Are you planning an adventure to the Aegean and Greece’s iconic islands? No matter what your tastes, make sure Mykonos and Santorini are on your visit list. You don’t need much time in either, but they truly are Life Bucket destinations. A Santorini and Mykonos Cruise adventure visits these and other astoundingly beautiful Greek islands, so check out our itineraries below. Once you’ve decided on the best cruise for you, here are some of our top tips on things to do on a Santorini and Mykonos trip. Enjoy!
Witness The Most Famous Sunset in the World
The number one result on a Google search of ‘the most famous sunset in the world’ is Santorini, specifically Oia. You’ve surely seen the vista in photos or postcards – that classic cliff-face collection of white-washed buildings, topped with an iconic windmill and the majestic Aegean Sea in the background. There’s typically a soft pink or purple hue over the scene as the sun makes its way below the horizon.
We won’t lie – behind the camera, it is usually fairly busy with other tourists vying to get the perfect shot. But it’s worth staking your spot early and seeing this sunset view in its entirety, as it is the world’s best for good reason!
Explore Ancient History at the Prehistoric Akrotiri Site
Some of our cruises to Santorini and Mykonos offer the option of visiting Akrotiri, a Cycladic Bronze Age settlement inhabited by Minoans but destroyed in a 16th-century volcano eruption. As it turns out, the volcanic ash did a remarkable job of preserving frescoes, artefacts and other settlement artworks, many of which can now be seen on a visit. This would have to be one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the Aegean (which is saying something, as there is plenty of good company!). So, this holiday option is a must-do if you want to dive into ancient history.
Enjoy a Drop of Santorini Wine
What better way to handle heat than lounging in the shade, sipping a chilled white wine? You’re in luck, as Santorini is home to some very classy indigenous grape varietals such as Assyrtiko (acidic, citrus and minerals), Athiri (soft, fruity and medium-bodied) and Aidani (citrus, minerals and florals). The Wine Bar has a particularly amazing menu of Assyrtiko along with other Greek indigenous wines. Why not stay for food as well? There’s a small but tasty selection of yummy traditional Greek food, including kleftiko, prawn saganaki, pork bites with halloumi and plenty of pizza.
Get Lost Wandering Mykonos
Some destinations just bowl us over with their beauty, and Mykonos town has to be one. You wouldn’t come to this island to do a lot. The nightlife is next-level (come here to dance the night away!), and there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes. However, we just love to wander and get lost in the winding laneways of this magical destination. If you’re looking for postcard-perfect shots of white-washed homes and sprawling bougainvillaea, colourful doors and cobbled paths, striking coastal vistas and cafes spilling out into the streets, you’ve got it all here.
Hit Some Hiking Paths Between Oia and Fira
OK, this is a little different to the gentle meanderings in Mykonos. The entire stretch from Santorini’s Oia to Fira is a good 10 km, so you might not want to take that on unless you can arrange return transport. However, you can certainly give it a nudge! That said, if you’re visiting in the heat of summer, then pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and be sure to leave early. Don’t be too ambitious with distance. Even if you go from Fira to Imerovigli (watch and listen out for the gorgeous church bells!), about 40 minutes away, it’s still a marvellous experience.
Trails follow the rim of the caldera, one of the world’s largest volcano craters. They look out to the spectacular sea on one side and striking landscapes on the other. The path can be tricky in parts, so wear sensible walking shoes.
Shop Til You Drop, Greek-Style!
Mykonos and Santorini are great places to collect gifts for loved ones back home, find some gorgeous mementoes, or just indulge in retail therapy. Sure, there are the usual touristy souvenirs, but there are also plenty of charming nuggets as well. You’ll find it all here, from genuinely high-end fashion and locally crafted goods to artisanal delights and even quality art.
Discover Our Cruises to Santorini and Mykonos
We wouldn’t be surprised if you’re now packing your bags and preparing for a Santorini and Mykonos tour! We have several cruises that go to Santorini and Mykonos, including:
- Jewels of the Cyclades – an 8-day adventure also taking in Folegandros, Delos, Syros and more.
- Divine Cyclades – an 8-day discovery including Milos, Kimolos, Delos and more.
- Unexplored Greek Islands – an 8-day cruise also visiting Lipsi, Patmos, Kalymnos, Levitha and more.
- Classical Greece Tours – an 8-day getaway taking in Crete, Kea, Kythira, Hydra and more.
Contact Us About Your Holiday to Mykonos and Santorini
Reach out to our passionate and knowledgeable team today – they’re on hand to answer any questions about creating the trip of a lifetime!