The Most Romantic Places to Watch the Sunset in Greece

The Most Romantic Places to Watch the Sunset in Greece There are beautiful sunsets all over the world. But somehow, watching the sun disappear into the Aegean Sea from a Greek island feels different. Maybe it’s the whitewashed villages glowing in the evening light. Maybe it’s the sound of the water below, the bells of a nearby church or the table waiting for you at a seaside taverna. Whatever the reason, sunset in Greece isn’t simply the end of the day. It’s often one of the best parts of it. For honeymooners and couples planning a romantic vacation, here are some of our favorite places to experience it. 1. Imerovigli, Santorini Oia gets most of the attention when it comes to Santorini sunsets, but for couples, we often prefer Imerovigli. Located high above the caldera, Imerovigli offers extraordinary views with a generally quieter atmosphere than Oia’s famous sunset viewing areas. Even better, many of its luxury hotels are positioned directly along the caldera. That means you may not have to go anywhere at all. Imagine returning from an afternoon of exploring, pouring a glass of wine and watching the sky change color from your own terrace or plunge pool. That’s our idea of a Santorini honeymoon. Best for: Honeymooners, luxury travelers and couples who prefer privacy. 2. Oia, Santorini We couldn’t create a list of Greece’s best sunsets without including Oia. There’s a reason people travel from around the world to see it. As evening approaches, Oia’s whitewashed buildings begin taking on warm shades of gold and pink, while the sun slowly drops toward the Aegean. The downside? You won’t be alone. During peak season, the most famous viewpoints can become extremely crowded. Rather than joining everyone at the same overlook, we prefer arranging a beautiful restaurant, private terrace or hotel with a sunset view. You still get the magic—without fighting for a place to stand. Best for: First-time visitors who have always dreamed of experiencing a Santorini sunset. How to Plan a Greek Island Honeymoon 3. Aboard a Sailboat in Santorini Sometimes the best sunset view isn’t from the island at all. Seeing Santorini from the water gives you an entirely different perspective on its towering cliffs and white villages. A sunset sailing excursion might include swimming, dinner or drinks aboard the boat before watching the sun disappear over the Aegean. For honeymooners, we particularly love a private or intimate small-group sailing experience. There’s something wonderful about watching the lights begin appearing along the cliffs as you return after sunset. Best for: Honeymooners and couples celebrating something special. 4. Little Venice, Mykonos Mykonos may be famous for its nightlife, but one of its most romantic moments happens before the evening really begins. In Little Venice, colorful historic buildings sit directly along the water, with balconies seemingly suspended above the sea. Find a waterfront table, order a cocktail and watch the sun disappear beyond the horizon as the famous Mykonos windmills create the perfect backdrop. Afterward, you’re already in Mykonos Town for dinner. Best for: Couples who like romance with a little energy. 5. Chora, Folegandros If you want a Greek island sunset without the Santorini crowds, Folegandros deserves a look. This smaller Cycladic island has a wonderfully understated atmosphere and dramatic cliffs overlooking the Aegean. One of its most memorable experiences is the walk up to the Church of Panagia above Chora. The path climbs gradually above the village, rewarding you with expansive views across the island and sea. It’s simple, beautiful and wonderfully romantic. Best for: Couples looking for something quieter and less discovered. 6. The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion Not every unforgettable Greek sunset requires an island. About 43 miles south of Athens, the ancient Temple of Poseidon sits dramatically above the sea at Cape Sounion. The setting is spectacular at any time of day, but late afternoon is particularly special. As the sun begins to set, the ancient marble columns are illuminated by warm golden light with the Aegean stretching beyond them. For couples spending a few nights in Athens, a late-afternoon excursion to Cape Sounion followed by dinner along the coast can create an incredibly romantic day without adding another destination to your itinerary. Best for: History lovers and couples staying in Athens. 7. Chania’s Venetian Harbor, Crete Chania is beautiful throughout the day, but early evening may be its most atmospheric time. The city’s Venetian harbor is lined with colorful buildings, restaurants and cafés, while its historic lighthouse sits at the entrance to the harbor. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront as the sun begins to lower, then settle into dinner after dark. Unlike some famous sunset viewpoints, the experience doesn’t end when the sun disappears. Chania becomes even more charming as the harbor lights come on. Best for: Couples who love history, food and romantic evenings. 