When people talk to me about cruising, especially those who haven’t yet dipped their toes in the water and taken their first cruise, the most popular comment I hear is “I’ve always fancied going on a cruise around the Greek Islands”...so what better choice for our first Destination of the Week.
Greece is made up of over 6,000 islands; only 227 of these are inhabited, with Crete being the largest of the islands. The islands are then grouped into the following clusters: the Argo-Saronic Islands, the Cyclades, the North Aegean islands, the Dodecanese, the Sporades, and the Ionian Islands.
The Greek Islands are much like the Caribbean in that each island has its own personality and charm. What better way to start the day than taking in the view from your cruise ship window of white cliff-top villages and clear blue seas and skies all bathed in sunlight? Cruise ships visit several different islands, but three islands seem to be on many itineraries and demonstrate all that is best about this area - Santorini, Rhodes, and Mykonos.
Santorini is one of the most photographed and painted islands in the world, due to its stunning views and sunsets. Ships sail into the ancient volcanic caldera; from here catch sight of the capital city of Fira sitting atop the cliffs. You’ll usually be tendered ashore; to reach Fira you have to take a cable car or enjoy a thrilling donkey ride up the cliffs to the top. Visit Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, and Folklore Museum. Oia is worth a visit too, famed for its colourful sunsets and blue-roofed houses; easily accessible by a 30-minute journey from Fira’s bus station.
Cruise ships dock just outside the walls of Rhodes’ Old Town, a five-minute walk away. The atmospheric old town is encased in ancient city walls and lined with shops, bars, and restaurants; many of which are open until late in the evening if your cruise ship docks overnight. Good buys include gold and silver jewellery, leather, sea sponges, lace, carpets, linens, and killems. Culture fans can explore the medieval city of the Knights of St John; including Palace of the Grand Master and Great Hospital of the Knights, now an archaeological museum.
Mykonos is famous for its wonderful beaches, hill-top windmills, and thriving summer nightlife scene.Your ship will dock at the New Port at Tourlos; head to Mykonos Town (aka Chora) by shuttle bus or taxi to stroll its quaint cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops and cafes. From here you can also hop on a boat to the neighbouring island of ancient Delos; birthplace of Apollo and home to the Lion Terrace and indoor Archaeological Museum. Little Venice, modelled on the famed Italian town, is the place to head for afternoon drinks, stunning views, and the vibrant art district.
You can eat your way round the world in the Greek Islands – whether you’re looking for fast food, Italian, Chinese or Indian fare, you’ll not be disappointed. But you can’t visit Greece and not sample the traditional food on the menu in the tavernas – start your meal with a meze of appetisers including taramosalata, tzatziki, and dolmades, follow with traditional Greek mousakka or calamari, and then finish with baklava for dessert. Aniseed-flavoured Ouzo is the preferred aperitif and the robustly-flavoured Retsina wine is the popular accompaniment to any meal.
The Greek Islands enjoy a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild winters. From May to late September, temperatures are generally between 20◦C and 30◦C, and most days are sunny, bright, and cloudless, with some islands seeing over 12 hours of sunshine a day - conditions ideal for sunbathing and exploring!
To experience the popular Greek Islands for yourself, Hays Cruise have a wide selection of cruises taking in the highlights of this area - to find out more contact us on 0800 408 4229.
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