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Cruising the Greek islands
The Greek islands are growing in popularity as a
cruise destination. There are hundreds of islands scattered like
jewels over the Mediterranean and they offer a combination of
picturesque scenery and astounding history that few destinations
can match. So where to start? One option is select a cruise that
takes in the main highlights of the region over a 10-day period.
Key attractions in the Greek islands include the perfectly
preserved harbours of Mykonos; the famous white-washed houses of
Santorini; the wonderful beaches and landscapes of Corfu;
Keffalonia's magical scenery (setting for Captain Correlli's
Mandolin); the castle guarding the port of Kos; and finally the
old-walled town of Rhodes. This is only a taste of the full mezze
platter of wonderful attractions awaiting you - see the Word
Travels resort guides to Greece for more information. Think
carefully about what type of an experience you're after. A large
cruise liner offers luxury and comfort, but is somewhat out of
place when looming over a tiny, historic port town. Consider
looking for a smaller vessel, sailboat charter or megayacht to get
a little more "up close and personal" with the islands you are
choosing to visit. The smaller boats also allow for swimming stops.
Another option with appeal to those with specific itineraries is to
use the basic ferry system to get from island to island. Don't
expect luxuries however, although the scenery is quite pleasant.
Most cruises are round-trips from the Port of Piraeus in Athens,
which has become the cruise ship hub of the Mediterranean. More
detail on the port can be found at www.olp.gr. Athens, of course,
has many attractions to offer, from iconic sights like the
Parthenon and Acropolis to fabulous shopping and the best of Greek
cuisine. Make sure you allocate a least three days to explore -
although do it before your cruise as Athens's legendary traffic
might stress you out!