8. Naoussa, Paros Naoussa is one of those places that seems designed for an evening stroll. The small fishing harbor is surrounded by whitewashed buildings, narrow lanes and waterfront restaurants. As sunset approaches, fishing boats bob in the harbor while restaurants begin setting tables for dinner. Rather than seeking out one particular viewpoint, we’d simply enjoy the evening as it unfolds. Have a drink near the water, wander through town and let sunset lead naturally into dinner. Sometimes that’s more romantic than planning the perfect photograph. Best for: Couples who love great restaurants and relaxed island evenings. Greece for FirstTime Visitors 9. Plaka, Milos Milos has some of the most distinctive landscapes in the Cyclades, and sunset from the hilltop village of Plaka is one of the island’s highlights. For particularly impressive views, walk toward the remains of the Venetian castle above town. From here, the landscape drops toward the Aegean, creating a sweeping panorama across the island and surrounding sea. Afterward, wander back through Plaka’s narrow streets for dinner. Best for: Adventurous couples, photographers and travelers looking beyond Greece’s most famous islands. 10. Your Own Private Terrace This may actually be our

Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete? Choosing the Right Greek Island

Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete? Choosing the Right Greek Island Santorini, Mykonos and Crete are three of Greece’s best-known islands—and three very different vacation experiences. If you’re planning your first trip to Greece, it’s easy to assume you should visit all three. But depending on how much time you have and what you’re looking for, that may not be the best approach. Santorini is famous for romance and dramatic scenery. Mykonos brings beaches, style and a lively social scene. Crete offers enough history, beaches, food and culture to practically be a vacation on its own. So which Greek island is right for you? Let’s compare them. Choose Santorini If You Want Romance and Incredible Scenery There is nowhere quite like Santorini. The island’s villages sit high above a volcanic caldera, creating the sweeping Aegean views that have made Santorini one of the most photographed destinations in the world. But the important thing to understand is that Santorini is primarily about the setting and experience—not a traditional beach vacation. This is where we’d send couples who picture themselves having breakfast on a private terrace, exploring whitewashed villages, visiting wineries and watching spectacular sunsets. Santorini is best for: Honeymooners Anniversary trips Romantic getaways Luxury boutique hotels Wine lovers Spectacular views First-time visitors who have always dreamed of seeing Santorini Santorini may not be right for you if: Your main priority is spending every day on a long sandy beach. Santorini does have beaches, but because of its volcanic geography, they’re quite different from the classic golden-sand beaches you’ll find elsewhere in Greece. It can also be extremely busy during peak summer. How to Plan a Greek Island Honeymoon Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete? Choosing the Right Greek Island For most first-time visitors, three nights works beautifully. That gives you time to enjoy the scenery, explore the island, experience a sunset cruise or winery and—most importantly—enjoy the hotel you’re paying for. Choose Mykonos If You Want Beaches, Style and Energy Mykonos has an entirely different personality. This is Greece with a glamorous edge. You’ll find stylish beach clubs, sophisticated restaurants, luxury hotels, designer shopping and a nightlife scene that attracts visitors from around the world. During the day, you can relax at the beach or explore Mykonos Town. In the evening, the island becomes considerably more energetic. Mykonos is best for: Couples who enjoy nightlife Beach clubs Groups of friends Stylish hotels Shopping Great restaurants Travelers who enjoy a lively social atmosphere Mykonos may not be right for you if: You’re looking for solitude, traditional village life or a particularly budget-friendly vacation. Mykonos can be one of Greece’s more expensive destinations, particularly during July and August. And while there are quieter corners of the island, peaceful and undiscovered isn’t really what Mykonos is known for. How long should you stay? We generally recommend three or four nights. If nightlife is a major part of your vacation, you may want longer. If you’re primarily interested in seeing Mykonos Town and enjoying a couple of beach days, three nights may be enough. Greece for FirstTime Visitors Choose Crete If You Want to Really Explore Comparing Crete to Santorini and Mykonos isn’t entirely fair. Crete is enormous. It’s Greece’s largest island and offers enough variety to fill an entire vacation: beaches, mountains, archaeological sites, wineries, traditional villages, historic towns and a distinctive culinary culture. Rather than feeling like an island stop, Crete feels like a destination in itself. Crete is best for: Longer vacations History lovers Food and wine enthusiasts Active travelers Beautiful beaches Couples who like exploring Travelers interested in local culture Crete may not be right for you if: You only have two or three nights available. You can visit Crete briefly, but we don’t think that’s the best way to experience it. The island’s size means you’ll need to be strategic about where you stay and what you want to see. How long should you stay? We’d recommend at least four or five nights, and preferably longer. A week in Crete wouldn’t be excessive at all. In fact, you could easily spend an entire Greece vacation here and still leave plenty unexplored. Which Island Has the Best Beaches? Winner: Crete If beaches are your number-one priority, we’d generally choose Crete. The island has an extraordinary variety of beaches, ranging from dramatic coves to long stretches of sand. Mykonos would come next, particularly for travelers who like their beach day accompanied by music, lunch and cocktails. Santorini comes in third—not because its beaches aren’t interesting, but because beaches simply aren’t the primary reason we’d recommend visiting.   