A Guide to Greek Island Cruises

Quick insights

• The Greek Islands are a popular cruise destination for those wanting to experience the best the Mediterranean has to offer.
• Many Greek cruises include stops on the islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Crete.
• June, July and August are the most popular times to visit Greece.

When you think of the Greek Islands, you probably imagine whitewashed houses perched on the cliffs of Santorini or the romantic, cobblestone streets in Mykonos. And this picture is probably why millions of travelers visit Greece every year.

Cruising is a popular way to visit several of the country's more than 1,000 islands during the same trip. While island hopping, you can swim in the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, visit ancient ruins and eat your weight in baklava.

In this article we’ll talk about the best times to cruise Greece, common itineraries and other cruise tips for visiting Greece.

Best time to cruise to the Greek Islands

The cruise season in Greece typically lasts from late April through October. Peak tourist season is from June to August—which is also the hottest time of year in Greece. It is not uncommon for temps to reach 100 degrees.

The summer months also offer the calmest waters. Most of Greece’s islands are in the Aegan Sea—the body of water between Greece and Turkey. If sailing in the Aegean Sea, you may need to contend with the Meltemi—a powerful, consistent wind which peaks in intensity during July and August.

If you’re looking to avoid crowds but still enjoy Greece’s best weather, the shoulder season may be worth checking out. By planning a cruise during the shoulder months—May and September—you’ll likely still experience sunny, warm weather and possibly fewer crowds.

Greek Island cruise itineraries

Greek cruises typically sail from one of the following ports:

• Piraeus near Athens. Greece
• Limassol, Cyprus
• Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy

If you’re sailing on a larger ship with a more popular cruise line, you'll likely stop at the higher trafficked islands of Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes or Crete. Smaller ships have the ability to take you to more off the beaten path islands, like Hydra, Paros, Naxos or Skiathos.

Due to their proximity to neighboring countries, Greek Island cruises also can include stops in Italy, Spain, France or Turkey. Cruises that stick to only the Greek Islands will typically start and end in Athens.

Greek Island cruising is popular, so you’ll have options when it comes to the type of boat you sail on. You can book a larger 500+ passenger ship, smaller luxury yacht and even a sailing ship if you’re looking to connect with your inner pirate.

You’ll also be able to pick an itinerary to suit your timeline. Cruise lengths vary from short 3-day cruises to 14-day voyages across the Mediterranean. Week long cruises are common because they offer enough time to explore multiple islands without being rushed at each stop.

Athens is a popular port for Greek cruises so many travelers opt to add time at the beginning or end of their cruise to explore this ancient and diverse metropolis.

Things to do on the Greek islands

Get ready to shout “Opa!” as you hop off your ship and begin to explore Greece by foot, donkey or car.

Depending on the island you’re visiting, there will be different options for activities and excursions. Some popular destinations and activities on the Greek Islands include:

• Sunbathing on the black sand beaches of Santorini
• Visiting the Mykonos UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delos, to explore ancient ruins
• Riding donkeys on the cobblestone streets of Hydra—an island free of cars
• Touring the Palace of Knossos on Crete
• Walking the archeological excavation site, Akrotiri—Santorini's own Pompeii
• Hiking the Nea Kammeni volcano and swimming in hot springs on Santorini
• Visiting an olive farm on Crete

You’ll likely have plenty of opportunity for water activities while on your cruise as well. Swimming and snorkeling options abound while cruising the Greek Islands. Same goes for shopping. Many Greek Islands have quaint, local stores and galleries for all your souvenir needs.

Eating is also something many people traveling to Greece look forward to. Known for its fresh healthy cuisine, the Greek Islands provide plenty of chances to partake in Mezze—a light meal made up a collection of small appetizers, dips and spreads. Wine enthusiasts may also want to add a trip to a winery on your Greek travel bucket list.

Preparing to cruise to the Greek Islands

Before you hop aboard your first cruise through the Greek Islands, here are a few things you may want to know:

• Packing: Traveling during the height of summer calls for loose, warm weather clothing. Locals tend to dress down in the summer as well to beat the heat, so opt for comfort over high fashion. A good pair of walking shoes can also help you to traverse the streets and beaches of Greece comfortably.
• Travel documents: You’ll need a valid passport to travel to Greece. Check with your cruise ship to see if you need to have any other documentation or identification with you.
• English: Greek is the official language of Greece, so learning a few small phrases may help your interactions with locals. If you’re sailing on a popular cruise line, there’s a good chance English will be widely spoken on your cruise
• Siesta: In the hot summer months, most Greeks will observe a downtime midafternoon. If you’re ok with skipping siesta, this may be a good time to visit popular museums and tourist spots to avoid crowds.

In summary

Cruising can be a great way to see the many flavors and sights of the Greek Islands. With more than a thousand islands, you can experience the best the Mediterranean has to offer while cruising the blue waters of Greece.

Cruises commonly stop on the Greek Islands of Crete Mykonos and Santorini—each with their own sights to behold. But no matter where your Greek travels take you, expect delicious food, stunning seascapes and jaw-dropping sunsets over the Mediterranean.