Best Greek Islands for Older Couples
Last updated on November 13th, 2023
As we get older, vacations can look and feel very different than they did when we were younger. For older couples, the idea of a romantic getaway might include more relaxation and less activity. Greek islands are the perfect vacation destination for those looking for a mixture of both. With its sandy beaches, clear blue waters and stunning architecture, there is plenty to see and do while also providing a relaxed atmosphere.
Here are some of the best islands for older couples and some lesser known ones too.
Milos
Milos has become increasingly popular as a vacation destination in recent years. It has traditional Greek architecture, has a slower paced life style, and varied beaches. Recently Milos was been voted one of the best islands in Greece by readers of the popular travel magazine “Travel and Leisure”. It’s home to some of the best beaches in Europe with crystal clear waters and soft white sand.
Must see sights in Milos
There are a few must-see sights on the island of Milos in Greece. One is the Sarakiniko Beach, which is known for its white, volcanic rock formations. Another is the Kleftiko Beach, which is only accessible by boat and has dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Finally, don’t miss the Catacombs of Milos, an underground network of caves and tunnels that were once used as burial chambers.
Where to stay in Milos
There are a few great places to stay in Milos Greece. One option is the Hotel Nefeli, which offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Another great option is the Cave House Hotel, which is built into a cliffside and offers unique accommodations.
Best restaurants in Milos
Some of the best restaurants in Milos Greece include O! Hamos! Tavern, Psaravolada Restaurant, and Nostos Seafood Experience. These restaurants offer a variety of delicious Greek dishes that are sure to please any palate.
How to to get to Milos
There are a few ways to get to Milos Greece. You can fly into the Milos Airport, take a ferry from Athens, or take a ferry from one of the other nearby islands.
Anafi
Anafi, one of the Cyclades islands, is a small island located close to Santorini. Like Santorini, Anafi is volcanic. However, Anafi is comparatively unspoiled because fewer tourists know about it. Anafi is full of dramatic cliffs and long sandy beaches surrounded by the turquoise Aegean Sea. The vivid scenery makes the island a coveted destination for fans of raw natural beauty.
The island’s one village, Chora, has a modest assortment of bars, cafés, and restaurants. The Golden Beach Resort is Anafi’s most luxurious accommodation. It has a four-star rating.
How to to get to Anafi
The easiest way to get to Anafi is to fly into Athens International Airport and then take a ferry from Piraeus port. There are also ferries from Santorini and Crete.
Halki
Halki, one of the Dodecanese islands, is a diminutive yet charming location full of traditional Greek architecture. Halki is full of tiny unspoiled beaches that you can visit to escape life’s stresses.
Where to stay in Halki
The island has bars, a dessert shop, cafés, and restaurants that serve delicious Greek cuisine. Halki also has stone houses, villas, apartments, and a hotel where visitors can stay during their trip. Many of them offer free Wi-Fi. Villa Cassandra has the highest reviewer rating.
Halki is the perfect destination for those who wish to avoid vacation spots that attract many tourists.
How to to get to Halki
To get to Halki island, you can take a ferry from Rhodes Island. The ferry ride takes about 2 hours, and there are several ferries that run daily.
Ithaka
Ithaca is to the west of mainland Greece, in the Ionian Sea. Tourism has not spoiled Ithaca.The locals are known for their hospitality and friendliness. The island is full of lush green valleys and mountains and surrounded by crystal clear seas.
Though the island has a bustling nightlife, it’s easy to find secluded areas to relax. It is a super location for fishing, scuba diving, hiking, trail walking, and boat trips. There are also many secluded beaches.
Ithaca is significant to the Greek people because it’s the homeland of Odysseus, the main character from “The Odyssey” by Homer. Ithaca has many different varieties of accommodation for tastes and budgets. The Familia Hotel has the best online reviews.
How to to get to Ithaka
Ithaka is only accessible by Ferry. Passengers can reach Ithaka through three island airports: Kefalonia Island, Lefkada. The closest airport to Ithaca is located on Kefalonia Island, Greece, and it is connected via boat to Ithaca.
Kasos
Kasos, one of the smaller Dodecanese Islands, has a population of just over 1,000 people. It is located in the southern Aegean Sea, quite close to Crete. Kasos is a quiet yet charming place. The island has an authentic, traditional feel and lovely local people who warmly welcome all visitors.
Kasos has supremely peaceful beaches, tiny villages, tavernas that serve tasty Greek food, and many cafés where tourists can enjoy a nice cold beer or a frappé coffee. The main town in Kasos is called Fry. There you can explore churches, visit a traditional home, or see an archeological museum.
How to to get to Kasos
Kasos offers the same types of accommodation as other Greek islands. Visitors can choose between hotels, villas, and apartments. If you like luxurious accommodation, consider choosing Kasos Palace hotel, which has a five-star review on the internet.
Kasos is one of the most remote islands in the Aegean Sea, and getting there can be a bit tricky. There are several ways to get to Kasos, but the most common is by ferry from Piraeus, Athens. The trip takes about 21 hours and there are several ferries that make the trip daily. Another option is to fly into Crete and take a ferry from there. The ferry ride is about 2 hours and there are several ferries that make the trip daily.
