The Greek islands have become the classic cruise destination that allows you to enjoy the benefits of the Aegean Sea, the rich Mediterranean cuisine, historical stories and archaeological treasures. Although we know them under the same name, they actually include several archipelagos: Cyclades, Dodecanese, Ionian, Sporades, as well as the islands located north of the Aegean and the Saronic Gulf.
These archipelagos constitute, in total, a beautiful mosaic of more than 2.000 islands, of which only about 200 are inhabited, offering the visitor the opportunity to delight in appreciating a spectacular landscape, framed in the turquoise blue of its beaches and the white of picturesque towns, famous for their lively nights and the hospitality of their people, which is complemented by a great wealth of architectural, artistic, social and cultural elements that bring us closer to the essence of the emergence of Western civilization.
If you decide to visit some of the Greek islands, you cannot miss the opportunity to include a stop on the Greek peninsula and thus get closer to one of the main historical centers of the world, Athens.
The first must-see is the Acropolis. The most important archaeological site in all of Greece stands on a hill where the remains of the famous Parthenon are located. Also included are other temples such as Erection, considered the most sacred in antiquity, or Athena-Nike, in addition to the theater of Dionysus. Similarly, a visit to the Acropolis museum is recommended, where you will have the opportunity to see one of the famous caryatids (sculptures with a woman's body) up close.
Another area of interest for tourists is made up of a triangle closed in its three vertices by Omonia Square, Syntagma Square and the Plaka neighborhood, which, along with Monastikari, is the liveliest in Athens. At night, you can have a glass of wine in typical taverns while enjoying dances and the magnificent view of the illuminated Parthenon.
Nearby the Plaka neighborhood you will find other notable monuments such as Hadrian's Arch and the Temple of Zeus. Other attractive options can be Zapion Park and the Olympic Stadium. If you go to Syntagma Square, you will see a changing of the guard every hour that has nothing to envy that of London. It is celebrated at the foot of the Greek Parliament, next to the statue of the unknown soldier. It is worth reserving Sunday at 11:30 am to witness the solemn ceremony, in which the soldiers parade in Greek national costume.
When it comes to shopping, Kolonaki is a must-see destination, this being the most elegant neighborhood in Athens, where you can find shops of the best brands. From there, a funicular will take you for two euros to the Lycabettus hill, the highest viewpoint in Athens. The moment you see the sea you will be ready to continue the journey towards the Greek islands.
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The Greek islands can be traversed in many ways; by sea, in conventional cruises, in sailboats of up to ten passengers and luxury yachts; by plane - landing in Athens - and taking the opportunity to rent a car to take a ferry. The five most popular islands, in terms of the number of tourists who visit them annually, are Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu.
Cyclades Islands: From the tranquility of Kea to the lively Mykonos, the fine sandy beaches of Milos or the impressive volcanic ledges of Santorini, the Cyclades Islands offer a score of options to the sailor. For many, Santorini is the most unique and beautiful of the islands on the Greek circuit. What makes it unique is that it literally hovers over the top of an ancient volcano whose explosion, in 1500 BC, is considered one of the largest in history. This island is very touristy and picturesque: its famous sunsets stand out, houses converted into cozy restaurants with terraces overlooking the sea, and handicraft shops. In this destination you can enjoy beautiful beaches, spectacular cliffs and even almost deserted places, such as the northeast coast. Of course, there is no shortage of tour guides, organized excursions and excellent gastronomy (such as the famous Greek skewers, “souvlaki”). Late in the afternoon, the island offers a good nightlife, with Greek music and music from different parts of the world.
Mykonos is another of the most popular Cyclades Islands, known for its hectic nightlife, beautiful beaches, and distinguished jewelers, whose specialty is gold. The advantages of Mykonos are obvious: more than 3000 hours of sunshine a year, crystal clear water, golden beaches and its typical architecture of houses painted white and blue, with the classic windmills as a background. The island of Delos is very close to Mykonos and there is a considerable archaeological park worth visiting.
Dodecanese Islands: they are located between the Cyclades and the Turkish coast. They have a surprising variety of landscapes, classified among the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean. From Samos to Rhodes you will be able to appreciate the trace of different occupations throughout its history: Greco-Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Frankish periods. Rhodes is one of the Dodecanese islands with the greatest significance for its landscapes and historical importance. Precisely at this point was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, The Colossus of Rhodes, a huge statue - now disappeared - that received the navigators. Its walls still safeguard buildings of interest such as the Hospital and the Cathedral of the Knights, converted into the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum respectively. On Mount Smith there are remains of Hellenic Rhodes such as the Temple of Apollo, the Ancient Theater and the Odeon. 58 kilometers from the city, the town of Lindos, with its famous acropolis, is another must-see on the island. Crete: it is the largest of the islands of Greece and has everything for the tourist: ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, a cosmopolitan city as well as the longest rocky gorges in Europe. The great island of Crete is the largest in Greece and the fifth in the Mediterranean. It has a length of 360 kilometers and mountains that exceed 2000 meters in height. Its width ranges between 60 and 13 kilometers. Due to its size, it is divided into Central Crete, East Crete and West Crete. This information must be taken into account by the traveler, since it is an island that needs more time than the others for its visit.
Ionian Islands: Most of the islands included in Greece cruises are in the Aegean. But there is one more jewel, called Corfu, found in the waters of another sea, the Ionian. The city of Corfu, in the center of the island, is one of the most beautiful in the country. In its acropolis there are Greek vestiges such as the Temple of Hera, the monument of Menécrates and the Great Lion. All this without neglecting its beaches and nightlife.
When referring to the group of archipelagos that make up the Greek Islands, we cannot fail to mention the Saronic Islands and the Sporades Islands. They are the ideal destination for those who wish to visit less crowded places without giving up the enjoyment of seascapes, archaeological sites and a pleasant mild and temperate climate. waiting room