For couples seeking a quintessential honeymoon, Greece takes the (syrup-soaked) cake. This ancient destination is one of those perennial favorites that, pardon the cliché, really has it all. The landscapes alone! “From sun-drenched islands and cliffside villages to mountain hideaways and historic cities, you can spend one day sailing in turquoise waters and the next wandering through ruins,” says Helen Patrikis, the Greek founder of HP-PR.

The country’s architecture, steeped in millennia of history, also has a hand in shaping the cinematic atmosphere. (Nothing says “honeymoon” quite like a glass of Assyrtiko overlooking a crumbling temple.) And then, there’s the food. If you’ve never savored grilled octopus at a taverna by the water’s edge (preferably after a refreshing swim), a honeymoon is a good time to remedy that.

But what’s most special, Patrikis argues, is the way it makes you feel. “Greeks have a word, philoxenia, meaning ‘friend to strangers’—a true spirit of hospitality.” Anyone who’s visited Greece can attest to this. “The pace is slower, the people are kind, and it’s surprisingly easy to find places that feel personal,” Essentialist founder and CEO Joan Roca says.

And as far as romance-fueled experiences go, this Mediterranean jewel doesn’t hold back. “To me, a day spent at sea always brings that sense of rejuvenation and calm you crave on a honeymoon,” Cosal Travel founder Andrea Blackmon tells Vogue. “The experience of diving off a boat into the crystal clear waters, sipping chilled wine on deck, and docking at a local taverna for fresh seafood simply cannot be beat.”

So, it’s settled. There’s no honeymoon quite like a Greece honeymoon. If you and your partner are in the planning stages of your inaugural adventure as a married couple, our expert-led guide ahead will tell you everything you need to know for planning an itinerary fit for the gods.

The Best Time to Travel to Greece

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