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
Eastern Mediterranean sailings roughly encompasses a broad range of
territories that include the Adriatic coast of Italy and Croatia, the
islands of Greece, Turkey’s Istanbul and Kusadasi, and the Black Sea.
This region is increasingly one of the most popular in Europe. Its blend
of ancient histories and antiquities — along with more laid-back
treasures, such as beaches and villages — offers a fantastic array of
holiday options.
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Santorini, Greece – Paradise for Romantic Getaway
Santorini, Greece - one of the most breathtaking islands in the world
Located in the southeast of mainland Greece in the southern Aegean
Sea, Santorini (Thíra) is one of the most dramatically beautiful islands
in the world. Marketed primarily as a romantic getaway for couples (it
is a popular wedding destination). Dotted with whitewashed cube shaped
homes (many with beautiful blue domed roofs), black-pebble beaches, rich
vineyards and ancient ruins, crescent-shape Santorini is a must-do port
of call for any cruise ship sailing the east Mediterranean.
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).
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Dubrovnik, Croatia – The Pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik, Croatia - The Pearl of the Adriatic
Croatia’s Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage Treasure, is one of the
most popular ports on the Mediterranean/Adriatic run and a great walking
city for history and culture buffs. A magnificent curtain of walls
surrounds marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearly light
in the Adriatic sun. The main pedestrian thoroughfare,
Placa
(also called Stradun) , is a melange of cafés and shops with
outstanding monuments at either end. Beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and
Baroque churches, monasteries and museums ornamented with finely carved
stone recall an eventful history and a vibrant artistic tradition.
Beyond the city is a heavenly landscape of beaches, wooded peninsulas
and a sea strewn with lush islands.
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.).
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Athens, Greece – Cradle of Western Civilization
The Parthenon has stood atop the Acropolis of Athens for nearly 2500 years
Welcome to the cradle of Western civilization, the Greek capital of
Athens had a reputation as a crowded, congested, polluted place. But
after a radical revamp for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games, Athens is
enjoying a renaissance. The clash between myth and modern-day grit is an
Athenian trademark: marble busts adorn souvlaki joints, Byzantine
churches nestle beside bouzouki clubs, the Parthenon reigns serene above
a ragged expanse of apartment blocks. The magnificent
Acropolis, crowned by the iconic
Parthenon
temple, rises above the city, watching the sprawling modern metropolis
evolve.With 300 days of sunshine a year, a 75-mile (120-kilometer)
coastline, and 3 a.m. traffic jams, irrepressible Athens is a muse for
beach bums and barflies, as much as classical scholars and art lovers.
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.
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Istanbul, Turkey – Where East meets West
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Camii) is probably Istanbul's most famous landmark
For poets, Istanbul, next to Venice and Rome is the loveliest city in
Europe and one of the most splendid in Asia. With its 3,000 years of
history behind, it has always been the meeting point of East and West.
It is a city filled with wonders of architecture and monuments to the
faiths that inspired them. Formerly known as Byzantium, then
Constantinople, its mosques, minarets and museums span two continents
where the Bosphorus divides Asia from Europe. This strategic position
has assured Istanbul’s status as a crossroads for trade and cultural
exchange during the centuries.
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.
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Venice, Italy – One of the Most Beautiful Cities in the World
Venice, Italy – One of the Most Beautiful Cities in the World
Built entirely on water by a people who saw the sea as a defense and
ally, Venice is unlike any other town. Swooningly romantic canals,
bridges, and 17th-century palazzi overlooking the water. It’s called La
Serenissima, “the most serene,” a reference to the majesty, wisdom, and
impressive power of this city that was for centuries the unrivaled
leader in trade between Europe and the Orient, and a major center of
European culture.
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
The Western Mediterranean — loosely composed of Italy’s western
coast, France’s southern rim, the entire ring of coastal Spain and on up
through Lisbon — not only is the perfect cruise region for
new-to-Europe travelers but also enchants even those folks who’ve
returned again and again.
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, the capital of the Catalonia region, is Spain’s most
cosmopolitan city and one of the Mediterranean’s busiest ports. World
renowned for its artists (Picasso, Miró, Dalí, Tapies, Casals and
Gaudí), Barcelona is also an architectural showplace, most famous for
its modernist buildings (
La Sagrada Família,
Casa Batlló,
Casa Milà,
Church of Colònia Güell and
Park Güell) by native son
Antonio Gaudí
but also boasting contemporary buildings by Santiago Calatrava, Mies
van der Rohe, Richard Meier, and Jean Nouvel. All that modernism sits
side by side with Roman ruins, buildings from the 13th and 15th
centuries, and the narrow streets and medieval architecture of the
Gothic Quarter,
with its bohemian atmosphere. The city also boasts great museums,
friendly people, pleasant cafes and tapas bars, a very active nightlife,
and fantastic views from the Montjuïc and Tibidabo mountain parks, both
of which are accessible by funicular.
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.
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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
Pampered by a nearly tropical climate, the French Riviera (aka the
Côte d’Azur or “Blue Coast”) has long been a playground of the rich and
famous, and for good reason: This is where the dreamland of azure waters
and indigo sky begins, where balustraded white villas edge the blue
horizon, evening air is perfumed with jasmine and mimosa, and parasol
pines silhouette against sunsets of ripe apricot and gold. Artists,
including Matisse, Picasso, Léger, Cocteau, and Renoir, were all drawn
to the area’s natural beauty, and today numerous museums here are
devoted to their work. The coast’s towns (Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo,
St-Tropez and Villefranche-sur-Mer) are strung along its length like
pearls, many so close together that you can visit a few in just one day —
though all are crowded with tourists in the summer months, particularly
in July and August.
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.
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Ibiza (Eivissa), Spain – Party Capital Of The World
Ibiza (Eivissa), Spain - Party Capital Of The World
Situated in the south of the Balearic Islands in the Western
Mediterranean, Ibiza is the most extreme of the islands, in landscape
and visitors. During the day, it’s a typical Spanish seaside village
with historical sights, shopping, some interesting restaurants and a
beautiful harbor. By night, during the summer season, it becomes a loud
and boisterous party town, with one club trying to outdo the next with
sophisticated (and not so sophisticated) attractions to lure the
glitterati from one hot spot to the next.
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.
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Rome, Italy – Onetime Center of the Western World
Rome's Landmarks includes the Colosseum, Pantheon and St. Peter's Basilica
For almost a thousand years, Rome was the most politically important,
richest, and largest city in the Western world. Its political power may
have waned in the centuries since, It’s still Rome: the eternal city,
onetime center of the Western World, seat of the Catholic Church,
capital of la dolce vita.
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.
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Genoa, Italy – Birthplace of Christopher Columbus and Pesto
Genoa, Italy - Birthplace of Christopher Columbus
The Italian Riviera is glamorous, but in the old-fashioned way. The
resort towns and coastal villages that stake intermittent claim on the
rocky shores of the Ligurian Sea are the long-lost cousins of newer
seaside paradises found elsewhere. Mellowed by the balmy breezes blowing
off the sea, travelers bask in the sun, explore the picturesque fishing
villages, and pamper themselves at the resorts that dot the ruggedly
beautiful landscape.
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.
