These four Greek islands are rising stars for weddings
Keen to open the trade’s eyes to alternative wedding destinations, the Greek National Tourist Office recently hosted an event to showcase lesser-known islands for nuptials. Here is the quartet they picked...
Greece’s lesser-visited islands are being highlighted for their romantic potential, as destination weddings become a target market for the country. “We don’t so much want to focus on quantity but on quality… we’re trying to diversify,” deputy minister of tourism Sofia Zacharaki explains at a trade presentation on the wedding sector organised by the Greek National Tourist Office in London.
For clients considering Greek island nuptials, there are varied choices beyond the beach. Religious weddings are possible with extra paperwork, and couples can often use the islands’ distinctive white-washed chapels as backdrops to secular ceremonies should they wish. Same-sex unions are not legally recognised but can be celebrated with symbolic ceremonies. Full wedding services such as photography, catering and florists are readily available.
Planet Weddings’ managing director Mathilde Robert says: “Bear in mind that with lesser-known Greek islands people do need to travel a little longer but that’s what makes them extra-special. The couples that will want to head here are already in love with Greece… and want to embrace the different and the super-special.”
Here are four lesser-known islands the GNTO suggests for weddings and honeymoons:
TINOS
WHERE?
In the Cyclades islands, an hour-and-a-half by ferry from Athens and 20 minutes from Mykonos.
WHY?
With more than 45 villages characterised by their distinct architecture, the island has been dubbed a “living museum”. It is particularly known for its dovecotes, which are often used as backgrounds for wedding photographs, with their shapes replicated as boxes to hold favours. Arrival by fishing boat is among other weddings traditions that can be “borrowed” from the local culture to make the big day even more memorable.
On Tinos, guests can choose orthodox or Catholic churches for religious ceremonies and neoclassical buildings for civil unions, while symbolic weddings can take place on a beach. Besides hotels, reception venues include private villas (among them former bishop’s residence Xinara House), vineyards, village squares and an outdoor theatre.
PAROS
WHERE?
The Cyclades. Reached by flights (45 minutes) from Athens or ferries from Mykonos (around an hour) or Santorini (from two hours).
WHY?
Dubbed “the new Mykonos” this is not quite so much a hidden gem but rather a good option for couples who want to swerve the most popular Greek islands but still be able to enjoy a party after tying the knot.
Paros has its own airport and four- and five-star hotels, so it’s good for style-conscious clients seeking chic, full-service weddings, though there are still rustic locations like olive groves for pared-back ceremonies.
There’s a romantic outdoor cinema situated at Parikia and trendy bars and clubs in Naousa fishing village, some of which will host receptions. Paros draws windsurfers from around the world, which might appeal to active clients, and it’s also known for its cuisine.
The region even has the Hollywood seal of approval – Tom Hanks has a villa on Antiparos, an outlying island that’s an easy day trip away.
ELAFONISOS
WHERE?
Just south of the Peloponnese. Ferries take 10 minutes from Pounta port, which is around two-and-a-half hours from Kalamata or four-and-a-half hours from Athens.
WHY?
The quiet pace of life on Elafonisos belies its history as a piracy hot spot. Though tiny, at just 19km square, it’s reputed to hold some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, including the double bay of Simos. There’s extra appeal for couples who dive, with the underwater ruins of an ancient settlement just offshore.
The main church, Agios Spyridon, sits on a tiny islet connected by a bridge. Others include decorative elements relating to seafaring heritage. There are 5,000 guest rooms on the island, and beyond hotels and guesthouses wedding party guests could choose to stay with local families or even camp. Seaside tavernas are among possible reception venues.
MILOS
WHERE?
In the southernmost Cyclades, reached by flight (from 45 minutes) or ferry (three hours-plus) from Athens or ferry (from two hours) from Santorini.
WHY?
A volcanic landscape with creamy, lunar-like rock formations gives couples a dramatic backdrop for their wedding photos. They may also consider it auspicious that this was the place where the famous statue of Venus de Milo (now displayed in the Louvre) was discovered, a depiction of the goddess of love that Greeks call Aphrodite.
Besides boutique hotels, couples with an eye for more rustic romance (and Instagram likes) might consider staying in one of the colourfully painted fisherman’s houses, which have been converted to apartments at Klima.
For active honeymooners, there are sea caves, an ancient theatre and catacombs to explore, and geological walks to go on, while Milos is well-placed for island hopping.
Need some help booking?
Weddings
Planet Wedding is working on adding Tinos, Elafonisos, Milos and Paros for weddings in the coming months. Amorgos and Lefkas are among lesser-visited islands the operator already features (planetweddings.co.uk).
Chic Locations is considering adding Paros to its tailor-made wedding options. It has worked on nuptials with sister hotels on Santorini (chiclocations.com).
Honeymoons
Sunvil offers Tinos, Elafonisos, Milos and Paros (sunvil.co.uk) and Planet Holidays Tinos, Milos and Paros. Olympic Holidays features both Paros and Tinos (olympicholidays.com), while Cyplon highlights Paros (cyplon.co.uk)
Greece
For more information, see the Greek National Tourism Organisation’s Inspirations page: visitgreece.gr/inspirations/romantic-holidays
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