Is a Greek Isles Cruise Worth It? Our 9-Night Itinerary and Port Guide
If you’re considering a Greek Isles cruise, there’s no surprise why. With iconic destinations like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos, it’s a bucket-list trip for many travelers. We recently completed a 9-night Greek Isles cruise out of Athens, and we’re sharing exactly what you can expect — from the best neighborhoods to stay in, to the hidden gems waiting at every port.
Whether you’re traveling with a group or navigating the islands with a toddler in tow, here is our ultimate guide to cruising the Greek Islands.
Starting Strong: Athens
We highly recommend flying into Athens at least a week early for any international trip. This gives you the time you need to adjust to the time zone and truly explore the city before your ship sails from the nearby port of Piraeus. Trust us — you don’t want to rush Athens.
Where to Stay in Athens
- Plaka Neighborhood – This is the heart of the action. Plaka is completely walkable to shops, restaurants, and major attractions, making it the perfect home base for exploring the city.
- Our Recommendation: Karma Athens – We stayed at this two-bedroom apartment that was just minutes from everything. It’s a fantastic option for families or small groups looking for space and convenience.
Getting Around Athens
- George’s Taxi – We used this shuttle service for airport transfers, cruise port runs, and a guided city tour. Reliable, efficient, and highly recommended.
- Public Transportation – Don’t be afraid of the subway, trams, and buses! They are surprisingly easy to navigate, very clean, and incredibly inexpensive — a great way to get around like a local.
Athens Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss
- National Gardens – A beautiful large park right in the city center, featuring ancient ruins and even a playground for kids. A peaceful and surprisingly enchanting escape.
- Monastiraki – Home to the lively Agora Market, a great flea market area located right off the subway stop. Perfect for unique souvenirs and some serious people-watching.
- The Classics – You absolutely cannot miss the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, and the Ancient Agora. We highly recommend picking up the “combo ticket” — it covers multiple sites at a significant discount.
Port 1: Mykonos
Mykonos is breathtakingly picturesque — every corner of this island looks like a painting, with its famous whitewashed buildings and colorful doors. Here’s how to make the most of your time ashore.
- The SeaBus – At only €2 per person, this 5-minute ferry ride takes you from the New Port straight to the Old Port. We highly recommend skipping the 40-minute walk and hopping on this instead.
- Winding Side Streets – Avoid the main crowds! We found the best bars, cafés, and views by weaving through the narrow back streets, away from the tourist rush. Get a little lost — it’s worth it.
- Iconic Windmills – Head to the top of the hill for Mykonos’s famous windmills and a sweeping vista of the whole island. A must-see and an incredible photo opportunity.
- 💡 Pro Tip for Parents: There is a free playground just a few steps past the windmills — a perfect spot to let little ones burn off some energy before heading back to the ship!
Port 2: Rhodes — The Biggest Surprise of the Trip
Rhodes was honestly the highlight we never saw coming. We gave it a 10 out of 10, and it’s the port we keep talking about. If Rhodes isn’t already on your radar, it needs to be.
- Old City – The entrance to Rhodes’s medieval Old City is less than a 10-minute walk from the ship. It is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Europe, and you could easily spend 3–4 hours just wandering its cobblestone streets and alleyways.
- Palace of the Grand Master – A magnificent, imposing medieval castle that is an absolute must-see. Free to explore the grounds and stunning on the inside — don’t rush through it.
- Archaeological Museum – Formerly a Knights’ Hospital, this museum is as architecturally impressive as it is historically fascinating. A two-for-one experience you won’t regret.
- Local Eats – Skip the obvious tourist traps near the main gates. We found a fantastic, wallet-friendly restaurant recommended by locals that completely blew us away. Always ask the people who actually live there — they know best.
Port 3: Santorini — Beautiful, But Plan Ahead
Santorini is world-famous for its Blue Dome churches in Oia (pronounced “Ee-ah”), and yes — it really does look like the photos. But enjoying it stress-free requires a solid strategy.
- Get Off the Ship Early – This is crucial. If you’re not on the first tender boats off the ship, the cable car line to get up the cliff can stretch to over an hour. Set your alarm and get moving!
- Getting to Oia – Oia sits on the far side of the island from the tender port. We used a private shuttle service for €15 per person round-trip — a stress-free and affordable way to get there and back.
- Our Honest Take – While the views are undeniably iconic, we felt a bit let down by the experience once the crowds set in. If we went back, we’d opt for an ATV tour around the island or a volcanic wine tasting rather than just walking the main towns. Experience Santorini differently!
Final Verdict: Is a Greek Isles Cruise Worth It?
We gave our 9-night Greek Isles cruise an 8.5 out of 10 overall — and we’d do it again in a heartbeat. The rich history, the warmth of the Greek people, and the fact that most ports drop you right in the center of town make it an incredible value for the experience you receive.
If you’re on the fence, here’s our bottom line: do it. Rhodes alone makes it worth every penny, and the combination of ancient history, jaw-dropping scenery, and outstanding food makes this one of the most memorable cruises we’ve ever taken. Just make sure to arrive in Athens early — and plan your Santorini morning carefully!
Ready to Plan Your Own Greek Adventure?
Planning a Greek Isles cruise involves a lot of moving parts — choosing the right ship, the best itinerary length, and knowing which excursions are actually worth your time and money. That’s exactly where I come in! At Amy’s Turnkey Travel, I take the guesswork out of planning and make sure every detail is handled so you can simply show up and enjoy.
Let me help you find the perfect ship and itinerary for your Greek Island adventure. Whether it’s your first cruise or your fifteenth, I’ll make it smooth sailing from start to finish.