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.
With all the basics on how to elope in Greece covered, it’s time to hop around islands with you. Trust us, no two Greek islands are the same and we are here to help you decide which Greek Island is best for elopement.
First things first, you have to know where Greece is in order to know how to get to any of the incredible islands. Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic, is a country in Southeast Europe, situated on the southern tip of the Balkan peninsula. Greece shares land borders with Albania to the northwest, North Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the east. This makes Greece part of the EU.
Greece has many islands with estimates ranging from somewhere around 1,200 to 6,000, depending on the minimum size to take into account. The number of inhabited islands is between 166 and 227. While we consider ourselves Research Greek Gods over here, we’re going to focus on the top spots. If you want to go all Gilligan’s Island on us, we can meet you for incredible photos in Athens and let you sail off for your own adventure after.
Elope in Greece: Athens
Speaking of Athens, this is place Numbero Uno, seeing as to get to anywhere else in Greece, there is a 90% chance you will fly into Athens first. Athens is great for a two day elopement. You can ake advantage of all the full city life and then cruise to somewhere more private and romantic.
Eloping in Athens is great for an adventurous couple looking for a unique and romantic experience. The city’s rich in history and culture, yet in the more touristy spots English is primarily spoken so you won’t have trouble getting around.
Athens is home to iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon. If you’re exploring Athens, plan on walking up the Acropolis Hill, 156 meters/ 512 feet high. The panoramic views are INSANE! Athens is full of vibrant neighborhoods, quaint tavernas, and captivating history. Not to mention the delicious Mediterranean cuisine, the foodie in us is dying for true Tzatziki sauce and fresh calamari. Would you split a plate with us?
Even if you’re in Athens for a short stay, we recommend stopping by Brettos Plaka. Not only is it a personal recommendation, but Forbes writes, “this historic lounge in the Plaka neighborhood is Athens’ oldest distillery. It is home to one of the most stunning backbars you will ever see hundreds of multi-hued bottles backlit and stacked to the rafters.” CHEERS!
Where to Stay in Athens
Acropolis Suite-Historic Center
This condo is completely renovated and located on the 6th floor of a building in center of historical Athens heart. It features modern minimal style and has a balcony with view over the Acropolis of Athens. A perfect place to enjoy a charcuterie board and split a bottle of wine!
Cost: $153/night
The Electra Palace Athens is in the heart of the city. Blending beautifully with the noble historical buildings of the Plaka area, the hotel’s elegant luxury is complemented by the majestic views of the Acropolis. Enjoy the view from the rooftop restaurant, pool, rooms and suites.
Cost: $235/night
Elope in Greece: Folegandros
After a magical stay in Athens, it’s time to see the islands of Greece! Next up on our Ultimate 2024 Greece Guide is Folegandros Chora!
How to get there: The most convenient way to travel to Folegandros is by ferry from Athens. There are frequent ferry routes from the ports of Piraeus and Lavrion in Athens to Folegandros all year round. SeaJets is the most popular choice and will get you there in roughly 4.5 hours. A weekend round trip ferry for two currently runs $361.47.
Folegrandros is an island in the pocket-sized part of Cyclades and features traditional Cycladic architecture. There aren’t any banks in Folegandros, just a few ATMs, so be sure to plan finances ahead of time! This pick is one of the quieter options.
Perched 200 meters up on the cliffside with a commanding view over the sea, Chora is built around three pleasant, leafy squares dotted with centuries-old churches and brimming with authentic tavernas.
The iconic Church of Panagia overlooks the village and is the island’s most popular sunset viewing point. Karavostasis, the main port, is home to some of the island’s best luxury hotels, a handful of excellent tavernas and cafes, and is the primary departure point for the numerous boat tours exploring the island’s secluded beaches, sea caves, and dive spots.
Basically, Agali is the most popular beach destination, set in a cove with impressive cliffs looming on each side, plus boat routes and hiking trails leading to tranquil beaches.
Where to Stay in Folegandros
Featuring minimalism and traditional Cycladic elements, the property is the best place to stay in Folegandros. It is luxurious, yet authentic Greek. The 12 separate two-story buildings with private rooms and suites offer privacy and a feeling of carefreeness.
A breath away from Chora and a few minutes’ walk from one of the most popular beaches on the island, Karavostasis Beach, this top design hotel in Folegandros is the only 5 star hotel in Folegandros and a convenient starting point for exploring Aegean.
Cost: $232/night
Elope in Greece: Activities in Folegrandros
Hikes
Get ready to HIKE! That’s the fun of an adventure elopement, right? The Ano Meria – Agia Fotini Church – Livadaki Beach is a great choice, albeit a mouthful.
Quick Facts:
Distance/Difficulty: 5 miles round trip (moderately challenging).
Starting/finishing point: Funicolare Resciesa Seilbhan Raschotz or Secede Cable Car or Funivie
Trailhead Accessibility: It takes about 3 hours to finish this hike. 10 minutes from Folegandros. Directions.
Leave No Trace Information: Keep on trail & durable surfaces, avoid fragile sedimentary rock, don’t cross restoration barriers. For more information on Leave No Trace, refer to our Conscious Tourism blog.
Privacy/Seclusion (estimate): Popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during the quieter times of day.
From Ano Meria, in the center of Folegandros, the route is heads northwest following the central asphalt. It then turns southwest, going along the country road which passes through the Agia Fotini church and then descends the southern slopes of Trachilas hill, in order to reach Ormos Livadaki and the beach located there. The trail is red marked with LV white letters.