Frequently Asked Questions Which Island Is Best for a Honeymoon? Winner: Santorini—for pure romance There’s a reason Santorini appears on so many honeymoon wish lists. Few things feel more romantic than waking up to a caldera view from your own terrace. But that doesn’t necessarily mean we’d plan an entire honeymoon there. For many couples, the ideal honeymoon combines a few romantic nights in Santorini with a second island offering beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere. If you’re currently planning yours, our How to Plan a Greek Island Honeymoon guide goes into much more detail about choosing the right island combination. Which Island Has the Best Nightlife? Winner: Mykonos No contest. If beach clubs, late dinners and dancing into the early hours are part of your vacation vision, Mykonos is the obvious choice. Santorini has excellent restaurants and cocktail bars, but evenings tend to be more focused on dining and sunset views. Crete has nightlife as well, particularly in larger towns and resort areas, but it isn’t the island’s defining feature. Which Island Is Best for Food? Winner: Crete This is a tough category because you can eat extremely well throughout Greece. But Crete’s strong regional food traditions give it an advantage. Local olive oil, cheeses, herbs, seafood, vegetables, wine and traditional dishes are deeply connected to the island’s culture. For travelers who choose destinations partly based on what they’re going to eat, Crete deserves serious consideration. Which

How to Plan a Greek Island Honeymoon

How to Plan a Greek Island Honeymoon A Greek island honeymoon sounds almost effortless: beautiful beaches, whitewashed villages, romantic sunsets and long dinners overlooking the Aegean Sea. But planning one can be surprisingly complicated. With so many islands to choose from—and each offering a very different experience—the perfect Greek honeymoon isn’t necessarily about visiting the most famous places. It’s about finding the right combination of islands, hotels and experiences for the two of you. At Remarkable Honeymoons, we believe a honeymoon should feel different from an ordinary vacation. You shouldn’t return home needing another week to recover. Here’s how we’d approach planning a Greek island honeymoon you’ll actually enjoy. Start With the Honeymoon You Want Before choosing an island, think about what you picture when you imagine your honeymoon. Would you rather spend your days: Relaxing at a beautiful resort? Exploring villages and historic sites? Swimming and boating? Discovering great restaurants and wineries? Enjoying beach clubs and nightlife? Finding someplace quiet where you can disappear for a few days? Most couples want a combination, but deciding what’s most important helps narrow down Greece’s enormous number of possibilities. The island your friends loved may not necessarily be the right island for you. Santorini: For Romance and Spectacular Views It’s difficult to talk about a Greek honeymoon without mentioning Santorini. The island’s dramatic caldera, cliffside villages and extraordinary sunsets have made it one of the world’s most famous honeymoon destinations. For couples looking for romance, Santorini offers exceptional boutique hotels, private terraces, plunge pools, wineries and restaurants overlooking the Aegean. But Santorini isn’t really about having the best beaches in Greece. We recommend it primarily for the scenery, atmosphere and unique accommodations. A few nights here can be magical—particularly when combined with an island that offers a completely different experience. Greece for FirstTime Visitors: Mykonos: For Energy, Style and Nightlife Mykonos is ideal for couples who want their honeymoon to have some energy. Think stylish hotels, beautiful beaches, sophisticated restaurants, beach clubs and nightlife. It’s glamorous, social and lively, particularly during the summer. For some honeymooners, that’s exactly what they want. Others envision something quieter and more intimate. If you’re not interested in nightlife or the social scene, don’t assume Mykonos needs to be included simply because it’s famous. There are plenty of other Greek islands that may suit you better. Paros: For a Little of Everything Paros is one of our favorite alternatives for couples who want beautiful scenery and great restaurants without quite the same intensity as Mykonos. The island combines beaches, picturesque villages and a sophisticated but relaxed atmosphere. Naoussa is particularly appealing in the evenings, when waterfront restaurants and narrow lanes come alive. Paros works beautifully for couples who want some activity while still feeling like they’re on a relaxing island honeymoon. Naxos: For Beaches and a More Relaxed Pace If long beach days and authentic Greek island life are high on your list, consider Naxos. It’s the largest of the Cyclades