Are you soon to be married or civil partnered, or are you part of a recently-married or civil partnered couple? If so, you are most probably searching for the ideal destination to host the most exciting trip of your life.
Even if you have already found that ‘one’ destination, you may still in doubt that you have made the right choice.
You have most probably considered visiting Greece, but have you really given it the thought that it deserves?
Greece is one of the most popular countries for honeymoons and romantic holidays, with cosmopolitan destinations where you can transform your honeymoon into a party as well as alternative villages and seaside towns where you can devote your vacations only to yourselves.
Among all the Greek destinations, there is one particular island that is so beautiful, that looks like it came out of a wedding magazine.
Santorini is ranked among the most popular romantic destinations in the world, with a reputation that rapidly grows among gay travelers as well. Is it its elegant atmosphere? Its gay-friendly attitude? Or its stunning landscapes, that make Santorini a beloved destination for gay couples in love? Let’s find out!
Photo: Drazos Photography
There are so many activities to do in Santorini with your partner that you are never going to get bored. You can go full romantic and devote your holidays exclusively to each other by watching the sunset together or by sharing a passionate kiss on top of the Caldera. Or, you could explore the island’s peculiar white, red and black sand beaches in a thrilling excursion.
These are the top three romantic activities for gay honeymooners to do when in Santorini, as well as some excellent LGBTI-friendly Santorinian hotels to further upgrade the most important trip of your life!
1 Arrange a romantic dinner overlooking the Caldera
Photo: Canaves Oia Hotel
A popular quote states that ‘love passes through the stomach.’ As you are currently in one of the most popular countries around the world, particularly known for its extensive and delicious food tradition, it’s only natural to let go of that frustrating diet and enjoy real and calorie-packed food during your honeymoon!
Most of the luxury hotels on the island can arrange private dinners for their guests, and, if you choose to stay in a hotel on the Caldera, you can actually surprise your partner with an exclusive dinner for two during the sunset.
Of course, there are numerous restaurants on the island where you can also enjoy delicious and gourmet Santorinian cuisine, accompanied by great views as well. If you want to taste ‘real food’, you should visit the traditional Greek taverns that can be found in traditional villages, like Pyrgos Kallistis.
2 Watch the most famous sunsets in the world, in the arms of your partner
Photo: Drazos Photography
It’s widely known that the most romantic activity to do in Santorini is to watch the sunset. The castle in Oia is actually the best place on the island to catch the ‘magic hour’. However, keep in mind that the spot can get pretty crowded, especially during the high season.
If you are not fond of big crowds, you can enjoy the sunset from many other places around the island. You can rent a yacht and watch it from the sea, or, if you prefer an alternative sunset view, you can watch it from the Akrotiri lighthouse.
Last but not least, almost all of the hotels located on the Caldera offer amazing direct sunset views. All you need to do is to pick your favorite hotel on the Caldera, and enjoy the sunset from your own balcony! (Keep reading to find our top recommended hotels).
3 Spend a whole day lying on a moon-like beach!
Photo: Vlychada Beach, Shutterstockstock photo
Devote a day in the exploration of the island’s picturesque moon-like beaches, which can also host a photo shooting during your honeymoon. Santorini is worldwide famous for its ‘peculiar’ beaches, whose exploration will make your honeymoon even more exciting, especially if you are visiting in summer.
In Santorini, you won’t find the typical sandy beaches that you would find in most Greek Islands. The island’s volcanic terrain has led to the creation of a wide range of breathtaking beaches with red and black sand, creating a stunning setting for Instagram-worthy honeymoon photos.
The Red Beach is the most renowned beach on the island, distinguished by the red colour of its sand and its warm waters. As it is easily accessible, it attracts large crowds during the summer, so you might prefer to make a quick stop and just admire the beach from the headland.
Some black-sand beaches great for Instagram stories and swimming are Kamari, Perissa, and Agios Georgios.
Vlychada is the only beach on the island with a gay-friendly section, so, in case you want to feel more cozy and comfortable with your partner, this is the place to be. The left-hand side of the beach is distinguished by its huge white rocks and black sand pebbles, and the gay part is located on the furthest part of that side.
There are so many luxurious hotels in Santorini that you will find difficulty in choosing the right one for you. We have collected some of the best hotels for gay honeymooners on the island, that are also great options for more ‘alternative’ types of honeymoons!
Nafsika Estate: make your marriage a honeymoon to remember!
Photo: Nafsika Estate
Santorini is ideal for honeymoons but it’s also great for luxurious weddings. Your marriage can take place at the villa’s nearby sister hotel called Vedema, while Nafsika Estate can host you and your closest friends, as it is a huge luxurious villa for up to 10 people.
And if you decide to extend your wedding for a few more days, why not invite your friends to join you on your honeymoon as well?
What makes the Villa stand out from the others, is its minimal design and its total privacy and seclusion that will make you feel extra cozy. It also has large swimming pool at the outdoors area, where you can enjoy fancy cocktails with your besties!
A tip for two: A personal butler and a chef will be at your full disposal to cater for all your needs throughout your stay!
Astra Suites: Combine you honeymoon with a family-bonding trip!
Photo: Astra Suites
Honeymoon is typically a ‘romantic trip of two’, but what about same-sex parents who have only recently decided to get married? Astra Suites is the perfect option for that case, since it can provide the privacy that you need, as well as the option to spend some family-bonding time together.
The hotel offers luxury accommodation options for families as well as two out-of-site villas, specially created to give to you and your children the privacy and the luxury that you deserve. In particular, The Architect’s House stands out, located between the villages of Imerovigli and Oia, and it has three bedrooms, a personal swimming pool and jacuzzi.
The hotel is located in the beautiful Imerovigli Village which is very close to Fira, the island’s capital, so you will be close to all kinds of entertainment venues!
A tip for two: Explore a little more of Greece with an island tour offered by the hotel. Your husband and children will surely appreciate it!
Vino Houses: A unique room for your honeymoon photoshooting!
Photo: Vino Houses
Is there a more unique way to spend your honeymoon than staying in a wine-themed hotel? Vino Houses consists of three autonomous apartments which were specially designed to resemble a winery, giving you valuable material for your Instagram feed and honeymoon photoshooting.
Vinsanto House will make you feel like you are staying in a real winery, Athiri House has a garden with stunning views over Finikia village, and Nykteri’s traditional interior design will make you feel like you are staying in a Greek house!
A tip for two: Don’t miss the donkey tour, guided by Mr John. It’s surely an experience that you cannot live anywhere else!
Despite the fact that Santorini is mainly known as a ‘destination for couples’, don’t feel that you cannot visit if you are not married or in a relationship!
The island’s close distance to Mykonos has made it a great option for LGBTI friends or single LGBTI travelers as well, since a day visit to the LGBTI-loved Greek island is a piece of cake! And for the days you spend in Santorini, keep in mind that even though there are not any exclusively LGBTI venues around, the island is packed with LGBTI-friendly bars, cafes, and restaurants, where you will meet all kinds of locals and travellers. This This guide will come in handy if you are interested in the LGBTI scene of Santorini!
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Travel by Interest is a client of Gay Star News.
