Cruises from Athens: The Best Routes in Greece and the Mediterranean

Greece is home to countless islands, each with its own unique atmosphere and undeniable charm. However, choosing among such a variety can be challenging — you want to see everything at once. How do you solve this dilemma? The answer is simple: go on a cruise!

Cruises from Athens are the best way to explore the most beautiful islands of Greece in a single trip. Every day of the cruise brings new experiences. Imagine waking up, stepping onto the deck, and finding yourself in front of a new island. Santorini will captivate you with breathtaking views of the volcano and iconic white-and-blue houses perched on the cliffs. Mykonos will energize you with its stylish streets, lively bars, and vibrant nightlife. Rhodes, where echoes of knightly battles still linger in the air, will transport you to the Middle Ages. Crete will remind you of ancient history and the richness of the Minoan civilization.

The cruise ship becomes your floating hotel: spacious cabins, pools, and restaurants serving Greek cuisine. You won’t have to worry about transportation or planning your itinerary — everything is already organized. Your day begins with exploring picturesque islands and ends with a dinner overlooking the sea and an enchanting evening show.

We have been successfully collaborating with the cruise company Celestyal Cruises for many years, offering our clients exciting journeys through the islands of the Aegean Sea with visits to Turkey. In 2025, we are also thrilled to introduce a new luxury program: Heavenly Adriatic, a week-long cruise encompassing four countries — Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, and Italy.

Route: Athens (Lavrion) – Mykonos – Kusadasi (Turkey) – Patmos – Crete (Heraklion) – Santorini – Athens (Lavrion)
2025 Sailing Dates: Every Friday from April 4 to October 31
Ship: Celestyal Discovery

Route: Athens (Lavrion) – Mykonos – Kusadasi (Turkey) – Patmos – Rhodes – Crete (Heraklion) – Santorini – Athens (Lavrion)
2025 Sailing Dates:  Every Monday from March 31 to November 3
Ship: Celestyal Discovery

Route: Athens (Piraeus) – Thessaloniki – Kusadasi (Turkey) – Crete – Santorini – Mykonos – Milos – Athens
2025 Sailing Dates:  May 17, 24, 31; June 7, 14, 21, 28; July 5, 12, 19; August 2, 16, 30; September 6, 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11, 18; November 1
Ship: Celestyal Journey

Route: Athens (Greece) – Kefalonia (Greece) – Dubrovnik (Croatia) – Kotor (Montenegro) – Bari (Italy) – Corfu (Greece) – Katakolo (Greece) – Athens (Greece)
2025 Sailing Dates: April 12, 19, 26; May 3, 10; October 25; November 8
Ship: Celestyal Journey

Route: Athens (Greece) – At Sea – Kotor (Montenegro) – Split (Croatia) – Venice (Italy) – At Sea – Katakolo (Greece) – Athens (Greece)
2025 Sailing Dates: July 26, August 9, 23
Ship: Celestyal Journey

The Greek company Variety Cruises offers unique cruises on mega-yachts and motor sailers. As a third-generation family-owned boutique cruise line, it has been at the forefront of small-ship cruising since 1949. With a fleet of eight boutique vessels, each accommodating around 50 guests, Variety Cruises ensures an intimate and personalized experience. There are no crowds or hustle typical of large cruise liners. The captain and crew provide tailored service, creating a home-like atmosphere of comfort and relaxation.

The main feature of these cruises is their ability to take you to small islands and hidden corners of Greece, far away from the crowds of mainstream tourism. Unlike large cruise ships, these smaller yachts can easily navigate narrow passages and dock at cozy, off-the-beaten-path harbors. This means you’ll get to explore quiet villages, untouched beaches, and beautiful coves that larger vessels can’t reach. Variety Cruises masterfully combines the exclusivity and charm of a private yacht experience with pricing that remains accessible and not significantly higher than that of larger cruise ships.

Island-Hopping Cruise in Classical Greece 

Route: Athens – Kea – Delos – Mykonos – Santorini – Rethymno – Kythira – Monemvasia – Nafplio – Hydra – Athens

2025 Sailing Dates: Every Friday, from May 9 to November 15

Boats: Mega Yachts Variety Voyager, Harmony V, Harmony G

Join the Ever-Popular Cruise Exploring the Unique Cyclades

Route: Athens – Poros – Poliegos – Folegandros – Santorini – Antiparos – Paros – Delos – Mykonos – Syros – Kythnos – Cape Sounion – Athens

2025 Sailing Dates: Every Friday, from April 25 to October 24

Boats: Mega Yacht Harmony G or Motor Sailers Galileo and Panorama

Explore 10 stunning islands that offer a taste of authentic Greek culture.

Route: Athens – Cape Sounion – Ikaria – Patmos – Lipsi – Kalymnos – Levitha – Amorgos – Koufonisia – Iraklia – Serifos – Athens

2025 Sailing Dates: Every Friday, from May 16 to August 29

Boat: Motor Sailer Panorama

Discover the Ionian Islands: the beauty of emerald landscapes, and sparkling turquoise waters, and colorful, tranquil port towns.

Route: Athens – Corinth Canal – Kefalonia – Antipaxos – Paxos – Corfu – Ithaca – Vathi – Messolonghi – Corinth Canal – Agistri – Aegina – Athens

2025 Sailing Dates: June 27; July 4, 11; August 8, 15

Boats: Mega Yacht Harmony G or Motor Sailer Panorama

Embark on a journey through Ancient Greece and uncover its rich history.

Route: Athens – Epidaurus – Nafplio/Mycenae – Gythion – Pylos – Katakolon/Olympia – Itea/Delphi – Athens

2025 Sailing Dates: March 21, 28; April 4, 11, 18; October 24, 31; November 7, 14

Boat: Motor Sailer Galileo

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Greece and the Mediterranean from Athens with these unique cruises, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and serene natural beauty. If you’d like to learn more or book your next adventure, feel free to contact us. Our team is here to help you plan the perfect cruise experience!