European Cruises

If you are planning your first European cruise then likely you have considered the Greek Islands as a possible destination. This sun soaked region of the Mediterranean is breathtakingly beautiful, has incredible cuisine and world class wine and offers travelers thousands of years of history and culture to enjoy. A Greek Islands cruise vacation offers something for every traveler, and will be a trip you will remember for the rest of your life.

When thinking of Greek Islands the first destination that comes to find is the ancient island of Crete. It is by far the largest of the Greek Isles and is central to much of Greek and Minoan history and mythology. Other well known islands such as Rhodes, Mykonos, Naxos and Paros are also popular tourist destinations, but in recent years there is perhaps no more popular vacation destination in the Greek Islands than the volcanic archipelago of Santorini (or Thera) in the Southern Aegean Sea.

Once a single island, Santorini experienced a massive volcanic eruption more than 3 millennia ago that left a fragmented circular caldera. As your European cruise ship approaches the caldera you will be afforded the breathtaking sight of the towns of Santorini like Fira and Oia perched precariously on the red clifftops of the caldera. The view is truly awe-inspiring so make sure to have your camera ready to capture the moment.

Once you are docked you are ready to explore the wonders of Santorini. If you are anxious to enjoy some Mediterranean sun, then take a trip to one of the island’s magnificent beaches like Perissa, Kamari or the spectacular Red Sand beach.

In Fira you can take a donkey ride down hundreds of ancient stone steps to the harbor. Enjoy a cold beer and a tapa at one of the tavernas at the bottom then ride your donkey back up to the top. It is anything but your usual donkey ride I assure you.

Arrive at the village of Oia before dusk and you can treat yourself to one of the most spectacular sunsets in the world, watching the sun set over the lip of the massive caldera. Better yet, spend a day here exploring the hundreds of shops and restaurants and navigating the narrow, twisty streets. The village is such a maze that it is easy to quickly lose your way, but don’t worry the place isn’t large enough to stay lost for long. Take a hike down to the ocean and check out all the quaint little fishing boats in the harbor. From the harbor it is only a brief 5 minute walk to get to a refreshing swimming hole where you can dip in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.

For those looking to see some of the ancient history of the island take a trip out to Akrotiri, the most important archaeological site in the region. Here you can explore the remains of a village 5000 years old. Destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1500 B.C. the remnants of the village have been remarkably preserved by a coating of volcanic ash that shielded it from erosion over the intervening centuries.

If you really want to explore the island rent a quad in the town of Fira. For 20 euros a day it is the ultimate way to travel and you are free to explore the whole island at your leisure. Explore ancient ruins, enjoy beautiful beaches, and stop for dinner at one of the out of the way clifftop restaurants all for just a couple of dollars worth of petrol.

This just scratches the surface of the experience that is Santorini, and the brief taste you get on your Greek Islands shore excursion will leave you hungry for more and despite being off to your next great adventure you will still feel a pang of melancholy as your cruise ship pulls away into the Aegean, leaving this postcard perfect island behind.

Related posts:

1. Eastern Mediterranean Cruises - The Highlights
2. Greek Island Cruise Vacation Highlights
3. Western Mediterranean Cruises
4. European Cruises - What Choices Do You Have?
5. Canary Island Cruises

Filed under: European Cruises, Mediterranean Cruises, Shore Excursions