Do you want laid back party vibes on the beach? Are you keen to explore the wide variety of National Parks on foot? Or are you looking to tick off some ancient monuments from your bucket list? Below, we've explored the country's main cruise ports to help make your decision a little easier.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your perfect cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
Argostoli
This beautiful town, on the island of Kefalonia, lies around 200 miles to the West of Athens. Whist Kefalonia is a popular Greek island, this small gem is relatively tourist-free and so a wonderful stop for those looking to soak up Greek traditions in a peaceful setting. Explorations by both bike or boat are popular, as are opportunities for kayak rentals and swimming - where you shouldn’t be surprised to see a turtle or two pass by. A good selection of tavernas and bars offer Greek cuisine and wine, and the local shops display local produce and art pieces to peruse as you wander through this laid-back paradise.
Athens (Piraeus)
The Greek capital is most commonly accessed from the port of Piraeus, just six miles West of the city (around a 30-minute coach shuttle). Athens is a must-see for many cruisers in the Western Mediterranean, who long to wander in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks as they gaze at the Acropolis, Parthenon and temples dedicated to the Gods. Step away from the crowds to saunter through the National Gardens, or embrace the bustle in the Varvakios Agora, the city’s largest food market. For those looking to stumble upon hidden gems, the neighbourhood of Plaka offers the chance to wander through beautiful residential streets, with architectural styles from across the ages, discovering historic sites, churches, museums and squares. A day in Athens will be different for all who visit, but all can be assured of a memorable experience in this unique city.
Chania (Souda)
The variety of architecture seen as you enter Crete’s second largest city is evidence of its varied past. The Venetian lighthouse and grand arsenal dominate the city alongside Roman, Greek and Ottoman influences, making the centre and harbour fascinating places for a day’s exploration, with plenty of opportunities to shop and enjoy the local cuisine too. The beaches on this Northern part of the Greek island are spectacular and there are plenty to choose from: Apostoli Beach is conveniently close to the centre with all the amenities you could need, whilst a trip to Elafonisi promises a calmer atmosphere on the pink sands. The most popular 30-minute excursion from Chania is a hike through Samaria Gorge, filled with rare species and gentle streams. New vistas come into view at every turn, making this a hugely rewarding experience for those who love to immerse themselves in the world’s beautiful natural landscapes.
Corfu
This Northern Greek island’s name means ‘peaks’ and as you step off the ship, it is abundantly clear why. Two hills form the backdrop to the island and have been used as protection for trade across the centuries by the Venetians, French, British and Greeks. As a result, Corfu abounds with a mix of architecture, which can be explored at your leisure alongside opportunities for shopping and dining in some of the most stunning locations in Greece. The island is also known for its phenomenal beaches, and there are plenty to choose from. Sidari Beach on the North of the island is well worth the visit for its sandstone rock formations above the Canal d’Amour, where legend has it that you’ll meet your soulmate if you can swim to the end. With beach bars and a nearby water park, this friendly area offers everything that you'd expect from a Greek coastal paradise.
Heraklion
Explore behind the fortified walls of Heraklion’s harbour to discover why the capital of Crete is such a special cruise destination. Today, this busy port offers a range of museums and a fantastic aquarium, wonderful beaches and a growing appetite for world-class cuisine. Founded 4,000 years ago, the town has a staggering number of historical sites waiting to be explored. The Castello del Molo fortress dominates the harbour; the Agios Minos cathedral is a wonder inside and out; and the Palace of Knossos offers an insight into the might of the former Minoan empire. Another option is to take an excursion to Matala where you'll find something for the whole family. There's a chance to explore one of Crete’s oldest neighbourhoods, plenty of beaches and the famous neolithic caves.
Katakolo
Despite being Greece’s second most popular cruise destination, Katakolo still has the atmosphere of a traditional Greek village. Nestled on the country’s Southern edge, the village has a population of just a few hundred. The area is well-known for its vineyards and beaches and the authentic harbour area offers plenty of choice for lunch as you gaze out to the crystal clear waters beyond the fishing boats. Another option for your day in port is to take a thirty-minute shuttle to Olympia where the Olympic Games began back in 776BC. The astonishingly well-preserved monuments of the Temple of Zeus and Temple of Hera, as well as the marble starting blocks, are a sight to behold as you take a step back in time. Explore further in the Archaeological Museum before returning to the ship.