Kythira
Kythira is not far from the southern Peloponnese. Kythira was traditionally Ionian. However, it is not close to the other islands in the Ionian group. Kythira appeals to Greeks as a vacation destination because it is still unspoiled. The lack of tourist footfall has something to do with the island’s location. It is not close to any other Greek islands. You can only get there via local flights from Athens, or by ferry. There are no international flights to Kythira.
Hora is the charming capital of Kythira. It is a place you must visit if you are a fan of lovely gardens, pretty churches, and Venetian architecture. While you are in Hora, make time to visit the Archeological Museum of Kythira and the town’s 14th-century fortress.
Like many Greek islands, Kythira is full of stunning beaches. Kaladi, on the east coast of the island, is Kythira’s most renowned beach. Kaladi beach is famous for its pebbles, clear water, and mysterious caves.
Where to stay in Kythira
Kythira has some beautiful accommodation for visitors. For instance, Palaeopoli Villas and Castri Village are both very luxurious places to stay on the island of Kythira.
Lemnos
Lemnos is in the northern region of the Aegean Sea. Although Lemnos is large, it does not have as many visitors as other big Greek islands. Lemnos sees fewer tourists because its distance from Athens makes it less convenient to travel there. Because Lemnos is less touristy, you are guaranteed a spot on the beach even in high summer.
Myrina is the capital of Lemnos. Make sure you explore Myrina if you enjoy Greek nightlife as it is full of bars, tavernas, and cafés. Myrina also has a stunning Byzantine fortress for visitors to enjoy.
Where to stay in Lemno
If you do not feel like glamping on Lemnos, there are alternatives. The resort has all varieties of comfortable accommodation. For instance, a hotel called Evgenia Residences has excellent reviews.
Lipsi
Lipsi is another small island of the Dodecanese group, and you can get there by ferry. If you need some peace, Lipsi may be the perfect destination for you. The island is only five miles long and has a population of around 800.
Lipsi is not one island, either. It is just one of a small group of islets. However, the other islets are uninhabited. Lipsi has a relaxed vibe. There is not much to do there except let the day pass you by on a secluded beach or go hiking. There’s not much to do in the evening in Lipsi. The island has just a few restaurants and cafés.
Where to stay in Lipsi
If you badly need to unwind and eliminate stress, why not book a stay on Lipsi island? There are a few different accommodation options available. Judging by reviews on the web, people are particularly fond of Villa Vasiliki.
Samothraki
Like Lemnos, Samothraki is a big island in the northern Aegean Sea. It does not get as many international tourists because it is far away from mainland Greece and the cosmopolitan city of Athens. However, people from the northern region of Greece have been vacationing on Samothraki for a long time.
Locals like to preserve the traditions and architecture of the island. Thus, Samothraki is the right island for you if you want a taste of Greek history. It is a great place to learn about traditions such as cooking goat meat, dancing, or drinking Greek coffee. It is not the right place for people seeking sophistication or luxury.
One of the quirky things about the island is that visitors generally hitchhike to get from A to B rather than getting the bus. The locals on Samothraki are so friendly and hospitable that they are willing to give rides to strangers.
Where to stay in Samothraki
The Samothraki Beach Apartment & Suites hotel is popular with tourists.
Skyros
Skyros is part of an archipelago called the Sporades. It’s full of magnificent beaches, coastal caves, and villages by the sea. The northern part of the island is full of forest. The capital of Skyros, Chora, is also in the north of the island. Chora is full of charming white homes shaped like cubes.
Skyros is a great place to go if you enjoy creative retreats or health and wellbeing classes. If you have blocks to your creativity or want to boost your health, Skyros is the Greek island you want. The wonderful thing about Skyros is that there is no attempt to attract cosmopolitan tourists.
Where to stay in Skyros
Skyros has many places for visitors to stay, including apartments and hotels. If you want the best accommodation the island has to offer, try the Alero Skyros Resort. It has some brilliant reviews on the web.
Top Tips for a Carefree Vacation for Older Couples
There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a vacation for older couples to the Greek islands.
- Choose an island that appeals to both of you. There are many different options, from party islands to quiet, romantic getaways.
- Consider your budget and what kind of activities you both enjoy. Greece is known for its beautiful beaches, but there are also plenty of cultural attractions and outdoor activities to enjoy.
- The best time to visit the Greek islands for older couples is in the spring or fall, when the weather is milder and the crowds are thinner.
- Make sure to pick an island that is suitable for your fitness levels. Many of the islands are quite hilly and difficult to walk around. Second, book your accommodation in advance. Many of the smaller islands fill up quickly during peak season.
- Book accommodations that are comfortable and convenient, such as a hotel with easy access to transportation and amenities. Finally, be sure to factor in any health concerns or special needs that either partner may have.
Getting Away from It All
Greece is a beautiful country full of breathtaking yet peaceful locations. The next time you plan a relaxing vacation, do not forget about some of the lesser-known Greek islands. A visit to a quiet yet charming Greek island with sweet, outgoing local people will help you create the kind of memories that last a lifetime.