Mediterranean cruise ports in Greece open up a brilliant world of holiday spots you won’t forget.
The big ports like Piraeus (Athens) and Heraklion have top-notch facilities and make it dead easy to see amazing ancient sites.
When you sail into island ports like Mykonos, Santorini and Rhodes, you’ll be struck by their gorgeous views and lovely old towns.
Whether you fancy wandering through ancient ruins or tucking into proper Greek food at a seafront taverna, each port has its own special charm.
Let’s take a proper look at these fantastic Greek spots.
Piraeus (Athens) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Piraeus is Athens’ biggest cruise port and one of the Mediterranean’s major shipping centres. Your ship will dock about 7 miles from central Athens, making it dead easy to visit the Acropolis and Parthenon.
Getting to Athens? You’ve got choices: jump on the X80 express bus, catch the Metro Line 1 (Green Line), or take a taxi – all will get you there in 20-30 minutes. The port’s got everything you need: tourist info desks, duty-free shops, and free Wi-Fi. If you arrive early for your ship, pop over to Marina Zea or have a wander through the Piraeus Archaeological Museum.
Mykonos Cruise Ship Port Guide
Mykonos has two cruise ship spots: the newer one at Tourlos and the original port right by Mykonos Town (Chora).
Tourlos comes with all the modern bits and bobs, plus regular shuttles to get you into town. The old port’s got lovely views but mostly handles smaller boats and ferries visitors from bigger ships anchored nearby. Both ports are a quick trip from the famous windmills, Little Venice, and brilliant beaches.
The best time to visit is between April and October when the weather’s lovely. Just keep in mind that if it’s windy, you might need to use a small boat to reach shore from the old port, as the bigger ships have to dock at Tourlos to stay safe.
Santorini (Thira) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Santorini’s cruise ships can’t pull right up to shore, so they drop anchor in the caldera’s beautiful waters. You’ll need to hop on smaller boats (called tenders) to get to either Skala port in Fira or Athinios port.
If you land at Skala, you’ve got three choices to get up to Fira town: the cable car (quickest at 3 minutes), a donkey ride, or walking up 587 steps. At Athinios, you’ll need to catch a bus or grab a taxi to get around the island.
Worth seeing are Oia’s brilliant white buildings, the ancient ruins at Akrotiri, and the dramatic black sand beaches. Just keep in mind that if the sea’s too rough, the tender boats might not run.
Rhodes Cruise Ship Port Guide
The cruise port sits right at the northeastern end of Rhodes island, next to the beautiful medieval Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll be just a stone’s throw from the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Street of the Knights, making this one of the handiest cruise ports in Greece.
Several large ships can dock here at once. No need to fuss with shuttle buses, as you can walk straight from the terminal to the main sights. Once you’re through the port gates, you can potter around the lively New Town’s shops and restaurants or explore the Old Town with its ancient walls and cobbled streets. If you fancy a swim, the local beaches are just a quick taxi journey away.
Heraklion Cruise Ship Port Guide
Heraklion’s busy cruise port drops you right in the heart of Greece’s biggest island. The modern passenger terminal sits just a 10-minute stroll from the city centre. You’ll find yourself really close to brilliant spots like the Koules Fortress and the Archaeological Museum.
The terminal is a great starting point for visiting the Palace of Knossos, about 5 kilometres away, or wandering around the Venetian harbour. If you fancy going further afield, grab a local bus or taxi from outside the terminal to reach lovely beaches and villages nearby. Before heading back to your ship, make sure to try proper Cretan food at one of the waterfront tavernas.
Chania Cruise Ship Port Guide
The lovely Souda Bay terminal sits about 7 kilometres from Chania’s Old Town, where cruise ships dock. You’ll spot shuttle buses and taxis waiting to take you into the historic centre, with its beautiful mix of Venetian and Ottoman buildings along winding streets.
The brilliant 16th-century lighthouse guards the harbour entrance, and you shouldn’t miss it. Pop into the Municipal Market while you’re there, or grab some delicious fresh seafood and proper Cretan food at the waterfront restaurants. If you fancy a swim, head to Nea Chora beach – it’s got lovely golden sand and crystal-clear water.
Just keep an eye on your ship’s leaving time – it takes roughly 20 minutes to get back to Souda Bay terminal.
Patmos Cruise Ship Port Guide
Moving north from Crete’s shores to one of Greece’s most sacred islands, Patmos takes in cruise ships at Skala, its bustling main port.
Since bigger ships can’t come right up to shore, you’ll need to hop on a tender boat. Once you’re at Skala, it’s an easy walk or quick taxi journey to see two brilliant UNESCO sites – the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where John is said to have written the Book of Revelation.
The port’s got loads of cafes, shops and proper Greek tavernas. Make time to wander through Chora, the island’s main town – it’s a lovely spot high above Skala with white houses and winding little streets.
Katakolon Cruise Ship Port Guide
Katakolon sits on Greece’s western Peloponnese coast and works as the main port for getting to ancient Olympia, where the Olympic Games began.
It’s brilliant – you’re only 30 minutes from the historic ruins, which makes it spot-on for cruise ships to stop here. Whilst Katakolon is a lovely little fishing village, most people nip straight over to Olympia to see the archaeological site, museum and Temple of Zeus.
In the village, you can wander along the waterfront, pop into local shops or tuck into fresh seafood at the tavernas. If you fancy getting to Olympia, you’ve got options – catch the train from the station, grab a taxi or join one of the organised shore trips.
