Popular Greek island ports
- Santorini: the famous caldera. Ships usually anchor and passengers go ashore by tender, then up to Fira by cable car or on foot.
- Mykonos: windmills, Little Venice and lively beaches.
- Rhodes: a walled medieval old town and the acropolis at Lindos.
- Crete: Heraklion for the Palace of Knossos, or Chania’s Venetian harbour.
- Corfu and Katakolon (for ancient Olympia) on the Ionian side.
- Piraeus, the port for Athens, where many cruises begin or end.
When to cruise the Greek islands
The main season runs roughly from April to October. Late spring and early autumn are warm and usually less crowded than July and August, when ports such as Santorini and Mykonos are at their busiest. Summer can also bring the strong meltemi wind in the Aegean.
Big ship, small ship or yacht?
Big ships usually combine a few famous islands with Italy, Croatia or Turkey on an Eastern Mediterranean itinerary. Smaller ships and yacht-style cruises can visit lesser-known islands and small harbours, often with more time in each port.
Tips for a Greek islands cruise
- On tender days, allow extra time to get ashore and back.
- Visit popular sights early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes: island towns are hilly with uneven steps.
- Arrive in Athens a day early to see the Acropolis before you sail.
Last updated: 13 October 2026
