See the Greek Islands with a cruise from Celestyal Cruises. This isn’t the cheapest option but it’s a super relaxed way to island hop, with everything taken care of so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.
Lounge on soft sand and lava pebble beaches, rub shoulders with locals at charming villages, and take in epic sunsets. Plus, this is the perfect place to make romantic memories with your special someone.
Mykonos
The cosmopolitan island of Mykonos is famous for its see-and-be-seen beaches and summer party atmosphere, but it also charms history buffs with its gorgeous whitewashed churches. Start by visiting the church of Panagia Paraportiani, whose complex includes five churches built between the 15th and 17th centuries. Inside, a headless and almost limbless 2nd-century BC Hercules statue in Parian marble is the highlight of this impressive collection.
Another great church to visit is Panagia Ekatontapiliani, a three-aisled 16th-century church with a marvelous icon screen. Then spend a day exploring the narrow streets of Mykonos town, Hora. Here you’ll find captain’s homes, old churches, and wells carved into the rock. The streets are quiet and charming, offering a different side of Mykonos from the touristy waterfront areas.
Mykonos is home to a wide variety of luxury accommodations. From private villas with dreamy pools that blend with the blue horizon to award-winning design hotels, this island has it all.
Enjoy a luxurious stay in the heart of Mykonos, where elegant suites merge with the blue horizon and where five-star service is second to none. During your time here, don’t miss the chance to shop at Matogianni Street, where the locals come and go, wearing designer clothes that seem to be designed just for them. A trip to Mykonos is also a great opportunity to take in one of the most beautiful sunsets in all of the Greek Isles.
Santorini
Santorini has risen to global fame because of its beautiful landscape, awe-inspiring sunsets and attention-grabbing views. But there’s much more to this Cycladic island than its picturesque scenery. Santorini’s rugged cliffs hold a unique combination of beaches and archaeological sites that reveal the island’s long history.
This island’s most well-known sights are its villages on the caldera edge, including quaint whitewashed houses with blue shutters and rooftops reflecting the summer sky. Walking around this rim of volcanic cliffs is one of the most popular activities on Santorini. The main town of Fira and the village of Oia are both enchanting places to spend time, but be sure to take the longer walk north to Firostefani and Imerovigli for even better views.
The best way to see this island is on a tour, with a knowledgeable guide to point out landmarks and offer insights. You can also visit other islands in the same area as Santorini by taking a ferry or hydrofoil to Thassos, known for its glorious beaches and unique tasting wine. Or, head to family-friendly Poros, with its large town dominated by a clock tower and tree-shaded beaches, or to Nantucket-like Hydra, where car-free ferries carry residents around the tiny island.
Corfu
Easily reached from Italy, Corfu (Kerkyra) is the island that Greek island-hoppers dream about. It offers the craggy coastline, jaw-dropping beaches, and Venetian-built capital that you’d expect, but it also adds castles on hills, monasteries on islets, and a cosmopolitan city center. Corfu’s gastronomy is just as impressive, with traditional dishes like pastitsada (meat-filled pasta), sofrito (beef seasoned with garlic), and burdeto (cod) on menus.
Corfu’s best beach resort is Paleokastritsa, with its coves surrounded by cliffs and clear azure water. It gets crowded in summer, but it’s worth the trip. Another option is to stay on the north coast in the village of Gastouri. Here, you’ll find a hotel with a lush Mediterranean garden filled with citrus and olive trees where you can eat breakfast in a pergola before hopping on the water sports boat to explore the island’s coves.
A few minutes away is the beautiful, family-friendly Dreams Corfu Resort & Spa in Gouvia, which redefines and elevates the all-inclusive experience. This 334-room resort is the first of its kind to open in Greece, offering an Unlimited-Luxury(r) experience that includes incredible accommodations, a vast selection of international cuisines, and outstanding activities. For a true taste of luxury, book an upgraded suite and enjoy access to a special lounge and enhanced concierge service.
Rhodes
The largest island in the Dodecanese, Rhodes is a veritable treasure trove of experiences. It’s a place where couples can create a tapestry of memories that will remain etched in their hearts forever. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, honeymooning or planning a dreamy wedding ceremony, Rhodes is the perfect place to set the scene for your ultimate romance.
The medieval heart of the city is a sight to behold, with its preserved walled citadel and Crusader castles. For a more laidback experience, explore the sweeping beaches of Kiotari or indulge in luxurious spa treatments. The island is also home to the remarkable Lindos Acropolis, a 4th century Doric clifftop temple – the best-preserved surviving ancient Greek site in all of Greece. And you can take in the island’s rich history on day trips to nearby islands like Karpathos’ mansions, the hilltop Chora of Kassos or scuba dive among the World War II wrecks of Leros.
A Rhodes vacation isn’t complete without exploring its secluded western coast, a network of hiking trails and a small but fascinating wine region. The island is also known for its pristine beaches, many of which are less crowded than the ones on the east coast. Those who enjoy a more energetic travel experience can hop to nearby Symi on a daily boat tour or venture further afield for windsurfing, snorkeling and sailing excursions.