Kavala Cruise Ship Port Guide
Located in northern Greece along the Macedonian coast, Kavala greets cruise ships with a lovely port city that’s famous for its Ottoman buildings and historic castle.
Your ship pulls into the commercial port, and it’s just a 10-minute stroll to the heart of town. The old quarter, Panagia, sits on a peninsula with a Byzantine-Ottoman fortress at its peak. You’ll want to see the brilliant Kamares aqueduct – it’s the city’s most striking landmark.
If you fancy a bit of history, the archaeological site of Philippi is only 15km away. This UNESCO World Heritage site has remarkable Roman ruins at the spot where St. Paul first brought Christianity to Europe. You can book tours or hop on a local bus to visit on your own.
Corfu Cruise Ship Port Guide
The lovely Greek island of Corfu has a brilliant cruise port, sitting just 1.5 miles from its UNESCO-listed Old Town.
The cruise terminal has all the basics you’ll need – tourist info, shops for souvenirs, and a taxi rank. Getting to Old Town is easy – you can walk 20 minutes along the seafront, hop on a shuttle bus, or take a taxi for around £10.
The Old Town’s winding lanes are worth a wander, and you shouldn’t miss St. Spyridon Church or the grand Palace of St. Michael and St. George. If you fancy a swim, the gorgeous clear waters of Paleokastritsa are about 45 minutes by car.
Gythion Cruise Ship Port Guide
Sitting at mainland Greece’s southern tip, Gythion welcomes cruise ships into its lovely bay. You’ll need to hop on a tender boat to reach the waterfront, as ships anchor at sea.
The town’s waterfront is brilliant for a wander, with its bright neoclassical buildings and proper Greek seafood tavernas dotted along the promenade. Pop over to Cranae Island – linked by a causeway – where, according to legend, Paris and Helen spent their first night before sailing off to Troy.
If you fancy a bit more, you’re only 30 miles from old Sparta’s ruins and the fascinating Byzantine city of Mystras. The wild and beautiful Mani Peninsula, famous for its stone tower houses and dramatic scenery, is also just a stone’s throw away.
Kefalonia Cruise Ship Port Guide
Kefalonia’s a massive Greek island with brilliant green-blue waters and dramatic scenery. Your ship will pull into Argostoli, the main town, where you can wander along the lovely waterfront and pop into the lively fish market.
Make sure you see Melissani Cave – it’s an incredible underground lake with crystal-clear blue water. Myrtos Beach is another must-see with its striking white cliffs. Fancy proper Greek food? The village of Fiscardo’s your best bet, with its lovely traditional tavernas and bright fishing boats bobbing in the harbour.
If you’re into wine, get yourself to the Robola Winery for a taste of the local white wine they’re famous for.
Want brilliant photos? Either climb up to St. George’s Castle or hop on a boat trip around the coast.
Zakynthos Cruise Ship Port Guide
Zakynthos Town port puts you right in the heart of the action, just a quick stroll from the island’s lively capital.
You can wander to St. Mark’s Square and St. Denis Cathedral in a matter of minutes, or potter around the shops along Strada Marina waterfront. The stunning Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) sits on the northwest coast – you’ll need to join a boat trip to see this gorgeous cove that’s perfect for photos.
The island’s sea caves are brilliant, and you can spot endangered loggerhead turtles at Caretta-Caretta beach. For cracking views of the area, pop up to Bohali Castle or grab a taxi to Bochali Hill’s lookout point.
Volos Cruise Ship Port Guide
The lovely port city of Volos sits between the blue Pagasetic Gulf and the mighty Pelion mountains, about 200 miles north of Athens. When your cruise ship pulls in at the modern passenger terminal, you’ll find yourself just a few steps from the lively waterfront promenade, packed with traditional tavernas and tsipouradika.
You can learn about the city’s fascinating mythology as Jason’s starting point for the Golden Fleece, pop into the Archaeological Museum, or hop on a brilliant train journey through Pelion’s old-world villages. Before heading back to your ship, make sure you try the local favourites – tsipouro and mezedes – at one of the waterfront spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Greek Cruise Ports Offer the Best Options for Local Wine Tasting?
You’ll love the wine at these Greek ports – Santorini’s got brilliant volcanic wines right by the harbour, Rhodes serves up lovely sweet varieties, and when you dock at Heraklion in Crete, you can try wines made just as they were in ancient times.
Are There Any Greek Cruise Ports That Specialize in Handicraft Shopping?
You can find brilliant handmade bits and bobs at several Greek ports. Santorini’s got lovely ceramics, Rhodes is fab for handmade jewellery, and Mykonos has proper nice leather goods. Pop into Heraklion’s traditional textile markets, and while you’re in Corfu, have a look at their beautiful lace and olive wood crafts.
What’s the Best Time of Year for Greek Cruise Sailings?
You’ll get the best Greek cruise conditions from May to September. If you want the nicest balance, go in June – it’s not too hot, you won’t be fighting massive crowds, and the sea is just right for sailing.
Which Greek Ports Can Accommodate the Largest Cruise Ships?
Piraeus (Athens), Heraklion (Crete) and Rhodes have got ports deep enough for the biggest cruise ships around these days. These busy harbours are well-equipped with proper docking spots and up-to-date terminals for passengers.
Do Greek Cruise Ports Offer Special Facilities for Disabled Passengers?
Most big Greek ports have wheelchair access. You’ll find disabled-friendly bits and bobs like ramps, lifts, and extra help at places such as Piraeus and Rhodes, but it’s worth giving your cruise line a heads-up beforehand.
