I've set foot in Greece on several cruises, and some ports have stayed with me while others turned out to be much less than people say. Here's which ones they are, how to get to each, when to go and who this itinerary is for.
Which Greek ports do I know?
Four: Athens, Mykonos, Corfu and Katakolon, the port for ancient Olympia. I've done Athens on all of my Greece cruises. I haven't been to any other Greek islands, so here I'm only telling you what I've seen myself.
Which is a must-see and which isn't worth the day?
Athens: you have to go at least once. There's plenty to see, though less than in Rome, because it's much more ruined. Even so, it has been worth it for me more than once.
Katakolon, ancient Olympia: it surprised me a lot. Seeing the ruins and the museum, understanding that everything began there and why the Games were created, really impressed me. The Olympic flame is still lit there, which makes it even more special. You can see it in a day and there's no need to go back, but for me it was a must.
Delos: from Mykonos, by boat, it takes about twenty to thirty minutes. It's an island in ruins and I found it much more interesting and beautiful than Mykonos. If you're interested in history as well as pretty places, don't miss it.
Corfu: it's very beautiful, and what we saw I liked a lot. Plenty of people rate it very highly; maybe I'm missing something, but it looks every bit worth it.
Mykonos: for me it's one to see once and that's enough. It's pretty, but we have similar villages in Spain, and its reputation is huge. Maybe it has something I haven't experienced yet. If you're after leisure and photos among white houses, stay in Mykonos. If you're interested in history, head out to Delos.
How do you get off in Mykonos: at the dock or by tender?
I've had it both ways. Once we docked at a pier on the outskirts, and to reach the center you had to take a boat, a taxi or walk a good while. That was the time of the Delos excursion, so it was no problem. The other time the ship anchored and we went ashore by tender. It was a small ship, well organized and no problem, although it was outside high season and we didn't wait long.
Keep in mind that for the tender, passengers with excursions, people with reduced mobility and the highest tiers of the cruise line's points system (Gold, Platinum, Diamond) get priority. It makes complete sense, but if you aren't in one of those groups, expect to wait longer.
How do you get from the port to Athens and the Parthenon?
I've done it by taxi, bus and metro, on my own and with a guided excursion. Athens is fairly easy, but it helps to know this:
The taxi seemed affordable to me: you take it right at the port and it drops you in the Plaka neighborhood or at the Parthenon entrance. It's a very good option, especially on the way there, in the morning.
The public bus takes detours and gets stuck in traffic, so for me it's the worst option, especially on the way there, when you want to arrive early.
The metro avoids traffic, but the Piraeus station isn't right next to the ship: you'll need a bus, a taxi or a good walk. It works well for the way back if you're not in a hurry, since it's fairly central and well connected.
The private bus excursion was good too. It was in the middle of the pandemic, so we had no alternative.
And to Olympia from Katakolon?
I went by bus on an organized excursion, and here I do recommend it. With so many ruins, a guide explains the history far better than you'd understand it on your own. It's one of the few excursions I recommend with conviction.
Excursion or on your own?
On your own in Athens, and with an excursion in two places: Katakolon and Delos. You can book it with the cruise line or with an outside cruise-excursion company. Both places have lots of ruins and a good guide makes the visit much better. In Delos, if it includes the boat transfer and the guide, and the price doesn't skyrocket, I think it's worth it.
When is the best time to visit the Greek Islands?
I've almost always gone in September and October, and I think it's an excellent time. It's still hot and sunny, but not too hot, and there are fewer people. Even so, at one port I was extremely hot, so I don't even want to imagine July and August. I avoid high season whenever I can, which is why you'll rarely see one of my routes in the middle of summer.
Who is a Greek Islands cruise for?
For me, the biggest mistake is going in high season: there are many more cruises, more heat and more people. Otherwise, these islands are mostly for strolling, browsing a shop or two and eating at a restaurant.
It can be a good first cruise if there are things you've long wanted to see. I've accompanied people on their first cruise here and they loved it. Just don't expect a big, modern ship: these ports are small and can't take the newest ships. There are a few exceptions, like Norwegian or Virgin Voyages, but the usual ships are smaller. It's a fantastic destination for anyone who loves history.
With families, it depends. Young children may not enjoy it as much here. Rome, Pompeii, Naples, the fjords (with their forests and trolls) or the Caribbean tend to grab them more, although plenty of couples with kids enjoy Greece too.
In short
Which ports are must-sees? Athens, at least once, and Katakolon (ancient Olympia). And Delos, if you like history.
Which do I rate less? Mykonos: pretty, but one to see once. I liked Corfu a lot and it's worth it.
How do you get to Athens? Taxi on the way there, metro on the way back; best to avoid the public bus.
Excursion or on your own? On your own in Athens; with an excursion and guide in Olympia and Delos.
When to go? September or October; avoid July and August.
Who is it for? History lovers, and a first cruise for people eager to see classic sites who don't expect a modern ship. With young children, it depends.
Do you already know which Greek port you wouldn't miss?
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