Cruise Greece to explore the stunning coastline, islands, and ancient ruins of this warm, welcoming country. Cruises around Greece offer a perfect way to experience the country’s diverse landscape, from the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea to the rugged cliffs of the Cyclades.
However, with so much to see and do, planning your ideal cruise to Greece may be tricky.
To help, below we share our ultimate guide to cruises around Greece, exploring where Greek cruises sail, which cruise lines you can sail with, and the best things to do there.
Choosing your perfect Greece cruise itinerary
When choosing your Greece cruise itinerary, you’ll need to think about where you’d like to sail from, what places you’d like to visit and how long you’d like your cruise to be.
Where do Greece cruises leave from?
When choosing your starting point for your Greece cruise, you can either cruise to Greece from the UK or opt for a fly cruise.
Cruises to Greece from the UK typically involve longer itineraries that include multiple ports of call. Some UK-based cruise lines, such as P&O Cruises and Cunard Line, offer Eastern Mediterranean itineraries that stop in Greece, visiting ports such as Piraeus (for Athens), Santorini, Mykonos and Kefalonia. These often depart from Southampton or Dover and call at ports in other countries, too, like Italy, Spain, or Croatia.
Alternatively, you can fly to Greece and then cruise the islands, as well as visit places around the mainland coast. There are many incredible fly cruises to Greece in 2023. Usually, you can fly from London airports or any of the larger regional airports in the UK, such as Birmingham, Manchester or Glasgow and then board your ship from Piraeus, near Athens.
Be sure to book your flights so you have a couple of extra days to explore the spectacular city of Athens. As the country’s capital, it is packed with enthralling ancient history alongside a delightful modern culture. From Athens, cruise itineraries may include stops in well-loved Greek islands, such as Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes or Crete, as well as other destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, like Italy, Croatia or Turkey.
Where do Greece cruises go to?
Numerous ports around mainland Greece and the Greek islands are often included in Greek cruise holidays. Some of the most popular ones include:
Piraeus
The port of Piraeus is the main gateway to Athens and is one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean. It is a frequent starting point for many Greek cruises, offering the opportunity to discover the highlights of this city, including its ancient historical sites, vibrant culture and fantastic food.
Santorini
Santorini is one of the most famous Greek islands, known for its breathtaking views, stunning sunsets, and picturesque villages. Its infamous volcano has also created a magnificent lunar landscape of caldera and volcanic beaches.
Mykonos
Mykonos is another favourite Greek island known for its buzzing nightlife, stunning beaches, and iconic windmills. It also has an intriguing heritage, frequently mentioned in Ancient Greek mythology as the place where Zeus faced the Titans in an epic battle.
Rhodes
Rhodes is an island in the southeastern Aegean Sea. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is known for its medieval architecture of fortresses, imposing castles and mazes of cobbled streets.
The island’s beautiful beaches and sandy coves provide idyllic places to relax for a few hours or partake in water sports, such as windsurfing and kite surfing.
Corfu
Corfu is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its lush green landscape, dramatic cliffs and white-sand beaches. Its eclectic history, with influences from Venetian, French and British rule, is seen throughout its picturesque Old Town, mountain villages and historical landmarks across the island.
How long is a cruise to Greece?
Greek cruises range in length from a few days to several weeks, depending on your starting point and itinerary. Most cruises from Greece last between seven and fourteen days, visiting several islands and other countries in the Mediterranean. However, shorter and longer cruises are also available.
What is the best month to go to Greece on a cruise?
The best time of year to visit Greece depends on your preferences and what you want to do on your cruise. The peak tourist season in Greece is from June to August, and the weather is generally hot and sunny during this time. However, it can also be crowded, and prices are typically higher.
If you want to avoid the crowds, the shoulder seasons of May and September are excellent times to visit. The weather is still warm and sunny, but there are fewer tourists, and prices are generally lower. Winter is not the best time to visit Greece, as many tourist attractions and shops may be closed, and the weather can be colder and rainy.
Top Things to Do on a cruise around Greece
With a history stretching back over centuries, captivating culture and arresting natural beauty, Greece offers many wonderful things to see. Here are five of our must-dos:
Visit the Acropolis
The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the most significant ruins in the world. These striking monuments that overlook the capital reveal a fascinating civilisation of Ancient Greek times and draw over 16,000 visitors a day.
Explore the Greek Islands
Greece is home to over 2,000 islands, and a Greek cruise offers the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful ones. Spectacular Santorini, vivacious Mykonos and cosmopolitan Corfu are just some of the most enchanting islands to visit.
Enjoy the beaches
Greece is known for its stunning beaches, and cruises to Greece and its islands provide the opportunity to wander their glorious sands, swim in the crystal-clear waters or simply sit back and soak up the sun. Some of the best beaches in Greece include Navagio Beach (Zakynthos), Elafonisi Beach (Crete), and Myrtos Beach (Kefalonia).
Visit ancient ruins
Greece is home to many ancient ruins. As well as the Acropolis, some of its most significant sites include the Temple of Olympian Zeus (Athens), the Ancient Agora (Athens), and the Palace of Knossos (Crete). Opt to cruise around Greece, and you’ll get the chance to explore several of these historical sites and learn about Greece’s rich history.
Sample the local cuisine
Greek gastronomy is known for its fresh ingredients and flavourful dishes. Stop in the Greek tavernas to try some of the best local cuisine, such as moussaka, souvlaki and dolmades.
Which cruise lines sail around Greece?
Many of the leading cruise lines offer itineraries that include stops in Greece, including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.
For a cruise holiday that sails from the UK, take a look at MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Cunard Line and Fred. Olsen Cruise Line, which offer itineraries around the Mediterranean and include stops in Greece.
If you have any questions about cruises to Greece, or would like to book a Greek cruise holiday, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.
