Crete, Greece

Crete, sun-drenched and bathed in the bath-warm waters of the Libyan Sea at Europe's southernmost point, is a haven for newlyweds seeking a dose of Vitamin D after the big day. For starters, it's enormous; it's the country's biggest island. That means there are plenty of chances to get away from the masses and be alone. For another thing, it's rather inexpensive, especially when compared to Mykonos or Santorini.

Western Crete is most likely where you'll want to concentrate your efforts. When you arrive in Chania, you'll be met with a picturesque Venetian city with a port lined with quaint tavernas serving Cretan cuisine. Beyond there, there are rising mountains with elevations of above 2,400 meters. On the outskirts of stunning gorges like Samaria, they hide time-stood-still hamlets where you may settle in old boltholes with wood fireplaces. If you travel any farther south, the pink-tinged beaches of Elafonisi will make you feel as if you've swapped Europe for the Caribbean.