Greek Islands are one of the top itineraries among the Mediterranean cruises. If you want to behold postcard-perfect coasts, soak up the Mediterranean sun on some of the world's best beaches, explore ancient ruins, and go shopping in glittering European stores, such a cruise has all chances to become your dream vacation to remember!
Best time to cruise the Greek Islands
Normally, the cruise lines in the Med operate year-round, but winters are notorious for rough seas and generally unpleasant weather. This description applies to Greek Islands too. The best season for cruises in this area is April to October, with special conditions applying every month. April and October belong to the shoulder season; May to September is the high season; the most popular time, despite scorching 100 °F (38°C), is July and August. One of the most appealing months is still September, due to fewer tourists, milder temperatures, and the grape harvest season on Santorini.
Greek Island cruise itineraries
Greek Isles only
If you're interested primarily in the Greek Islands, opt for Greece-only cruises, operated by smaller ships, niftier to navigate around the minute isles and ports that are not so easy to access. The main benefit of such cruises is that they take you to lesser-known heavenly spots, like Skiathos or Hydra. Besides, small ships make longer stops at these islands than traditional cruise ships, so you'll likely spend all day and overnight at some ports. All in all, you will hop between myriad fancy islands, offering a perfect beach holiday, with unique snorkeling, dining, shopping, and nightlife options. Greece-only cruises are mostly offered by Greek cruise lines, starting and finishing in Athens.
Greece & Turkey
Another itinerary features both Greek Islands and Turkish ports along the so-called Turquoise Coast. On these cruises, you will typically stop in such beautiful historical cities as Kusadasi and Bodrum, boasting ancient architecture similar to that of Greece. Some Greece and Turkey cruises sail a round trip from Athens, while others end in Istanbul.
Eastern Mediterranean
Eastern Mediterranean is still the most common way to experience Greek isles on a cruise. Usually, this itinerary implies a longer vacation on large cruise ships, departing from Athens or Venice and calling on the mainstream islands, such as Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Katakolo, and Corfu. Some of these cruises end in Istanbul, whereas others make their way to Israel. Since the Eastern Mediterranean itinerary is extremely popular, it's offered by local and European operators, as well as most of the US cruise lines.
When you decide on the cruise line and know your start and end ports, consider booking a stay before or after your voyage. Perhaps, you'd love to explore the city of Athens, Venice, or Istanbul, in addition to the cruise itinerary. Feel free to check the map below for available accommodations near the port cities.
Practical info
When should you go for a Greek Island cruise?
Greek Island cruises are best enjoyed from April through October. April and October feature milder weather conditions and fewer tourists, while May to September carries higher temperatures and larger crowds. If you wish to dodge masses of tourists and enjoy comfortable temperatures, September is your month. You'll experience fewer crowds while enjoying the grape harvest season at Santorini. Show more
What are some ideal cruise routes for Greek Island cruises?
Greek Island cruises have three main itinerary options. For those wanting an immersive experience of the Greek islands, cruises offering Greece-only options are recommended. These cruises allow access to lesser-known islands that most prominent cruises can't reach. Greece and Turkey cruises present a blend of Turkish and Greek destinations that highlight ancient history and architecture. Eastern Mediterranean cruises tend to feature larger ships that call on popular isles such as Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, and more. Show more
Where can I find Greece-only cruises?
Greek-only cruises are typically arranged by Greek cruise lines that commence and end in Athens, stopping over at one-of-a-kind ports like Skiathos and Hydra in between. These small cruises feature more extended stops, allowing passengers to explore much lesser-known islands in greater detail. Greek Island cruises offer routes that take passengers between breathtaking islands that are guaranteed to provide memorable experiences. Show more
What makes Greece-only cruises special?
Greek-only cruises operate with smaller ships, granting access to magnificent isles such as Skiathos and Hydra. Cruise ships provide more time to explore these places and allow more prolonged stopovers, unlike other regular cruise ships. Furthermore, these cruises have more incredible snorkeling locations, dining venues, nightlife options, and shopping stops. Sailing on smaller ships also makes it easier to navigate throughout the cruise, providing a much more comfortable and intimate experience for passengers. Show more
What are some destinations covered in an Eastern Mediterranean cruise?
An Eastern Mediterranean cruise is the go-to itinerary for those planning a Greek Island cruise. Large cruises covering this route call on widespread destinations like Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Katakolo, and Corfu. Most Eastern Mediterranean cruises start from Athens or Venice and conclude at Istanbul, with stops at Israeli ports along the way. A selection of numerous European and American travel planners and local operators arrange these cruises. Show more
