Corfu was our first Greek Island. We took the hop on hop off the bus at 19€ pp. After going through a lot of residential areas and checking the map I realised that this route was very similar to Split. The main goal is the old city and just like Split our bus just skimmed the old parts and was scheduled to drop us off at our cruise terminal. The old town was at first impression looking very tired. Had a cup of coffee and headed back to the ship.

Santorini - Just as Kotor, we got up early to get our tender allocation slot. Our tender boats were delayed due to a small swell which caused even the best mariners to park the tender boats alongside our ship.

Finally, were able to disembark and landed in a small strip of land with small tabernas, tourist shops, and to the left the cable car entrance. The cable car was 6€ pp one way, very clever as you had to get a return on the way back. The cable car ride was fast and bumpy at times but worth the 20 minutes wait at the start. They still have the donkey rides, more for nostalgia I suppose. You also have the option to walk up or down.

But once up there the views are spectacular. Oia, where the famous blue domes are, was a bit further down. As in any volcano or mountain, it’s all up and up so we opted to remain close. Be prepared with the early afternoon sun as it was making its mark.

Stunning white-washed houses and views are out of this world and we were not the only ones there, four other cruise ships also ascended onto the bay below us. We opted to walk and walk but it was endless, maybe if I was 30 years younger. So we stumbled on this beautifully manicured café/restaurant-Volkan. Views from here were…out of this world and especially having a decent coffee! As I said to the waitress “…we’ve had coffee in… Venice, Split, Dubrovnik but this is the best coffee I’ve had so far.

Santorini is famous for the sunset and it did not disappoint! Most land tourists stay in a specific part of the island but cruisers we had our ships! So we opted to have our dinner al-fresco in the aft part of the ship facing westwards and preparing ourselves for the sunset…and it did live up to its reputation. Even more special as it was our 30 wedding anniversary. Thank you, Santorini.

Mykonos, our last Greek Island, famous for its white-washed houses, nightlife, Wind Mills and Jason Bourne. We had the whole day here and even though there were four other cruise ships anchored off this beautiful island we were prepared to have a good time.

And fun it was as we had no timetable or excursion to pin us down so we just took it all in our stride, as you should. Back in 1979 my wife Linda went on her first cruise with her finishing school and loved the island so much she jumped ship! A few short sounds for the ship's horn later she reluctantly returned! And I don’t blame her.

It’s very welcoming and similar to the other Greek Islands with the trademark white washhouses. Even though there were loads of people we still managed to grab a table by the seafront to have a well-deserved coffee! Some of the streets/pathways were narrow and at times chaotic with all the tourists but hey, that’s the beauty of this place.

Out of the three Greek Islands Mykonos tops it for me, maybe due to our time frame, but who cares, if it's good for Jason Bourne it's okay for me!

Our cruise finished in Athens, one tip is to stay for at least two nights, its worth it. Don’t be upset if you can’t get to the Acropolis due to the crowds, the 1896 Olympic stadium and changing of the guard by the Presidential Palace soon make up for it. And in Athens grab a Hop-on-hop-off, it’s worth it. For shopping Placa is the all-round place to be, this also included small tavernas and bars. For a decent Greek meal nearby Placa you have an open terraced Greek restaurant "Old Ithaki" and just by the main square (ironically next to a KFC) "the grecos project", the former is ideal for the evening meal. Both are highly recommended.

Stay cool if going in the summer.

Kalispera.