A Mediterranean cruise provides probably the most common cruise itineraries on the planet. From wealthy historical past to beautiful structure and serene landscapes, this a part of the world is ideal for a cruise.
Should you’re on the lookout for the most effective Mediterranean cruise ports to your upcoming trip, we put collectively a high 10 checklist together with some notable cruise ports on the finish.
Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of Spain, has a historical past that dates again hundreds of years, and its port is the gateway resulting in all the pieces it has to supply. The port is situated simply south of the town’s Previous City district, and it’s separated into three places: Adossat Quay Terminals, World Commerce Centre Terminals, and Port Vell. Relying on the place your ship docks will decide the way you get into the town. You’ll almost definitely must hop on the Cruise Bus (every terminal has a pick-up spot), which runs to and from the monument of Christopher Columbus.
The monument is located on Barcelona’s most well-known boulevard–Las Ramblas. You’ll be only a stone’s throw away from high points of interest like La Boqueria Market, Liceu Opera Home, Erotica Museum, and extra. Alongside the walkway, preserve your eyes peeled for the well-known human statues and different thrilling avenue performances. So, whether or not you’ve got a number of hours or days to spend across the port of Barcelona, you’ll have greater than sufficient simply accessible actions to select from.
Rome (Civitavecchia)
Alongside Italy’s beautiful western coast is the Port of Civitavecchia. Though it’s generally known as the Port of Rome, it’s truly about 50 miles away from the historic metropolis. The city of Civitavecchia is effectively conscious that almost all vacationers coming from the port are on a mission to get to Rome as shortly as attainable, and also you’ll have a number of handy choices to get there. You possibly can hop on the prepare, take a taxi, or hire a automobile and be standing in entrance of the Colosseum in about an hour (most cruise ships will provide a bus service).
Should you’ve already been to Rome or are merely not enthusiastic about visiting the town, Civitavecchia is an excellent place to discover. The city has been round for the reason that 2nd century. Go to the Nationwide Archeological Museum to return nose to nose with historical artifacts and paintings from the area–oh, and it’s free! You’ll additionally discover a nice promenade to stroll alongside, beautiful cafes to have a espresso in, and fascinating retailers to pop out and in of.
Athens
Athens is a cultural hotspot the place vacationers can catch of glimpse of Historic Greek tradition, and its proximity to the coast makes it a major vacation spot for Mediterranean cruises. In flip, the Port of Piraeus, simply seven miles from Athens, has grow to be one of many busiest and largest ports in all of Europe. Piraeus was established across the 5th century BC and had a turbulent previous. At this time, you’ll be able to discover the city’s landmarks, church buildings, and museums to study its lengthy, fascinating story.
Attending to Athens from the port takes about 20 minutes by taxi or metro. Someday within the metropolis ought to provide you with sufficient time to see the primary points of interest due to a dependable public transportation system. In order for you your life to be as straightforward as attainable, join a guided tour or purchase a ticket for the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus that runs by way of Athens and Piraeus.
Malta
With regards to picture-perfect cruise locations, it doesn’t get significantly better than Malta. The nation is simply off the tip of southern Italy, and your cruise ship will dock on the Port of Valletta–a pure deep-water harbor. As quickly as you step onto land, you’ll be on the Valletta Waterfront, the place a number of clothes and artisanal retailers are simply ready to be loved.
Since Malta’s a small island, all the pieces is inside attain, and it’s residence to some spectacular pure and historic landmarks. Historical past buffs ought to make an effort to stroll by way of Mdina, the nation’s previous capital from the 1500s. Or, should you really feel like taking it straightforward, have a seaside day and swim within the brilliantly blue water (Blue Lagoon, Golden Bay, and St. Peter’s Pool are a number of of the highest seaside spots).
Sponsored Hyperlinks
Marseille
Visiting Marseille is a deal with. The town’s port brings in round two million passengers annually. Whenever you pull into Marseille-Fos Port, your ship will almost definitely dock on the Provence Cruise Centre. From there, you’ll be about 5 miles from the town middle.
