Greece is a versatile destination; from sun-seekers to island hoppers, every type of traveller can take something away from the beautiful Greek islands. Whether you are looking for that change-up from other destinations in the Med or hoping to catch a glimpse of some ancient history, cruising is one of the best ways to visit the famous cities. So, here are some of the reasons you should include Greece into your next cruising itinerary.

CUISINE

Before we start with the amazing destinations that you can visit, Greece is home to a versatile range of food and drink. With everything from streetfood to Michelin-starred restaurants, you can get your hands on flavoursome dishes at affordable prices. Tzatziki, moussaka and souvlaki are all must-try morsels, while dessert lovers can try bougatsa, turnovers or baklava.

A large part of the dining experience in Greece is the scenery. With a selection of unrivalled backdrops to choose from, picking the best seat for that unforgettable sunset can make your evening one to remember.

ISLANDS

There are a remarkable 6,000 islands lies off the coast of mainland Greece and, out of these, only 227 are inhabited. Here are some of the most famous and what each can bring to your cruising holiday:

SANTORINI

Situated near the south of the larger islands, Santorini has a diverse landscape that was formed due to a volcanic eruption dating back to 1600 BC. Luxury hotels line the sloped surfaces with iconic blue roofs acting as the poster-child for the island’s stunning scenery. Finally, the island hosts some jaw-dropping restaurants infusing the best of the mainland’s dishes and heart-warming sunsets for the perfect romantic setting.

MYKONOS

Mykonos has cemented itself amongst the greatest Greek gems, with exploring the small town becoming a tourist must. Nicknamed ‘Little Venice’, the island boasts a line of stunning waterfront bars, glistening beaches and friendly locals that are memorable features throughout the days and evenings. Finally, the windmills in Chora are the island’s heritage point. Built back in the 16th century, there are only 16 of these former wheat mills still standing.

CORFU

From small hidden coves to secluded beaches, the island of Corfu is the seventh-largest in the Ionian group and is large enough for return trips if you plan on visiting Greece again. As with many of the other islands, Corfu also boasts rich history inside of its old town, which has been added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lastly, it’s positioned just off the north-west coast allowing easy access to the mainland and cities like Igoumenitsa.

MAINLAND

ATHENS

Sitting at the centre of a once-powerful empire, Athens is not only the capital of Greece but one of the oldest cities in the world, with monuments dating back to 5th century BC. Arguably the most famous and the first historical site you will see during your journey, the Acropolis of Athens has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds Greece’s most famous monument, the Parthenon. This towering outcrop once stood as a place of worship where Greeks could go and hide in the event of an invasion.

Fortunately, Athens is very easy to get around with affordable public transport and easy-to-navigate city streets – you can visit all of the must-see attractions in no time. Plus, with the city being so close to the sea, Athens represents a great holiday for both sun-seekers and history buffs. Just remember, before you leave the capital, to visit some of the city’s extensive sculptures depicting Greek gods, goddesses and mythological stories.