My fiancée and I have narrowed our Greece honeymoon down to two options:
- Santorini: staying at Canaves Epitome in Oia
- Crete: staying at the JW Marriott Crete (near Chania)
Our dates are mid-October 2026, and we’ll be following with a trip to Paris right afterward. So this Greece portion is meant to be the slower, romantic, “stay put” part of the trip.
We’re torn because both offer different kinds of appeal:
- In Santorini, we’d have that iconic, cinematic view — private plunge pool, sunsets, incredible design — but we’d be high above the water (you can’t really hear the waves).
- In Crete, we’d be right on the beach — calmer water, walk-out access, more greenery and a “by the sea” vibe — but without the same wow-factor views or that cliffside feel.
We’ll likely spend more time in the room/hotel here than we will in Paris, so that immersive setting matters a lot to us.
We’re not looking for nightlife or big crowds — more privacy, good food, warm enough weather to swim, and a balance between high-end and authentic.
I’m curious:
- For those who’ve stayed at either (or both), which experience felt more special or memorable?
- Does Santorini still have quieter areas or local charm beyond the Instagram crowd these days?
- Any other beaches or beach clubs on Santorini that give that “private sunbed, ocean-sound” experience to make up for being perched above the cliffs?
- Is the "Wow" factor of Santorini worth it for a honeymoon?
Would love honest thoughts from people who’ve honeymooned or traveled both islands recently — what made you fall in love with one versus the other?
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Source: reditt