Away from mainland Greece and the big cities of Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece has an astonishing number of islands. Out of the almost 3,000 islands, 227 are inhabited. The vast majority of the Islands, not counting those in the Ionian Sea, are scattered about the Eastern Mediterranean in the Aegean Sea. With a rich history dating back thousands of years and a natural beauty to stun the senses today, we thought we would take a look and see which is the best Greek Island for couples and why.

Corfu

Closer to Italy and Albania than to the Greek capital Athens, the Ionian Sea island of Corfu has seen many invaders over the years. The Venetians ruled Corfu for four centuries, as evident in the Island’s architecture, including a UNESCO World Heritage old town. For couples, Corfu offers beautiful sandy coves and cobalt-blue waters and a rugged interior ripe for exploring.

Mykonos and Santorini

Probably the best known of all the Greek Islands, Mykonos and Santorini are located in the Cycladic Islands in the Aegean Sea. Mykonos and Santorini are popular day trips for cruise liners because of their chalk white-coloured houses, flower-strewn windowsills, and dramatic vistas. Of all the Greek Islands, Santorini is the most picturesque, with villages perched on the rim of a volcano. Focussed on the international tourist trade, both islands offer a top-class dining and nightlife scene that may suit young couples rather than people in their golden years.

Rhodes

Rustic and less developed than the islands in the Cyclades, the Dodecanese Island of Rhodes is located 25 miles from the Turkish city of Marmaris. Stepped in history that includes a Turkish and Italian flavour, Rhodes was also home to the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem during the Crusades. Rhodes is one of the best places to visit in Greece for couples as it has a well-developed tourist area that has not spoiled the Island’s charm. Along with having numerous excellent beaches, Rhodes offers couples a wide range of international dining options and a traditional casino housed in a historic building.

Crete

Located 200 miles south of mainland Greece in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Crete is the largest Greek Island and the fifth-largest Island in the Med after Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, and Corsica. With a natural beauty only equalled by the richness of its history, the Greek Island of Crete was home to the first advanced society in Europe.

Crete boasts a mountainous interior awash with fertile valleys and steep gorges besides its homage to the Minoans and its role as a European crossroads. Away from the beaches, a journey inland will take you to family-run tavernas that serve locally sourced dishes flavoured by mountain herbs. Couples will enjoy Crete for its vast open feel and the fact that you will never run out of things to see and do.

Koufonisia

Of all the small Greek Islands, Koufonisia in the Cyclades ticks all the right boxes for people looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern-day life. With crystal clear waters and a tiny population, Koufonisia is one of the best small Greek Islands. Synonymous with taking a siesta following a long leisurely lunch, Koufonisia has kept its small Greek Island charm because it is hard to reach. People wishing to visit Koufonisia must first fly to Naxos Airport and then take a two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride.

Some Greek islands have a diverse and fascinating history, while others are simply stunning with nature’s finest coastlines. But the mouthwatering Greek food, delicious wine, and charismatic culture are an attractive appeal for anyone seeking the crème de la crème holiday destination for a romantic getaway.