If you wish to save a couple of bucks moving into city, stroll right down to the port’s free shuttle service, which runs each 20 minutes. However earlier than you head to the town, take a second to understand the truth that business buying and selling has taken place at Marseille’s Previous Port for over 2,000 years–spectacular, proper?
Marseille is teeming with enjoyable adventures to replenish your day. Head over to the Notre Dame de la Garde, the 19th-century basilica. You possibly can climb to the highest of the tower for a shocking view of the area. It takes about 10 minutes to get there from the port, so there’s no must rush!
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s port is situated in Gruž–one of many metropolis’s suburbs. The town middle might be about 1.5 miles away, and if the climate’s cool, strolling there’s a fantastic technique to soak within the setting. However for individuals who are crunched on time, taking the bus or a taxi might be your greatest guess.
The small metropolis is well-known for its coastal partitions and fortresses which have been saved in phenomenal situation. To get a grand view of Dubrovnik and all its glory, take a experience up the cable automobile, the place the sights will go away you speechless. And, after all, you’ll be able to’t miss out on strolling by way of Previous City, the place you’ll be able to tour church buildings, monasteries, and monuments.
Naples
The Port of Naples (known as Porto Napoli by the locals) is simply south of the town. As quickly as you step off the ship and go away the cruise terminal, you’ll discover the pedestrian walkway that’ll lead you on to the town middle–no bus, prepare, or taxi wanted! The stroll takes round 10 minutes, and it received’t take lengthy earlier than you notice why Naples is the vacationer hotspot it’s at the moment. Chow down on genuine Italian meals, tour museums, or simply discover the gorgeous setting round you.
Many individuals prefer to squeeze in a visit to Pompeii because it’s solely 15 miles from the port. Think about signing up for a tour to make sure you get again to the ship on time. In any other case, you’ll be able to take a taxi or the Alibus to the Central Station and take the prepare the remainder of the way in which!
Santorini
Santorini, being the favored vacation spot it’s, has two ports: Athinios Port and the Previous Port. The ports aren’t massive sufficient for cruise ships to dock, so tenders will take passengers to shore. Your ship would possibly cease at each ports to drop off sure passengers who signed up for particular excursions beginning in Athinios, however everybody else will probably be despatched to the Previous Port. Should you’re touring in the course of the excessive season, the switch course of can take a little bit of endurance however don’t fear; you’ll get there.
On land, visiting Oia Village is a must-do exercise. The village is made up of stunningly white buildings that overlook the ocean. It’s a major spot to view the sundown whereas having fun with a pleasant glass of wine. There’s no scarcity of top-tier eating places and picturesque seashores to get pleasure from, so prepare for an unforgettable expertise.
Kotor
Montenegro’s Port of Kotor is among the most dramatic locations within the Mediterranean. It’s situated on the finish of the Bay of Kotor, which is surrounded by beautiful mountains, so be certain to be outdoors as your ship makes its technique to the port.
Kotor was established greater than 2,000 years in the past, across the 5th century BC. The city was dominated by the Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Hungarians, and Austrians till it was lastly liberated in 1918. With such an action-packed previous, the town has a singular identification that’s in contrast to another place within the Mediterranean.
Whenever you arrive, don’t miss visiting Kotor Previous City, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1979. You possibly can stroll alongside the cobblestone streets and get a style of the numerous completely different cultures which have occupied the world.
Sponsored Hyperlinks
Lisbon
The Port of Lisbon not too long ago had its new cruise terminal inaugurated in 2017. Cruise ships may have no bother docking on the port, which implies you received’t have to attend for a young to take you to shore. On the terminal, you’ll discover all of the vacationer providers, memento retailers, and facilities you can hope for. In order for you, you’ll be able to keep away from public transportation and take a beautiful 15-minute stroll downtown.
