It can be hard to choose the best Greek island for a holiday, but luckily a cruise makes it easy to island hop.
You could explore the Acropolis in Athens one day before scenic Santorini on another or just enjoy the beaches and nightlife of Mykonos. Smaller ships could even take you to more remote islands that larger vessels can’t reach, letting you access more historical sites and landscapes.
There are a range of routes available to give you a taste or full tour of the Greek islands. Many vessels will depart from Piraeus, just 30 minutes from Athens, offering round trips. You could even include the islands as part of a longer Mediterranean cruise, and many may have Greek-themed delicacies and activities on board. Here are some of the best itineraries coming up to help you go Greek.
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than a Greek island cruise with Celebrity? Departing from Athens on Celebrity Infinity, this 10-night cruise includes an overnight stop in Greece’s second largest city, Thessaloniki.
That should give you more than enough time to explore its historic sites, such as the White Tower dating from the 16th century and home to a range of Byzantine art, before sailing on to destinations such as Ephesus in Turkey and Limassol in Cyprus.
Departs 14 February 2025. From £493pp for an inside cabin; flights not included.
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Explore the Greek islands with a cruise company actually based in the region. Celestyal Cruises has its headquarters in Athens and focuses on sailings around the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean.
Its seven-night Idyllic Aegean sailing departs from Athens and takes in the popular islands with overnight stops in Santorini and Mykonos. You can visit the volcanic landscape of Milos as well as the Palace of Knossos on Crete.
The taste of Greece continues on board Celestyal Journey where you can enjoy Greek dancing as well as dishes and pastries inspired by the country all day in The Taverna. Suite guests can also access Mediterranean dishes in the dedicated Smoked Olive restaurant.
Departs 31 May 2025. From £1,189pp for an interior state room; flights not included.
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Variety Cruises offers a small-ship experience, catering for just 49 guests aboard Panorama. Its new seven-night Wine Cruises of Greece in September 2025 will let you raise a glass as you enjoy a more intimate journey through the region. Passengers will meet winemakers and visit vineyards in hotspots such as Nemea, Santorini and Tinos to learn everything about Greek grapes. Back on the ship, you can also enjoy paired wines with dinner.
Departs 5 September 2025. From £4,130pp for a category C room with portholes.
