There are many beautiful locations throughout the world ideal for a romantic getaway, but having just recommended a selection of Greek villas that are perfect for weddings in my last Journal, I wanted to follow up with some inspiration for a magical Greek island honeymoon.The island which immediately came to mind was Santorini, with its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and wonderful caldera views, particularly at sunset. This small vacation spot not only offers a fascinating history and outstanding beauty, but also plenty of small romantic villas in stunning locations, which are absolutely perfect for a honeymoon.
Most of the villas recommended below are situated near the edge of the caldera, stretching from the village of Oia, to Imeroviglio, and to the island’s capital, Fira. The villas are all set in wonderful positions, with impressive views over the caldera. With quaint colourful houses, tempting boutiques and art galleries, small churches, cobbled paths and sensational sunsets, there are plenty of activities for couples – very much iincluding enjoying a glass of wine, or dinner while taking in the amazing sunset views.
Top honeymoon activities in SantoriniThere are a wealth of romantic honeymoon experiences to enjoy while visiting Santorini, but top of our list of favourites is a trip on a luxury catamaran. We can highly recommend a private sunset cruise with Santosails, which includes an on-board barbecue with local wine. For those looking for more active experiences, a 3-hour walk along the caldera at sunset, through the beautiful villages of Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia, will offer stunning sea views, and plenty of photo opportunities. We can also recommend a wine tour and tasting with Santo Wines. Located in Pyrgos, the highest village on the island, also with wonderful sea views.
Recommended Romantic Restaurants:Ambrosia Restaurant in Oia is considered one of the best restaurants in Santorini – and wonderfully romantic, too! Couples can enjoy a candlelit dinner on one of the two panoramic terrace, with views of the caldera.
We also love Ammoudi, a fish tavern by the sea at the bottom of Oia village, which is especially beautiful at sunset. The restaurant is reached by climbing down 200-250 wide steps from Oia’s castle, which takes about 15 minutes,or a drive from the main road of Oia.
In Fira, we can recommend Argo Restaurant which offers a wonderful menu showcasing the best local Greek produce, including fresh fish, seafood, local cheese and extra virgin olive oil. There is also an extensive wine cellar. Set in a beautiful position on the caldera, overlooking the sea, the restaurant also benefits from the wonderful sunset views.
The Athenian House, situated in the village of Imerovigli, combines delicious cuisine and a great position, with captivating views over the famous Skaros Rock. It’s perfectly located for anyone staying at lovelyl Villa Skaros, featured below, The Athenian House is known for being one of the most beautiful sunset spots on the island!
Feredini is another popular restaurant in Oia, offering a romantic ambience, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, blended with local Greek products. The spectacular sunset views over the caldera, makes this restaurant particularly ideal for anyone wanting to dine in a particularly romantic atmosphere.
Recommended Honeymoon VillasCaptain’s House (1 bedroom, 2 guests)On the westernmost point of Santorini, in Oia, you’ll find the Captain’s House villa. Perched on the cliff’s edge and surrounded by beautiful, blue-domed churches and charming, pastel-coloured houses, it occupies a perfect position on the westernmost point of the island. The villa benefits from spectacular views of the caldera and the volcano, and its private cliff-side terrace is furnished with a table and chairs, sunbeds and a chromotherapy Jacuzzi tub – all set against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea. The sun streams in through its large windows and French doors, which open out onto the terrace. Oia itself offers picturesque and narrow winding streets filled with galleries, boutiques, restaurants, cafés and bars, making it ideal for exploring.
Villa Mystique (2 bedrooms, 4 guests)Set in the village of Firostefani, this Santorini luxury villa rental offers an atmosphere of complete relaxation and benefits from alluring panoramic views over the caldera. Firostefani village is just a ten-minute walk from the larger centre of Fira, with its many bars, restaurants and shopping options. The vast terrace here has an infinity pool, an outdoor dining area, and sun loungers.
Villa Skaros (2 bedrooms, 2-4 guests)Set in a stunning location, high above the caldera in Imerovigli, Villa Skaros and its sun terraces benefit from magnificent views over the famous Skaros Rock and the caldera beyond. Guests here can also benefit from hotel amenities, including a wonderful champagne lounge with sunset views, an award-winning restaurant, and a new yoga and pilates studio. For added flexibility, Villa Skaros can be rented with a one-bedroom honeymoon suite, or with two bedrooms.
Villa Ammos (1-2 bedrooms, 2-6 guests)In Firostefani village, the beautiful Villa Ammos sits in an amazing position on the cliffside of the caldera. Guests staying here can benefit from the villa’s proximity to Santorini’s capital, Fira, with its great choice of restaurants and shops. Built in typical Santorini style, with cave-like minimalist architecture, there are several small villas which can be rented separately, as completely independent, private residences, or together.
Aegean View (1 bedroom, 2 guests)Located in Oia, this intimate villa benefits from a partially shaded terrace furnished with sun loungers and a fabulous plunge pool, offering astounding views. The villa’s bedroom has a queen-size bed with an anatomic mattress treated with olive oil, a sitting area with sofa and coffee table, and a beautiful bathroom.
Oia Ivory (1 bedroom, 2-3 guests)Perched on the steep Oia cliffside in a quiet location, where sunsets and views of the famous caldera can be enjoyed, the romantic Oia Ivory is perfect for a couple. Offering traditional Santorini architecture with typical cave-like whitewashed curves, this unique luxury villa combines time-honoured details with modern comforts. Relax on the secluded terrace while taking in views over the caldera and the Aegean Sea before heading in to Oia. Its restaurants and shops are just a short walk away.
Star View (1 bedroom, 2 guests)This exceptional villa to rent on Santorini has a private terrace with incredible views of the Aegean Sea. The terrace is furnished with sunbeds, as well as a chromotherapy Jacuzzi tub, which is perfect for relaxing under the warm Mediterranean sun during the day, or beneath the stars in the evening.
Cave Villa (1 bedroom, 2 guests)Located in Oia, Cave Villa is perched on the edge of the cliffs, about 150 metres above sea level. The interiors here have an intriguing layout, with all its living spaces ingeniously arranged inside the natural contours of the volcanic rocks. Its highlight is an indoor plunge pool – complete with fibre optic lighting and a small waterfall. The villa also benefits from a terrace with views of the sea and the volcano.
Fironlas Elite Villa (1 bedroom, 2 guests)Fironlas Elite Villa is one of four luxury villas on a private cliffside complex in the charming village of Oia. The villas’ high standard of accommodation, as well as the unique location, make these properties ideal for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. Each villa features traditional Cycladic architecture and beautifully designed interiors, as well as a private heated pool, and terraces to take full advantage of the views.
Windmill Blue (2 bedrooms, 4-6 guests)Last but not least, we are also renting 3 romantic windmills in the countryside, between the capital, Fira (11 kms) and Oia (9 kms), and just 700m away from the black sand beach of Pori. Windmill Blue is close to two other windmills we have for rent here (Windmill Green and Windmill Lilac). The circular architecture of each windmill allows for space, and the soothing pastel colours add to the feeling of peace and relaxation. On each of the terraces is an outdoor swimming pool with hydro-massage facility for four people. A pergola-covered dining area is perfect for eating al fresco and fresh produce can be sourced from the Windmills’ gardens.