islands and offers beautiful beaches, traditional mountain villages, excellent local food and plenty of room to explore. Naxos generally feels more relaxed than Santorini or Mykonos, making it a wonderful choice for couples who don’t need their honeymoon to revolve around nightlife or luxury shopping. It’s also a good reminder that some of Greece’s best honeymoon experiences can happen away from its most famous islands. Crete: For Couples Who Want More to Explore Crete is almost a vacation unto itself. Greece’s largest island offers beaches, mountains, historic sites, charming towns, wineries and wonderful food. It’s particularly appealing to couples who like a little adventure with their relaxation. Because Crete is so large, we’d recommend giving it enough time rather than treating it as another quick island stop. Depending on the length of your honeymoon, Crete could even become the centerpiece of the entire trip. Best Time to Visit Greece Milos: For Scenery and Something Different Milos has become increasingly popular with honeymooners, and it’s easy to understand why. Its unusual coastline, colorful fishing villages and beautiful swimming spots create a completely different landscape from what many travelers associate with Greece. It’s particularly appealing for couples who enjoy boating, beaches and exploring. A day on the water is one of the best ways to experience Milos and can easily become one of the highlights of a honeymoon. Don’t Choose Islands Based Only on Instagram Beautiful photographs are wonderful for inspiration, but they don’t tell you what staying somewhere actually feels like. A spectacular hotel may be isolated. A famous beach may be packed during the summer. A charming village may require considerable walking and stairs. And an island that looks wonderfully peaceful in an April photograph may feel entirely different in August. When we recommend islands, we consider the complete experience—not simply how they look in photographs. Your Hotel Is Especially Important on a Honeymoon On some vacations, a hotel is simply somewhere to sleep. We don’t think that’s true on a honeymoon. Your hotel can become one of the most memorable parts of the trip, so this is an area where we often recommend spending a little more if the budget allows. Depending on the island, that might mean: A caldera-view suite A private plunge pool A beachfront resort An adults-only property A boutique hotel within walking distance of restaurants A secluded hideaway away from the crowds Location matters just as much as the room itself. That spectacular hotel won’t feel quite as wonderful if you’re spending an hour each way getting to everything you want to experience. Splurge Where It Matters Most You don’t necessarily need the most expensive room on every island. One of our favorite honeymoon-planning strategies is deciding where the splurge will have the biggest impact. Perhaps that’s a private-pool suite in Santorini for three nights, followed by a more moderately priced beachfront hotel elsewhere. Or maybe you’d rather spend less on accommodations and put more of your budget toward a private sailing excursion, exceptional restaurants and experiences. There’s no correct

Greece for FirstTime Visitors: How to Plan Your First Trip

Greece for First Time Visitors: How to Plan Your First Trip Planning your first trip to Greece can be exciting—and a little overwhelming. Athens or the islands? Santorini or Mykonos? Ferries or flights? How many islands can you realistically visit without spending half your vacation in transit? Greece offers an extraordinary number of possibilities, which is exactly why a first trip benefits from thoughtful planning. The goal isn’t to see as much of Greece as possible. It’s to choose the right combination of destinations and give yourself enough time to actually enjoy them. If you’re planning your first Greece vacation, here’s where we’d start. Start With Athens For most first-time visitors, we recommend including Athens. Even if your heart is set on the Greek islands, spending a couple of nights in the capital adds an entirely different dimension to the trip. The Acropolis and Parthenon may be the headline attractions, but Athens offers much more. Explore neighborhoods such as Plaka and Monastiraki, enjoy dinner overlooking the illuminated Acropolis, browse local markets, and experience a city where ancient history and modern Greek life exist side by side. For most travelers, two or three nights in Athens is enough for a first visit. It also works particularly well at the beginning or end of an island itinerary because many international flights arrive through Athens. Don’t Try to Visit Every Island Greece has thousands of islands and islets, with more than 200 inhabited islands. Naturally, one of the hardest decisions is deciding which ones to visit. A common first-time mistake is trying to fit too many into one trip. Every island change involves more than the ferry ride itself. You’ll need to check out of your hotel, transfer to the port, arrive early enough for your ferry, travel to the next island, transfer to your new hotel and check in again. Suddenly, what looked like a short travel day has consumed much of your day. For a typical 10- to 12-night vacation, we generally prefer Athens plus two or three islands rather than trying to squeeze in four or five. Greece for FirstTime Visitors Choose Islands That Work