The Greek island of Santorini has secured a place among the world’s ten most romantic honeymoon destinations for 2026, according to a new international ranking by the travel platform hotelwithtub.com.
The study examined a combination of travel behavior and social engagement data sourced from TripAdvisor and Instagram. Using a weighted scoring model, it assessed both on-the-ground experiences and each destination’s digital visibility.
How rankings were determined
Destinations were evaluated through a composite methodology that took into account the number of romantic restaurants, honeymoon-friendly hotels, couple-focused activities, scenic landscapes, and the frequency of romance-related hashtags on social media.
The aim was to identify not only where couples choose to travel but also how destinations resonate culturally and visually once experiences are shared online.
European cities still lead rankings
Rome topped the 2026 list with a Romantic Score of 66 and 237 recorded honeymoon locations, reaffirming the enduring appeal of classic European city breaks for couples drawn to culture, history, and atmosphere.
Santorini ranked ninth, with 127 identified honeymoon spots, highlighting the continued global appeal of Greek islands as experience-driven destinations centered on landscape, intimacy, and sensory appeal.
Santorini’s place among top honeymoon destinations
Santorini’s appeal is closely tied to its “views-first” character. Sunsets in Oia, cliffside hotels overlooking the caldera, and relaxed evening rhythms result in an environment well suited to romantic travel.
According to the study, many couples structure their stay around visual experiences, short distances, and low-intensity activities. It was also noted that traveling outside peak season can significantly enhance privacy and exclusivity, key considerations for honeymooners.
A broader shift in honeymoon preferences
The 2026 ranking points to a broader trend among couples seeking a balance between cultural immersion and seclusion. Alongside European cities such as Paris (No. 3), Barcelona (No. 5), and Lisbon (No. 6), the list includes nature-oriented destinations such as Ubud (No. 2) and Phuket (No. 4).
Within this mix, Santorini emerges as a hybrid choice, distinctly European yet deeply connected to its island setting, widely known but still capable of offering calm and intimate experiences.
Romance beyond the trip for Santorini as a honeymoon destination
The study also underscores the growing influence of digital storytelling in shaping destination appeal. Romance-related hashtags and social sharing extend the honeymoon experience beyond the journey itself, amplifying a destination’s visibility and emotional resonance.
In this context, Santorini’s striking landscapes and strong social media presence continue to reinforce its status as a leading honeymoon destination—both lived in the moment and remembered long after.
