The Complete Crete Honeymoon Planning Guide

If you’re looking for a dreamy honeymoon with sun, sand, and sea, plus plenty of culture and history to explore and delicious food and wine, Greece is a gorgeous destination loved by many.

One of the best places to visit in Greece for a honeymoon is Crete. The largest Greek island and one of the most historic destinations, Crete boasts a rich culture, beautiful beaches, fascinating sights, and friendly locals.

If you’re currently planning your honeymoon, be sure to consider Crete as one of the top destinations in Europe. This article will give you all you need to know for planning a Crete honeymoon.

Crete Honeymoon Quick Picks: 

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Crete: Springtime or early autumn
• Best Accommodations in Crete: Boutique hotels and resorts (many are adults only)
• Cost of a Crete Honeymoon: Can be budget friendly, but flights are expensive.

When to Go on a Honeymoon to Crete

Unlike the other Greek islands which are much better during their peak season, Crete is an all-year-round destination, making it an excellent spot to visit in all seasons.

The summer months are typically the busiest time to visit Crete, with peak season running from late June to mid-August. Though the weather is beautiful at this time of year, there are many tourists around and prices at resorts and accommodations can be quite high.

A winter honeymoon in Crete is still great, but you can experience strong winds and far cooler weather. This isn’t the best time to visit the beaches, but it’s perfect for exploring the beautiful villages, quaint streets, and historic sites. 

The best time for a Crete honeymoon is during the springtime or early autumn, which are the shoulder seasons. At these times of year, the weather is pleasant, prices are not as high, and there aren’t as many people.

Best Resorts and Hotels for a Crete Honeymoon

Crete has many attractive hotels as well as resorts. There is so much to see and do here and so many beautiful restaurants to try that most visitors don’t come to Crete just to stay on a property.

Since Crete is a popular destination for families, we’ve compiled a list of adults-only accommodations so you can enjoy the perfect honeymoon without too much background noise.

Atlantica Amalthia Beach Hotel

Amalthia Beach Resort is located right near the sandy Agia Marina Beach. It is a gorgeous modern hotel with a stunning interior design.

There is a wonderful onsite taverna restaurant located right on the beach for guests to dine at when they don’t want to walk too far. Facilities at this hotel also include a fitness and spa center and swimming pool. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for use on the nearby beach.

Giannoulis – Grand Bay Beach Resort

Situated at the beautiful beach of Kolymbari, Giannoulis Grand Bay Beach Resort is made up of 75 spacious and bright rooms and suites, each of which is fully equipped with a minibar and satellite TV, as well as a lovely balcony with sweeping views of the gardens or sea. Amenities include a pool and outdoor hot tub.

Guests can enjoy a Greek breakfast every day of their stay, served in the communal dining area, and are also able to eat at the onsite snack bar or the hotel’s restaurant. The resort features a pool bar and main bar as well.

Castello Boutique Resort & Spa

Castello Boutique Resort and Spa is a gorgeous adults-only five-star resort located in the beautiful village of Sissi. Guest rooms boast private terraces with sweeping views of the surrounding tropical gardens. Some of them also have their own private pools, and all come with Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. 

The resort has a fresh-water swimming pool and a state-of-the-art spa with an indoor pool. There’s also a restaurant, which offers gourmet cuisine and panoramic views of the mountains.

Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection

This swanky resort offers private access to a sandy beach in its scenic location of Agioi Apostoloi. Every room at Domes Noruz Chania has open living areas with luxe extras such as a hot tub or a private plunge pool.

With exquisite design at every angle, this award-winning hotel has a gorgeous poolside bar, which serves up amazing fresh seafood and delicious champagne. There is also a spa with a sauna and hot tub for guests to enjoy.

Nema Design Hotel & Spa

Nema is a five-star boutique hotel and spa located in Analipsi of Hersonissos. It features lovely air-conditioned rooms, each fitted with a TV and fridge for convenience. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and access to a private pebbled beach.

Things to Do on a Crete Honeymoon

No matter what type of traveler you are, there’s something for everyone to experience on a Crete honeymoon!