Well Together Not all Greek islands are conveniently connected, so don’t choose destinations based solely on photographs you’ve seen online. Geography matters. Santorini, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos are all part of the Cyclades, making certain combinations relatively straightforward during the main travel season. Crete, meanwhile, is much larger and deserves more time. It can certainly be combined with other islands, but we’d build the itinerary differently. Other island groups—including the Ionian Islands and Dodecanese—offer completely different experiences and transportation considerations. A well-designed Greece itinerary should make geographic sense rather than zigzagging across the country. Santorini: Is It Worth It? For many first-time travelers, absolutely. Santorini is famous for a reason. Its whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches and dramatic caldera views are spectacular, particularly at sunset. It’s also one of Greece’s most popular destinations, so expectations matter. Santorini isn’t necessarily where we’d send someone looking for Greece’s best beaches or a quiet, undiscovered island. We recommend Santorini for the scenery, romance, restaurants, wineries and extraordinary hotels built into the cliffs. For honeymooners, it’s especially memorable—but you don’t necessarily need to spend your entire vacation there. Three nights is often a good amount of time for a first visit. What About Mykonos? Mykonos has a very different personality. It’s known for beautiful beaches, stylish hotels, excellent restaurants, beach clubs and nightlife. During summer, it can also be extremely busy and expensive. For some clients, Mykonos is exactly what they’re looking for. For others, we’d recommend an island such as Paros or Naxos instead. That’s an important part of planning Greece: the most famous island isn’t automatically the best island for you. Best Time to Visit Greece Consider Paros or Naxos First-time visitors sometimes assume they need to choose between Santorini and Mykonos, but there are many other wonderful possibilities. Paros has become increasingly popular for its charming villages, beaches, restaurants and relaxed-but-stylish atmosphere. Naxos offers beautiful beaches, traditional villages, local cuisine and a slightly more laid-back feeling. Either can work beautifully as part of a first Greece itinerary, particularly for travelers who want to balance sightseeing with time by the sea. Ferries vs. Flights Transportation is one of the most important pieces of a Greece itinerary. Ferries are part of the experience and can be a wonderful way to travel between islands. But they’re not always the best choice. Depending on your itinerary, a short domestic flight may save considerable time. On other routes, taking a ferry is much more practical. Ferry schedules also vary by season and route, and weather can occasionally affect service. Rather than deciding that your entire vacation must be done by ferry, we recommend looking at the trip as a whole and choosing the most efficient transportation for each segment. How Long Should You Spend in Each Place? As a general guideline, we prefer at least three nights per island whenever possible. Two nights sounds reasonable until you realize it gives you only one full day at your destination. Three or four nights allows time to settle in, explore, enjoy your hotel, spend time at the beach and perhaps take a boat excursion without feeling like you’re constantly watching the clock. For a first trip, something like this can work beautifully: 2–3 nights Athens3 nights Santorini3–4 nights Paros or Naxos With additional time, you could add another island or extend your stay somewhere you particularly want to relax. Build Some Downtime Into Your Itinerary This is particularly important for honeymoons. It’s tempting to schedule an activity every day when you’re traveling somewhere as exciting as Greece. But some of the best experiences happen when you don’t have anywhere you need to be. Leave time for a long lunch overlooking the water. Spend an afternoon at your hotel pool. Wander through a village without an agenda. Stop for a glass of wine because you found a beautiful terrace. A honeymoon shouldn’t feel like

Best Time to Visit Greece: A Month-by-Month Guide

Best Time to Visit Greece Whitewashed villages, brilliant blue water, ancient ruins, seaside tavernas and sunsets that seem to last forever—Greece has a way of making almost any vacation feel special. But when is the best time to visit Greece? For most travelers, May, June, September and early October are our favorite months to visit Greece, especially if your plans include the islands. You’ll generally find warm weather, plenty of sunshine and a wonderful vacation atmosphere without quite the intensity of the peak summer months. That said, there really isn’t one perfect month for everyone. The best time for your trip depends on where you want to go and what you want to experience. Here’s what to consider when choosing your dates. April: Spring Arrives in Greece April can be a wonderful time for travelers who are more interested in history, culture and sightseeing than spending every day at the beach. Spring brings greener landscapes and wildflowers, while temperatures are generally comfortable for exploring archaeological sites and cities. It’s an especially appealing time for Athens and mainland Greece. The islands can be beautiful in April as well, but this is still early in the season. Some hotels, restaurants and seasonal businesses may not yet be operating, and ferry schedules can be more limited than they are later in the spring. Best for: Athens, mainland sightseeing, culture and travelers who prefer fewer crowds.   