Imagine this – whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, incredible archeological sites, colorful fishing villages, sundrenched beaches & the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
Can you picture it? THAT is what you can expect from a trip to the beautiful Greek Isles. It is a place that balances both relaxation & exploration. If that sounds like your kind of vacation, read on, intrepid traveler!.
Greece has over 225 inhabited islands, plus the mainland that is home to Athens. Some of the most popular islands include Mykonos, Santorini & Crete. With so many options, it’s easy for travelers to get overwhelmed at how to see all the incredible places they’ve been dreaming about. So, what is the best way to experience these incredible places?
The short answer? By cruise, by plane, or by ferry..
Why choose one Greek island when you can wake up to a new one almost every day? The easiest & most popular way to explore the Greek Isles is by cruise. People love it because they can see more with less hassle. You can unpack once & island hop taking your floating resort with you.
It’s also a great introduction to Greece as a whole, allowing first-time visitors an easy sampling of several destinations in a short amount of time. This allows guests to discover which islands they may want to return to for a longer stay.
A lot of these Eastern Mediterranean cruises also visit places like Croatia, Turkey, Montenegro, Malta & Italy. This allows visitors to get a taste of multiple countries, giving you an even more robust experience.
PLUS! You can pair a cruise with a land-based extension in the ports the ship begins & ends in. For example, if your cruise starts in Athens, take a few days to explore the archaeological sites like the Acropolis & Parthenon, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library & more. Many Mediterranean cruises also start in Rome (Civitavecchia) or Venice, which give you a chance to explore Italy & those great cities as well.
The second most popular way to explore the islands is to fly between them. Starting from Athens, there are regional flights that are a quick way to get between places. This is a great idea for those who want to spend more time on their islands of choice. Not only that, but you also have more hotel & room choices, you aren’t subject to the schedule of the cruise ship so you can take your time exploring the sites on each island, you can dive into the local nightlife, & more thoroughly enjoy the local beaches. For those that want to get to their destination quick & then lean into relaxation, this might be the perfect fit for you.
Lastly, you can ferry between islands. This is the option that takes the most coordination & effort, but for those that are confident travelers & want to make island-hopping part of the vacation itself, this is a great opportunity. Ferries between islands can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight. Ferries connect local ports that are beyond the major cruise stops & on islands that may not have an airport for regional flights, giving you a more independent Greek experience.
If the idea of combining lively islands with quieter escapes, famous beaches with historic towns, and boutique stays with larger resort destinations, this may be a great option for you! It’s especially great for those that have the chance for a longer vacation, giving you enough time to explore several islands at a relaxed pace.
Feeling inspired? The Greek Isles are best explored in Spring & Fall to avoid the intense summer heat. NOW is the best time to book your trip to this incredible place..