Lisbon is thought for its charming tradition, and one of the simplest ways to see all the town’s hustle and bustle is on the flea market referred to as Feira Da Ladra (Thieves’ Market). It’s only a 10-minute stroll away from the port and value trying out even should you don’t plan on shopping for something. One other enjoyable and straightforward technique to see the town is to take the tram (Tram 28) that can take you thru the historic district.
Notable Mentions: These are additionally superb cruise ports alongside the Mediterranean that might simply be within the high 10 as effectively!
Istanbul
Cruise ships dock at Istanbul’s Galataport, the world’s first underground cruise terminal. The reconstruction of the port was primarily accomplished in 2021, and it’s now probably the most trendy cruise terminals working at the moment. Galataport stretches for simply over half a mile and might match three cruise ships at a time.
In fact, you’ll need to get out and discover the town as quickly as attainable, however the terminal additionally has eating places, cafes, a lodge, and leisure services in case you are feeling like staying near the ship.
Istanbul is massive, and essentially the most handy technique to get from Level A to Level B is to take the tram. You possibly can hop off at numerous points of interest like Sultanahmet Sq., the place a number of museums, church buildings, and mosques are situated.
Mykonos
Mykonos is just a little slice of paradise with beautiful climate, golden seashores, and thrilling nightlife. The primary dock on the island is New Port, positioned proper subsequent to the small city of Tourlos. Attending to Mykonos City (also called Chora) from the port is a simple course of. You possibly can take a taxi, bus, or ferry for just some {dollars} and be within the city middle in just some minutes.
Though the Greek island could also be small, it’s been occupied for round 3,000 years. From historical Greeks to salty pirates, all walks of life have loved its magnificence. At this time, its tradition is as vibrant as ever, and the gorgeous white structure (the buildings comply with a colour code for doorways and home windows) will go away you in awe.
Corfu
Whenever you arrive at Corfu, your ship will pull up alongside a pier at New Port (Neo Limani). Should you’re docked on the western pier, you’ll discover a close by cruise terminal with automobile rental firms, buying, and a bus pick-up location. In any other case, a shuttle service will decide up passengers from the piers situated a bit farther away.
A wonderful first cease to your day on the island is to go to Corfu’s Previous City. It was made right into a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 2007 for its cultural significance that goes again to the 8th century BC. The Previous City is barely two miles from the port, so strolling there’s attainable. However, on a scorching day, taking the shuttle service or automobile is really helpful.
Livorno
The closest port to Florence is within the metropolis of Livorno. It’s a multipurpose port that offers with all types of cargo and container vessels along with passenger ships. To make sure bigger cruise ships had area to dock, a bit of the port was not too long ago expanded. Stepping off the boat, you must discover automobile rental providers, taxis, personal van excursions, and bus transfers to Piazza Grande (Livorno’s fundamental sq.).
From the port, driving or taking the prepare to Florence takes about an hour and a half. Should you solely have half the day to discover the town, time might be of the essence, so make a recreation plan earlier than arriving. As at all times on cruise ships, you’ll be able to depend on group excursions, so that you don’t have to fret about planning the logistics.
For vacationers who’d want to remain nearer to the ship, Livorno has sufficient points of interest to maintain you busy. It may not be as thrilling as Florence, however you’ll be able to go to cathedrals, the town’s central market, and Fattori’s Museum.
Palermo
For among the greatest avenue meals in all of Italy, cruise vacationers and foodies alike will love visiting the Sicilian cruise port of Palermo. The cruise port is barely a 5 minute stroll to the downtown space the place you’ll find an space wealthy in historical past and distinctive structure. Palermo is a melting pot of the completely different cultures which have lived within the metropolis up to now with a mixture of Arabic and Viking influences seen within the buildings and sights. Cruisers can go to the Politema and Massimo Theaters, or benefit from the Piazza Quattro Canti and close by botanical gardens.
No matter port you go to in your Mediterranean cruise we hope you discover it to be an exquisite expertise. We predict it ought to be on everybody’s journey bucket checklist.
