CRETE
Who goes there: Celestyal Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Phoenix Reisen, Seabourn, Silversea
Cruisers like: Ships call at Heraklion, the capital of Crete and one of the largest cities in Greece. It dates back to around the ninth century and there are many ruins throughout the town from the Middle Ages, including the well preserved city walls. The ruins of Knossos, thought to be Europe’s oldest city, are close to the town and visitors can walk through the ancient palace and see the famous bull fresco. There are some lovely beaches and quaint fishing villages along the coast.
Best for: Beach lovers and families
Getting around: There are lots of taxis which are cheap. But you can also take a small tourist train for a guided tour of the town. You can rent a car if you have an entire day in port.
CORFU
Who goes there: Aida, Azamara Cruises, Costa Cruises, Carnival, Crystal Cruises Cunard, Holland America Line, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, Star Clippers, TUI Cruises, Viking Oceans, Voyages of Antiquity, Voyages of Discovery. Windstar Cruises
Cruisers like: Corfu is the second largest Ionian island and is one of the most popular tourist destinations. The island has a rich history of battles and conquests and is filled with museums and libraries. Visit the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Asian Art of Corfu which house over 12,000 artefacts including a Greco-Buddhist art collection and many more tourist attractions. Corfu is also a great destination for those who want to relax on the beach and there are great spots on the island for windsurfing and kite surfing.
Best for: Families
Getting around: The ship docks rights in the New Port and there are free interport shuttles to the passenger terminal. Some lines will also provide shuttle services to and from the town for around €8. Taxis will cost around €10. Or, you can take the coastal walk from the terminal to Corfu. It should take you around 30 minutes.
MYKONOS
Who goes there: Aida, Azamara Cruises, Costa Cruises, Carnival, Crystal Cruises Cunard, Holland America Line, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, Star Clippers, TUI Cruises, Viking Oceans, Voyages of Antiquity, Voyages of Discovery. Windstar Cruises
Cruisers like: Mykonos is one of the most visited destinations in all of Europe, best known for its gleaming white buildings with blue trims. This beautiful island has great beaches, restaurants, cafes and clubs and is a wonderful place to catch some Mediterranean sun. If you’re not tanning on Elia Beach, visit the Mykonos windmills. There are many around the island but most are concentrated around the main town of Chora. Also, visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos. For the foodies, try the local specialties like kopanisti mykonou which is a salty, spicy cheese or louza which is a type of cured meat. For those who have a sweet tooth, try melopita which is a type of honey cake.
Best for: Families, couples and party animals.
Getting around: Cruise ships dock at a new port which is a 30-minute walk to the centre of town, though there are shuttle services available. Taxis will cost you around €10 each way but there are not that many available.
PIRAEUS ATHENS
Who goes there: Aida, Azamara Cruises, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Pullmantur, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Star Clippers, Seabourn, SeaDream, Silversea, TUI Cruises, Voyages to Antiquity, Viking Oceans, Windstar Cruises
Cruisers like: The ancient city of Athens is home to some of the world’s top archaeological sites. Most famous is the Acropolis, a 3,300 year old citadel which sits on a hill in the centre of town and contains the Parthenon temple. The city is also it is home to the Archaeological Museum, which has the finest collection of Greek art in the world, and the Benaki Museum with collections from ancient Byzantine and Ottoman-era. Just walking the ancient cobblestone streets is a history lesson in itself. For something different, Athens has a great tradition of outdoor cinema with more than 90 screens around the city.
Best for: Families and history lovers
Getting around: Cruise ships will dock around 15 kilometres from Athens and there will be free shuttles that will drop you off at the main cruise terminals. There are taxis available and rates are posted per taxi. There is also a new bus service from the cruise terminal to the Acropolis and Syntagma.
RHODES
Who goes there: Aida, Azamara Cruises, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Pullmantur, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Star Clippers, Seabourn, SeaDream, Silversea, TUI Cruises, Voyages to Antiquity, Viking Oceans, Windstar Cruises
Cruisers like: Famous for its glittering sandy beaches, Rhodes also has a number of archaeological sites which are worth exploring. Visit Rhodes’ citadel and wander around the Medieval city which was left behind by the Knights of St John. The most famous ancient monument, the Colossus of Rhodes, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The statue once straddled the mouth of the harbour, however was destroyed by an earthquake and no trace remains today.
Best for: Families, young singles and history buffs
Getting around: Your cruise ship will dock very close to the old town of Rhodes (around a five-minute walk). In Rhodes, there is a hop on/hop off bus which leaves at hourly intervals. There is also a tourist train.
SANTORINI
Who goes there: Aida, Azamara Cruises, Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Pullmantur, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Star Clippers, Seabourn, SeaDream, Silversea, TUI Cruises, Voyages to Antiquity, Viking Oceans, Windstar Cruises
Cruisers like: Santorini is one of the most picturesque islands visited by cruise lines. Famous for its white washed buildings and spectacular caldera (volcanic crater), it is a popular destination for those who enjoy swimming and sunbathing. Santorini still has an active volcano, producing rich and fertile soil which is why many of the locals make a living from agriculture. There are a number of archaeological sites for cruisers to visit. A visit to Santorini is also a delight for foodies – make sure you try specialities like cherry tomatoes, white eggplants, fava, capers and the island’s own goat cheese.
Best for: Families and couples
Getting around: Cruisers will be tendered ashore and can then walk, catch a ride on a mule or take a cable car to the main town of Fira. If you want to visit another one of Santorini’s towns, Oia, you can buy a boat transfer and explore the town.