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USAGreek island cruises open up myriad magical destinations that will enchant over and over again – and not just on land! Here’s what a cruise to Greece’s isles has to offer.
Greek island cruises open up myriad magical destinations that will enchant over and over again – and not just on land! Here’s what a cruise to Greece’s isles has to offer.
If you’ve been anywhere near social media in the past decade or so you’ve likely been inundated with images of tourists descending on the stunning island of Santorini – also known as Thera – to snap photos of its iconic blue and white buildings and spectacular sunsets over the azure sea.
Fun fact, the Cyclades islands, of which Santorini is one, were formed by intensive volcanic activity. Santorini volcano is one of the few remaining active volcanoes in Europe and the island’s most picturesque villages are dotted along the caldera; Fira is the capital, right on the top edge, while along the border is Oia (the most photographed spot!) boasting houses carved into the lava rock.
Santorini is also home to a number of famous archaeological sites, vast vineyards and intriguing lunar landscapes – beaches here have red or black sand as well as white and even volcanic pebbles.
Also in the Cyclades is Mykonos – one of 33 islands and islets in the group. It’s become well known as a glam, cosmopolitan vacation destination – and indeed there are beach bars and luxury shops aplenty – but there’s also bountiful history and culture to dive into.
Chora is Mykonos’ capital and features an Archaeological Museum, the 15th-century chapel of Panagia Paraportiani (the most photographed church on the island) and Alefkandra or Little Venice – an 18th-century neighbourhood where the island’s iconic windmills can be found overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Charming seaside villages abound on Mykonos – Agios Stefanos, Ornos and Psarou are the best, while Kalafatis is also great for watersports lovers.
If you have time do hop on a boat and visit neighbouring Delos Island. The legendary birthplace of Greek gods Apollo and Artemis, it was of immense significance to the ancient Greeks and the archaeological site there is magnificent.
Rhodes, meanwhile, is located in the Dodecanese island complex in the sunniest corner of Greece. Once a vital ancient Mediterranean trading port, it boasts a rich history and was a thriving hotspot during the 4th century BC.
Rhodes once claimed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Colossus of Rhodes – a 33m-high bronze statue of the sun god Helios that towered above the harbour. Unfortunately, it was later toppled by an earthquake and its broken pieces eventually repurposed.
Luckily there’s still oodles to see when visiting Rhodes; the Medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll the Street of the Knights to imagine what life was like in the Middle Ages and don’t miss the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Master or the 19th-century Clock Tower among a plethora of other impressive historical sites.
Away from the city, the south boasts long beaches, a slower pace of life and flourishing fauna while in the north you’ll find the three powerful cities of ancient Rhodes – Ialysos, Lindos and Kameiros – all bursting with fascinating history and archaeological sites, plus the renowned Valley of the Butterflies, to name a few Rhodes highlights.
