Island Hopping To Corfu
While Greece’s Aegean islands are well known as top vacation getaway destinations around the world, Corfu is somewhat less recognized among today’s international jet-set. It’s astounding that it’s managed to fly under the radar for so long especially considering it’s one of the region’s most romantic destinations. Located on the opposite side of the mainland in the Ionian Sea, this large island represents a quieter, more idyllic alternative to its well-trod sister isles east of the Athenian Riviera. You’ll see evidence of its centuries under Venetian rule in its pastel-colored Italianate architecture, which clashes whimsically with its massive fortresses and quiet fishing villages.
About 30 minutes from Corfu, you’ll find the beautiful village of Paleokastritsa, home to a historic monastery, lots of restaurants serving up fresh-caught seafood and some of the country’s top-rated beaches. There’s also the Achilleion Palace, built in the late 19th century for an Austrian Empress, filled with restored frescoes, perfectly manicured gardens and statues of Greek gods including Hera and Zeus. For some retail therapy in between onshore discoveries, visit Corfu’s charming Old Town. The shops that line its streets sell everything from kitschy souvenirs to stunning porcelain vases, painted seashells and more. And whatever you do, don’t leave without purchasing some of the island’s famous handmade olive soap to bring home with you.
Best Time Of Year For A Greek Isles Cruise
Royal Caribbeans European cruise season runs from April to October each year, with cruises to the Greek Isles being offered all season long.
Truthfully, there is no wrong time to go on a Greek Isles cruise. Weather in the Mediterranean remains sunny, dry, and warm throughout the cruise season and seas tend to be quite calm.
That being said, the peak of summer can get uncomfortably hot in Greece, so scheduling excursions and port days around the beach is recommended. The most pleasant temperatures can be found in late spring and fall.
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The most crowds will be found in the peak summer months of June, July, and August, although crowds should be expected at any time of the cruise season. Oftentimes how crowded a port feels is more correlated with how many ships are in port with you as opposed to the month itself. Having only one ship in port in mid-July will feel far less crowded than having three ships in port in September.
The most important thing you can do when traveling in peak season is to disembark the ship as early as possible. Not only will you be able to start exploring before the weather gets too warm, but youll get the chance to walk around town before hoards of other tourists arrive.
Greek Islands: Best Cruises And Sailing Adventures
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: Margaret Barrett
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Windstar Greek Island Cruises
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.
Typical Windstar cruises of the Greek islands range from seven to 19 days, and island-hopping itineraries are also part of longer voyages, such as an epic 85-day voyage starting in Reykjavik and ending in Istanbul.
The nine-night Ancient Wonders of Greece and Ephesus cruise sails round trip from Athens and provides an immersive experience throughout the trip. That includes the chance to swim in the same lagoon the goddess Athena was said to have bathed.
What Cruise Lines Go To The Greek Isles
Once reserved for the elite class, the Greek Islands are now frequented by ships big and small. Which line to choose depends largely on which islands you’d like to visit the smaller the ship, the more hard-to-reach islands passengers can visit. These lines sail to Greece regularly, with a range of ports of call:
- Royal Caribbean Cruises: Often departing from Civitavecchia, Italy, Royal Caribbean’s Greek Isles cruises make stops in Katakolon, Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. Shore excursions on these itineraries include a visit to the Agriturismo Magna Grecia Farm and a hike up Santorini’s famous Nea Kameni volcano.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Sail with Regent to Greece from Barcelona on a Grand Mediterranean Cruise or round trip from Athens on a Majestic Greek Isles sailing. Regent visits Greek ports like Khios, Volos, Katakolon and Athens. Voyages are seven or more nights, with many including ports in Spain and Italy as well.
- Windstar Cruises: For yacht-style cruising and visits to less regularly trafficked ports, Windstar is a top choice. On an Athens to Athens voyage, Windstar travelers will visit nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and stop in less-crowded ports like Nafplio and Patmos.
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Other Greek Isles Itineraries
Outside of cruises to Turkey and the Adriatic, youll come across other cruise itineraries that visit Greece. Holy Land cruises, for example, often visit several Greek islands in addition to ports in Israel and Turkey.
You can also find itineraries that include stops in Greece and Cyprus as well as one-way sailings from Greece to the Western Mediterranean visiting ports like Rome and Barcelona.
Seadream Yacht Club Greek Island Cruises
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.”
The all-inclusive sailings feature five-star dining and the only “raw food” menu at sea with dishes prepared using raw, organic and vegan ingredients.
Many SeaDream Greek Isles cruises feature a memorable passage through the high-sided Corinth Canal, a man-made canal in Greece that is just 70 feet wide. The nine-night Venice to Athens sailing is one of the line’s special Wine Voyages featuring wine tastings and winemaker’s dinners reflecting the areas being visited. SeaDream mega-yachts SeaDream I and SeaDream II are also available for exclusive private charter.
