A Mediterranean cruise is one of the most popular ways to explore the coasts of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, offering the chance to visit multiple countries in a single trip without the hassle of packing and unpacking between cities. But with so many ports of call spread across this vast sea, choosing the right itinerary can make all the difference to your holiday experience. From the historic harbours of Italy to the vibrant markets of North Africa and the ancient ruins of Greece, the Mediterranean offers an astonishing variety of destinations that can be explored in a single cruise itinerary.
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In This Article
Western Mediterranean Ports
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The most popular Western Mediterranean itineraries typically start from Barcelona, Rome, or the French Riviera. Barcelona’s port is one of the busiest in Europe, with excellent connections to the city centre and the famous Las Ramblas boulevard. Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, is about 80 kilometres from the Italian capital, but shuttle trains and buses make the journey manageable for a day trip. The French ports of Marseille and Nice offer access to Provence and the glamorous Côte d’Azur. The Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza are frequent stops, offering beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory at the southern tip of Spain, is a fascinating stop with its famous rock and wild Barbary macaques. These itineraries typically last between 7 and 14 days and offer a good balance of cultural sightseeing and relaxation.
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Eastern Mediterranean Ports
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The Eastern Mediterranean itineraries focus on Greece, Turkey, Croatia, and the Greek Islands. Piraeus, the port of Athens, is the gateway to the Acropolis and the ancient treasures of the Greek capital. Santorini, with its white-washed villages perched on the rim of a volcanic caldera, is one of the most photographed ports in the world. Mykonos offers glamorous beaches and a vibrant nightlife scene. The Turkish ports of Kusadasi and Istanbul provide access to the ancient city of Ephesus and the magnificent Hagia Sophia. Dubrovnik in Croatia, the Pearl of the Adriatic, is a UNESCO World heritage Site that has become one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Mediterranean. The Croatian coast, with its 1,200 islands, offers some of the most scenic cruising in Europe, with the historic ports of Split, Zadar, and Hvar featuring on many itineraries.
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Choosing the Right Cruise and Practical Tips
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The choice between a large ship and a small ship is one of the most important decisions you will make. Large ships offer more amenities, including multiple restaurants, swimming pools, theatres, and children’s clubs, but they can feel crowded in ports and are limited in the smaller harbours they can visit. Small ships, including luxury and expedition vessels, can access more remote destinations and offer a more intimate experience, but they typically cost more and have fewer amenities. The best time for a Mediterranean cruise is from April to October, with May, June, and September offering the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, with ports of call often crowded with multiple ships arriving on the same day. Book your excursions in advance, as popular tours sell out quickly, and allow some time to explore ports independently rather than booking ship excursions for every stop.
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Have you taken a Mediterranean cruise and explored the ports of this historic sea? Which port of call was your favourite and why?
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Some of the world’s most exciting and beautiful cities are on or close to the Mediterranean coast and Med cruises grow in popularity every year. There’s a superb variety of cruises and destinations to choose from but certain places simply must be seen. Here are the Mediterranean ports to ensure you’re visiting when booking a cruise holiday.
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\\nPhoto licensed under the Creative Commons, created by jim crossley
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Spanish sighs and France’s finest
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Spain’s most cosmopolitan and vibrant city, Barcelona is awash with art, culture, sport and music. Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, the extraordinary cathedral that is still being built today, is just one of the enduring symbols of this amazing city. Its other great cathedral is the Nou Camp, the home of Barcelona FC. Hop on one of the city’s tour buses to soak up as much of Barcelona as possible so you can make the most of any stop here.
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Considered by many as the jewel of the Med, Palma de Mallorca is a stunning fusion of Roman, Spanish, Catalan, Moorish and contemporary culture. Its mighty cathedral dominates the city centre where cool bars and top-class restaurants are filled nightly with the rich, the famous and the ordinary holidaymaker. Its narrow, cobbled streets are a treat, particularly for shopaholics.
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The romantic allure of the French Riviera remains undimmed after decades at the top of every celebrity’s holiday wish list. Nice has stunning beaches and shopping to die for but is also a cultural oasis, too – second only to Paris in the number of museums and art galleries it has. Make time for a stroll and a refreshment on the Promenade des Anglais.
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The celeb count is always high in Cannes, too, particularly during its world-famous film festival in May. This once sleepy fishing village is now one of the most glamorous spots in the world and you simply have to perch at a street café by the marina to people watch. Explore the winding streets of the old town and enjoy a spectacular view from the castle ruins at the top.
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Africa meets Europe in dazzling fashion in Marseille where the sights and sounds of that continent mingle with French natives, creating a tantalising mix just like the seafood that’s mixed to make this city’s famous fish broth, bouillabaisse. Explore Roman ruins and wander through markets selling local produce and more exotic sights, smells and sounds of North and West Africa.
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La dolce vita
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Mere words cannot adequately describe Rome, the Eternal City. It’s probably easier simply to list some of its outstanding attractions and give you a hint of why you must make the most of every single moment in this extraordinary place. St Peter’s Square and the Vatican, the Coliseum and Circus Maximus, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps – history is literally around every corner. They say all roads lead to Rome. Make sure you’re on one.
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The tiny island of Capri, off the west coast of Italy near Naples, is four square miles of stunning beauty. Take the funicular from the Marina Grande to the main town and enjoy the best Italian coffee at a café while people watching. Capri is renowned for its sky-high prices but sometimes you simply have to splash out!
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The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is quite simply art, culture and architectural heaven. Its museums and art galleries are world class, particularly the Galleria degli Uffiz, which is so busy you’ll need to book in advance. Don’t miss the Duomo di Firenze, the city’s enormous cathedral – climb Giotto’s Tower next door for the best view of the cathedral dome.
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Balkan beauty
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A UNESCO World heritage Site, Dubrovnik’s magnificent city walls and Old Town survived the Balkan conflict and today this Croatian city is one of the must-visit stops on any Mediterranean cruise. Walk the city walls and marvel at the mediaeval fortress; take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd for amazing views over the city and the sparkling Adriatic beyond; and wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, shopping for bargains.
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Greece’s capital, Athens is a sprawling metropolis where the monuments of Ancient Greece nestle alongside the trappings of modern life. The Acropolis and Parthenon remain proud symbols of Greece as the birthplace of modern civilisation, while the Monastiraki district is packed with cafes, restaurants, bars and shops.
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Guest post provided by Bon Voyage one of the leading online suppliers of top quality Mediterranean cruises.
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