Photo by William Murphy

Mini cruises are a great option if you want to sample a destination or area, without committing a whole fortnight to it. You can relax and unwind for a long weekend, or enjoy a mid-week getaway to many destinations. Just because you can’t spare much time doesn’t mean your choice of cruise ships is limited either. The majority of cruise companies now have a short break option, often sailing from ports within the UK so you don’t waste any time travelling to ports in resort.

Stroll along the canals in Bruges, relax in a cosmopolitan cafe in Rotterdam, or explore a traditional fishing village in Spain – whatever takes your fancy, there’s a mini cruise to suit you even if you only have a few nights to spare.

With so many fabulous ships to choose from, some people opt for mini cruises just to enjoy the wide range of activities on board. Try your luck in a casino, take a dip in a refreshing pool or sing and dance the night away at a cabaret show – all without stepping foot off your chosen ship!

If you’re planning a birthday surprise, a hen do or a romantic long weekend away, mini cruises are a fantastic option. Holidays away with groups can sometimes be more stressful than they’re worth, as it’s hard to have your own space and keep everyone happy. This is where short cruise escapes are ideal, as you can spend time together, or go off and do your own thing for a while, whilst still all being onboard the same magnificent floating hotel.

With mini cruises available for a range of durations and destinations, there really is no excuse not to hop aboard and treat yourself to a few days of escapism…

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Poros is, like the most Greek islands, of volcanic origin. It consists of two parts – a small rocky island Sphairia and much bigger and busier Kalaureia, where is also a vast majority of hotel complexes and beaches. Both sites are connected by a bridge. The first building, which you see when you arrive on Poros, is the white clock tower overlooking the island Sphairia. From its summit, where you can get after overcoming incredible amount of stairs you have a wonderful view over the harbor and the picturesque local countryside.

On the Kalaureia you can then do a little trip to the remains of the Temple of Poseidon. This was built five hundred years before Christ in honor of the ruler of the seas, made of the granite stone, which was imported from the neighboring island of Aegina. In the fourth century, the temple was destroyed by the earthquake, so that today you can see mostly the foundations of that massive structures. Among them is also located Bust of Demosthenes, who was a prominent Greek orator, killed at Poros with a poison. If you are passionate lover of the ancient monuments, visit the small archaeological museum with the exhibition related to the Temple of Poseidon.

But to the Greek islands you mainly travel because of the sea and beautiful beaches, right? They can be found on the southern part of Poros, while the north is dominated by olive and citrus groves. The beaches here are rocky as well as sandy and you can rent a lounger with a parasol on all of them. To achieve perfection, do a short stay in a nice local tavern to taste a delicious moussaka and souvlaki.

Poros Island is located in the Saronic Gulf, not far from Athens. The journey from Piraeus port takes approximately 1 hour and costs around €18.

View Poros – one of the most beautiful islands in Greece in a larger map

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