Ultimate Santorini Honeymoon Guide

Estimated reading time: 19 minutes

High season is July and August which is the peak times for crowds, cruise ships and prices. Because the island sits high above sea level, Santorini doesn’t get as hot as other islands in the region.

Even in the high summer, temperatures average 25 °C /  75 °F during the day, although Greece has since heatwaves in recent years making the mercury go higher.

During winter from November to February, Santorini is quiet, with some rain and cooler temperatures (on average around  10°C / 50 °F).

Winter is a beautiful, authentic time to explore the island. However, the vast majority of the luxury honeymoon hotels and many restaurants and bars will be closed with limited ferry and flight schedules.

Although, it’s true that most couples come to Santorini for the romantic views of the caldera, if you’re planning a budget escape, you could consider a stay in the middle of the island or in the south / southeast of the island, which has many lovely hotel spots.

When choosing a Santorini honeymoon hotel with private plunge pools and private jacuzzis on private terraces, beware that sometimes they are not completely private.

Because of the curving, cliffside nature of the hotels, other tourists may see you from a distance (and even sometimes up close). Ideal for voyeurs, but not ideal for couples on a honeymoon trip seeking seclusion and privacy.

You will pay well into 4-figures per night, for complete privacy in high season.

Santorini is not an all-inclusive, resort style honeymoon destination. There are no large, sprawling resorts and most of the hotels are small and boutique style.

Many hotel rooms come with outdoor jacuzzis or an outdoor infinity pool with spectacular views.

You will usually book a hotel on a bed & breakfast basis. The beauty of this is that you can explore authentic Greek cuisine throughout the island!

Food lovers will be in heaven in Santorini with so many lovely restaurants on the island. It’s well worth booking restaurants with a view well in advance to avoid disappointment.

From hyper luxury hotels to family-run boutiques boltholes, we’ve got ideas for every budget. Let’s take you around Santorini…

Don’t miss our definitive list of the Best Honeymoon Hotels in Santorini

You can take the creaky cable car down to the port. The Catholic Cathedral and Orthodox Church in Fira are beautiful, too.

Just north of Fira (about a 15-minute walk) is the quieter village area of Firostefani, which is a lovely place to stay too with elevated views and the location of one of the most famous blue dome churches.

If you’re looking for the best Santorini honeymoon hotels in Fira, check out Cosmopolitan Suites has a great infinity pool, right in the middle of Fira. Athina Luxury Suites is another similar option. Villa Bordeaux has 4 stunning suites in a neoclassical Venetian house.

If you’re planning a honeymoon on a more modest budget, Astro Palace Hotel & Suites is a midrange option and Keti Hotel is in a quieter Fira location with all the views. Atlantis Hotel and Aressana Spa Hotel And Suites are both centrally located.

Firostefani has some Santorini honeymoon gems like Danas Villas & Infinity Suites, The Tsitouras Collection and Homeric Poems.

The village is the highest point of the caldera and overlooks Skaros Rock, which is a rock formation with an ancient Venetian castle. The Chapel of Panagia Theoskepasti is below, facing out to sea.

If you’re looking for the best Santorini honeymoon hotels in Imerovigli, you’re in luck as some of the best most romantic honeymoon spots are here!

For luxury, Andronis Concept Wellness Resort and Katikies Chromata Santorini are two of the best options on the island. Kapari Natural Resort, Iconic Santorini, Grace Santorini.

The Vasilicos or Aenaon Villas are both beautiful too, carved into the rocks of Santorini.

If you’re on a tighter budget, check out Above Blue Suites and Iliovasilema Hotel & Suites.

You’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you entertained. These areas are also perfect if you’re planning a familymoon to Santorini.

Perissa, Perivolos and Agios Georgios are three villages along one long three kilometre stretch of black sand beach. Kamari’s beach is pebblier.

In Perissa, Istoria Santorini is a high end option but there are some cheaper options for a budget Santorini honeymoon including Kouros Village Hotel Adults Only, Anastasia Princess Luxury Residence & Spa, Adults Only and Aqua Blue Beach Hotel.

In Kamari, Bellonias Villas, Cavo Bianco Boutique Hotel & Spa and Casa Vitae Suites

The town was the old capital and is in the centre of the island. Near the town, the Monastery of Prophet Elias is also the island’s highest point. The views are incredible and ideal if you want an authentic part of Santorini away from the crowds.

Nous Santorini in Messaria is another area to consider, just three kilometres north of Pyrgos.

The peninsula of Akrotiri in the island’s southwest is a lesser discovered gem, too. Red Beach is here with striking cliffs stained by iron ore.

Akrotiri Lighthouse has stunning sunset views with barely a crowd in comparison to the west and northwest and the Akrotiri Prehistoric Village date back to Minoan times.

Between Pyrgos and Akrotiri, you’ll find wineries and the Heart of Santorini and Santorini honeymoon gems like Apanemo Hotel & Suites, Astarte Suites and Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort

Here is a run down on the best things to do on a Santorini honeymoon:

However, despite the crowds, it’s worth seeing the sunset hues from Oia Castle. Opt for a sunset dinner with cocktails in hot spots like PK Cocktail Bar and Argo.

If you want to get away from the heaving crowds, then quieter places like Pyrgos, Prophet Elias Monastery, or Akrotiri Lighthouse are worth checking out.

