. From pizza and pasta to gelato and tiramisu, you’ll find something delicious around every corner. Your taste buds are in for a treat.

Greece, is famous for its stunning islands, sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and ancient mythology.

Greek food is delicious too with fresh Mediterranean ingredients in abundance.

Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete are just a few of the iconic islands with the most stunning natural beauty that you can add to your Greece and Italy honeymoon itinerary.

And of course, no trip to Greece would be complete without a visit to Athens, home to the Acropolis and other wonders from the ancient Greeks. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore ancient ruins, Greece is a honeymoon dream.

Planning a Greece and Italy honeymoon can be an exciting and sometimes daunting task but we’re here to guide you. Just remember, you can always plan many anniversary trips to the places you don’t get to go this time!

Here is a quick overview of some of the best destinations to add to a Greece and Italy honeymoon itinerary including our favourite Greece and Italy honeymoon hotels and things to do!

Glide through its waterways in a gondola get lost in its maze of alleys, and marvel at the Byzantine and Renaissance architecture along the Grand Canal. Visit Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Make your own Venetian mask.

From Venice you can visit the Prosecco producing region, the heavenly alpine Dolomite Mountains or easily take a train to nearby gems like Bologna, Verona, the setting of Romeo and Juliet and Lake Garda.

Nearby the serene waters and picturesque mountains of Lake Como await and have long been on many Greece and Italy honeymoon wish lists.

While you can take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan, it’s worth exploring for a few days and it’s easy to get to by train and then take buses and ferries to the different towns.

Milan is a great gateway if you’re travelling to or from Switzerland, too. Travelling on the Bernina Express to Switzerland is one of our favourite honeymoon train trips.

Some of Italy’s most beautiful sights can be found along the winding coastline with towns like Portofino and the quaint villages of Cinque Terre (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore).

This area is a top choice for a Greece and Italy honeymoon. You can easily get there from Milan or Florence by train.

It’s a little more awkward for car hire as the roads are winding and parking is limited. You can take a day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence or Milan if you’re short on time, too.

The best thing about Florence is that everything is within walking distance and in the heart of the city.

Explore Italian icons like Botticelli’s Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery and the Statue of David at Accademia Gallery. The rich history of Italy is truly encapsulated in Florence.

Take a cooking class in a Tuscan farmhouse. Feast on Florentine steak at quaint trattorias. Take a half day tour to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Spend a few days exploring Tuscany’s rolling hills, vineyards, and historic towns, a backdrop for an idyllic road trip honeymoon, particularly for wine lovers!

You can take the trains to beautiful towns like Siena but we’d recommend renting a car as you’ll get to take in spots like Val d’Orcia and visit the Saturnia thermal hot springs.

As they say, all roads lead to Rome and you can get to the capital from any destination in Italy, often by high speed train making it a convenient addition to any Italian honeymoon itinerary. 

The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. The Vatican Museum’ Sistine Chapel in Vatican City (plus you officially get to visit another country!).

There is no shortage of magnificent iconic sites to see in Rome.

From Naples you can see the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the city of ashes under Mount Vesuvius.

You can take the ferry to the islands of Ischia and Capri and then travel to Positano or Ravello, just two Amalfi Coast towns that are totally WOW.

Breathtaking cliffs, and charming laneways make a honeymoon filled with scenic beauty and romantic moments by the Mediterranean.

Stay in a quaint, cliffside hotel and wake up the most beautiful view. Take a private boat trips to explore the scenic coastline.

Feast on heavenly southern Italian cuisine with, mozzarella, limoncello and the most delectable seafood. Take food tours and stroll through the Amalfi lemon gardens and olive groves.

Hire a car and explore the beautiful towns and beaches like Polignano a Mare, Ostuni and Monopoli.

Although it becomes more popular over the years, it’s still a less-travelled gem. Bari, the capital of the region, is one of the best connected cities to Greece, too.

For couples who want to get a little more off the beaten track on their Greece and Italy honeymoon, then Puglia is a must.

In this Italian paradise you can explore archaeological sites, relish Sicilian cuisine, and relax on the picturesque beaches.

From the historic streets of Palermo to the serene slopes of Mount Etna. learning to make cannoli in Taormina and visiting the Godfather movie locations, Sicily is one of our top picks for a unique Greece and Italy honeymoon itinerary.

If you have more time, check out the hidden gems that are the nearby Aeolian Islands.

Iconic landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Acropolis, quaint neighbourhoods like Plaka, the best food scene with rooftop bars and open air cinemas in summer. Greek culture in all it’s glory, Athens is a gem.

How to get there: Fly to Athens (ATH)

Where to stay: The Modernist

How long to stay: at least 3 nights

There’s actually over 200 islands but some of Greece’s best places to visit like Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Milos and Sifnos are just some of the heavenly inhabited islands that are a perfect addition to a Greece and Italy honeymoon.

You could easily spend your whole honeymoon island hopping between these gems.

Whether it’s staying in a stunning Mykonos honeymoon hotel, hanging out in a beach club or sitting watching the ships go by in Little Venice in Mykonos Town or sampling Assyrtiko wine or watching the Santorini sunset from your cave pool or hot tub suite, it’s easy to see why these Greek island gems are a must add on to your Italy and Greece honeymoon.

Yes these islands are busy as they’re the most popular destinations in Europe. It’s hard to squeeze into the crowds at Oia Castle for the famous sunsets with killer views, but it is possible to get away from the crowds if you know where to look, too.

You can add on lesser visited islands like Folegandros or Antiparos. Sarakiniko beach in Milos is worth getting the ferry for, too.

You have Corfu‘s historic UNESCO-listed old town. The lush nature of Kefalonia (sometimes spelled Cephalonia).

The Caribbean-like beaches of Lefkada. Zakynthos‘ (sometimes called Zante) famous shipwreck beach.

The Ionian islands may be in second place to the Cyclades but they should be on your radar for your Greece and Italy honeymoon.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, then this is the place to go. The quaint towns, historical sites, and beautiful beaches are perfect for couples seeking a mix of convenience, relaxation and culture.

The hotels in the Saronic islands have more of a local, rustic feel.

These islands are ideal for couples who appreciate medieval architecture, ancient ruins, and are excellent value overall and ideal if you’re planning a Greece and Italy honeymoon on a budget.

Rhodes’ Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ideal for a morning of exploring. Karpathos is worth visiting for the Santorini-like village of Olympos.

Skiathos Town is a party town but Skopelos, was the setting for “Mamma Mia!”, with traditional Greek architecture and serene beaches.

Want to see ancient Minoan ruins? Culinary expeditions in rustic vineyards? Explore some of the best beaches in Greece like Elafonisi and Balos?

Want an array of stunning Greek honeymoon hotels from budget to lavish? Crete has all this and more. Plus, in summer you can take the ferry from Crete to Santorini.