Written & Images by Chloe Hambidge

Bathing eternally between endless blue, sky and sea, the beauty of the Greek Islands is a tale as old as time. Arising from the Adriatic, I had the honor of sailing blissfully from one pint-sized island to the next, ticking off Grecian gems daily onboard the dazzling Azamara Journey.

Despite each island oozing charm in its own way, from the exclusive pulse of martini bars in Mykonos to the peaceful streets of Patmos, their beauty remains timeless. Little by little, I uncovered the wonders hidden amongst these ancient ruins, aquiline waters, and effortlessly chic boutiques, piecing each titbit together like a sun-dazzled patchwork quilt.

Attempting to put a cap on the beauty this corner of the world holds would be an impossible task, but, if you need help narrowing down your summer isle trip, then read on for my discoveries. Island hopping the Greek Isles has never been easier.

Athens – Santorini – Crete – Rhodes – Patmos – Cesme – Mykonos

Embarking in the beating heart of Greece, Athens did not disappoint. The city whose charms once went unsung now has a shining spotlight in its direction. Staying in the Divani Acropolis, I had a prime position amongst some of the city’s most acclaimed prospects.

Only a 5-minute walk from the charming time-old village of Plaka, we wandered shops holding anything from tacky fridge magnets to handmade garments. As someone much like a magpie, flocking to anything shiny, I was in my element wandering the town’s jewelry shops (which did become a theme throughout this holiday), along with gyros which this hotspot boasts at every corner.

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, it comes as no surprise that it hugs the foot of the Acropolis, standing proud at the epicenter of the city, just staring up at it fills you with serenity, juxtaposing the artistic yet chaotic hum of the nearby residency. I was steeped in authentic history for the whole of my jam-packed 24 hours, I even dined with front-row seats of the Parthenon, sitting regal atop the much-adored aforementioned Acropolis. Meaning the highest point in the city, it’s not long until you feel just as high and mighty, soaking up all its beauty as the sun sets in its shadows.

SANTORINI

One of the many silver linings of sailing between these Grecian puzzle pieces is the slow approach to each turquoise shore. Starting strong, Santorini was where we truly appreciated this vantage point. The city seemingly sneaking into the sky, simply standing on the top deck staring up above is a sight within itself. Everyone has seen pictures of this honeymooners paradise, but nothing can prepare you for coming face to face with its vertical cliff faces, glowing white stone buildings, and cobbled streets.

We opted to take the cable car (not for the faint-hearted for those who feel a tad queasy with heights) up to the secrets awaiting us above, as we inched closer and closer I finally saw everything unfurl. Anchored in Thira, I was greeted by the enticing tinkle of the donkeys’ bells as they go about their hard days graft as well as the flash of fabrics flowing in the wind as we wandered through quaint (in terms of size at least, otherwise they were most definitely bustling) streets boasting boutiques, restaurants, and jewelers.

My advice would be to find your base of choice and have a true day of relaxation simply by taking in what’s in front of you- miles of mesmerizing views. Proving some of the best things in life are free. Even sailing away felt like a distant dream as the rocky shadows were illuminated with twinkling lights as night fell.

CRETE

Seemingly a world away from the glitz and glamour of our last layby, Crete is a cocoon of picture-perfect beaches, friendly locals, and ancient ruins (of course). We docked at the port of Agios Nikolas, which feels like anything but, as just a few steps from the ship, and wandered into a cosy fishing village home to seemingly iridescent waters. Wandering through, time seemed to slow, as we soaked up the sun as well as the rocky coastline; hugged by Crete’s notorious turquoise waters.

It seemed like a no-brainer, a beach day called and we answered. Around a 20- minute walk away, we stumbled upon what seemed to be a slice of paradise where friendly locals congregate. Stealing a sunbed and a bottle of water for just 10 euros, we reclined to wafts of the mouthwatering scents escaping the beachside restaurant and the soft lull of the lapping waves at our feet. Despite being the birthplace of Zeus, Crete seems to be the humble brother of all the other islands we visited.

RHODES

Awoken by sunlight pooling through my balcony, I stepped out to be greeted by Rhodes. Renowned for its old town and ancient ruins, I was eager to explore. We ticked all the boxes with a lavish twist as we rented a car and headed over to Lindos.

Adorned with luxury hotels, it doesn’t take long to realise why; as we descended upon the bay we were greeted with ombre waters and a magnificent acropolis surrounded by slate cliffs.

After wandering a maze of stalls and various shops, I felt as though transported to a fold in time, medieval and grand. Eventually, I found the gateway to the steps of the much-anticipated castle. Despite the heat, I climbed all the way to the top and it’s safe to say I was rewarded. The vistas were unmissable as I overlooked emerald coves and beach lovers at god-like advantage, I felt as if I’d stumbled upon my own hidden secret.

PATMOS

Refined and regal, this quiet island is a reprieve from any of the hustle and bustle you’re holidaying away from. With an air of exclusivity, I felt as though I had the run of the island, with no airport and a nine-hour ferry journey from Athens, it requires a lot to join the Patmos in-crowd.

Azamara holds a golden ticket. An effortless and laid-back vibe throughout, it wasn’t long until I adopted this way of life and strolled slowly from one picturesque street to the next.

Glistening in the sun, the handmade garments stole my heart, from unique mosaiced bags to silk linens bursting with vibrant colors and patterns- everything here just oozes class.

Stroll by beachside restaurants where waves lap against table legs and checked table clothes hold pride and place, I loved Patmos and its unruly way of living… the church being the only thing keeping people in check.

CESME

Making an honorary stop in Turkey, the glow of the Cesme peninsula is something that demands attention. Stylish and boasting Turkish flair, the shimmering of the Agian Sea is never more than a stone’s throw away.

For those seeking history; a magnificent castle built by Genoese stands regal by the seafront, or for those seeking a reputable Turkish shopping experience there’s a bustling Merkez (commercial centre) with plenty of shops and cheap eateries.

Deciding to stretch our legs, Cesme is home to a beautiful promenade lined with palm trees conveniently sliced through unmissable sea vistas to the left and authentic Izmir charm to the right.

MYKONOS

Whether into myths of margheritas, you will find both nestled amongst the white-washed cobblestones of this hotspot. With a reputation that perceives her, Mykonos is a bohemian dream- or more accurately put, a cocktail of exclusivity and allure.

Stroll cobbled white-washed streets boasting anything your heart desires (and do wonders for the tan), before stumbling upon the delights of Little Venice. Sitting here really is all it’s cracked up to be, with waves lapping right under our nose and a stone-baked pizza on the way, it’s what I would consider the definition of the good life.

Juxtaposing the Mediterranean hues of the red and yellow restaurant exteriors, the sea seemingly glows illuminous, a tempting invitation to one of the many decadent beach clubs on offer.

Seemingly saving the best until last, it’s hard to ignore the five-star wonder awaiting you in this slice of luxury amongst the Aegean, whether a weekend of glitz or a 7-day sesh, Mykonos is worth the visit.

AS FOR AZAMARA

I must say a special thank you to the vessel that sailed us through the night to these Cycladic big hitters, but most of all to the staff onboard. Dubbed a ‘A luxurious boutique hotel at sea’, the service is the piece de resistance. Azamara Journey was the perfect base for our island hopping adventures, with unmissable features such as their iconic white-night which we experienced in Cesme as well as an AzAmazing Evening in Rhodes where we watched Greek dancers dance the night away.

Thanks to extended evening ports I could watch the sunset dreamily behind the almighty Santorini from the confines of my balcony. For a deep dive into life onboard, stay tuned for another blog where I cover all bases of the delights that await you on an Azamara cruise.