If you’re looking for an amazing cruise destination, the Greek Islands really do tick all the boxes. In this guide we look at the best Greek Islands for cruising, helping you to craft the perfect Greece cruise experience for your next Mediterranean getaway.
What are the Greek Islands and why are they the top cruise spots in Greece?
Greece is well known for being made up of lots of islands, but did you know that there are actually between 1,200 to 6,000? The number that are inhabited is much lower though, between 166 and 227.
The Greek Islands are split into groups: the Argo-Saronic islands, the Cyclades, the North Aegean Islands, the Dodecanese, the Sporades and the Ionian Islands. Popular Greek Island destinations include Crete, Rhodes, Kefalonia, Corfu, Zakynthos and Santorini. Each island has its own character and charm to discover, but wherever you dock on your cruise you’re sure of a warm welcome.
With so many islands to explore, a cruise really is a great way to experience multiple Greek Islands on just one holiday and get a feel for their distinct characters. You can sample a range of ports across the different island groups, enjoying a taste of their different characteristics. Many Greek Island cruises also call in at cities on Greek’s mainland, such as its capital Athens, so you’ll come away with a fantastic overview of this fascinating country.
Why is Greece a great cruise destination?
If you’re looking for a Mediterranean cruise adventure, Greece and its islands offer a wonderful chance for both relaxation and exploration cruises. You can truly get away from it all while immersing yourself in exciting sightseeing, food and culture.
Welcoming over 36 million tourists per year, Greece is one of Europe’s most popular destinations and well-known for its friendly attitude. And with around 250 days of sunshine a year and temperatures ranging from a delightful 21 degrees in spring and autumn up to 30 degrees in the summer months, Greece offers a very warm welcome in all senses of the word!
Love taking a dip in the sea? You’ll find miles of beautiful beaches and charming coastline – Greece has the longest coastline of any European country. And yes, those dazzling azure blue seas you see in the photographs definitely are real, not Photoshopped!
Greek food is up there with some of the best in Europe. Think freshly caught seafood, plump olives, delectable moussaka and melt-in-the-mouth stifado, followed by a piece of indulgent baklava and perhaps a glass (or two) of retsina.
The rich culture of the Greek Islands means they’re also ideal destinations if you’re an ancient history buff and love your Greek myths. In Crete you can marvel at the Palace of Knossos and see the place where the Minotaur roamed the dark passages of the infamous labyrinth. Rhodes is the site of the Acropolis of Rhodes and Acropolis of Lindos, and also has a fascinating medieval city waiting for you to explore. On Kefalonia you’ll find a Roman villa and cemetery alongside the Cyclopean Walls of ancient Krani – rumoured to have been built by the one-eyed giants.
The best cruises for Greek Islands exploration
Now that we’ve whetted your appetite with thoughts of Mediterranean paradise voyages where you can enjoy Santorini sunsets and retsina in Rhodes, here are some of ideas from Cruise Collective partners for your perfect Greek islands cruise.
Regent Seven Seas’ Athens to Istanbul cruise gives you the chance to call in at the islands of Kefalonia, Mykonos and Santorini, as well as Gythion and Igounmenitsa on the Greek mainland. Or its 12-night Athens to Athens cruise takes you to Rhodes, Crete and Mykonos, in addition to ports in Turkey.
If you prefer a UK departure, Fred. Olsen’s Spain, Amalfi and Dalmation Coasts with Greek Islands cruise leaves from Newcastle and has stops in Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Santorini, Crete and Rhodes.
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