Alexandre RobertThe Greek islands are famous all over the world for their beauty, the immaculate whiteness of their houses overlooking an azure blue sea, their history, their dream beaches… In a word: paradise on Earth! A cruise in the Greek islands is therefore an excellent way to discover all the wonders of this region of southern Europe that we love with passion.
With so many islands to explore, it can be hard to decide where to start.
To help you plan your future vacation, we will present you with 5 cruise itineraries in the Greek islands!
Why take a cruise in the Greek islands?
Taking a cruise in the Greek islands is an unforgettable experience for 4 good reasons!
- First of all, Greece is a country rich in history and culture, and each island has its own history and traditions to discover.
- In addition, the Greek islands offer beautiful scenery, sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, as well as delicious local cuisine and quality wines.
- A Greek island cruise allows you to visit several islands in a short period of time (like the one above), while providing a relaxing and carefree vacation experience. You don’t have to worry about planning accommodations or transportation between islands, as everything is taken care of for you.
- Finally, cruises in the Greek islands offer many activities for all tastes, from visiting historical sites to water sports, swimming and discovering the local nightlife.
Note that the price of a cruise in the Greek islands starts from 400€, up to more than 5000€ depending on the boat and the services!
1. A cruise in the Dodecanese: Rhodes, Kalymnos…
A cruise in the Dodecanese will take you to the islands near the Turkish coast.
This area has a strong Turkish influence and you will see the impact of this influence on the local food and culture when you stop by.
You will visit islands like :
- Rhodes (pictured above)
- Symi,
- Patmos,
- Leros
- and Kalymnos.
Each of these islands has its own history and its own tourist attractions.
2. A cruise in the Cyclades: a must!
The Cyclades are probably the most famous Greek islands.
You will visit islands like :
This region is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, charming whitewashed towns and spectacular scenery.
3. A cruise in the Ionian Islands: Corfu, Zakynthos…
The Ionian Islands are located in the west of mainland Greece.
You will visit islands like :
This region is known for its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, dense forests and impressive mountains.
4. A cruise in the Peloponnese: Hydra, Poros…
The Peloponnese is the southernmost part of mainland Greece.
This region is famous for its rich history and culture. You will visit islands like :
- Spetses,
- Hydra (pictured above!),
- Poros
- and Methana.
You can visit incredible historical sites and places of rare beauty:
- The Corinth Canal
- Mystras and Sparta
- Olympia
- Elafonisos
- Province of Epidaurus
- Mycenae
- Beach of Voidokilia
- Fortress of Palamedes.
5. A cruise from Athens
Taking a cruise from Athens is an excellent way to discover the neighboring islands in a convenient and comfortable way. The most popular islands include Hydra, Poros and Aegina, each with its own unique atmosphere and tourist attractions.
Above all, it can allow you to explore the mythical and magical Athens: capital of Greece, but above all, crossroads of the world, of History and open-air museum!
What is the best time of the year to take a cruise in the Greek islands?
The best time to cruise the Greek islands is from May to September, when the temperatures are pleasant and the days are longer.
How long does a cruise in the Greek islands last?
Cruises in the Greek islands usually last between 5 and 10 days, depending on the itinerary chosen.
What are the activities to do during a Greek islands cruise?
Activities to do during a cruise in the Greek islands are visiting historical sites, water sports, swimming and discovering the local cuisine.
Are there any Greek islands to avoid during the cruise?
All the Greek islands have their own charm and history to discover. However, some islands may be more touristy than others, such as Santorini or Mykonos, while others are more quiet and unspoiled, such as Amorgos or Fourni.
