Greece and Greek Islands Cruises
Dreaming of sunshine, golden sands and feta covered in sticky honey? Experience it all on one of our Greece cruises.
Greece and Greek Islands Cruises
One of the best things about Greek Islands cruises is the variation. Beaches range from golden sand to black pebble, landscapes can be rugged or exceptionally verdant, and you might stumble upon peaceful villages and quiet coves one day, followed by ancient ruins or buzzing towns the next.
Each island has its own character and the best Greek island cruises allow you to delve into these identities. Our Greece cruises in 2026 can transport you between the glorious beaches of Zakynthos, Kos, Cephalonia and Corfu, or take you through the streets of Mykonos and Santorini’s volcanic vineyards. Knowing that Greek Island holidays aren’t complete without time spent at spectacular historic sites, MSC Cruises’ excursion itineraries include Knossos Palace near Heraklion on Crete and the Lindos Acropolis on Rhodes.
The mainland, too, has its own personality. The capital of Athens sees ancient sites and modern life coexist, while Katakolon in the northwest Peloponnese is a pretty port town known as the gateway to Olympia, since the famed archaeological site is nearby.
Embark on a Greek odyssey with MSC Cruises and immerse yourself in all the country has to offer.
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GOOD TO KNOW
Walk barefoot on Perivolos beach; wander narrow streets in a world-famous village; roam ruins that have endured for thousands of years at the Acropolis. These are a few experiences you can enjoy on a cruise to Greece. Book one of our Greek Islands cruises to see this mythical land for yourself.
GOOD TO KNOW
With its distinctive, whitewashed buildings topped by brilliant blue domes, Oia on the island of Santorini is surely the quintessential Greek village. Little wonder, then, that it’s one of the most photographed villages in the entirety of Greece. Make sure to absorb the atmosphere by wandering this hilltop location’s snaking streets on a walking tour, before visiting a nearby winery to sample local wines, and then perhaps heading on to the marvellous town of Fira, Santorini’s characterful capital.
Alternatively, combine your visit to Oia with a trip to the black-pebbled Perivolos beach if you fancy a spot of sunbathing and a refreshing dip. And as you settle into your Greece holiday, remember to enjoy the awe-inspiring views across the volcanic caldera afforded by Oia’s lofty position.
GOOD TO KNOW
You don’t need to be a history buff to recognise the Acropolis of Athens. This cluster of preserved monuments – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – has become an instantly identifiable symbol of ancient Greece. Book on to our shore excursions during your cruise to Greece and learn from your guide about the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and – of course – the mighty Parthenon.
The Parthenon is a religious building built in the 5th century BC, transformed from a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena into a Christian church, then later into a mosque – don’t miss out on a visit. The Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum are two other essentials when visiting the Acropolis, as both explore Greece’s rich historical tapestry through artefacts and insightful exhibitions
GOOD TO KNOW
While this Mediterranean country boasts culture, cuisine and history, one of its main draws for many will always be its beaches. Some are raw and windswept, some radiate calm and quiet, and others – with their malachite waters lapping at golden shores – look so inviting that they feel almost unreal. Luckily, they’re very much real and available to you to enjoy.
It’s no surprise, then, that many of Greece’s sandy strips regularly make it onto lists of the world’s best beaches, including Voutomi and Shipwreck Beach. See the latter on a boat tour around Zakynthos, or go sailing past the likes of Psarou, Platis Gialos, Paraga and Super Paradise beaches on Mykonos. If you simply want to lie back and relax, try a beach break on Crete’s Arina Beach, Agios Nikolaos on Zakynthos, or Kouroúta beach near Katakolon.
MSC SPECIAL OFFERS
Save on your Greece holidays by taking advantage of one of our Greece cruise deals – this means you can enjoy your trip without worrying about the price, leaving you with more money to spend on important things, like souvlaki, succulent grilled meat skewers, and sandals. Explore our deals now and make that Greek getaway happen.
POPULAR PORTS
The main port for Greece cruises is Piraeus, near Athens. Stops include Katakolon (the gateway to Olympia), volcanic Santorini, glamorous Mykonos and the beautiful islands of Zakynthos, Cephalonia and Corfu. Lindos on Rhodes is stunning, while Heraklion gives access to Knossos and Phaestos palaces.
