Cruising the Mediterranean Sea offers port stops packed with rich culture and diversity. Explore the lands where Western Civilization was born and where the fine art of living has been perfected ever since. From monumental sights such as the Acropolis and the Colosseum to a gondola ride down the Grand Canal in Venice, discover the Mediterranean’s endless appeal and timeless treasures. Here’s our pick of Mediterranean’s ten best ports of call.
A map of Ten Of The Best Ports Of Call on a Mediterranean Cruise
Eastern Mediterranean
Santorini is a must-do port of call for any cruise ship sailing the east Mediterranean
-
Santorini, Greece – Paradise for Romantic Getaway
Santorini, Greece - one of the most breathtaking islands in the world
Its unique form is attributed to a massive volcanic explosion, which blew out the island’s centre in around 1600 BC to create a “caldera” (sea-filled crater) measuring approximately eight by four miles.
Everyone comes in search of the quintessential Santorini experience: to explore the narrow winding streets and whitewashed houses of the twin cliff-top towns of Thira and Oia, overlooking the deep blue waters of the caldera. Santorini is famous for its spectacular sunsets. The village of Oia (a.k.a. Ia) on the northern tip of the island is a hugely popular sunset viewing site because there is an uninterrupted view of the sun as it finally sinks below the horizon.
The main ferry port, Athinios, cannot accommodate large vessels, so most cruise ships put down anchor in the caldera, immediately below Thira, and passengers are brought ashore to the pier at Skala aboard tenders (smaller boats). From Skala, there are three ways to reach cliff-top Thira: cable car (daily, 6.30am-10pm, every 20 mins, €4), mule ride (€4), or a tough hike up 580 steps (following the same path as the mules).
-
Dubrovnik, Croatia – The Pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik, Croatia - The Pearl of the Adriatic
Big ships dock in a suburb of Dubrovnik, at Gruz Harbor, about 15 minutes by taxi or bus from the Old Town (which has remained virtually unchanged since the 13th c.).
-
Athens, Greece – Cradle of Western Civilization
The Parthenon has stood atop the Acropolis of Athens for nearly 2500 years
While Greece’s debt is causing problems in financial circles, it’s good news — lower prices — for tourists. Even though you’re probably here to see “the glory that was Greece,” don’t ignore the life of the modern city. Your best moments may be spent sipping a tiny cup of thick Greek coffee at a small cafe, or losing yourself in the Plaka, the city’s oldest continuously inhabited section, and getting to know its shops, churches, shady courtyards, and monuments.
Cruise ships dock at the port city of Piraeus, about 11km (6¾ miles) southwest of Athens.
-
Istanbul, Turkey – Where East meets West
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Camii) is probably Istanbul's most famous landmark
Must-see attractions include the dazzling treasury in Topkapi Palace and exquisite buildings of timeless beauty such as the Blue Mosque and Basilica of St. Sophia. Even those who are not avid shoppers will be enticed by the colorful sights and sounds of the world’s largest bazaar, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, which dates back to the 15th century and features more than 4,000 stores sprawled over about 60 streets. Those with more Istanbul experience or time may want to try a cruise on the Bosphorous, which sails to Prince’s Islands, or a walk around Ortakoy, a historic neighborhood on the Bosphorous.
Most ships dock at either Karakoy or the Sali Pazari Passenger Terminal; both are centrally located but still about a 20- to 30-minute taxi ride from the city’s main attractions.
-
Venice, Italy – One of the Most Beautiful Cities in the World
Venice, Italy – One of the Most Beautiful Cities in the World
Known as the “Queen of the Adriatic,” it actually comprises more than 100 separate islands. Laced together by a string of 400 intricate bridges, Venice is legendary for its labyrinthine network of canals. You take the Vaporatto (their version of a public bus system) or a water taxi (the more expensive option) to move around. And, of course, a gondola ride. Getting lost in Venice can be a truly delightful experience. The place of dreams, this romantic city will live long in your memory.
