A cruise to the Greek Islands

When traveling with close dates and with family, many times the easiest way to travel is with an agency or a tour operator, all can be prepared and arranged in advance, so this was my choice this time: visiting the greek islands in a cruise. I normally plan my travels alone, without tourism agencies, since I love the freedom to go where you want, at a time that suits you, without schedules or fixed dates. But sometimes this really helps!

There are many companies that goes from Turkey to Greece, within them, the more economical because of its proximity to the departure date (from one day to another) and calculating times and hotels the cruise option appeared to be the best. There are several companies that offer a similar service, with similar routes. The cheapest option is that I found with ETS tur.

The trip was four days leaving from Izmir, Turkey and stopping in Mykonos, Santorini and Athens and the value is approximately 270USD. We went on a cruise only intended for Turks. Yes, they have boats with focus on nationals and other for foreigners. As I was traveling with someone who spoke turkish and after long conversations we were able to book on the tour that we wanted.

The cruise ship was not the greatest but had everything you needed to be comfortable. We were upgraded to bigger room, and except for the movement I could bearly noted I was are in a boat.

The negative part of it was with the tourist agency with which we hired the tour. They gave us some indications, that everything was included, including tips (as normally cruises charge you tips at the end of the trip) and at the last day they wanted to charge almost $50 extra per person.

The Cyclades islands

The Cyclades Islands are a big archipelago of more than two hundred islands, its name derives from the Greek word κύκλος, that means  circle and refers to the distribution of the islands within the archipelago.
To reach them you can do so by plane (in Mykonos and Santorini there is international airport and in Naxos, Syrians, Paros and Milo there are local airports). From the port of Athens (Piraeus) and from the islands there is daily ferries to almost all the other islands.

It is easy to recognize the architecture of this area in Greece, with its houses with a predominant white colour, with blue window frames and roofs. All surrounded by cobbled streets and small alleys.

Mykonos

Without doubt, within the Greek islands, Mykonos is one of the most tourist islands of the Aegean sea, attracting many cruise companies, families, singles in plan of party and honeymooners. Has among it many attractions and beautiful beaches, this island is also famous for its nightlife. It is also one of the most expensive in the area (especially in high season), famous brand boutiques, yachts, restaurant and hotels at a not very economical or budget price, specially if you want to stay in the center of the city.

To move within the island there are taxis, local buses and car rentals which circulate out of the center of the main city. There are local barges that connect different beaches called Kaikes boats.

Santorini

Santorini is a volcanic island, with poor vegetation and cities that are organized to the length of it. Towering cliffs show the traces of the great volcanic eruption that determined the present shape of the island. Cruise ships arrive at the port in Fira, from which you can climb by cable car. It runs from 06:30 until 23:00 and is worth 5Euros (2.5 euros luggage).

For getting around the island there are local buses, taxis and the option to rent motorbikes or cars daily, this last option is the most convenient if traveling more than two people, you can go in a few hours, to the most beautiful places on the island at your own pace.

The village of Oia is one of the symbols with their churches with blue roofs and breathtaking views of the adjacent islands. The Red Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches but with a difficult access. The contrast of colors between the mountain and the sea makes it a very unique place.

To eat, one of the ‘must try’ is the restaurant Greek Tavern Savvas. Located in front of the ocean, it’s one of the best on the island where its owner goes everyday fishing the fish that are sold during the day at the restaurant.

Without doubts there is so much difference between visiting in high and low season and depends on what you are looking for as a traveler. If you want tranquility definitely avoid the months from June to August.

The beauty of the villages and their special nature make the greek islands a place to go and enjoy the Aegean sea!

 

Have you ever visited any of the Greek Islands? How did you like them?
Do you have any tip to share about them?