Hike Through Imbros Gorge: For the Nature Lovers

Situated near Samaria Gorge, Imbros Gorge is the lesser-known of the two, but arguably boasts the more beautiful hiking trail. Beginning just below the village of Imbros, this impressive gorge runs 11 kilometers through some of southern Crete’s most scenic canyon landscapes.

Be sure to keep an eye out for rare birds such as ravens, griffon vultures, and falcons as you hike below the steep rocky walls.

Explore Chersonissos Old Town: For the History Lovers

Also known as Hersonissos, Chersonissos Old Town is a coastal village known for its adorable, quaint atmosphere. Previously a small fishing port, this town is home to cute tavernas, water activities, pretty beaches, and a variety of boutique shops.

Be sure to spend your days beach hopping and evenings exploring the vibrant fun-filled streets. If you’re not staying overnight here, you can always visit as part of an organized tour.

Meet the Animals at the Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre: For the Animal Lovers

Aquaworld Aquarium & Reptile Rescue Centre isn’t just any aquarium or animal sanctuary. At this one, visitors are encouraged to get up close and personal with the creatures that live there. You’re able to feed the turtles, wear a snake as a scarf, and even pet the lizards!

Go Paramotoring: For the Adventure Lovers

Paramotoring is both a relaxing and exhilarating experience in Crete. Similar to paragliding, paramotoring is essentially a high-flying adventure in an engine-powered paraglider. From way up in the skies, you’ll be able to admire stunning views of the beautiful coastline, rugged mountains, and sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

Learn How to Scuba Dive: For the Water Lovers

The waters around Crete have warm temperatures and are wonderfully transparent, making it one of the best places to go scuba diving in Europe. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just starting out, there’s a variety of dive courses to enjoy. Be sure to check out the Elephant’s Cave and various underwater shipwrecks.

What to Eat on a Honeymoon in Crete

When it comes to choosing what to eat during your Crete honeymoon, there are many delicious options. If you aren’t familiar with Greek cuisine, it’s absolutely delicious.

Cretan cuisine doesn’t overdo it with strong flavorful sauces or spices. Instead, the taste relies heavily on the fresh, high-quality ingredients used. With many wild herbs and greens being incorporated in the dishes here, it offers the best of the fresh Mediterranean flavors.

Be sure to try out delicious dishes like cheese pie and Cretan salad, or if you’re feeling adventurous, fried snails!

Crete Honeymoon Cost

Crete isn’t necessarily a very expensive honeymoon destination. It’s generally not as expensive as a Santorini honeymoon. However, if you’re traveling from the U.S., flights can get very expensive. This is particularly true during the high season, when flights can cost upwards of $1500.

Of course, choosing high-end or luxury accommodations will increase the price of the vacation, as will dining at expensive restaurants and participating in lots of paid activities.

A budget-friendly honeymoon is possible in Crete, particularly if you’re traveling from the UK or elsewhere in Europe. But if you’re coming from the U.S., look for deals on flights, which are more available during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. 

Crete Honeymoon Planning Tips

Here are a few tips to help you plan the best Crete honeymoon.

Look for Online Specials and Deals

It’s always a good idea to check online before you book your accommodations to see if they are running specials or you can find any discounts. 

If you belong to the membership program of a hotel chain such as Marriott or Hyatt, look for their members-only deals or discounts, so if you have a membership with a resort or hotel chain, be sure to check out what they have available.

Consider working with a travel agent, who will usually have access to deals not available to the general public.

Check the Weather

Be sure to check the weather forecast for your proposed travel dates to make sure you’re prepared for what it will be like.

Check the Location of Your Accommodations

Regardless of where you’re staying, you’ll want to ensure you research the surrounding area well. 

Check things such as restaurants, stores, bars, beaches, and anything else you may want to experience during your vacation. For the most enjoyable honeymoon, try to find an accommodation where everything you need is within walking distance.

Would you like help planning the perfect Crete honeymoon? Reach out to one of our trusted travel advisors, who can offer expert assistance.