It’s a moderate trek, taking taking around 3 hours(and an extra hour if you take a detour to Imerovigli’s Skaros rock). It’s best started at sunrise or timed to end with an Oia sunset, you can start in Imerovigli to shorten the journey.

Pack SPF, water and wear practical shoes. This is one of our top picks for things to do on a Santorini honeymoon.

Take a tour of the caldera bay waters. Stop at Red Beach and White beaches. Snorkel in hot springs, and explore Thirasia, across the Caldera.

You can book a group tour or, if budget allows, how romantic would a private tailor-made catamaran cruise be?

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What better way to make the most of your Santorini honeymoon and learn to make some highlights yourselves?

Take a hands-on cooking class with a local chef. Whenever you repeat the dishes at home, it will take you back to your blissful Santorini honeymoon.

However, you’ll find distinctive volcanic beaches dotted around the island.

The most popular are buzzy black beach at Kamari and Perissa. Consider an afternoon at Red Beach. White beach is more secluded and usually accessed by boat.

If you want white or yellow sand, try an island-hopping honeymoon. We love Sarakiniko in Milos, Plaka Beach in Naxos and Elafonisi in Crete.

Well, why not create a beautiful fashion moment for yourselves with a Flying Dress Photoshoot?

A lovely keepsake of your romantic Santorini honeymoon. We promise you don’t have to be a model to do this!

Want to dive deeper? Check out The Best Things To Do in Santorini On Honeymoon

In Fira and Firostefani, treat your taste buds to Argo‘s unbeatable combination of spectacular views and exquisite cuisine. This is one of our top picks.

Fancy the best Italian? Cacio e Pepe offers a taste of Rome that’s hard to surpass.

Lucky’s serves up the island’s finest gyros, complete with perfect tzatziki (an absolute must!).

For a taste of traditional Greek cooking, visit Theonis Kitchen.

For drinks, elevate your evening with PK Cocktail Bar‘s ‘Champagne views’ and MoMix‘s playful cocktails.

Don’t miss Selene’s sublime dishes, Kira Thira’s jazz-infused ambiance, Ouzeri’s Greek culinary delights, and Casablanca Soul Bar’s dance scene.

Other must-visits include Volcan on the Rocks and Why Not! Souvlaki for their delicious gyros, and Aktaion‘s century-old authentic taverna.

In Imerovigli, indulge in the stunning views and flavours at Kapari Wine Restaurant. Anogi serves unpretentious, hearty Greek fare. La Maison is perfect for a dash of romance. The Athenian House has the most stunning views.

Oia is a food lover’s paradise with Lycabettus our top pick for an exceptional romantic dining experience.

1800-Floga and Black Rock Restaurant also have magical views. Fino Cocktail Bar & Restaurant is also worth considering.

Explore Greek Tapas at Melitini, take a culinary detour of the Orient with Paradox Thai. Sphinx Wine Restaurant has rooftop dining and Karma Greek is an Instagram-worthy spot.

Lolita’s Gelato in Oia is Santorini’s finest gelato.

Dimitris Ammoudi Taverna serves the best seafood, and PitoGyros Traditional Grill House is another gyros must-do.

Armeni Restaurant and Pelekanos are Oia favourites, and don’t miss Hassapiko, a central bar with a buzz.

In Perissa and Kamari, Seaside Santorini Perivolos does good seafood and Tranquilo Perissa is a laid-back beach bar. Ntomatini, Santo Athiri Restaurant and Almira Restaurant are great spots if you’re staying this side of the island.

Venturing beyond the beaches, Metaxi Mas is one of Santorini’s most popular eateries. Cava Alta in Pyrgos is worth the trip inland, Yalos offers a beachside dining experience just minutes from Fira, and Theros Wave Bar is a must do beach bar.

It’s hard to fathom that the famed beauty of the Greek island of Santorini could end any time because it’s at the mercy of a dormant volcano (albeit one that is closely monitored!).

Civilisations have ended, yet people still flock to this stunning rocky outcrop throughout the ages. Maybe the reason it is so beguiling is that it won’t last forever.

Santorini is a part of the Cyclades, a group of heavenly islands in the Aegean Sea in Greece. Santorini is actually a nickname given centuries ago by the Turks and the official name is Thira (after a Spartan King).

Despite a tiny population of fifteen and a half thousand people, they say that at least 1.5 million people flock to this island every year by plane, cruise ship and ferry.

• Over Tourism: Santorini is one of Greece most popular and famous island. When the large cruise ships are in port, the tiny villages are packed and the crowds dial down the romance. If you can, book a room with a view to maximise the romance.
  
  
• Cost: Santorini is undeniably an expensive destination, particularly compared to other islands in Greece, with high costs for accommodation, which might not suit your budget.
  
  
• Tourist-centric Island: Due to its popularity, much of Santorini caters heavily to tourists. This can sometimes result in a lack of authentic local experiences and interactions, as many traditional aspects of Greek life are overshadowed. Add on a lesser visited island if you can to experience the best of Greek hospitality.
  
  
• Limited Beaches: Santorini does have beaches but as we’ve mentioned they’re more unique volcanic style. If you’re seeking a tropical white sand vibe, unfortunately you won’t find them in Santorini.