Cruising and Greek islands virgin Louise Scott hopped aboard easyCruise Life on a fam trip and found some preconceived ideas to be pure myth
With intrigue mounting I don my sunglasses ready for some retina-damaging orange decor. It is, after all, an easyCruise, right? But on entering the reception area I am shocked to discover soothing white walls and laminate floors as far as I can see.
A glance into the nearby restaurant and bar reveals elegant dark wood furniture with stylish tableware and again, no orange.
It is, would you believe, chic.
A swift swipe of my key card later and I am surprised again – my standard quad room is a pleasant, neutral-toned hideaway that I could (just about) swing the ship’s cat in, with two narrow single beds and two more fold-outs above.
Two small windows let in bright light. The en suite bathroom, though tiny, is perfectly adequate and again, no orange.
A tour of the ship fails to dishearten. It has a pool – albeit miniscule – outdoor terrace and two sundecks with sumptuous outdoor beds.
After a tasty helping of Mediterranean cuisine – far from the burger and chips I was expecting – I am more than impressed with my mode of transport/accommodation.
Let’s see what the ports of call have to offer with a full day and evening in each I can’t wait to explore.
Kalymnos
Minutes into a walk ashore I am given a clue that this is a place famous for its sea sponge – there are shops everywhere selling the stuff. I quickly learn that until recently diving for and harvesting it provided the bulk of the island’s economy – now tourism is sneaking into the driving seat.
A wander around Pothia’s Sea World museum gives an insight into how the sponge is collected, while a diving centre could take me to the boat wrecks on the sea bed if I had more time.
The landscape is mountainous and perfect for climbers - in fact the island is now a prime destination for the sport. The nearest I get to that is a taking an uphill stroll to the Monastery of Agios Savvas for some great views.
Bodrum
If endless tourist tat and pesky shop staff are your thing, you’ll love Bodrum’s main thoroughfare. For the rest, a wander off the much-trodden tourist track is worth the effort to get an essence of Turkey.
I hop in a cab to the Mausoleum of Mausolus – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, no less. An exhausting stroll uphill to the Ancient Amphitheatre is rewarded with picture-postcard views of Bodrum Castle and harbour, while wandering along narrow lanes as a mosque calls its worshippers to prayer is a delightful reminder of where I am.
Kos
The busy port town of Kos is littered with shops selling the typical holidaymaker paraphernalia, but it still manages to retain its charm.
After a quick wander about, my first stop is a taverna to satisfy my persistent craving for fried calamari, before heading off to check out some of the historic sites the town is known for.
The castle of the Knights of the Order of Saint John, at the entrance of the harbour, is one of the most famous and merits a look.
Paros
There’s less time to play with at this destination, thanks to the 2pm arrival time. So, feeling adventurous, my companions and I decide the best way to see as much as possible is to hire quad bikes.
At just 30 euros a day and spacious enough for two riders they are a bargain, and for scaredy cats, much less daunting than mopeds.
Soon we are breezing past rolling landscape dotted with typical white cube houses and blue domed churches. Within minutes we reach Ornos beach for a much needed slurp of ice cream before reaching the highlight so far – the white-washed fishing village of Nassaou.
Authentic local charm, stunning sunsets and fresh seafood by the bucket-load are all here. With full stomachs and the clock ticking, we run out of time for horseriding at the Kokou centre but something tells me I’ll be back.
Mykonos
We waste no time hiring quad bikes again, and are soon whizzing up the coastline, stopping off at Ornos beach for drinks at Ithaki – a restaurant that also exhibits art.
Next stop is further inland to Ano Mera – the island’s most populated village – taking a peek inside the tranquil 16th-century Panagia Tourliani Monastery.
The central square is a peaceful place in the middle of the day, with stunning views and a handful of authentic restaurants to choose from – we eat like Greek gods at one called Vangelis.
Despite these highlights, the most memorable is Mykonos by night. The barren landscapes of daytime are replaced with a magical labyrinth of winding paths weaving past scores of cave-like bars and craft shops.
It’s bursting with a cosmopolitan vibe and lit like a fairytale village.
Syros
As we sail towards the Venetian buildings of the former Aegean trade centre of Ermoupolis, someone tells me this island only recently opened up to tourism – and it is unscathed by gaudy shops.
We escape the city-like port on quad bikes and take in the green landscape, stopping off at tranquil Megas Gialos beach for a swim in the Aegean waves and atmospheric Kini for a bite to eat at one of the beach bars playing relaxing bossa nova.
Back towards the port we take a stroll at Ano Syros – a medieval village built like an amphitheatre – then admire superb views of Mykonos from the Holy Church of the Assumption on top of Vrodado Hill.
Verdict
EasyCruise Life shattered all presumptions. Far from being a mecca for stag and hen parties, it was populated by couples and groups of friends of all ages, and would particularly suit laid-back thirtysomethings – but not the under 20s or seasoned cruisers expecting formality or entertainment onboard.
My only complaint would be the complete lack of food on offer between mealtimes – miss breakfast at your peril.
This cruise is about the destinations themselves – it’s the perfect way to island hop affordably and take away the hassle of hotel-hunting.
Useful links:
- Travel Weekly’s cruise blog
- Travel Weekly’s dedicated cruise page