Mykonos
This Southern Greek island is famous for its sophisticated party atmosphere and stunning beauty. As you enter the port, the island’s seven 16th century windmills stand proud and as you disembark, follow their path to an area of the island known as Little Venice. This neighbourhood, built by Italians, grips to the coastline and has something for everyone, from shops and art galleries to restaurants and cocktail bars, plus some of the best sunsets in Greece. For those cruisers seeking the sand and surf, Elia beach, seven miles along the coastline, is one of the longest stretches on the island, offering a range of water sports and plenty of space to relax with beautiful bay views. If you’re looking for celebrity spotting, Psarou beach is home to luxury hotels and super yachts and while renting an umbrella is more expensive than elsewhere on the island, you will experience the true glamour of the Mykonos.
Nafphlion
As one of the lesser-known Greek mainland ports, Nafphlion surprises cruisers with its alluring coastline and excellent location for some of Greece’s historic sites. The town itself is centred around the marble flagged Syntagma Square, the perfect location for lunch and a glass of the local wine. Off the square, the Ottomon Trianon Mosque oozes charm and, if you’re ready to climb the 999 steps, the views from the town’s fortress are spectacular. Several excursions showcase the marvels of this Greek region. A boat ride 400m from the harbour takes you to Bourtzi Castle, the fortress that guards the island. Its fascinating history can be explored inside and if you’re lucky enough to stay for the sunset, make sure you have the camera at the ready. Alternatively, an hour's drive to the ancient city of Epidaurus will transport you to the 6th century. Here, the Temple of Asclepius, the God of Healing, stands proud alongside other beautifully preserved ruins and artifacts, that tell the story of ancient medicine from some of the first surgical instruments to shock therapy with snakes.
Rhodes
The popular island of Rhodes is one of the busier Greek cruise destinations and the stunning scenery and the wide variety of activities and excursions on offer explain why. The New Town area has several luxury restaurants lining the waterfront, alongside a range of water sports from windsurfing to paragliding. In contrast, the UNESCO Heritage Old Town offers winding streets filled with castles and ruins within its fortified walls. An hour drive will take you to Lindos, where the Acropolis dominates the top of the hill, overlooking the white-washed houses below. Some tourists choose to climb to the top for the stunning views of the island whilst others bathe in the crystal-clear waters below. Another, closer, excursion is to the thermal baths of Kallithea Springs, a destination for those wishing to rejuvenate amongst the rocks, with a drink in hand.
Santorini
The white-washed buildings of Santorini, with their beautiful blue domed rooves, welcome you ashore. As a volcanic island, boat trips run regularly to see active craters, while Santorini’s unique beaches display pebbles of grey, red and white, where cruisers can relax in the Mediterranean sun. If you can tear yourself away, a visit to one of the postcard villages offers a range of local artisan products, such as jewellery, statues and ouzo, whilst for the adrenaline-seekers, there are opportunities for jet skiing and scuba diving. The cuisine of this island is extremely varied so expect the traditional Greek delicacies, lovingly made with delicious local produce, alongside Asian and European fusion dishes, all to be washed down with a glass of the island’s wine or a refreshing cocktail.
Thessaloniki
Greece’s second largest city on the country’s Eastern shores offers a bustling centre and wide stretches of beautiful sand. Alike the rest of the country, this Greek destination reminds you of its history at every turn. The UNESCO World Heritage site, Rotunda of St George, houses stunning mosaics and the Arch of Galerius shows the majesty of the former palace at the site. You could spend a whole day strolling along the promenade, with its sculpture garden and photography museum making interesting stops along the way, or, if you’re looking for tranquillity, head a short drive west to Axios Delta National Park where water buffalos, flamingos and wild horses roam with hundreds of migrating bird species. While you’re off the ship, be sure to grab a bougatsa, a flaky filo pastry flavoured with layers of custard, sugar and cinnamon, after a delicious lunch in a taverna. Expect bold flavours as local products mix with Asian spices to create sumptuous meze dishes.
Zakynthos
This Western Greek island offers stunning natural beauty and relatively low tourist numbers. Depart the ship to explore long stretches of sand, secluded coves and grottos all below the soaring white cliffs. The famous ‘Shipwreck Beach’ is a popular Instagram spot, famous for its unique rock formation. Coral reefs off the coast are home to a wide variety of species, including turtles, with boat trips available to explore these wild paradises. The island is abundant with fresh produce, from Greek yogurt and honey to olive oil and freshly-caught seafood, which is served from seafront taverna balconies, the perfect end to your day in this Greek utopia.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your perfect cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
