The best things come in threes, such as our ultimate Greece Guide! Elope in Greece Part Three is exploring our other amazing Greece destinations – Falakro, Zakynthos, Crete, Pelopennese, and Pelion Mainland. Are you ready to finish the big fat Greek journey with us with your elopement in Greece?
In Part One we kicked off our ultimate guide to eloping in Greece and gave you alllll the insight. We talk about COST and TIMING and BEING LEGAL! If you missed part one, you can catch it at Elope in Greece Part One; Ultimate 2024 Greece Guide.
In Elope in Greece Part Two we provided current information on Athens, Folegandros, Paros, and Lemnos. Including where to stay, how to get there, what we can hike!
All good things must come to an end and with our final farewell we are giving you all the GOODS with our final locations.
Plan an Elopement in Greece: Falakro
First up, Falakro! Falakro, Greece is a mountain in the Drama region in Northern Greece. The mountainous and rugged area is home to ski resorts and mountaineering.
Where to Stay in Falakro: Hydrama Grand Hotel
This contemporary luxurious 5 stars hotel, located in the restored 19th century Herman Spierer tobacco house. Find it at the magical wetland of Santa Barbara, Drama, ranked among the 60 best urban parks of Europe. An ideal safe house for ducks and birds, consisted of lakes, waterfalls, sycamore trees, paths and small bridges blending together harmoniously and cover an area of 60 acres. Hydrama Grand Hotel Lis equipped with a unique wine dispenser and a well-informed wine warehouse cellar (labels vary from local to international). Treat yourself!!
Things to do when you Elope in Falakro
Paraglide
With the Ailos Drama Airclub, Anyone can paraglide, all you need is some positive energy and a bit of courage! You can have a Tandem flight with one of their certified pilots. All you need is appropriate clothes, stable sport shoes or boots and a light or heavier jacket depending on the season and if the weather allows it. Take you love sky high this elopement!
Hike
The Falakro Refuge – Profitis Ilias Summit – Chionotrypa – Katalka Summit is a can’t miss hike in Falakro. It’s for our more experienced hikers with a 1,961 elevation gain and a 4.5 mile loop. It takes about 3.5 hours to finish this hike. Keep on the trail & durable surfaces, avoid fragile sedimentary rock, don’t cross restoration barriers. This isn’t a very popular trail, you can enjoy some solitude during the quieter times of day.
Mud Bath
Krinides Mud Bath is a little over an hour from the hike. Flex your muscles then sink into some recovery. Located less than half an hour by car from Kavala, the mud bath is very accessible. The baths are very close to the Archaeological site of Ancient Philippi, two excursions are easy to enjoy in one day.
The Krinides Baths are unique in that they provide two natural therapies. There is a pool of therapeutic clay, and also a natural therapeutic spring. The spring can be enjoyed on its own. The clay therapy requires therapeutic water – it’s compatible with the properties of the clay and is the only way to wash the clay off of your skin. Why have an elopement in Greece if you aren’t getting dirty with your new spouse?
Plan an Elopement in Greece: Zakynthos
Zakynthos is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea and a well-known summer resort. The harbor city of Zakynthos is the capital and major hub, centered around waterfront Solomos Square. Popular beaches like Agios Nikolaos, Alykanas and Tsilivi offer swimming and water sports. Accessiable by boat, Navagio beach is the site of a famed 1980 shipwreck resting in a sandy cove framed by cliffs. Zakynthos gets almost 3 million tourists during peak season, but thanks to the rainy winters, tourists aren’t as attracted to it in spring. Perfect to plan your elopement in Greece! Another perk – it’s only a 55 minute direct flight from Athens to Zakynthos International Airport.
Where to Stay in Zakynthos: Kymaros Villas
Kymaros Villas are located on the southwest coast of Zakynthos, in the area of Keri Lake, an exceptionally beautiful spot, with unique panoramic views of the gulf of Laganas. The establishment consists of three villas, “Oniro”, “Lofos” and “Pefkos” which are set in grounds covering 7,000sqm. Each villa is fully furnished, equipped with modern facilities and constructed using traditional architectural methods for a truly carefree holiday.
The surroundings include a view of the Keri Lake and the beautiful, green island of Marathonisi. The complete independence of each villa, the subtle luxury and the quiet nature is ideal for relaxing walks, hand in hand with your new spouse and swimming together in the clear blue sea.
Things to do when you Elope in Zakynthos
Caves
Keri Caves are a series of spectacular caves located in the southwestern coast of Zakynthos Island and reachable only by excursion or by private boat. It is a frequent hiking destination on the island and an hour from Zakinthos.
