Greece with Azamara

Travel Inspiration

December 18, 2020

With countless miles of coastline, nearly 6000 islands, unparalleled history and amazing cuisine, it could take an entire lifetime to explore. With the experts at Direct Travel along with Azamara’s Destination Immersion approach to cruising, you will discover smaller, less travelled ports as well as enjoy late and overnight stays. Let us take you beyond the initial layers of Greece for an insider’s look at one of the world’s most stunning destinations.

During our recent “Live From Greece” event, we shared 5 of 26 incredible ports that Azamara will call on in 2021 with Captain Filip’s suggestions for culinary experiences at great local restaurants and where to soak up the Mediterranean sunshine at fantastic local beaches. Here are those recommendations and his insider look at these AzAmazing Greek ports.

AGIOS NIKOLAOS

Known for having “three faces to the sea”, Agios Nikolaos located on Crete’s east coast, seamlessly blends the charm of a small fishing village with the glamor of a chic resort town. It really is a beautiful city. It is also the perfect base for exploring smaller islands around Crete.

Highlights

Knossos Palace & Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: Uncover the secrets of Crete’s history on this journey to the Knossos Palace. Then, travel to the Museum of Heraklion, boasting a stunning collection of artifacts from Cretan history and prehistory.

Archaeological Museum: Located near Lake Voulismeni, this museum displays treasures from the Neolithic, Minoan, and Roman eras. Nearby cafes and restaurants offer sweeping views overlooking the lake.

Marina: Stroll along the docks and keep an eye out for opulent yachts that often drop anchor. Sample sweet or savory crepes at a slipway café.

Spinalonga Island: Spinalonga, home to an ancient acropolis, a former defense fortress, and then a leper colony – up until 1957. This is a great destination to explore on foot while burning calories from all the super meals onboard the ship! Only accessible by a smaller boat, it watches over the lovely fishing village of Elouda on mainland Crete. Guests love these unique and authentic spots.

Local Cuisine:

Gioma Meze – https://giomameze.com/?lang=EN

Piato Restaurant – https://www.agiosnikolaoscrete.com/business/piato/

Karnagio Restaurant – https://www.greeka.com/crete/lassithi/eat-drink/restaurants/agios-nikolaos/karnagio/

Tavern Kroustas – https://restaurantguru.com/O-Kroustas-Kroustas

Beaches: Voulisma Beach | Vai Beach | Almyros Beach | Amoudi Beach

CHANIA

Venetian splendor gives Chania, Crete’s second largest city a distinctly Italian air. Greek and Ottoman influences add to the city’s unique history and culture—each era certainly worth exploring. Framed by a dramatic mountain backdrop, Chania is an exceptional destination for history buffs, with plenty of tavernas and cafés to recharge after a day of discovery.

Highlights

Firka Fortress: Built in the late 1530s, this fort has had many purposes over the years. In 1913 it was the site where King Constantine witnessed the raising of the Greek flag, signifying the reunification of Crete with Greece.

Venetian Lighthouse: An integral part of the expansion and modernization of the harbor in the late 1500s, the lighthouse stands as a city landmark. Enjoy a walk along the harbor to get a closer view.

Venetian Dockyards: A monument to Chania’s importance as a trading center for the Venetian Republic, the dockyards are where great merchant ships came for repairs and refitting. Crete was once heavily forested and supplied a great deal of lumber for shipbuilding. Many of the original dockside warehouses have been remarkably well preserved.

Georgioupolis: A delightful coastal village and it’s charming white church set on a pier in the water.

Local Cuisine:

Tamam Restaurant – https://www.tamamrestaurant.com/

PATMOS

This tiny island is a place of deep importance for Christianity. After being exiled by Domitian in AD 95, in the Cave of the Apocalypse, Jesus appeared in a crack in the ceiling inspiring John the Apostle to write the Book of Revelations. Patmos is a beautiful island with excellent beaches, great mountain scenery perfect for avid walkers and wonderful villages to explore.

Highlights

Chora: Stroll Patmos’ capital with its whitewashed homes, narrow lanes, and coastal views.

Grotto of Revelation: Visit the ancient grotto where St. John saw visions that became the Book of Revelations.

Monastery of St. John: Built in honor of St. John some 993 years after his exile to the island, see the stunning jewels and artifacts of this former Monastery complex, now a museum.

Local Cuisine:

Benetos Restaurants – http://benetosrestaurant.com/

Kyma Restaurant – https://restaurantguru.com/KYMA-Patmos

Ktima Petra – https://restaurantguru.com/Ktima-Petra-Patmos

To book your Azamara voyage to Greece or any of the world’s spectacular destinations we visit, please contact your local Direct Travel advisor.