Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Greece

With its silk white beaches, turquoise seas and treasure trove of historic wonders, Greece offers the perfect blend of fascinating port calls and beautiful, sunny weather. Each year, hundreds of cruise ships visit the paradise isles of this Aegean nation, placing Greece among Europe’s best-loved cruise destinations.

From the party resorts of Mykonos, Zante and Crete to the exquisite black beaches and charming architecture of Santorini; Greece is a land of great contrast, where history and culture are second only to natural beauty. A cruise will introduce you to some of Greece’s best travel highlights, helping you to immerse in the unique culture and utopian landscapes of this delightful European nation.

Whether you’ve recently booked a cruise to Greece and are looking for ideas on what to do during your trip, or if you’re in need of a little further inspiration before making your decision; our comprehensive guide to Greece aims to provide you with everything you need to know about visiting the country during a cruise holiday. We’ve combined in-depth destination guides with articles covering specific aspects of Greek culture, so you can learn more about this amazing country before your trip.

Greece Destination Guides

From the ancient capital of Athens to the paradise islands of the Ionian Sea; Greece boasts a smorgasbord of unique destinations, so you can expect wonderful cultural surprises during every port call. Here, we’ve compiled a collection of destination guides that shed light on some of Greece’s most esteemed highlights, as well as several not-to-be-missed experiences.

City Guide: Athens — A Step Back to the Ancient World

Some 3,400 years of history are yours to discover in Athens, Greece’s ancient capital city. Pay a visit to the hilltop citadel of Acropolis, taking in such sights as the Parthenon, Propylaea and Erechtheion; plunge into the city’s retail offering at Avissynias Square and Kolonaki; or sample the very finest Greek fare in the charming neighbourhood of Plaka. Expect all this and more in our in-depth destination guide to Athens.

Rhodes City Guide: Top Things to See and Do

While the beaches of Rhodes are sure to provide plenty of distraction, the island’s capital, Rhodes City, is certainly worth a visit for those interested in finding out more about the history and customs of this popular Greek island. From must-see attractions like the medieval city walls and Grand Master’s Palace to advice on where to sample local Greek fare; our Rhodes City destination guide has everything you need to enjoy an enriching visit to this fascinating city.

Athens of the Philosophers: Where to Follow in Their Footsteps

Plato, Socrates, Aristotle — the list of preeminent philosophers to hail from ancient Athens goes on and on. During your visit to the Greek capital, why not spend some time tracing the footsteps of these philosophical figureheads — visiting such sights as The Agora, House of Simon, Plato’s Academy, Aristotle’s Lyceum and Socrates’ Prison. Our guide has all the information you need to celebrate the history of these great minds of the ancient world.

A Foodie’s Tour of Greece

Of all the cuisines which exist across Europe and the Mediterranean, Greek food is among the most satisfying, healthy and delicious. Greek gastronomy marries fresh meat, fish, vegetables and olive oil with some of the trademark spices and flavours of Italian, Turkish and Balkan cuisine — creating a roster of incredible dishes that are distinctly Grecian. From kalamaki and tomato fritters to the delicious seafood of Mykonos; discover some of Greece’s most popular dishes, and where you can sample them, in our in-depth guide to Greek food.

Istanbul and the Sights of Byzantium

The majority of cruises to Greece include a port call in the Turkish city of Istanbul, whose culture, architecture and traditions were largely shaped by the influence of the ancient Greeks. In this guide, we explore some of the city’s best examples of Byzantine architecture, including Hagia Irene, Million Pillar and Gul Mosque, so you can look forward to a fascinating stopover in this beautiful Turkish city. 

Check out our great selection of Greek cruise deals. Alternatively, you can give our friendly sales team a call on 0808 2746 777.

Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credit: Tobias Van Der Elst, Austin Kirk