The coastal stretch that extends from Kapo Marathia to the Mizithres rocks is called Keri, hence the name of the numerous caves found in this area of Zakynthos Island. Some caves have an entrance wide enough to swim in, in others you will enter directly by boat. Many caves in the water take on a blue color caused in some cases by the presence of an underwater window, in others by the reflection of sunlight on the limestone walls.
Also, sliding in here that getting married IN a cave, is nothing short of incredible. Highly recommend for your elopement in Greece. During our Iceland Elopement at Reynisfjara, we found the perfect secluded cave for our couple to exchange vows. Everyone we passed waited outside the cave and gave our couple their privacy. The waves crashed behind them, and the wind whipped around them. Our bride, Vi, shared that she felt like everything else around faded away and they felt unified. When they finished their exchange and exited the cave, a group of tourists outside cheered for their moment.
While we love the inside of caves, we also appreciate the scenic view. Check out the observation deck for the best Keri Cave viewpoints by following these directions. Park at the Lonian Sunset Cafe, grab a frappe, and enjoy the view, maybe share a kiss at the top!
Zakynthos Hikes
The Panagia Scopiotissa Monastery is moderately challenging with a 1,446 elevation gain and a 10 mile roundtrip. It’s 20 minutes from Zakynthos.
The route starts southeast of Argasi, going up the northeastern slope of Mount Skopos. The route follows a dirt road along its entire length until it reaches the Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery, of which only its ruins remain today. At about the center of the monastery there is the white church of Panagia Skopiotissa, one of the two churches of Byzantine architecture on the island. It was built with pieces of the ancient temple of the goddess Artemis, which was located in the same place. The view from the top both towards Argasi and the town of Zakynthos to the northwest and towards the Gulf of Laganas in the southwest is a stunning panoramic.
Porto Limnionas is a picturesque cove in Zakynthos surrounded by majestic jagged cliffs. The waters are crystal clear and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving! If you’re feeling brave, you can even jump from some of the rocks into the turquoise waters below. To get to the cove, you’ll have to navigate steep steps or a concrete ramp, so wear appropriate shoes. We are also known to lend a hand or two during slippery conditions, we got your back, Elopement Barbie.
Plan an Elopement in Greece: Crete
Crete, located in the southern part of Greece, is generally part of the warmest islands in Greece, with temperatures around 68ºF in the spring. Pack those swimsuits and shades! The largest island in Greece, Crete is a diverse and vibrant land packed with ancient ruins, buzzing cities and breathtaking beaches. Come here for the sun, sea, and sand.
While usually crowded in the summer, you can expect 40% of the crowds in the spring and STILL enjoy the great weather. Take a 50 minute non-stop flight from Athens to Heraklion Airport N. Kazantzakis.
Where to Stay in Crete: Daios Cove
Located in the privacy of a secluded cove in Vathi, Daios Cove Luxury Resort and Villas in Crete is the choice for travelers seeking 5-star luxury accommodation in Agios Nikolaos. The resort’s exclusive location, along with its impressive architecture seamlessly blending in with the rugged surroundings creates a natural hub of beauty and serenity for you to explore.
Things to do when you Elope in Crete
Explore
Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the Lasithi Region, East Crete. It’s a beautiful seaside town, known for its beaches and mild climate all year long. It can be touristy during the peak season and comes alive at night April is the perfect time to avoid big crowds during the day but still enjoy it’s vibrant nightlife. The city is about an hour from Heraklion.
Church of Archangel Michael is 3 hours from Heraklion. Its relatively tough access has kept the development of tourism away making it one of the most secluded beaches on the island. At the edge of the Aradena Gorge, in Sfakia, lies a deserted hamlet of the same name, where the church of Archangel Michael or Astratigos – as Sfakia residents call him – stands. It is a cruciform church with a six-sided cupola with several features of the School of mainland Greece (Helladic), built on the ruins of the 6th century. In the 19th century it was extended into a one-aisle, arch-roofed building. Instead of an iconostasis, the church has pillars. If you are looking for true Greek history, you’ll find it here.
Crete Hikes
Preveli Beach is moderately challenging with a 856ft elevation gain during the 4.7 mile loop. It is an hour 45 minutes from Heraklion. Keep on trail & durable surfaces, avoid fragile sedimentary rock, don’t cross restoration barriers. This is a very popular trail, but you can enjoy some solitude during the quieter times of day.
The route starts from the Megali Gefira Bridge, that crosses Megalopotamos river. The course follows the east bank of the river and heads south to Preveli beach. Preveli beach or Lake Preveli or Finikas, is one of the famous and touristic beaches of Crete. The waters of the river Megalopotamos, flow along the Kourtaliotikos and Fratianos Gorges and end at Preveli Beach, forming a lake.
