Blue Dreams Are the Most Beautiful: Your Complete Greek Honeymoon Guide to Santorini & Zakynthos

Meta Description: Discover the ultimate Greek honeymoon itinerary for Santorini & Zakynthos. Real tips, honest hotel reviews, budget breakdown, and must-see spots for an unforgettable Greece honeymoon.

A Promise Six Years in the Making: Why Greece for Your Honeymoon?

In 2011, I wrote on social media: "Whoever takes me to Greece for our honeymoon, I'll marry him." Six years later, in 2017, I finally married the man I love and set foot on this long-dreamed-of land. But here's the honest truth: from the graffiti-covered streets of Athens to the bone-chilling winds of Santorini, the gap between fantasy and reality made me question everything—until I stood at Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove) in Zakynthos, staring at water bluer than any movie screen.

If you're planning a Greece honeymoon, this guide is your honest, unfiltered companion. It covers everything from Santorini honeymoon costs to Zakynthos travel tips, hotel recommendations, and real-world lessons learned.

Greece Honeymoon Itinerary: 9 Days Across Three Destinations

Travel Dates: October 7–15, 2017 (9 days)
Cost Per Person: Approximately ¥16,500 RMB ($2,300 USD)
Travel Companions: Honeymooning couple

[Link: Best time to visit Greece for honeymoon]

First Schengen Visa: How We Did It Ourselves

Both my husband and I were first-time Schengen visa applicants. Since there's a visa application center in Shenyang, we handled it ourselves—no agent needed.

Shenyang Greece Visa Application Center
- Address: Room 3, 4th Floor, Building A, Shenyang Fortune Center, No. 61 Beizhan Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang
- Phone: 024-82919355

Key Reminder: Alipay statements and deposit certificates are NOT accepted. Deposit money into your bank account in advance, and avoid making a single large deposit—otherwise, they'll question your fund stability.

Required Documents for Greece Honeymoon Visa: - Visa application form - Passport - Photos - Travel medical insurance - Flight itinerary - Hotel reservations - Travel plan - Proof of assets - Employment certificate and introduction letter

For detailed preparation, refer to travel guide websites like Daododo—we followed their step-by-step instructions.

[Link: Schengen visa requirements for Greece]

Hotel Recommendations for Santorini & Zakynthos: Book Early!

Greek hotel prices are painfully expensive—since the country's economic crisis, tourism has become the backbone of the economy. We thought we'd wait for a discount, but instead watched prices surge and popular hotels get snapped up.

🏨 Highly Recommended

Aeifos Luxury Suites (~$380/night)
A cliffside hotel with unbeatable sea views. Breakfast delivered to your room. Waking up, opening the balcony door, and seeing the Aegean Sea—everything felt worth it.

Phoenix Hotel (~$66/night)
Excellent value for money in Zakynthos. Clean, comfortable, and conveniently located.

Electra Metropolis Hotel (~$245/night)
Five-star service. Upon check-in, they sent a honeymoon cake and champagne—incredibly heartwarming.

🏨 So-So

Villa Aisling Micra (~$425/night)
Not cheap, but the experience was just average. Not recommended.

🏨 Transit Stays

Achilleas Hotel (~$83/night) and Avra Hotel (~$65/night) were both transit stops—nothing memorable.

[Link: Best hotels in Santorini for couples]

Flight Information: International & Domestic

International Flights: Qatar Airways

- October 7: Beijing → Athens, 01:50–12:10
- October 15: Athens → Beijing, 20:55–14:55+1
- Round-trip price: ~$1,400/person

Domestic Flights (Greece Island Hopping)

Aegean Airlines (€196.12/person) - October 8: Athens → Santorini, 07:15–08:00
- October 11: Santorini → Athens, 21:15–22:00

Sky Express (€175.67/person) - October 12: Athens → Zakynthos, 09:00–09:55
- October 14: Zakynthos → Athens, 10:20–11:15

Day 1: First Encounter with Athens – Lycabettus Hill in the Rain

After a long flight, we arrived in Athens around noon. We used Uber to get to the hotel—cheaper than taxis, and the driver didn't take detours.

After dropping our bags, we headed to Syntagma Square, Athens' most iconic landmark. Most attractions are clustered around the square, so Day 1 was a warm-up, a casual stroll.

As night fell, we went to Lycabettus Hill for the view. No sooner had we reached the top than it started raining. Luckily, we'd booked a window table at the restaurant in advance. We ordered lobster pasta (€22) and a burger (€14.5)—the food was average.

After the rain stopped, the air was remarkably fresh. Looking down at the Acropolis, it stood solemnly at the city's peak. In that moment, I understood why Athens is called the "City of the Gods."