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Essential Greek Island Cruise Vacations
An essential stop is the glamorous island of Mykonos, with its gleaming white-washed houses and winding lanes of Chora. The islands main town and port, along with its famous array of beaches, combine to make it an unforgettable port of call. The Mykonian reputation for exuberance is truly second to none.Among the most popular Greek islands with Vacationmakers is Rhodes, a mesmerizing presence with its astonishingly well-preserved medieval old town and lush scenery beyond. While considerably smaller, Patmos occupies a vaunted place in Christendom on account of John the Evangelist who, having been expelled from Ephesus by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 95 AD, received his Revelation in the Cave of the Apocalypse. And then there is Crete. With an array of historic cities and a vast and dazzling coastline, its no wonder the Greeks call Crete the megalonisos: the big island. In the Bronze Age, from about 3000 BC to 1200 BC, the Minoan culture flourished on the island and left behind the palace ruins of Knossos where the mythical lair of the Minotaur is among our complimentary excursions.
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Greek Isles Cruise Highlights
Pack comfortable shoes and a bathing suit: of Greece’s many draws, you cannot miss relaxing on the beaches of Mykonos and Santorini or hiking up to historical gems like the Acropolis. Other must-sees include ruins like the Parthenon, Ancient Mycenae, and Mystras. In Athens, the and the Acropolis Museum showcase Greek treasures preserved from the earliest centuries of Western civilization. For shopping, stroll through Plaka, a historical neighborhood in Athens, or Monastiraki.
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Island Hopping To Mykonos
Mykonos, another of Greece’s most famous islands to visit, has earned a reputation as a party island getaway. True, you’ll find no shortage of beat-thumping, celebrity-frequented beach clubs near Ornos, Paraga and Paradise Beach, as well as vibrant nightlife in Mykonos Town. Though you can also find plenty of sun-kissed rest and relaxation. Ftelia, Kapari, Fokos and Mersini are some of Mykonos’s quieter, more secluded beaches. Since the island has very few taxis, and they’re all in demand during the busy summer months, consider splurging and chartering a boat during your time in Mykonos. I chartered a sailboat with a captain for the whole day and quickly found it’s the most convenient way to get to the island’s quieter beaches and hidden coves. The captain regaled me with stories of each location’s history and offered insider tips on where to eat and party on the island a priceless bonus.
If you’re a history lover, you should definitely pencil in an excursion to the nearby island of Delos. In ancient times, Delos was believed to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess Artemis and the god Apollo and served as the region’s holiest and most important island. Today, it’s home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s considered one of Greece’s most significant and best-preserved archeological wonders. Visitors can explore the ruins of Greek, Roman, Syrian and Egyptian shrines dating back thousands of years before heading back to Mykonos by boat or ferry.
Test The Acoustics Of The Theatre Of Epidaurus
The Theatre of Epidaurus is known around the world for its exceptional acoustics and its perfectly preserved structure. Even the slightest sound in the orchestra carries to the very top of the auditorium, allowing all 12,000 spectators to appreciate every performance. Dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, this ancient theatre hosts an annual festival every summer.
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Appreciate A More Relaxed Way Of Life In Paros
The pearl of the Cyclades, Paros is a Greek postcard come to life. Its small fishing ports are filled with blue and white boats to match the whitewashed houses with navy shutters, while the beaches are hidden in coves or laid out along the coast in long stretches of golden sand. High in the hills, Lefkes is one of the island’s most charming villages. Its cobbled streets are lined with taverns, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, the sea and the distant island of Naxos.
Greek Isles Cruise Ports
Most cruises to Greece will stop at three to four Greek ports. While each port is, in some way or another, quintessentially Greek, they each offer their own highlights. Some ports may fare best for a beach day whereas others are located nearby some of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
Having an understanding of what is offered in each Greek port can help you better select a cruise itinerary. No matter which itinerary you choose, however, youll likely be amazed by the beauty, culture, and charm of everywhere you visit in Greece.
Here are some of the ports to choose from on a Greek Isles cruise itinerary:
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When Is The Best Time To Go To The Greek Isles
Summer is the most popular time to visit Greece, with warm weather perfect for sunbathing and cooling off in the island’s surrounding deep blue waters. June through September is peak season, with July and August seeing the most frequent sailings. During these times, it can get very hot, with temperatures reaching into the 90s , so much sure to stay hydrated and pack light, cool clothes.