On the banks of the river grows the second largest palm forest in Crete. In the sea, there is an impressive landform, the rock ‘Glymmenos Volakas’. There are also several sea caves. The course continues west, passing the canal that is formed behind the beach and the green landscape of the Preveli palm forest. Then the route returns to the starting point from the west bank of the river going north and following the small river meanders.
Imbros Gorge – Komitades
Imbros Gorge – Komitades is an easier hike in terms of elevation gain with only 68 ft, however it is still lengthy at 8+ miles roundtrip. It is about 2 hours from Heraklion.
The gorge of Imbros is the third most popular gorge of Crete and part of the European path E4. The route starts from the small village of Imbros. The length of the gorge is 11 km and is relatively easy to descend. Its initial part, the so-called Porofarago, is quite open, while along the way the gorge narrows and the walls become higher. The most impressive point of the Gorge is the Stenada, a very narrow point where the walls are only 1.6m apart, while their height reaches 300m. After this narrow point, the gorge opens. Another attraction that awe-inspiring the visitor is Xepitira, a beautiful stone arch. The exit of the gorge is in the village of Komitades. There is food and accommodations in the nearby village. Perfect to keep our hangry couples at bay during this adventurous day!
Boat
Chania Boat Trips is a glass bottom boat. How do you not get down with that? This private boat rental is 2 hours from Heraklion. You can book it in various hour increments to fit your needs – 1 hour, 3.5 hour, 4 hour and sunset trips available. Chanai Boat Trips is the original boat company in Chania Old Harbour. It’s a family run business (our favorite to support!) founded in 1987. Whether you enjoy swimming, history, sightseeing or simply relaxing at sea, there is something for everyone at Chania Boat Trips!
Plan an Elopement in Greece: Peloponnese
The Peloponnese peninsula offers dramatic vistas by the bucketload and is home to the Menalon Trail. The 47 mile Menalon Trail stretches from Stemnitsa to Lagkadia on the Peloponnese peninsula, passing the dramatic scenery of the Lousios Gorge, the western slopes of Mt Menalon, the Mylaon River valley and the Gortynian Mountains. The trail is divided into eight sections of varying difficulty; the Stemnitsa–Dimitsana section is the most popular for a day hike. Of the villages, Stemnitsa, Dimitsana, Valtesiniko and Lagkadia all have places to stay and eat, and you can pick up provisions at Vytina, Nymphasia and Magouliana.
Where to Stay in Peloponnese: Villa St. George mit Infinity Pool
This traditional stone villa is slightly elevated in Agios Georgios with fantastic views over the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands. St. George is located a little away from the village of Poulithra, very quietly located and with no through traffic. The villa is surrounded by beautiful old olive trees and a four minute drive from the beach. On the large terrace in front of the house you can enjoy an overwhelming view of the sea. Below the terrace is a large infinity pool with covered seating and barbecue area. The living room boats a large fireplace providing a romantic atmosphere. The large master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with bathtub. When you plan a Greece elopement, these are the details that you’ll remember.
Things to do when you Elope in Peloponnese
Visit
Monemvasia, on the southeastern shores of the Peloponnese, Greece is Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited castle town. It is a 3 hours 45 minutes drive from Athens and has relatively low crowds in the spring.
Founded in 583 by inhabitants of the mainland seeking refuge from the Slavic and the Avaric invasion of Greece and surrounded by the Myrtoan Sea, Monemvasia is located on an island about half a mile long. A man-made road and stone bridge leads to the castle gate and main entrance of the majestic castle town onward through the colorful and lively citadel offering all who visit her both stunning views and an unforgettable ‘ambiance’ of times past.
Beach
The Kyparissia & Kyparissia Beach is an hour from Monemvasia. It is a good place to basecamp with decreased crowds in April. Kyparissia is a lovely seaside town that makes an ideal destination. This small town in western Peloponnese combines traditional architecture, modern tourist facilities and nice beaches in the region. On top of the hill above the modern town is the picturesque old town of Kyparissia and the Venetian Castle.
Peloponnese Hikes
The Arkoudorema hike is challenging with a 1,315 ft elevation gain during the 5.5 mile loop. It takes about 3 hours to finish. The best time to visit this trail is May-December, so we’ll be monitoring the trail conditions closely for an April elopement in Greece.
