The Greek islands are the definitive summer cruise destination. Ancient history, modern resorts, beautiful scenery and good food and wine – and every island with its own distinct personality. Let’s take a look at five of the best.
Corfu
Ever-popular Corfu has everything you’d hope to find in a Mediterranean holiday destination. Here you’ll find clear turquoise seas, striking beaches and a great choice of historic landmarks, like the towered Church of St Spyridon in the heart of the Old Town. Look out too for the sheer cliffs of “sunset beach” Peroulades, and trips to Kassiopi – a beautiful Roman town-turned-resort on the north east of the island.
Crete
As Greece’s largest island, being roughly the size of Italy’s “heel”, Crete is practically a nation to itself. History fans will have an unforgettable experience of the Greek Islands on a trip to Crete – it’s home to scenic ports like Chania and the fortress town Heraklion, as well as numerous museums and the sheer awesome ancientness of the Palace of Knossos.
Santorini
Santorini is a stunning destination, perhaps best known for the blue domes and whitewashed walls of Oia – an ancient Greek town built onto steep volcanic slopes overlooking the sea. Hike through the countryside, visit ancient Thera or stretch out a towel on the dark sand of Perissa Beach – and don’t, whatever you do, miss the sunset.
Mykonos
A popular destination in the Greek Cyclades Islands, Mykonos is an island of contrasts. On the one hand, the island enjoys a great reputation for its bustling nightlife and tourist-friendly golden beaches – but it’s also a beautiful place to visit if you just want to relax with a good Greek coffee and look out at the iconic old windmills lined up along the coast.
Kefalonia
Many cruises of the Greek Islands will take you to Kefalonia, or Cephalonia – and while it might be last on this list, it’s certainly not the least of the bunch. Cephalonia is the idyllic Greek island and then some – best known for its almost surreal beaches and its pure dose of authentic Greek culture. Less party island, more historic haven – here you’ll find the spellbinding caves of Melissani and Drogarati, ancient treasures on display in the Museum of Argostoli… and plenty of secluded beaches, if you’re perfectly content to just relax in the Greek summer sun.
We think that a cruise holiday is the best way to enjoy the Greek islands. You’re not bound to a hotel in one place, and every day brings a different view and a different cultural experience. Sink your teeth into the ancient history here, or even just a box of treats courtesy of Greece’s famous sweet tooth.
Why not call our Cruise Concierge team free on 0808 1234 118, and let them tell you more about our huge range of sailings in Greece?
Images courtesy of Michael Gleave, Wikipedia/Flickr; Marc Ryckaert, Wikimedia Commons; Pedro Szekely, Flickr/Wikimedia Commons; Sailko, Wikimedia Commons; Matt Simms, Wikimedia Commons.
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