At the heart of the city is the bustling, heavily touristed sestiere (district) of San Marco, where you’ll find the world-famous basilica of the same name as well as other sights like the Palazzo Grassi. To the east lies the fascinatingly workaday district of Castello. Across the Grand Canal to the south of San Marco, Dorsoduro is quiet and artsy, and home to two of the city’s greatest art collections: the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Further north, inside the great loop of the Grand Canal, the sestieri of San Polo and Santa Croce are packed with churches. To the north, and across the canal, is Cannaregio, where five 15th- and 16th-century synagogues mark the former Jewish ghetto. Across the Giudecca canal to the south is the honorary seventh sestiere, La Giudecca, whose southern edge is lined with bustling boatyards.
Venice is also known for Murano glass, which comes from the island of Murano in Venice. If this is something you fancy, you might want to consider touring Murano.
Ships generally dock west of the central tourist areas, near the train station and the western end of the serpentine Grand Canal. It’s about 15 to 20 minutes by boat to St. Mark’s Square, the epicenter of all that is Venice.
Western Mediterranean
Barcelona's
modernist architecture, gothic cathedrals, tapas restaurants and art
galleries make it a Mediterranean cruise must-see
What makes the region so fabulous? The credit goes at least in part to a fantastic collection of major cities — Naples, Rome, Florence, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Nice, Seville and Lisbon — all with profound histories. But the region’s smaller, multifaceted towns are also appealing, especially for repeat visitors, offering a more intimate experience. These include Taormina, Positano, Cinque Terre, Villefranche, Cannes, Avignon and Malaga. And then again there are the islands that are at once worlds of their own, yet distinctly reminiscent of their country’s cultures; we love Corsica, Capri, Elba, Ibiza and Mallorca in particular.
- Barcelona, Spain – a Mediterranean Manhattan
Parc
Güell, designed by Antonio Gaudi, Barcelona's most celebrated
architect, who also designed other masterpieces include Casa Batlló and
Sagrada Família
Barcelona serves as the gateway to one of the world’s most impressive mountainside enclaves at Montserrat. Discover the secret legends of the Black Virgin and the alluring chants of monastic life high atop the Catalonian plains.
Barcelona’s cruise terminal is located on a long peninsula approximately 1.6km (1 mile) from the base of Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s liveliest and most famous boulevard.
-
Villefranche, Cannes, Nice, St. Tropez and Monte Carlo – Côte d’Azur
Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) is home to glamorous cities of Cannes, Monte Carlo and Nice
Villefranche, whose old town dates back to the 14th century, evokes a romantic, historic feel. Two baroque 14th-century churches stand in all their splendor and former glory in Villefranche: Chapelle Saint-Pierre (Saint Peter’s Chapel) and église Saint-Michel (Saint Michael’s Church).The 16th-century Citadel, also known as Fort Sainte Elme, is a perennial favorite destination. Try your hand at exhilarating games of chance in nearby Monte Carlo’s Grand Casino, or perhaps treat yourself to savory fine cuisine at the Café de Paris. From there, you can travel along the scenic Lower Corniche as you approach the country of Monaco. The entire nation encompasses less than a square mile and holds barely 32,000 inhabitants. Take a jaunt over to the circuit where the Monaco Grand Prix is famously held. There, too, you can catch a ride aboard a train that shuttles you merrily along the coast. Still more experiences of distinction await tourists eager to seek them out along the Promenade des Anglais that leads you straight to the Cours Saleya market in Nice, where flowers, crepes and souvenirs are in plenty supply. Further along the coast is Cannes, host to one of the most prestigious film festivals (the Palais des Festivals) in the world.
Most ships visiting the Riviera call at Villefranche, anchoring offshore and ferrying passengers in via a short tender ride. Some luxury vessels dock or anchor directly at Monte Carlo, Cannes, and St. Tropez. From Villefrance, you can travel to the other towns via shore excursion or taxi. Nice is closest at just 6km (3¾ miles), and Monte Carlo (the capital of the independent principality of Monaco) lies just 9km (5½ miles) away. Cannes and St. Tropez are considerably farther off, at about 38km (24 miles) and 118km (73 miles), respectively.
