There are plenty of reasons to visit Greece for your summer vacations. Apart from the fact that it is considered one of the safest countries in Europe with regards to the pandemic, Greece offers a plethora of destinations. The world-famous Crete or the Cyclades, it's historical capital Athens and of course, the mainland, are some of the destinations you can enjoy during your visit.
See below our top suggestions for an amazing Greek getaway, choose your own and check out our summer itineraries to get to your destination worry-free.
Top Destinations for a Greek Getaway
CRETE
Crete is a top Greek destination. One of its main advantages, apart from the beautiful locations, the taste of its food and the famous Cretan hospitality, is that you can enjoy all 4 seasons in Crete.
Starting from Chania, the picturesque old town and the dreamlike beaches will steal your heart. In Rethymno, you will travel through time via the historical monuments of the old town, the gastronomy and the beautiful beaches - one of them is 12 km long!
On the other hand, Heraklion, the capital of Crete and Minoan Lines’ base, can be a great starting point for numerous excursions, both within the island and to the nearby Cyclades. Its contemporary town, the picturesque villages and the multiple landmarks will help you make the most out of your stay. You can travel to Heraklion and Chania from Piraeus via daily itineraries.
Finally, at Lasithi you' ll get to discover some pleasant surprises, such as Matala beach, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda and the palm forest of Vai.
Learn more about the midday and direct itinerary schedule on the Cretan Lines here.
Our Suggestions:
- 6 alternative activities you can enjoy in Crete
- 10 kid-friendly beaches in Crete
- Best Beaches in Chania
- Best beaches in Heraklion
- Heraklion - Santorini: A day-trip to remember
CYCLADES
If you are interested in combining Crete's uniqueness with the well-known islands of the Cyclades, you can embark on the ultra-modern H/S/C Santorini Palace, and in just 1h and 50m from the port of Heraklion, you can find yourself admiring the sunset from the caldera in Santorini. Its proximity to Heraklion makes Santorini perfect for day trips!
Via the same itinerary, you can also visit Paros, one of the biggest island of the Cyclades, known for its simplicity and many options it offers. The nearby island of Antiparos allows you to visit another destination while you are there. Moreover, in cosmopolitan Mykonos, despite the nightlife, you can also travel through time (a visit to the historical Delos and Rineia is a must) and discover its amazing beaches as well as its more traditional side.
If on the other hand, you are keen on visiting an island in the Cyclades with unique beaches, a hidden paradise as most say, then you should visit Milos, either from Piraeus or Heraklion (Crete), via the Piraeus - Heraklion itinerary. Its volcanic rocks, picturesque fishing villages, beaches and the romantic atmosphere are the perfect setting for any vacation! Learn more about the midday itineraries that connect Milos with Crete (Heraklion) or Piraeus during summer, here.
Our Suggestions:
- Heraklion - Santorini: A day-trip to remember
- Things to see and do in Mykonos
- Island hopping in the Cyclades: Santorini, Paros, Mykonos
- The unknown side of Santorini
ATHENS & THE MAINLAND
Apart from the picturesque islands, Greece’s beauty and endless opportunities for the perfect holidays extend to its capital and mainland. Those destinations are also ideal for a small break, especially during fall and winter months, when it gets quieter and you can experience a more authentic experience.
Our suggestions:
- 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in Greece
- Unforgettable vacations with kids in the Peloponnese
- 48 hours in Athens: What to do?
- An amazing road trip in Greece: Meteora - Halkidiki
- Road trip around the Peloponnese
Before you get carried away by the beautiful Greek destinations, we would like to note that the health and safety of our passengers is our top priority at Minoan Lines. For that reason, we are carefully monitoring the developments regarding COVID-19 to be able to deliver a safe, healthy, clean and comfortable travel experience. Learn more about the latest itinerary updates, our booking and rebooking policies and the hygiene and prevention measures we enforce on board and ashore here.
This way when you choose to travel again on board our luxurious and environmentally-friendly Cruise Ferries you will enjoy a unique and safe travel experience. Be sure to check our value offers and packages, and join the Minoan Lines Bonus Club loyalty program to benefit from exclusive rewards.