Emerald Cruises Greek islands: 7 nights from Larnaca with Emerald Kaia
Apr 17, 2027

Paphos

Paphos is the ideal holiday destination for families looking for sun and relaxation. But there is more to Paphos... Archaeology, history and culture enthusiasts will find a wide range of attractions.

Breathe in the romantic atmosphere of the places, where Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty, once resided. Bathe in the sea among the rocks of Petra tou Romiou, where, according to legend, the Goddess was born, emerging from the waves. Visit her Sanctuary in Kouklia, or take a dip in the cave, near Polis, where it is believed that Aphrodite used to bathe.
With its palm-lined avenues, tastefully designed public and private buildings, Paphos is a pleasant place to spend a vacation.
Small seaside resorts have not yet completely surrendered to commercialization, they await the most demanding travelers and there are abundant activities on land and at sea for all tastes.
For sports enthusiasts, Paphos offers a variety of water sports, you can go horse riding, cycling, or hiking in the nearby countryside. If you want to do some shopping before returning home, Paphos is the perfect place for this. If you are passionate about archeology, folklore, ethnography, and the Byzantine Empire, you will find something in one of its twelve museums.

Antalya

Start your unforgettable cruise adventure from Antalya, the jewel of the Turkish Riviera. This vibrant city, with its stunning coastline and ancient ruins, provides a spectacular setting for your departure. Imagine sailing away from golden beaches and historical wonders into the azure waters of the Mediterranean, promising a journey filled with sun, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

Antalya is the largest city on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Genuine Turkish Riviera, welcomes millions of visitors every year. This jewel has a myriad of natural and historical finds, many of which date back to the Hellenistic period. Its climate is Mediterranean with mild and very humid winters and dry and very hot summers. Antalya is a dream destination and a breathtaking landscape, with steep cliffs, clean sea, beautiful beaches, adorned by lush vegetation and mysterious caves. The international airport, served by many foreign airlines, has been decisive for the development of tourism. The metropolis is one of the largest cities in southern Turkey. Just over 800,000 inhabitants for an area of ​​141,700 hectares. The history of Antalya began to exist in 150 BC. When King Attalus II, King of Pergamon, founded the city. Romans and Byzantines occupied the city before it fell under Ottoman rule, leaving many traces of their passage found through the numerous ancient ruins. The most fascinating sites to visit are: the best preserved theater of Aspendos, the Termessos site, with a wonderful fauna and the waterfall on the Duden river. Other very interesting monuments to see are: the Yivli mosque, symbol of Antalya, the old city with its alleys, its tower and Hadrian's Roman gate built for the celebration that took place in 130. The city offers activities such as exploring Koprulu Canyon, the ancient ruins of Perge, Hierapolis, Pamukkaleballade, the flea market and Karaalioglu Park. To have a splendid view of the city, go up to the Tünektepe hill, you will appreciate the places you will find nearby. In Antalya, the food offered in restaurants is usually spicy and inexpensive. You will find most of the restaurants based on seafood and fish. The traditional drink is raki, similar to Greek ouzo.

Rhodes

Embark on a captivating cruise from Rhodes, Greece, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, steeped in ancient history and medieval charm. From its impressive Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to its beautiful beaches, Rhodes offers a magical departure point for exploring the Aegean Sea. Immerse yourself in its legendary past before setting sail on a journey filled with sun-drenched islands, historical treasures, and serene sea days.

Rhodes is the 3rd largest island in Greece. Its geographical location and beauty have long been a target for many empires. Considered one of the most important centers of ancient Greece, this locality was frequented by wealthy Romans. In the Middle Ages, the city came under the dominion of the Knights of Malta and was later occupied by the Ottomans. Thus, Rhodes is known both for the variety of landscapes and the richness of its historical architecture. The old city, thanks to its imposing fortifications, makes it one of the largest inhabited medieval cities in Europe. The metropolis is divided into three areas. The modern and cosmopolitan city, with its hotels and buildings. The ancient one, built in 408 BC, later restored and where the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, Athena, and Apollo, the stadium, the gymnasium, and the theater are located. Finally, the one characterized by medieval Gothic architecture, built during the Ottoman period. Not to mention the Grand Masters Palace, home to ancient mosaics and a collection of Western-style furniture. Rhodes is the sunniest in Europe, with 300 days of sunshine a year. You will find both modern comfort and vintage style. You can also appreciate the warm hospitality of its people and the traditions that are still alive. After visiting the city, you will notice its beautiful beaches, some of which are equipped for water sports.

Aghios Nikolaos

Aghios Nikolaos, with over forty years of experience in the tourism sector, is an international and cosmopolitan resort that welcomes thousands of visitors every year.

The lake is its most fascinating feature; connected to the sea by a straight canal, while the natural environment of red rock and trees magnetically attracts the visitor. At a small open-air theater on the lake, residents and tourists can enjoy interesting artistic and cultural presentations. A walk through the shops of Aghios Nikolaos is a pleasant experience. In many shops the visitor can find a wide selection of traditional Cretan works of art, copies of pieces from various archaeological museums, jewelry and embroidery.

Santorini

Santorini is a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of mainland Greece.

Santorini is located in the southern part of the Cyclades.Its special geological configuration gives a spectacular, wild and unique beauty, becoming one of the main tourist destinations in Europe.
The current crescent shape of Santorini is a consequence of the enormous volcanic explosion that destroyed much of the island causing the formation of the caldera present on the territory, inside which form a series of wonderful small islands.
The island is a sanctuary of peace and calm, an idyllic corner where tourists from all over the world enjoy a few moments of pleasant relaxation. However, the quiet Santorini is, at the same time, one of the most suggestive and festive places in Greece. The square in the center of Fira and the beaches of Kamari, Perivolos and Perissa are the most lively and fashionable places.
The volcanic beaches of Santorini are not the best known in Greece, but they stand out for their diversity, their unique charm and the unique colors of the sand and stones. Santorini offers a spectacular view of the city, eclectic cuisine, enchanting art galleries, a very fun nightlife and excellent wines.

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.

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.