-
Ibiza (Eivissa), Spain – Party Capital Of The World
Ibiza (Eivissa), Spain - Party Capital Of The World
Ibiza is home to some of Spain’s most (in) famous clubs. The outrageous summer scene is complemented by a diverse collection of bars. Ibiza’s selections of night clubs include Privilege (the world’s largest club), Eden (Sant Antoni’s busiest nightclub), Mambo Cafè, Space, Es Paradis (features water parties), Pacha, Amnesia (offers foam parties), and DC10 to mention a few. Try visiting Sant Antoni which is also well known for its busy nightlife. Aside from Sant Antoni is Ibiza Town, another destination that offers such fun.
Beyond the night spots and you’ll discover an island that’s serenely beautiful, peaceful and rather chic. The island is surrounded by some of the most pristine waters in the Mediterranean, and deserted coves lie within easy reach of the larger towns. There are walking trails that wind along deserted stretches of coast and through the forested interior, passing terraced fields with dry-stone walls and groves of olive, almond, citrus and fig trees. Places such as Santa Eulària d’es Riu and the small resorts and coves of the northeast are ideal for family holidays.
As your ship pulls into the port of Eivissa (also known as Ibiza Town) at Muelle de Levante, close to the town center, you will have a fine view of the impressive fortifications. An easy stroll along the cobbled streets takes you to the lively downtown area of shops and restaurants. Dalt Vila, the old town dominates the port and seafront. With its historic buildings and stately mansions, D’Alt Vila is the very heart of Eivissa.
Café del Mar, located in Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza, is known for its sunsets and chill-out music.
-
Rome, Italy – Onetime Center of the Western World
Rome's Landmarks includes the Colosseum, Pantheon and St. Peter's Basilica
The capital city in the land of Leonardo, Michelangelo and the popes is today a living museum with gorgeous artwork, amazing architecture and inspiring ancient sites — yet at the same time it is alive and vibrant in a 21st-century way.
The food is of course wonderful — You can’t eat enough pasta — and the spirit of la dolce vita (the good life) abounds. And the shopping scene serves up Prada, Gucci, Armani and more (high style can be found in more affordable brands like Furla as well). What could be better than that?
No question, Rome has one of the world’s most important collections of once-in-a-lifetime sights to see, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum and Piazza di Spagna, or the Spanish Steps on and on and on. And for those historic monuments the city is worth a visit alone.
But if you’re on an itinerary where Rome is just a port of call for the day, you won’t see everything. Either resign yourself to that fact or book a tour that will at least drive you by the main sights. Be aware the port for Rome, Civitavecchia, is about 1 1/2 to 2 hours from the city (there is decent train service). If you are beginning or ending your cruise here, plan to stay at least a couple of nights to explore the Eternal City; it is likely to steal a piece of your heart. Make sure to drop a coin in Trevi Fountain, which is said to assure you’ll come back again.
-
Genoa, Italy – Birthplace of Christopher Columbus and Pesto
Genoa, Italy - Birthplace of Christopher Columbus
For centuries, Genoa (Genova) rivaled Venice as Italy’s leading maritime power. Today, while it remains a major port, this northern Italian city – capital of the province of Liguria – is probably best known as the birthplace of a famous sailor (Christopher Columbus) and a famous sauce (pesto).
Porto Antico, the old port close to the marine terminal (Ponte dei Mille), where many of today’s cruise ships now dock. What once was a seedy waterfront on Northern Italy’s Mediterranean is now a charming blend of old and new structures, featuring cafes, shops, a movie complex, a maritime museum, a spectacular play and cultural center for kids and, most importantly, the second largest aquarium in Europe (Acuario di Genova).
The Ponte dei Mille is itself an attraction. The imposing 1930s façade and interior were beautifully restored in 2001 by renowned architect Renzo Piano. Now among the finest harbor buildings in the world, the interior offers reminders of its history as a departure point for countless Italians bound for new lives in America.
Just one block above the port, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, with its medieval, Ligurian, black-and-white, marble facade, is the centerpiece of a thriving neighborhood of shops, restaurants and apartments. The church was reconstructed in Romanesque style in the 12th century.
The famous beach resorts of the Italian Riviera, including Portofino and Rapallo to the south and San Remo and Bordighera to the west, can be reached in as little as thirty minutes by train or car.
没有评论:
发表评论