Emerald Cruises Greek islands: 10 nights from Athens with Emerald Azzurra
Sep 2, 2028

Mykonos

Mykonos is an extremely fun and fascinating place, where the frenetic mix of vacationers, fashionistas and celebrities is magically subdued to the cubist charm of the old town.

Mykonos is famous for being a cosmopolitan destination among the Greek islands and widely recognized as one of the meccas of great tourism. It is one of the most touristy islands in the Aegean Sea. Mykonos tends to be extremely crowded with visitors in July and August. The best time to visit Mykonos is mid-May through June (early in the season, accommodation is much cheaper and it's not that hot), or from September to mid-October.

Skiathos

Skopelos

Chio

Kusadasi

Kusadasi is one of the main tourist centers of Turkey and offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday.

Located on the west coast of Turkey, 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi, is reputed to be one of the most beautiful cities in the Aegean Sea, as it is close to important historical sites including Ephesus, Didima, Priene, Miletus and is ideal for tourists. Numerous beaches of fine sand with warm and clear waters, offer a peaceful atmosphere, allow a great variety of services in the water and on the beach. Windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, and beach volleyball are just some of the choices for lovers of dynamism. After the sun during the day, the city awaits superb sunsets. As the sun sets, the attractive cafes and restaurants across the palm-lined avenues fill with sounds and voices. It is a great pleasure to watch the comings and goings of boats and ships accompanied by the panoramic view of the sunset.

Samos

Lush wooded mountains, sweet wine, ancient sacred sites and almost tropical beaches. All things that aspire to make Samos an immensely attractive island.

While the high season brings a mass of tourists to the resorts around the charming port of Vathy and Pythagorio, there is plenty of space for travelers looking to escape from it all. Excursions inland lead to a landscape dotted with pine mountains, wildflowers, and jasmine, and welcoming traditional villages. Samos' long and curving coastline is crowned by cliffs, and churches that offer breathtaking views of secret coves where temperate turquoise waters gently resound.

Patmos

Paros

Hydra

The city of Hydra, also known as the city of the Gods, has a harbor full of charm, it is certainly one of the most beautiful in Greece.

Hydra is one of the islands of the Saronic Gulf south of Athens in front of the Argolis peninsula. It is considered the most cosmopolitan of all of Greece. Although it has an active nightlife, it remains quiet as cars and motorcycles are not allowed on the island, donkeys are often considered the only means of locomotion present in the place. It is thought that it was the place where Hercules killed Hydra, the mythological monster, giving rise to the name of the island.
From the 17th century it began to be one of the major naval powers of the Mediterranean. Its owners and its ships (185 at the time), played a fundamental role during the Greek war of independence against the Turks and Ottomans (1821-1827).
The capital preserves the beauty of the island, the general configuration of its urban planning and the architecture of each building is a work of art. You can immediately notice the large fortified buildings where the influence of the West is significant.
Many of its buildings date back to the 18th century, and it is built around the port. Here you can visit numerous art galleries, the churches of St. Constantine, the bell tower of the Virgin Mary, and that of St. John.
There are many monasteries on the island open to visitors. Appropriate clothing will be required to enter: long skirts and covered shoulders for women, long trousers for men. The monastery of Ag. Efpraxia and the monastery of the Prophet Elias, both located on Mount Eros including a breathtaking panorama.
There are beautiful beaches with easy access. These beaches are particularly beautiful in the morning and late afternoon and are not crowded. It is a romantic city, where many painters and photographers have been inspired by the landscapes of Hydra.

Athens

For many, Athens is a city lived two thousand five hundred years ago. Symbol is the mighty Acropolis which dominates almost every view and itinerary of every visitor, crowned by the iconic Parthenon, stands above the city, watching the sprawling modern metropolis in evolution.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city where antiquity and modernity, history and contemporary culture blend in a unique way. Everyone knows that the name of the city derives from the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom and justice. However, few people actually know the legend behind this event. According to myth, Athena and Poseidon, the God of the seas, vied for the right to name the city. Poseidon, to impress the inhabitants, gave them water, while Athena gave them an olive branch.

At first the choice fell on Poseidon, since the citizens considered water the most precious gift. When, once they tasted the water, they discovered that it was salty and not drinkable, they changed their minds and recognized Athena as their patron. One of the most famous historical sites in the city is the Acropolis, a majestic hill topped by ancient Doric temples, including the Parthenon, built in 477 BC. and the Erechtheion, built between 421 and 406 BC. Climbing the Acropolis, tourists can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the Aegean Sea. However, Athens is not only history, but also a lively cultural capital. In the Plaka district, located at the foot of the Acropolis, it is possible to stroll through the welcoming streets, visit the traditional Greek taverns and enjoy the authentic atmosphere.

Then there are the numerous cultural activities offered by the numerous museums, galleries and theaters present in the city. Athens is an important port for cruise ships that offer trips to the Mediterranean and beyond. Cruises from Athens allow guests to explore the rich cultural heritage of Greece, including the islands of Crete, Santorini and Mykonos, where you can admire the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and a coast of white houses.

In addition to the Greek islands, cruises from Athens also offer the opportunity to visit other exciting Mediterranean destinations, including historic cities in Italy, Croatia and Turkey. Athens is therefore not only the historical and cultural center of Greece, but also an important starting point for cruises in the Mediterranean, which offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the great history and splendid landscapes of this unique region.

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Perhaps the most significant change is in the historical centre, which is almost unrecognisable since cars have been banned. This has liberated the area with the most significant archaeological sites, creating the longest, and undoubtedly one of the most splendid, pedestrianised zones in Europe. This huge archaeological park has brought past and present together, returning the cultural and social life of the city to the area around the ancient monuments and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Athens remains a city of contradictions; it is both frustrating and seductive. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It is one of the safest and most vibrant European cities - an intoxicating mix of grunge and grace with an undeniably urban soul.