Beach Day!
While in Greece, a beach day with your boo is mandatory, you’re GETTING MARRIED after all! The Katergo beach is half sandy-half pebbly. It is full of crystal-clear blue water and picturesque rock formations behind the beach. You can get there with a 20–30 minute walk from Livadi settlement or a quick 10 minute boat ride from the Karavostasis port.
Sail the Aegan Sea
Sailboat Oceanis 523 Clipper includes a skipper, room for 8 people, 3 cabins, 8 beds, and 3 bathrooms. You can add a cook, which we fully support. It’s also SUPER easy, just DM Skipper Rabie for full pickup/drop off information.
How to Elope in Greece: Paros
Paros is like Mykonos twenty years ago before the world discovered the gem of Greece. Beautiful, but not touristy. It is a major island of the Cyclades group and one of the most popular holiday destinations for visitors to the Greek islands. Paros is one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades. It contains many beaches and the charming villages: Parikia (the main town), Naoussa, Lefkes, and Marpissa.
How to get there: Paros has a small international airport with a few connections to Athens and Thessaloniki daily. Daily ferries and high speed vessels (Sea Jets for the win again!) from different Cyclades islands as well as Athens and Crete.
Where to Stay – Naousa Villa with Pool, Garden and Rooftop view
The Naousa Villa is located adjacent to the biggest church of Naousa, on top of the hill, in a quiet street of the historic village. Got all that? You enter the home via a landscaped village garden sanctuary. The house itself has been restored to respect the Cycladic architectural style while integrating modern comforts, extra space, a contemporary swimming pool and roof top. YES, PLEASE! The house is intimate and comfortable, best shared with your new spouse over a Greece elopement.
Elope in Greece: Activities in Paros
Activities in Paros
Visit Piso Livadi about 30 minutes from Paros. It is somewhat busy but there are not many tourists in the shoulder seasons, like April. The white-washed building surrounding the harbor is classic Greek.
For those who take boating adventures more seriously, spend the entire day! Snorkel, sunbathe, and learn sailing basics on an all-day cruise through the Aegean. Exact itinerary varies according to the weather, but on good days it can include snorkeling around a WWII plane wreck at Iraklia and swimming off the coast of Schinoussa, Koufonisia, Naxos, Antiparos, or Despotiko Islands. Greek lunch with wine included. This sailing cruise departs from Piso Livadi, you know, the place we just told you about. We aim for efficiency!
Cost $179.94/person.
How to Elope in Greece: Lemnos
Lemnos is a large island in the north-eastern Aegean Sea, located between Lesbos and Thassos. It isn’t usually very crowded since it’s a further corner of Greece. While the hillsides are run with sheep, Lemnos is famous for its Kalathaki Limnou (PDO), a cheese made from sheep and goat milk and melipasto cheese, and for its yogurt.
Stay with us on this one, while you may think sheep weren’t exactly in your elopement plans, the amazing activities should be. Also, we think all animals in their natural environment are cool.
How to get there: Take a direct flight from Athens to Lemnos international Airport Hephaestus.
Where to Stay: Elysian Superior Loft Villa.
This exclusive brand-new built villa complex consists of 4 gorgeous unique villas with private verandas and common outdoor / pool area. Each villa offers magnificent views of the sea and mountains, and is a short stroll to Evgatis beach.
Elope in Greece: Activities in Lemnos
Thanos Beach, 15 minutes from Myrina
Within a short distance of Thanos village, there is a fantastic sandy beach. Thanos beach is partly organized with umbrellas and sundecks with nice secluded spots so that visitors can enjoy total privacy and calmness. The area is surrounded by volcanic rocks and the coast has fine sand and azure waters. There are a few accommodations available and taverns lining the beachfront. Thanos Beach is the perfect spot to elope in Greece as it’s not too crowded, but not completely secluded. Enjoy your drink on the beach, after exchanging vows in Greece, you and your new spouse can celebrate!
Seal’s Cave
The Cave of the Seal (or Fokospilia)is located near Moudros, next to the bay of Mikro Fanaraki and is accessible by boat or foot. Rumor has it, the Cave of the Seal is a refuge for the rare Mediterranean monk seals. Take your turn at snorkeling and see what you can find for yourself! After, enjoy a short walk hand in hand with your love to Mikro and Megalo Fanaraki beaches.
Faraklou Geological Park
For our couples that rock, sorry we couldn’t resist, the Faraklou Geological Park needs to be on your list. Only 37 minutes from Myrina, this popular tourist attraction is the perfect destination for those who want to see the unique dormant volcanoes. The most unique landscape of this island is the Volcanic Rocks of Falarko. This field of one of a kind shaped rocks was formed by solidified lava. Stay for sunset when the orange rocks glow with the setting sun. ROOOOMANTIC!
Book your elopement in Greece
Before you get overwhelmed, let us reassure you that a Greece elopement is in reach with a bit of preparation! Use our complete elopement checklist to get started. This covers the dreaming phase, planning stage, and enjoying your magical day! When you are ready to plan the how in how to Elope in Greece, refer back to Part One of our Ultimate Greece Guide (IE legality, time of year, cost). Include a stop in Athens for your two day adventure elopement, especially since you will already be going there. Ferry from Athens to one of the fabulous Greek islands- Folegandros, Paros, or Lemnos for your ceremony and begin your happily ever after with the adventure of a lifetime! When you are ready, setting up a consult with us is a click away! See you on the Aegean Sea!
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