Recently, the Greek islands are becoming more popular; With its deep blue sea, beautiful beaches, architecture, delicious food and especially entertainment, it impresses. Here is what we can’t forget from the tour of the Greek islands that we did by cruise ship…
In recent years, cruise travel in our country has started to see a lot of demand. In particular, trips to Greek islands without visas attract Turkish tourists. As a guest of Celestyal Cruises, I attended a trip with a group of journalist friends; Starting from Patmos, we explore the islands of Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Athens and Mykonos respectively. First we set out from Istanbul to Izmir. After arriving in Izmir, we take an hour-long journey to Kuşadası Port. We’re receiving a giant ship. I suddenly get the feeling I’m gonna get lost here.
First of all, we deliver our passports and get our ship cards that can be used for entry and exit and all kinds of expenses along the way. After settling in our rooms, a small exercise is carried out on board. Then we retreat to our rooms to listen to our first stop, Patmos Island. You certainly don’t have time to get bored. Separate events and shows are held every hour. You can dance on one floor of the ship and participate in workshops on the other floor. The ship is like your home, and at night you go to sleep… You wake up every morning in another harbor…
Pathos
Against windmills
Our first stop is Patmos, which lasts about four and a half hours from Kuşadası. Patmos, a small island, is considered one of the seven pilgrimage centers of Christianity. The largest cities on the island of Patmos; Chora and Skala. Chora, the island’s main city. Quiet, serene, serene small Greek village. The windmills are particularly popular with social media users. Windmills, with a wonderful view, adds a different beauty to the island.
Rhodes
The biggest Greek island
Rhodes, also known as the island of the Knights, was built by the Knights Templar. When Suleiman the Magnificent conquered the island in 1522, he was under Ottoman rule for 400 years. Therefore, it is one of the most common islands of Greece in Turkey. Today, more than 3,000 Turks live in Rhodes.
Rhodes Island, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, is flooded with tourists every season of the year. It is among the most popular holiday destinations of Turkish tourists. The city center of Rhodes, divided into two as the old city and the new city, consists of six medieval gates. The Medieval Quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rhodes market is very active. We also come across many Turkish shops. As we walk around the bazaar, we meet the best ice cream shop in Greece and the third best in Europe.
Santorini
Center of Romance
Santorini was built on high cliffs as a result of volcanic eruptions, so there is no port where ships can dock. We take small boats from the ship and reach the harbor. There is a different view from all sides. Admire the white houses with blue roofs, the wonderful sea views and the narrow streets. As a result of the coup in Greece in the 1970s, the junta administration asked the roofs of all the houses on the islands to be painted with the colors of the Greek flag. The blue color adds a distinct beauty to Santorini.
Mykonos
Entertainment full throttle
Our neighbor’s most popular island is Mykonos. There are many narrow streets on the island. They’re all well-groomed, white. Everywhere is a photo frame… The doors of the houses are painted in color. There are shops around the island selling luxury brands. The reason they sell so many luxury brands is the jet-set gathering here in the summer months. Although the season was not fully opened in Mykonos, the mobility started slowly. Full summer entertainment is waiting for Mykonos this summer.
Kyrenia
Olive storage
Our third stop is the island of Crete. Our ship anchors to the island early in the morning. We spend less time in Crete than other islands. The island of Crete, considered the center of Europe’s oldest civilization, is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Crete is also rich in olive trees. The world’s oldest olive tree is said to be here.
Athens
Great Acropolis
On the last day we start to visit Athens. First we go to the Acropolis, the symbol of Greece. Located on a rocky hill in the center of Athens, the Acropolis has a great architectural structure. Then we pass to the Plaka area, one of the most vibrant places in Athens. It is worth seeing with its shopping places, streets, taverns, cafes and nightlife.
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