Santorini, Greece

The Greek Isles are practically tailor-made for cruising: The islands all have their own character, the scenery is drop-dead gorgeous, and the seas are relatively calm. We can never get enough of the place, and, it seems, neither can anyone else: During the prime tourist months of July and August, expect thousands of other cruise passengers to be enjoying the view along with you.

Of all the Greek Isles, Santorini is our favorite. It's one of the most breathtaking islands in the world, dotted with whitewashed homes, black-pebble beaches, rich vineyards, and ancient ruins, and approaching its beautiful bowl-shaped harbor by ship is a dramatic experience. The bay is actually a caldera, a central crater that was formed when a volcano erupted in 1500 B.C. Ash fell on the remaining land and buried the cosmopolitan city of Akrotiri -- an event that some believe sparked the legend of the lost continent of Atlantis.

Coming Ashore in Santorini:

Ships tender passengers to the port of Skala, just down the hill from the island's main town, Fira.

Getting Around in Santorini:

Visitors have three options for reaching Fira: donkey, cable car, or walking. The donkey and cable-car rides cost a few euros each way, or you can walk up the same 587 steps the donkeys take. Word to the wise: Donkeys are fed at the bottom of the hill, so they tend to run down whether they are carrying someone or not. They are also very smelly. Donkey rides take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and availability. Cable cars run every 20 minutes. Walking takes about 30 minutes, depending on your legs.