Which Currency Should I Bring Do I Need Cash
Greece uses the Euro, and ATMs are widely available on Greek islands. Its recommended to bring around 200 euros with you on a Greek Isles cruise, as you may occasionally come across restaurants, bars, and shops that do not take credit or debit cards. Most businesses will take card payments, especially in more touristy areas, so try to pay with card first .
As most Greek Isles cruises visit other countries in addition to Greece, its important to know which currencies to use in each port.
- Italy and Montenegro use the euro as their official currency, and Croatia will be officially adopting the euro in 2023, although payments in Euro are accepted in 2022.
- Turkeys official currency is the Turkish Lira, and while you can usually pay with euros or credit cards in tourist areas, you will likely get a better exchange rate when paying in Lira. If your cruise only visits Turkey for one day, though, it may not be worth the hassle to use the Lira.
- Israels official currency is the New Israeli Shekel , but card payments are widely accepted throughout the country. Similar to Turkey, if your cruise only visits Israel for one day, you may not need to take out local currency, instead opting for card payments or using euros.
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Up Close And Personal To The Very Best Of Greece And The Greek Islands Cruise Vacations
Its easy to fall under an eternal spell of romanticism during a cruise vacation in Greece and the Greek islands. The eastern reaches of the eastern Mediterranean were the crossroads of many influential civilizations of antiquity from Phoenicians to Mycenaeans to Athenians and still more, as historic sites bear witness throughout the islands of the Dodecanese chain. From the majesty of the Acropolis in Athens to the beauty of picture-perfect islands such as Mykonos and Patmos, Greece and the Greek islands cruise Vacation is an all-time classic destination that appeals to every sense. No other country has given the world so much cultural heritage. The countrys lauded history and multifaceted architecture blend with incredible natural settings in port cities like Kavala and Volos a spellbinding gateway to the otherworldly landscapes of Meteora in Thessaly, the lunar-like rocks of Sarakiniko Beach and blue-domed churches of Santorini.
Which Ship Should I Book
In the Caribbean, which has an abundance of ships sailing at any time of year, we often say to choose a newer or amplified ship for your first cruise experience. Choosing a newer, updated ship means youll be able to experience Royal Caribbeans latest activities, entertainment, and restaurants.
For a Greek Isles cruise, however, we advise looking more at the destinations you want to visit rather than the ship itself. If sailing through the dramatic cliffs of Kotor, Montenegro would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you, you wont be able to book the biggest cruise ship.
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If youre traveling with kids, keep in mind that most Greek Isles cruises are extremely port-intensive. Unlike on a Caribbean cruise where you may have three sea days in one week, its not uncommon for there to be only one day at sea while cruising the Mediterranean.
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Greek Isles Cruise Itineraries
Its rare for a Greek Isles cruise to only visit Greece. In fact, even when a cruise is labeled Greek Isles Cruise on Royal Caribbeans website, the itinerary usually includes one or two port stops in nearby countries in addition to Greece.
There are plenty of beautiful and historic ports in the Mediterranean to discover outside of Greece, but the type of Greek Isles itinerary you choose can influence what other countries and ports youll visit.
Local Currency & Tipping Customs
The Euro is Greeces primary form of currency. While credit cards are widely accepted, its recommended to double check before using a credit card. Tipping taxi drivers isnt common, but its polite to do so when given great customer service, and a typical percentage would be 10% of your fare. Its also customary to leave some Euros behind at a restaurant if the service or meal was very satisfactory. If there is no service charge included in your bill, a 10% tip is customary. Finally, if youre taking a tour in Greece, leave an additional tip of 5-10 for your tour guide.
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What Is The Dress Code On The Boat
Unlike the bigger ocean liners where evenings can be quite formal, life on our vessels is very relaxed and casual. During the warmer months, you will find our guests typically wearing shorts, summer dresses or bathing suits during the day. Summer evenings in Greece are also pleasantly warm, so clients will enjoy dining on shore in smart chino shorts, jeans, linen trousers or summer dresses. During the cooler months, we do advise guests to bring a windproof jacket and slightly warmer clothes as temperatures in the evening can get quite chilly. What to take with you on a Greek Island Cruise.
Places To Visit When Island Hopping In Greece
When it comes to unforgettable and extravagant summertime adventures, there’s nothing like a week spent Greek island hopping. Take it from me I sailed across the Aegean Sea on an 11-night Greek Isles cruise, and nothing comes close to topping the amazing culture, crave-worthy food and jaw-dropping beaches I had to look forward to every day. The many shores that make up this one-of-a-kind destination offer something for every type of traveler: rich history infused with colorful ancient mythology, dramatic landscapes that beckon with plenty of outdoor activities, delicious cuisine that goes big on fresh, locally sourced flavor and warm hospitality that will make you feel right at home everywhere you go. If you’re anything like me, the perfect getaway involves all of the above.
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