The Best Honeymoon Destinations in Greece for Foodies
The Greek Islands are some of the world’s top destinations for a honeymoon, especially for couples who love to eat. Each island boasts a distinctive cuisine that is sure to please. For authentic Mediterranean cuisine, Crete is your best bet. If you’re craving sumptuous Cycladic cuisine, consider exploring the culinary scene of Santorini or Mykonos. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more unconventional option, Dodecanese islands can offer unique and exciting flavors, and Rhodes would be an excellent option.
Here are the best honeymoon destinations in Greece for foodies.
Rhodes
With its pleasant year-round climate, UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, and a coastline of stunning beaches, Rhodes has all the ingredients for a perfect honeymoon in Greece. For couples who love to eat, the island is a delight to explore, where you’ll be amazed by its rich culinary heritage.
Rhodes’ local produce intertwines with the island’s culture and heritage, producing traditional jams, local honey, and different types of pasta. The mainstays of Rhodian cuisine are the staples of the Mediterranean diet, such as wine, olives, wheat, dairy products, and legumes. Along with other products sourced from the fertile Rhodian land, Rhodes boasts a local cuisine of nutritious and tasty dishes.
Among the favorites are local cheeses called mizithra and a wide selection of fresh olive oil and rich local honey. While you may find these food products all over Greece, the varieties in Rhodes are the most authentic.
You’ll find the best restaurants on the island in Rhodes Town. Surprise your partner with a romantic dinner at Rustico Restaurant, and indulge in traditional specialties like mezes, fresh fish, and seafood. Don’t forget to order a glass of local wine. Wine has been part of Greek culture for thousands of years. So, do as the locals do – pair your meal with the tastiest local wine.
Mykonos
Home to stunning beaches with blue azure waters and fantastic dining places, Mykonos is the perfect destination for couples who love to eat. In addition, there are plenty of luxury places to stay in Mykonos, which are the best choices for couples staying on the island on their honeymoon. While there are plenty of restaurants on the island to cater to international tastes, take the time to explore the local gastronomy. Visit local restaurants and tavernas featuring age-old recipes passed down through generations.
Like the rest of Greece, seafood and fish are integral to Mykonian cuisine. The locals also take pride in their mouthwatering culinary creations made from fresh ingredients derived from the island. Grab a seat at one of the local restaurants, and order the local sausages seasoned with Greek savory spices.
The Roca Restaurant is an ideal choice for a romantic dinner to celebrate your life as newlyweds. Here, you can indulge in mouthwatering dishes surrounded by the endless blue of the Aegean Sea. Be sure to book in advance since the restaurant is often packed, especially during the peak season.
Crete
Why not visit Crete? Especially for couples that enjoy delicious meals together. Crete is an ideal European honeymoon location. The island has a vibrant food scene, full of Mediterranean flavors that use olive oil derived from the island’s plentiful olive groves, along with a few choices of herbs for added flavor.
Cretan dishes are like no other because the locals don’t only mix flavors but enhance every one of them. And although they might seem complicated to prepare, Cretan delicacies are easy to make. Couples who bond over cooking can enroll in cooking classes in Crete, where they discover the secrets behind the Cretan flavors.
The best foods to eat in Crete are saganaki (deep-fried cheese), dakos (barley bread brushed with olive oil), and dolmades (stuffed vine leaves). You should also taste the island’s local Greek salad made of crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and olives, topped with feta cheese.
Many restaurants all over Crete serve a selection of simple and traditional dishes. If you’re craving seafood, the best place to visit is Captain Fidias, a local tavern along Sfinari beach surrounded by lush trees. Dig into a serving of sun-dried octopus, crayfish, fish soup, lobsters, and shrimp.
Santorini
With its romantic setting, Santorini is undoubtedly one of the best places in Greece for a honeymoon. Given its selection of fantastic restaurants, the island is a perfect destination for couples who love food. Whether you’re having a moussaka at a local tavern or enjoying a romantic dinner in a fine dining restaurant, the dining scene of Santorini is incredibly outstanding.
Santorini’s local cuisine consists of dishes containing ingredients linked to the Mediterranean diet. The island’s volcanic soil resulted in a rich agricultural production, resulting in mouthwatering culinary delights to satisfy all kinds of palates.
No honeymoon to Santorini is complete without a romantic dinner at a cliffside restaurant overlooking the island’s breathtaking ocean views. So, take your loved one to Lycabettus Restaurant, renowned for its locally sourced meals served al fresco style on a clifftop terrace with spectacular sea views.
Kefalonia
Home to sprawling vineyards and picturesque villages surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges, Kefalonia is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece and an ideal destination for a honeymoon. And if you’re the kind of couple who loves cooking lessons and wine-tasting, you’ll love Kefalonia even more.
As you explore Kefalonia, you’ll understand the island’s close connection with food. Its landscape features lush olive groves, almond trees, and grape vines. One of the best ways to soak up the local culinary scene is to visit a family-run farm, where you can sample cheeses and yogurts. You can also stop by local vineyards for a wine-tasting tour. Sarris Winery is one of the best wineries to visit in Kefalonia. It’s on the island’s southwest corner and is known to offer wine tasting of award-winning robola wine varieties.
When it’s time for dinner, take your loved one to Ambelaki, a tastefully designed eatery with a delightful menu of tasty cuisines, including a variety of local dishes like heavenly meat pies, fish stew, and wine-infused rooster.