For decades, Greece and its multitude of magical islands have been a popular destination for holiday-goers from across the world for good reason. Home to incredible history and mythology, not to mention the stunning landscapes, the Greek islands also offer unbeatable cuisine.
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So, just how do you soak it all in and really experience the Greek way of life? A cruise around the Greek islands is the perfect way to see as much as you can in one go, and here we’ll help you discover everything you need to know before booking your next cruise holiday. From the reasons to go, to the weather, a trip around Greece is one not to be missed.
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The stunning scenery you’ll find on the Greek islands is truly inimitable, with mountains, beaches, coves, and caves. This makes it the perfect location for couples, families, friends or a solo trip to reset and reconnect. So, enjoy a day on the beach, hiking in the hills or discovering the untapped corners of Greece, before tucking into souvlaki and pastitsio at a local taverna.
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Greek Destinations
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Mykonos
Mykonos
With its famous whitewashed buildings and blue domes, Mykonos offers the perfect picturesque holiday destination. Offering a little more glitz and glamour, Mykonos is home to stunning vistas and vibrant nightlife. Explore the alleyways, visit the local boutiques and catch the sunset – however you choose to spend your time here, you won’t be disappointed. Discover the history at the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, experience the romance of Little Venice, or simply watch the boats go by while you lounge on one of Mykonos’ many stunning beaches. Ftelia Beach is a real favourite of ours, with unbelievably blue water enclosed by hills forming Ftelia Bay.
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Rhodes
Rhodes
Rhodes is a perfect addition to any Greek island cruise. The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is steeped in history from the ancient world, the medieval period, and even the modern period. During your stop, you can make your way through the Old Town and down the Street of the Knights, giving you a sense of what life might have been like in Greece during the dark ages. While you’re there, you can conquer the fortresses that are dotted throughout Greece. Our Rhodes cruises will also allow you to travel out to Prasonisi either on a boat or by travelling across the peninsula that appears during low tide. This island can be enjoyed in quiet thanks to its secluded nature, giving you a nice break from the bustling town.
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Katakolon
Katakolon
As if our Greek cruises couldn’t get any more historic, you have the chance to visit the very birthplace of the Olympic Games. Katakolon is an exciting port town in South West Greece that’s just a short trip away from Archaia Olympia. There are many half-day tours available from Katakolon, allowing you to experience the history of Greece. The port town itself is gorgeous, with the crystal blue water you’d expect from the Greek coastline, with plenty of bars and restaurants lining the harbour.
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Athens & Piraeus
Athens & Piraeus
Athens and Piraeus are some of the most popular destinations for cruisegoers. The beautiful coastal region is complimented wonderfully by the historical buildings, such as the Parthenon and Temple of Athena, that still dominate the Athenian landscape. In the heart of Athens, you can find the Greek National Gardens, directly behind the Parliament building. The garden has been wowing locals and tourists since the 1920s, with its incredible range of plants as well as monuments and even ancient Roman ruins. Athens & Piraeus are considered the most modern areas of Greece, combining the lengthy history of the city with modern culture to provide tourists with a fantastic sense of how Greece has been a cultural centre for thousands of years.
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Chania
Chania
Chania lies on the north coast of Greece’s biggest island, Crete. is a city built on history, whether that be the ancient Byzantine walls that surround the historic city or the Venetian Port landmarked by the Lighthouse of Chania. Chania’s Old Town displays many cultural influences seen through the mix of architectural styles. These styles also lend themselves to a completely unique take on Greek food that can only be found in Crete, such as Cretan cheeses and dakos, a mezze dish with barley rusk, chopped tomatoes and crumbled feta. Crete has a long history of winemaking dating back thousands of years, so while you’re there, why not join a winery tour with perhaps a touch of wine tasting to wet your whistle after a long day?
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Santorini
Santorini
Santorini has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece, with picturesque hilltop villages straight off a postcard, not to mention the incredibly diverse volcanic beaches with multicoloured sand. The incredible scenery in Santorini makes walking around the island a great way to spend the day during your excursion, with several different routes to take depending on your fitness level. It’s not just the scenery that’s sure to stun you in Santorini, but the incredible depth of history that the island offers dating back to 4000-5000 BCE. After you’ve completed your exploration, it’s time to freshen up and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Aegean.
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Corfu
Corfu
Frequently mentioned in Greek mythology, Corfu is a bustling town that combines the ambiance of medieval architecture with modern elegance. Venture across cypress-studded hills to find higgledy-piggledy villages in the fertile interior, and sandy coves lapped by cobalt-blue waters. Elsewhere on the island, you’ll find diverse architecture to admire. The Palace of St. Michael and St. George in Corfu Town dates back to 1819 and is now the home to the immersive Corfu Museum of Asian Art. Corfu has an incredible range of activities that can be achieved during your trip, whether you’re after a quiet afternoon at a winery, or a day out at a waterpark, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
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Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki
An important city for Greece in terms of economic, cultural, and historical significance, Thessaloniki is a must-visit location for anyone looking to soak up all that makes Greece special. Thessaloniki is Greece’s second city, with a more urban feel than some of the other destinations on our cruises, but that doesn’t mean they’ve turned their back on the fantastic amount of history that’s oozing from every street in the city. The White Tower is a famous tourist spot that you’ll want to visit, with its origins dating back centuries. The Tower is now home to a museum dedicated to the city of Thessaloniki.
All Greek Island Ports
Greece FAQs
Is Greece in Europe?
Greece is indeed in Europe, being located at the southeastern tip of the continent. It has also been a member of the EU since 1981.
What currency does Greece use?
Since 2001, Greece has used the Euro, meaning that you can spend the same currency across countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
How many islands in Greece are there?
There are over 6,000 islands that make up Greece, with the largest being Crete. Despite the vast number of islands, only about 200 are inhabited.
What is the capital of Greece?
Since 1834, the capital of Greece has been Athens thanks to its long history of being the most powerful city-state when Greece wasn’t under a single government. Many Greek cruises include Athens as an excursion because of its cultural and historic importance, as well as being downright beautiful!