Day 2: Santorini – Where Dreams Meet Reality

We flew to Santorini just after 7 AM, full of anticipation. But as soon as the plane landed, we were greeted by rain, howling winds, and bone-chilling cold.

We rented a convertible at the airport, but it was useless. Windows rolled up, heater on full blast. Watching Europeans in thin down jackets, I was green with envy.

We went to check in at the hotel, but we arrived too early, so we just drove around the island. Most roads in Santorini are manual transmission with lots of steep hills—I didn't dare drive, and my husband kept getting stuck in traffic jams.

The turning point came at noon—the clouds parted, and sunlight poured down. Finally, we could take off our jackets and put on dresses for photos (though it was still chilly).

We strolled around Fira first, then drove to Oia. Compared to Fira, Oia is cleaner and the shops are more refined. But the UV rays are incredibly strong, and my skin got extremely dry—even after applying body lotion.

The Octopus Restaurant Disappointment

At noon, we went to the famous octopus restaurant and spent €50. Online reviews were mixed, but I thought, "It's ranked number one, it must have something going for it." The result? Mediocre food, mediocre service.

Santorini Lighthouse & Santo Winery

The lighthouse is at the southwestern tip of the island's main road. But the road is narrow, parking is difficult, and you have to reverse down the slope to leave—not recommended if your driving skills aren't solid.

Before sunset, we went to Santo Winery, near the lighthouse in Pyrgos. This is probably the largest winery on the island, with stunning views. We ordered the €24.5 six-glass tasting set (there's also a twelve-glass option), which came with cheese and olives. We sampled from low-alcohol sparkling wines to high-alcohol dry reds.

[Link: Santorini wine tasting guide]

Day 3–5: Santorini Honeymoon Highlights

Yacht Sailing & Three-Town Hike

Day 3 was all about Santorini yacht sailing—a must for any honeymoon. The views from the water are unforgettable.

Day 4 featured the three-town hike from Fira to Oia, with a donkey ride experience thrown in for fun. (Pro tip: The donkeys are cute, but the ride can be bumpy!)

Oia's Blue-Domed Churches

Day 5 was dedicated to searching for the iconic blue-domed churches in Oia. These are the most photographed spots in Greece, and for good reason—they're stunning.

Day 6–7: Zakynthos – The True Blue Dream

Self-Drive Island Tour

We flew to Zakynthos and rented a car for a self-drive island tour. The roads are easier than Santorini, and the scenery is breathtaking.

Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove) & Blue Caves

Day 7 was the highlight of the entire trip. We visited Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove) and the Blue Caves. Standing on the viewing platform, gazing at water bluer than any TV drama, I understood: some places are worth every imperfection you endure to reach them.

Day 8–9: Athens Shopping & Acropolis

Day 8 was a shopping day in Athens. Day 9 we visited the Acropolis of Athens and museums before returning to Beijing.

FAQ: Greece Honeymoon Planning

1. What is the best time to visit Santorini for a honeymoon?

The best time is late April to early November. October offers fewer crowds and lower prices, but expect cooler temperatures and possible rain. For guaranteed warmth, visit June through September.

2. How much does a Greece honeymoon cost?

Expect to spend $2,000–$3,000 per person for a 9-day trip, including flights, hotels, meals, and activities. Santorini is the most expensive island, while Zakynthos offers better value.

3. Is it better to stay in Fira or Oia in Santorini?

Oia is more romantic, quieter, and has better sunset views. Fira is more lively, with more restaurants and shops. For a honeymoon, Oia is generally recommended.

4. Do I need to rent a car in Santorini and Zakynthos?

In Santorini, a car is helpful but challenging due to narrow, steep roads. In Zakynthos, a car is almost essential for reaching Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves. Consider renting a small automatic car.

5. How many days should I spend in Santorini vs. Zakynthos?

3–4 days in Santorini and 2–3 days in Zakynthos is ideal. Santorini offers more activities and photo opportunities, while Zakynthos is more about natural beauty and relaxation.

Your Greek Honeymoon Awaits

From the graffiti of Athens to the blue-domed churches of Santorini, from the bone-chilling winds to the warmest sunsets—your Greek honeymoon will be filled with surprises, lessons, and unforgettable memories.

Start planning today. Book your flights early, reserve your hotels before prices surge, and pack your sense of adventure. Some places are worth every imperfection you endure to reach them.

Ready to turn your blue dreams into reality? [Link: Book your Greece honeymoon package] or [Link: Download our free Greece travel checklist]

Have you visited Greece for your honeymoon? Share your tips in the comments below!