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There is no shortage of unforgettable experiences to be had in Greece. Its seascapes and cityscapes are wondrous, from the mighty ruins of the Acropolis to the buzzing, modern city center of Athens. Visit an olive farm in Crete, or embark on a tour of Mykonos Town’s organic wineries.
Fun European Cities to Visit With Kids
The Best Greek Islands to Visit, and Where to Stay on Them - Travel + Leisure
The Best Greek Islands to Visit, and Where to Stay on Them.
Posted: Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
After returning from the archaeological site, be sure to take some time to walk around Katakolon’s town center, where plenty of shopping and restaurants await. Sailing the Greek Isles is a dream for many cruisers, and knowing the ins and outs of cruising to Greece can help you plan this once-in-a-lifetime trip as smoothly as possible. I hope you are able to plan and fulfill all of your fantastical travel dreams! Feel free to click around my site to discover more exciting destinations and itineraries. “Island time” can’t even describe Santorini’s chill pace; you’re welcome to while away the day at a winery, on a catamaran, or with a good book on the beach. Just find a moment to pop into a restaurant for a plate of the chewiest octopus you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting.
Why Choose a Greek Islands Cruise?
With just 112 passengers and 95 crew members on each of its two intimate cruise ships, SeaDream describes its luxury Greek island cruises as, "It's yachting, not cruising." A Star Clippers Greek Islands itinerary ranges from five to 11 nights with ports of call including Mykonos, Kos, Skiathos, Skopelos and Katakolon. Sailings include themed "Mamma Mia!" cruises visiting beaches and locations on Skopelos where outdoor scenes in the movie were filmed. I grew up in Zimbabwe, but I have been based in London since 1987. My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises.
The Best Guides
Another great place to go if you are interested in culture and art is make sure that your cruise is stopping in Crete and ideally calling at the port of Heraklion. If you’re looking at booking a need to make sure are on your itinerary to have the best way of seeing and doing this part of the world. Combining limestone caves with stretches of white sand, Cephalonia has some of the most beautiful scenery of all the Greek Islands.
Pylos, Greece
THE 25 BEST 7 Day Cruises to Greece (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST 7 Day Cruises to Greece (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Sat, 20 Apr 2024 04:28:21 GMT [source]
You won’t find hotels on this archaeological site, making it a perfect day trip destination to fill your Greek cruise with another memorable port of call. With sister Edge, the line has planted its flag firmly in the exclusive arena, offering a ship-within-a-ship concept for those willing to pay for it in the form of The Retreat. The keycard-access only enclave is for suite guests only and includes a private restaurant, a private lounge and bar and private sundeck. Cabins, which include double-height "Garden Villas" are designed by UK-based designer Kelly Hoppen, who also had a hand in the spa. The Edge-class ships are all about the wows, with the biggest of them all being the "Magic Carpet" a moveable external deck which goes up and down the ship. Inside you'll find an array of outstanding drinking and dining options, including the extraordinary multi-use Eden, at the aft of the ship, which really comes alive at night.
Many of these cruises are one-way sailings from Athens, Greece to Venice (Ravenna), Italy and vice versa. While on a Greek Isles cruise, you’ll likely spot plenty of ferries transporting locals and tourists from island to island. While visiting the Greek Isles by ferry will allow you more flexibility in how long you want to spend in each place, it also means you’ll constantly be lugging suitcases around from island to island. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer eager to feel the embrace of the Mediterranean sun, grab your cruise planner and let’s set sail together into the heart of the Aegean. Even without its immense Helios statue, Rhodes remains one of the most-visited Greek islands with its white-sand beaches, glittering coves and fascinating ruins.
Exploring Local Tavernas Off the Ship
July and August are great months if you are after hot weather, plenty of sunshine and seeing the islands in full swing. We also do cruises in the off season months of November and April, which are perfect for exploring the historic Peloponnese region home to Nafplion, Corinthia and Mycenae. The Greek Islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Cephalonia, and Rhodes offer enchanting landscapes and culture. Blending traditional whitewashed buildings, family-run tavernas, and maze-like streets, each island is magical yet unique in its own right. Santorini, for instance, is distinctive for its iconic blue-domed buildings, while Rhodes is renowned for its UNESCO old town, with its impressive medieval architecture.
