Figures released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – one of the biggest cruise companies – show that Greece continues to be a popular destination for cruises in the world managing to rank third in Europe. Popular ports of call are the islands of Santorini, Corfu and Mykonos with Piraeus ranking fifth among European home ports.
USA Today had a dedication to cruises to Greek islands, encouraging American readers to visit “must-do islands” such as Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete and Corfu. “A cruise to the Greek isles takes you to dramatic landscapes where history is on display at archaeological sites dating back thousands of years,” writes journalist Fran Golden who recommends certain cruise itineraries that give passengers “time to sip local wine at a taverna, explore beautiful beaches and absorb the scenery of whitewashed homes clinging to cliffs above the blue Aegean Sea.”
The article also includes a market study of various cruise operators visiting the isles and the benefits of traveling with them. To read the whole article, CLICK HERE.
Greece has over 6,000 islands of which 227 are inhabited. Below is an account of favorite destinations that should be considered a “must” on any cruise itinerary.
Mykonos
Known as the Island of Winds with its landmark windmills, Mykonos is ideal for meandering around the narrow whitewashed alleyways where you will undoubtedly come across Petros the Pelican, the island’s mascot. The island has a reputation as a vacation spot for the planet’s jetsetters and is known for its famous nightlife. It’s beaches – Psarou, Super Paradise and Agrari – are also stunning. Pictured below is Little Venice, a row of fishing houses that line the waterfront as their balconies hang over the sea.
Santorini
The cliffs of the caldera dotted with whitewashed houses make Santorini picture-perfect and romantic. Crescent-shaped Santorini is actually a group of islands made up of Thira, Aspronissi, Palea and Nea Kameni that sit on an active volcano. The last big eruption occured 3,600 years ago.
Corfu
The beautifully preserved Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO world heritage site blends palaces, fortresses, public buildings constructed during Venetian rule with tiny alleyways and small secluded squares. This is the island where Ulysses met Princess Nafsika in Homer’s “Odyssey” and is a magical destination with colorful music events, culinary fesasts, religious festivals, carnival celebrations with Venetian influences and an exquisite natural environment.
Rhodes
President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping’s trip to Rhodes showcased the island’s beauty when he arrived on Monday. The boardwalk from the port reads to the main entrance to the old historic medieval Rhodes Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cobblestoned roads are filled with shops, restaurants and bars in the charming buildings as well as museums such as the Palace of the Grand Masters.
Crete
The long 1,000 kilometer coastline is dotted with numerous coves, bays and peninsulas with plenty of soft, sandy beaches. The island is the birthplace of Minoan civilization and the largest island of Greece. The Venetian lighthouse pictured is a trademark of the city of Chania. The harbor, built between 1320 and 1356, is a busy and magical.