May: One of Our Favorite Months By May, Greece begins transitioning into its summer rhythm. Days become warmer and sunnier, seasonal hotels and restaurants reopen, and ferry connections increase. The countryside can still be beautifully green from the spring rains. May is particularly appealing for couples who want to combine Athens with islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Crete or Naxos without traveling during the busiest part of summer. One consideration: while the weather may feel like summer, the sea can still be chilly, particularly earlier in the month. Best for: Honeymoons, sightseeing, island combinations and active vacations. Greece for FirstTime Visitors June: Perhaps the Best All-Around Month If we had to choose one month that works particularly well for many first-time visitors, June would be near the top of the list. Summer has arrived, beach clubs and resorts are open, ferry schedules are well established and the islands are lively. Yet June generally doesn’t have quite the same intensity as July and August. It’s a great time for an itinerary that combines Athens with two or three islands, and the longer daylight hours leave plenty of time for sightseeing, swimming and leisurely dinners overlooking the water. For honeymooners in particular, June offers an excellent combination of atmosphere, weather and accessibility. Best for: First-time visitors, honeymooners, island hopping and beach vacations. July: Summer Is in Full Swing July delivers exactly what many travelers picture when they imagine Greece: hot sunny days, warm water, bustling harbors and long evenings spent outdoors. It’s also one of the busiest times of year. Popular destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos can be extremely busy, and hotel rates reflect the demand. Reservations for sought-after restaurants, beach clubs, private boats and experiences should be arranged well in advance. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere and don’t mind crowds, July can be tremendous fun. If you’re dreaming of a quiet Greek escape, however, we may recommend choosing a less famous island or traveling during a different month. Best for: Beaches, nightlife, boating and travelers who enjoy an energetic summer atmosphere. August: Peak Greece August is Greece at full volume. The weather is hot, the islands are buzzing, and Europeans are taking their summer holidays alongside international visitors. This can create a fantastic atmosphere, particularly for travelers looking for nightlife and activity. But it also means crowds, premium hotel pricing and heavy demand for ferries, restaurants and experiences. August 15 is also an important holiday throughout Greece, with celebrations taking place in communities across the country. For travelers who can only vacation during the traditional summer break, August can absolutely work. The key is choosing the right destinations and making arrangements early. Best for: Travelers tied to summer schedules, nightlife and a lively island experience. September: Our Other Favorite If May and June are wonderful, September may be even better. The summer crowds begin to ease, but the sea has had all summer to warm up. Hotels, restaurants and seasonal businesses remain open, and island life is still very much in full swing. This is particularly attractive for honeymooners. You can enjoy beautiful beach weather during the day and romantic evenings without quite as much of the midsummer rush. Late September can also be a terrific time for sailing and boating. This month offers warm water, good weather and fewer crowds while island restaurants and services are still operating. Best for: Honeymoons, couples, swimming, sailing and island hopping. October: A Different Side of Greece October is an interesting transitional month. Early October can still offer lovely conditions, particularly in southern Greece and on islands such as Crete and Rhodes. As the month progresses, however, weather becomes less predictable and seasonal businesses begin closing. For travelers primarily interested in Athens, archaeological sites, food and culture, this can be a terrific time to visit. For a honeymoon centered around swimming, boating and several smaller islands, we’d generally favor September or earlier. Best for: Culture, food, Athens, Crete, Rhodes and travelers comfortable with variable weather. Best Time to Visit Greece What About November Through March? Greece doesn’t disappear when summer ends. Athens, Thessaloniki and many mainland destinations operate throughout the year, making winter an interesting choice for travelers who want to concentrate on history, food and everyday Greek life. The islands are a different story. Many smaller island resorts and tourism-dependent businesses close or dramatically reduce operations during winter. So while we’d happily recommend an off-season Greece trip for the right traveler, we wouldn’t approach it like a traditional Greek island vacation. Best Time for a Greece Honeymoon For most of our honeymoon clients, we’d concentrate on three