Each Greek island, with its own charm and character, offers a unique world waiting to be explored. Being on a cruise ship is a blend of relaxation and adventure, all set against the backdrop of the vast sea and exciting ports of call. With these onboard tips and tricks, you’re not just setting sail; you’re embarking on a voyage where every day holds the promise of new delights and discoveries. With its fleet of six small luxury ships, Windstar can visit hidden Greek ports in the Aegean Sea -- such as Nafplio, Monemvasia and Patmos -- along with well-known islands, including Santorini and Mykonos. While aboard, passengers can expect to experience unique island cultures, ancient treasures and beautiful Greek beaches. If two Greek islands are too few, consider a cruise that visits four or more islands over seven to 11 days onboard Azamara Journey, a 694-passenger ship from Azamara Club Cruises.
Choose your favorite to spend the day on, or book a sailing excursion to go beach hopping. Take a day trip beyond Mykonos to the nearby island of Delos, an uninhabited archeological site said to be the birthplace of Greek gods. Experience an authentic side of the island with a home-cooking class, where you’ll sample and prepare delicious local specialties. The beautiful Greece and Greek Isles cruise ports, from the in-progress archaeological digs at Delos to the Old Towns of Crete and Rhodes, the Greek Islands are brimming with history. And while it's wonderful to explore the past, the beaches of Mykonos and the architecture of Santorini and Athens are just a few of the many pleasures that await you.
We recommend allotting 1-2 hours per port day to sit down for a nice Greek meal. Not only will it offer much-needed rest in the shade on hot summer days, but you’ll be able to taste local and regional specialties. Choosing to explore this archipelago by sea is, without a doubt, a decision filled with the promise of adventure. Whether you sail aboard a luxurious mega-ship equipped with every conceivable amenity or opt for the intimate charm of a small vessel, the essence of the islands remains unchanged.
Take your best European vacation with access to the top secret vacation spots to visit when traveling in Europe. Greece's underwater worlds complete with seahorses, eels and plenty of fish are almost too perfect not to grab your scuba gear and take the plunge. Santorini has an excellent dive center that will get you into the water fast with instructors who will guide you through the warm Mediterranean waters.
Some ports even have nice beaches within walking distance of the ship if you’re hoping for a low-cost beach day. If you’re looking for a beach day, look no further than Zakynthos. The island is known for its turquoise waters, blue caves, and white limestone cliffs. The most famous attraction in Zakynthos is a visit to Navagio Beach, otherwise known as Shipwreck Beach, which has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Mykonos is another of Greece’s most popular islands, known for its beaches, villages, and nightlife. Cruise ships tender right off the coast of the Old Town, home to a maze of picturesque white stone buildings with cobalt blue doors.
Easier ports include Rhodes Old Town, which has a cruise ship dock and wider, flat-paved streets, or Bodrum in Turkey. You can also learn about the differences between dock ports and tender ports in our handy guide. The smaller the ship, the more likely that you'll be able to see off-the-beaten path islands like Skiathos or Hydra. Keep in mind that tendering is the rule, not the exception, at most islands. Windstar Cruises' namesake, Wind Star, is a 148-passenger masted sailing yacht that offers a special Greek islands experience because it calls on some of the area's smaller ports in addition to Athens. Also, Greece is wrapped in tons of ancient history to spark your family's imagination.
Explore the historic forts of Corfu, or hop on a boat ride to Delos, said to be the birthplace of Apollo. Your choices are endless when it comes to fresh seafood prepared according to local tradition. Try a simple shrimp and pasta dish, or go wild with octapodi kokkinisto, octopus in tomato sauce during your Greece cruise. Our guide covers top attractions, insider tips, and expert recommendations. We have the top 10 facts about Turkey the country, giving everything, you need to know to plan the best vacation trip.
To top it all, it’s home to one of the most beautiful volcanic calderas in the world. Come ashore to Corfu on your Greek Islands cruise, a muse for some of history’s most notable writers. Be inspired with a swim in its azure waters or wander verdant, cypress-dotted hills.
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