Cross the Greek Islands Off Your Bucket List
Pictures of idyllic white-washed buildings over-looking the sea and clear blue water inviting visitors to jump in have fueled my desire to visit the Greek islands for years. Greece is more than ancient civilizations or harbors, more than the Olympics and olive groves. It is a culture as vibrant as it’s colors. Are they real? Absolutely. It’s not Caribbean blue, but an azure as rich as the Greek flag and as deep as the domes in Santorini. In short, the Greek islands are legendary, and for good reason.
Experience Greece's Smaller Islands
Greece has over one thousand islands and only about two hundred are inhabited. A cruise is really the best way to get to them. A smaller ship that can dock in places the huge ships can’t go is even better. On the small luxury ship, the Silver Muse, I sailed from well-known ports like Santorini and Chania, Crete to lesser-known ones like Monemvasia and Katakolon. Each Greek island has a character that is unique, shaped by centuries of history, natural shifts caused by geological disturbances and being at the crossroads of exploration and conquests . Exploring them is an adventure on many a bucket list.
The Isle of Patmos
My seven-day Mediterranean itinerary included a stop on the island of Patmos. It was here that St John the Revelator spent his time on Patmos in exile. He received the apocryphal vision that became the Book of Revelations. My Silver Sea shore excursion took me to visit a centuries old Greek Orthodox Monastery built to honor St John with beautiful frescoes detailing the life of Christ and St John. I was particularly touched seeing the site of the cave where the apostle John spent his time on Patmos. It occurs naturally in the rock overlooking the harbor and has been preserved for hundreds of years with a building built over the entrance. The cave is the size of a bedroom and there is a small elaborate altar inside. While there, I watched an elderly monk lovingly dusting and caring for the altar before lighting candles for worship. These are the memories that stay for life.
Adventures in Bodrum, Turkey
The cruise itinerary also included a stop in Bodrum, Turkey and I loved it. Though closer to the Greek mainland than many Greek islands , it is a world apart in culture. It has a beautiful marina, surrounded by a town full of shops and restaurants and hosts an ancient fortress and historic mosque. I watched people sitting on their boats in the harbor, enjoying the sunshine and the vibe of a friendly small town. I wandered through narrow pedestrian streets of cobblestone and found beautiful Turkish ceramics that were unique to this area. The temptation was too great, so of course, I bought one.
Speaking "Greeklish"
History is everywhere is the Greek islands, but each one is an exuberant and friendly place as well. Greece has grown enormously in popularity as travelers seek out authentic, off the beaten path destinations. Many Greek islands provide that authentic taste of a lifestyle that is both simple and complex. As they strive to grow their tourism responsibly, they struggle as well. “Greeklish” is rapidly replacing the traditional Greek alphabet with our western one. They face losing some of their identity as they adapt to being part of the European Union.
Final Thoughts
Greece and her islands are a crossroads between Europe and Turkey. Cruising on Silver Muse, part of Silver Seas small luxury fleet, is full of delightful contrasts, much like Greece; luxury cruising with complete flexibility, chef prepared meals served in elegant dining rooms or included ensuite dining barefoot on a balcony, knowledgeable guides and fascinating shore excursions or hours of free time to relax at the pool or shop in one of a kind markets are all part of the Silver Sea experience. Consider a small ship cruise experience and enjoy a bucket list destination at your pace.
Doni Rasmussen
Growing up, my family crisscrossed the US in a station wagon from New York to California and everywhere in between. Those early memories reinforced the idea that travel is the best way to explore, adventure, and learn to love people and places that are different. Travel tears down prejudices and barriers. People who travel are interested in life. I love the anticipation of researching and planning and am gratified to have a trip exceed my (or your) expectations. I love finding the unique, hidden places that make a trip more memorable. I also specialize in ethical animal encounters. I would be honored to help make your travel dreams come true.