POPULAR PORTS
It seems fitting that the main port for a Greek cruise is Piraeus, one of the oldest harbours in the world. From its position near the Greek capital, Athens, it’s easy to explore the most recognisable archaeological site in the country: the Acropolis.
Take a tour and learn about its history before heading to the Parthenon, originally a grand temple dedicated to the goddess Athena – no cruise to Athens is complete without gazing at this landmark. And don’t forget about the city’s museums and the historic Plaka district, where neoclassical buildings line the streets. If archaeology isn’t for you, book a tour and tasting at the nearby Queen’s Tower winery instead, a former royal estate often far from mass tourist circuits.
POPULAR PORTS
If you’re looking to visit an archetypal Greek island, look no further than Santorini. It has the breathtaking white and blue towns of Fira and Oia, where buildings appear to cascade down the hillside towards indigo water.
Then there are vineyards, which grow grapes in pumice soil and sea air, resulting in distinctive wines. You’ll also find plenty of quaint cafes, unique shops and high-end restaurants in Santorini – remember, too, that this is a volcanic island, which means access to phenomenal views across a caldera, black pebble beaches, and hot springs on the nearby islet of Nea Kameni. See it all during our excursions on your cruise to Santorini.
POPULAR PORTS
A Corfu cruise seamlessly combines natural beauty and historical exploration. The beloved island in the serene Ionian Sea is home to myriad beaches, from popular Paleokastritsa and Agios Georgios, to pebbly Barbati, wild Rovinia and the secluded Houhoulio.
While away an afternoon at the seaside or take a scenic boat tour. Prefer to see the sights? Pay a visit to the hilltop Byzantine monastery in Paleokastritsa and admire its ornate icons. Founded in the 13th century, the current building dates from the 1500s. If that whets your appetite for religious sites, make sure to marvel at the Holy Monastery of Vlacherna, perched on Pontikonisi Island on Corfu’s east coast.
POPULAR PORTS
Alongside its old-world charms, Mykonos has earned a glamorous reputation thanks to upscale restaurants, trendy boutiques and sleek beach clubs. For a cultural fix, it’s also well worth seeking out a performance of some traditional Greek music during your time on the island.
Beyond that, there are 16th-century windmills, gorgeous beaches such as Elia, the colourful houses of Little Venice, historic churches and welcoming tavernas. During your Mykonos cruise, enjoy an evening of Greek hospitality and dinner, take a trip to the nearby island of Delos to see its ruins. Steeped in history, it’s the mythological birthplace of Apollo and was an important religious centre between 900 BC and 100 AD.
ALL PORTS
Want to lay back on a beach in Cephalonia? Or visit a vineyard in Santorini? Perhaps you’re looking to indulge your inner archaeologist at Greece’s most famous ruins on the Acropolis of Athens. Whatever your interests, you can satisfy them at one of our ports around Greece and the Greek Islands.
1.
Greece has a historic winemaking tradition that dates back thousands of years. Make sure to try revived indigenous Malagouzia at the Queen’s Tower vineyard (located just outside Athens), as well as the rich and distinctive mineral wines found on the volcanic island of Santorini.
2.
With 227 inhabited islands (6,000 in total), Greece has something for every type of holidaymaker. Each island has its own unique offering: try your hand at windsurfing on Kos, check out the incredible Blue Caves of Zakynthos, party on Mykonos or learn about an ancient civilisation on Crete.
3.
Shopping is a must. Whether it’s delicious local olive oil or high-quality craft items created by artisans, Greece’s array of shops and markets sell desirable souvenirs you’ll want to buy. Treat yourself to some browsing time at shopping hot spots in Olympia and Crete’s Knossos Palace.
RELATED DESTINATIONS
Once you’ve explored Greece and the Greek islands, consider one of MSC Cruises’ other itineraries. Whether you want to see the fjords of Scandinavia, relax on paradisiacal Caribbean beaches or immerse yourself in South American culture, step onboard and see the world with MSC Cruises!