Corinth Canal & Greek Islands

Choose from a wide selection of cruise lines and set sail on your dream holiday with our handpicked range of cruises from Southampton.

The southern Spanish city of Malaga has a lot more to offer than a sunny Mediterranean climate. The city where artist Pablo Picasso was born is now regarded as Andalusia’s cultural capital.

Lined with Baroque buildings and enclosed within its sixteenth century city walls, it’s almost as if time stands still in Valletta. With 7,000 years of history just waiting to be discovered, the Maltese capital is a dream to explore.

Built around a pretty lake against a backdrop of imposing red-rock cliffs and tall trees, Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete’s most picturesque towns. A vibrant ‘resort’ throughout the holiday season, the town attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, interesting historic sites and fantastic beaches. Although Agios Nikolaos appears imposing, with its typically Greek whitewashed buildings towering over Lake Voulisméni and Merabello Bay, it is in fact very easy to explore on foot. Taking a stroll along the town’s tree-lined streets, alleys and boulevards in the Mediterranean sunshine is the best way to take in the attractions. Plenty of bars, shops and restaurants serving fine local cuisine, several charming Byzantine-era churches and interesting archaeological, folklore and national history museums all await discovery. The stunning marina and sandy beach of Ammus are well worth taking the short walk from the town centre to discover too.

Ancient relics, fascinating culture, mouth-watering cuisine, soft sandy beaches and contemporary delights abound in delightful Rhodes.

In contrast to many of Greece’s most famous towns and cities, which are often overcrowded with visitors exploring ancient monuments and world-famous landmarks, Ermoupoli remains relatively undiscovered. But this isn’t to say that the capital of Syros doesn’t have much to recommend it. Spread out across the slopes of two tall hills on the island’s east coast, Ermoupoli is a maze of multi-coloured and typically Greek whitewashed houses which, when explored, reveal a number of attractions from galleries and museums to shops, bars, restaurants and Ouzeries. Among the main highlights are Town Hall Square, found in the very heart of the town, where you can admire some of the Ermoupoli’s finest architecture, including one of the largest town halls in Greece. Also worth visiting are the Apollo Theatre, the Industrial Museum and the pretty Agios Georgios Cathedral. This cathedral sits atop Ano Syros hill and offers fantastic views of the town, the neighbouring islands and the surrounding ocean. The elegant Vaporia district harks back to days when Ermoupoli was a thriving shipbuilding centre, with its palm-lined squares and grand old shipmakers mansions.

The history of Patras – named after King Patreas who ruled Achaïa in around 1100BC – dates back over 3000 years. The city was once a major part of both of the Mycenaean and Roman civilisations, however there is little left here to remind you of Patras’ ancient past. What was formerly a thriving trade centre is now a bustling university city, a place where modern architecture stands alongside a few surviving ancient treasures, and trendy bars, shops and restaurants line the busy pedestrianised streets and thoroughfares. It is recommended to start your exploration of Patras at the famous street of Aghiou Nikolaou, which leads you into the Old City quarter. Here you can marvel at the ancient Medieval Castle, which was built in the late 6th century on the site of the old acropolis and offers fantastic views of the city, as well as the gorgeous surrounding scenery. The cobbled streets of the Old City offer a little glimpse into Patras’ past too, with their grand neoclassical mansions. Elsewhere it is worth heading west of the acropolis to Ano Poli – the ‘upper city’ – to visit the Roman Odeum, which in fact pre-dates the famous Athens Odeum. In Ano Poli you will also find fascinating archaeological sites and the Patras Lighthouse. In the centre of the city, two fine historical monuments are sure to capture your attention: St Andrew Church, one of the biggest Balkan churches, and the Municipal Theatre, one of the first Opera houses in Europe.

Whether it's scenic views, history and culture or stunning seas you’re after, Katakolon will fulfill your Greek ideals

With its palm-lined cobbled promenade, stunning beaches and vibrant town centre, Argostoli is the perfect place to soak up the glorious Mediterranean sunshine while enjoying unique Greek culture. Surrounded by gorgeous azure waters and boasting a beautiful natural harbour, Kefalonia’s is also the island's largest port town. Despite being a modern, commercial town, Argostoli’s tradition and heritage oozes from its charming architecture, vibrant squares and pretty landscapes. Lithostroto – the main street in the town centre – is the hub of the town and home to a number of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Kampanas Square – found in the middle of Lithostroto – offers superb views of the town and the beautiful Koutavos Lagoon. Just a short distance from the town centre you will discover the impressive Agion Theodoron Lighthouse. Rebuilt in 1953 after an earthquake destroyed the original 19th century building, the lighthouse has a unique design that features 20 columns and a small tower.

The Balearic Island of Ibiza may have a reputation for lively Mediterranean nightlife, but there is more to this sun-kissed, pine-clad island than meets the eye. Off Ibiza’s beaten track you’ll find quiet villages, rural hotels, hidden hamlets, yoga retreats hushed churches, and glorious beaches – from Platja d'en Bossa, lined with hotels, bars and shops, to quieter sandy coves backed by evergreen hills. The island’s capital, Ibiza Town – Eivissa in Catalan – has a superb Old Town. The 16th century walls and ramparts of Dalt Vila, now a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, surround tight and intriguing cobbled streets. The main entrance, Portal de Tablas, passes into a courtyard leading to the main square, which is home to wonderfully-peaceful restaurants, tiny boutiques and family-owned cafés and bars.

The Balearic Island of Ibiza may have a reputation for lively Mediterranean nightlife, but there is more to this sun-kissed, pine-clad island than meets the eye. Off Ibiza’s beaten track you’ll find quiet villages, rural hotels, hidden hamlets, yoga retreats hushed churches, and glorious beaches – from Platja d'en Bossa, lined with hotels, bars and shops, to quieter sandy coves backed by evergreen hills. The island’s capital, Ibiza Town – Eivissa in Catalan – has a superb Old Town. The 16th century walls and ramparts of Dalt Vila, now a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, surround tight and intriguing cobbled streets. The main entrance, Portal de Tablas, passes into a courtyard leading to the main square, which is home to wonderfully-peaceful restaurants, tiny boutiques and family-owned cafés and bars.

Today Spain's major commercial port and naval base, Cartagena lies on the coast of Murcia, its great indented bay guarded by rocky promontories, each topped by a fort. Founded in 221 BC by Hasdrubal, leader of the Carthaginians (hence the name) from North Africa, it has a fascinating history - and as Nova Carthage was long the Romans' principal settlement in their Iberian stronghold. Attractive promenades extend along the harbour, while to the northeast is the famous beach and watersports resort area of the lagoon-like Mar Menor.

Follow in the footsteps of the world’s greatest explorers as you wind your way through Lisbon’s cobblestone streets. Take in the tree-lined squares, ancient castles and colourful cityscape of Portugal’s capital city.

Choose from a wide selection of cruise lines and set sail on your dream holiday with our handpicked range of cruises from Southampton.