Greece can be an authentic summer paradise, with a large range of marvelous tourist resorts able to provide the summer holidays of your dreams.

During June, July and August, the brilliant Greek sun combines with magnificent coastal landscapes.
We recommend that you should arrange to spend most of your time on the Greek islands at this time of the year, as Athens can become an uncomfortable place to spend the hot days.

Many visitors come to Greece during the summer period for one reason – island hopping on the Aegean Sea. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to do this is by cruise ship.

A variety of boats depart from the port at  Athens.

Some cruises visit only a few islands in three to four days, whilst others visit more islands over a longer period of time.

Although most vessels only stop at each port for a short time, it’s usually enough to get a feel for each island and decide at which one you’d like to spend more time on your next visit.

Amongst the islands that you will love to visit are:

• Mykonos, one of the most famous and most visited islands. Mykanos is small enough to walk from one end to the other> Its streets are lined with gorgeous white washed houses. Shutters, window and door frames, along with doors and banisters are painted in bright colors emphasizing the stark white color of the houses.
• Santorini, one of nature’s most incredible creations, often referred to as Greece’s most beautiful island. It is a caldera – a volcanic depression in the shape of a basin. Santorini is the portion of the submerged caldera that remains above sea level. Relaxing at one of the cliffside restaurants provides you with an unbeatable vista of the island and surrounding water. The blue sea glimmers in the bright sun, and Santorini stretches on and on.
• Patmos, the northernmost island of the Dodecanese group, is a place of pilgrimage for many Christians due to its religious history, with significant historical interest for visitors.
• Rhodes is an island with both incredible beauty and interesting history to share with its visitors. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese island group. Rhodes has a number of beaches from which you can enjoy the sea. The island receives over 300 days of sunshine a year, which makes you appreciate the crisp coldness of the Aegean even more.

Submitted by John Kumm www.onlinetravelconsultant.com