Photography: Greek National Tourism Organisation

Corfu. Crete. Santorini. Mykonos. Rhodes. Hydra. Andros. Delos. Just the names alone stir passion in the heart of honeymooners, and these are a mere handful of the islands that dot the Aegean and Ionian Seas, known collectively as the Greek Islands.

History, culture and beauty defy the passage of time on these ancient islands, many of which have been inhabited since antiquity. Of the more than 6,000 Greek islands, 227 are inhabited, and some are among the most celebrated honeymoon destinations on Earth.

Location: Mystique, A Luxury Collection Hotel

The Ionian islands are known for their sandy beaches; some, like dramatic Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos, are accessible only by boat. Delos, the mythical home of the god Apollo, is an archaeological treasure trove just a short boat ride from Mykonos, which has some of the best honeymoon resorts in the islands. Crete is famous for its food and locally distilled raki spirits, while Hydra and Karpathos are the best places to capture the spirit of old Greece and commune with nature.

Symi rivals Santorini as a dream destination for couples with its many hidden beaches and charming seaport. If you want to dance all night to celebrate your new marriage, you can’t beat a honeymoon on Rhodes, the nightlife capital of the Greek Islands, although Kos, Corfu and Mykonos also know how to party.

>Written by: Bob Curley