The Best Greek Islands for Couples—With Beautiful Beaches and Romantic Views

Crete, the largest island in Greece, has it all— especially when it comes to beautiful landscapes. Among its most photographed spots is Balos Beach, located on the west side of Gramvousa Cape, about 11 miles northwest of Kissamos. You can reach it by boat or by driving, followed by a short but rugged hike of less than a mile down to the shore. The swirling white sands edge the turquoise lagoon, set below the Platiskinos Mountains.

Travel Tip: If you visit during the busier months—May through September—plan to arrive close to sunrise for the chance to enjoy it all to yourselves (it’s well worth the early wake-up call).

Elafonissi, in the southwestern corner of the island, is one of the most famous beaches in Crete. Named the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor, this spot draws plenty of visitors, so expect some crowds. However, its beauty—soft white sands with a delicate pink hue from crushed coral—makes it well worth the visit. It makes for a fantastic photo op and the water is warm, calm, shallow and a spectacular shade of brilliant aquamarine. You can even wade across the sand bar to Elafonissi islet for a more tranquil experience. There’s no shade here so few people make their way to it, but even during the busiest part of the summer, you can find peaceful little coves with slices of sandy beach.

Travel Tip: Visit in mid-spring, early in the tourist season, to enjoy the pink sands, rock formations and colorful wildflowers in relative peace.

Part of the Cyclades archipelago, Naxos is home to some of the country’s most spectacular white sandy beaches. Plaka, about five miles from Chora (Naxos Town) is easily reached by bus or car. This 2.5-mile stretch has powdery soft sand bordering crystal-clear waters that resemble a vast natural swimming pool. You’ll find both organized areas with umbrellas and lounge chairs, as well as quieter spots where you can simply lay down a towel and relax.

Travel Tip: There are also beach clubs with cabanas for rent and many boho-chic bars and restaurants for indulging in some of the island’s finest cocktails and seafood. Stick around ’til sunset for an especially colorful show thanks to Mother Nature.

For total tranquility farther from busy Naxos Town, Kastraki is a two-mile stretch with picturesque dunes, long, golden sands and stunningly clear blue waters that are perfect for swimming. It offers an unspoiled natural setting for relaxation, surrounded by rugged cliffs and cedar trees about 20 minutes from town, easily reached by bus or car.

Travel Tip: The sunsets here are also worth sticking around for and you’ll find plenty of cafes, taverns and restaurants nearby.

Situated on the east coast of Zakynthos near the Shoestring Restaurant Beach Bar, Old Alykanas boasts a long stretch of sand with plenty of space for everyone. One end is equipped with umbrellas, deckchairs and watersports rentals, while the other remains quiet and uncrowded—perfect for those seeking a quiet spot and stunning sunrise views. The crystal-clear, calm waters make it ideal for swimming during the warmer months. Each morning, boat tours depart for the famous Shipwreck Beach and often include a stop at the Blue Caves (which can only be reached by sea). In the center of the village of Alykanas, you’ll find several shops selling everything from souvenirs, gifts and jewelry to leather products and locally handmade items.

Travel Tip: There are plenty of bars and eateries here too, although the Shoestring near Old Alykanas Beach offers some of the best meals at affordable prices with a sea view.

Speaking of Shipwreck Beach (officially called Navagio), no list of beaches in Greece would be complete without it. Located in the Ionian archipelago, it’s one of the country’s most visually stunning beaches and it’s often featured on Greek tourism sites. While you may not have it all to yourself, your best chance for a quieter experience is visiting early in the morning or late in the evening during the off-season. A private boat charter can also take you to more secluded spots around the cove. The beach itself is a beautiful sight—white sands cradled between towering cliffs, with the rusted remains of a shipwreck adding to its mystique, all set against surreal, electric blue waters.

Travel Tip: For a picture-perfect view, don’t miss the Shipwreck Beach overlook. It’s easily accessible by car, followed by a short stroll. For the best photos during the summer, come when the sun is high in the sky, from about 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Another one of the lush Ioanian isles, Kefalonia boasts incredible natural beauty yet it’s managed to remain mostly unspoiled. This area is home to numerous beaches with soft white sands, all bordered by a stunning aquamarine sea—perfect for snorkeling, swimming and more. Myrtos is tucked between two cliffs covered with lush vegetation and pines, while the water practically glows in the sunshine due to the marble sediment.

Travel Tip: This beach is often been named among the world’s most beautiful and can be reached by car from the main road, by bus, or by sea on a private boat charter.

Santorini has long been a top destination for honeymooners and a bucket-list destination for all types of travelers. It isn’t known for its white sandy beaches, but rather it’s unique stretches, including some with midnight black volcanic sands like Vlychada. Located along the southern coast about eight miles from the capital of Fira, it’s long and quiet, especially compared to other popular beaches like Red Beach. Enjoy calm, shallow waters and shade, thanks to the dramatic cliffs. There’s also a beach bar and restaurant along with umbrellas, beach chairs and loungers.

Travel Tip: This beach can easily be reached by bus directly from Fira, or by car, about a 30-minute drive away.

Milos is the southernmost island in the Cyclades, most known for its more than 75 beaches, with Sarakiniko the most famous. Just a few miles from hilltop Plaka along the north shore, it has an unusual moon-like appearance, made up of smooth, chalk-white formations that are perfect for sunbathing. The water provides a remarkable contrast against the sea in shades ranging from emerald to turquoise. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the volcanic rocks on the far left side of the beach and take a thrilling leap into the sea below.

Travel Tip: The water stays comfortably warm from early June through mid-October, making for an unforgettable swimming experience. For fewer crowds, visit in the fall or arrive early in the morning.

Tsigrado is truly a hidden gem. Best for the more adventurous, the only way to reach it is by boat or climbing down the craggy, rock face with a rope that leads to a rickety wooden ladder. From there, you’ll descend another rock face to reach the narrow stretch of shoreline. Skip it at high tide as there won’t be much beach here, but when there is, it’s well worth making the effort to experience this beautiful stretch on the southern coast. It’s not as hard as it might seem, just take your time getting down.

Travel Tip: By swimming out into the shallow aquamarine waters, you can explore natural arches, secluded coves, caves and more.

Symi Island, part of the Dodecanese, is just an hour’s ferry ride from the more well-known Rhodes. Small and mountainous, it promises an authentic, traditional charm with little nightlife but beautiful scenery that draws painters, photographers, hikers, and romance-seekers. Big crowds are rare, and you can enjoy an incredibly tranquil beach by heading about two miles northwest of Symi town. There are trees for shade and the water is crystal-clear and calm for swimming. You’ll also find some very enticing vacation rentals with their own small stretches nearby.

Travel Tip: It’s the perfect spot to unwind by the water’s edge in complete solitude, jumping in whenever the mood strikes—an unbeatable experience for a romantic getaway.

Located in the Gulf of Corinth in the Peloponnese, about a 90-minute drive west of Athens, Alkyonidos is a secluded stretch that keeps the crowds at bay. Its clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while spacious shores offer plenty of room for sunbathing with loungers and umbrellas available.

Travel Tip: A small seafood tavern nearby provides a spot to enjoy fresh local dishes and drinks by the sea.