The route starts from Libovitsi in Arcadia, where Theodoros Kolokotronis, the chieftain of the Revolution against the Turks in 1821, lived his childhood. It is a circular path through the wooded slopes of the western Mount Menalon, which climbs northwest towards the Motsarovouni Summit and then descends south to the gorge and the historic small church of Panagia Arkoudorematos, built in 1719.
The Manganiari Spring – Mount Taygetus Refuge – Profitis Ilias Peak hike is HIGHLY challenging with a 4,622 ft elevation gain during the 8.5 mile out and back trail. These conditions are why the hike takes about 8 hours to finish, even for well versed hikers. Travel 1 hour 45 minutes from Monemvasia to reach the trail.
The climb begins follows the path through a pine forest, on the slopes of the Varvara stream. The route reaches the pass where the Taygetos mountain refuge is located and from there it enters an alpine landscape. The last part of the route to the top of the southwest is quite technical as the route enters Plakes and follows the limestone layers. The majesty of Taygetos and the fantastic scenery of the Peloponnese, the sea and the island of Crete are breathtaking. If you are up for the challenge, it is an INCREDIBLE experience!
Plan an Elopement in Greece: Pelion, Mainland
Pelion, situated on the eastern coast of mainland Greece, is a region of outstanding natural beauty with its lush landscapes, mountainous terrain, and stunning beaches. The three popular beaches to explore are Mylopotamos Beach, Papa Nero Beach, and Damouchari Beach. They are all renowned for their crystal-clear turquoise waters, but all have their own unique characteristics. For the first time in our Ultimate 2024 Greece Guide you don’t have to take a flight from Athens to get here! You can reach the Pelion mainland from Athens by bus, train, or car. Car is the quickest and most flexible option; the journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours at a little over 200 miles. You can also take a train from Athens to Volos. Trains depart from the Larissa Train Station in Athens and the route typically takes about 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
Visit
Mylopotamos Beach is a gorgeous beach on the mainland of Greece in the Thessaly region. It is surrounded by lush green cliffs and actually consists of three smaller beaches interconnected by a hole in one of the rocks on the left side (the best spot for elopement photos and ceremony privacy!) and a winding staircase next to the sea on the right side. Perfect for an elopement in Greece.
It’s well known for it’s kickass cliffery. You will see other people during the summer, but that number may be less if you elope in April. Although it seems like a wild and deserted beach at first glance, the area caters to tourists and you can find sun loungers on the beach, umbrellas and there are several restaurants nearby. The sand is a mix of sand and pebbles, we encourage using super trendy water shoes. They are like the Crocs of the ocean.
Eat
There are a lot of great places to eat near Mylopotamos Beach. Aggelike Fish Taverna is Traditional Greek food, mainly serves fish but also caters to vegans, which is a rare find in Greece. Cafe del Mare offers the best terrace views for morning coffee before the tourists arrive. Enjoy a coffee, smoothie or a morning vino, hey this is how you plan a Greek elopement! You may also indulge with Greek pie, pizza and sandwiches. Kritamo is located further from the beach but very picturesque and offers traditional Greek food. We love options!
Where to Stay in Peilon, Mainland: Mylopotamos Beach House
Located right on the beach, Mylopotamos Beach House provides accommodations in Milopotamos with WiFi and sea views. This apartment features a garden and barbecue facilities as well as a side terrace. If you want to get slippery on your Greek elopement, check out the fishing in the surrounding area!
Things to do when you Elope in Pelion, Mainland
Papa Nero Beach is less busy than Mylopotamos. It’s a bit more flat and less cliff-like. Beach volleyball and paddleball are often played on the beach and it’s easy to hike to the nearby beaches of Agios Ionnis and Damouchari.
Fly from Athens to Thessaloniki International Airport Macedonia (50 minutes), then drive 4 hours to Mylopotamos. The roads are hilly and small with lots of hairpins and ravines. You will need your own vehicle, as there is no public transportation in the Pelion area.
Damouchari is a tiny picturesque coastal village. The beach here is a mix of pebbles and sand and the water is crystal-clear surrounded by rocks which makes it the perfect beach for snorkeling. It grew a bit more popular when Mama Mia filmed some of the movie there in 2007. My, my, just how much I’ve missed you.
PHEW! This was a motherboatingload of information! Are you READY to get started on your OWN adventure?! Beautiful beaches, impressive hikes, maddening caves, refreshing mud, and even paragliding. Whatever you’re looking for in Greece, we can make it happen!! Want another activity, but can’t put your finger on it? Check out our 100 Things To Do on Your Elopement Day for inspo. If you’re ready to talk about your elopement in Greece, contact us and we will get to being your personal planners, location matchmakers, and all around good time company. Cheers to Greece!!
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