If you are planning to cruise the Med, you are probably wondering what the best Mediterranean Cruise Ports are? The Mediterranean Sea has a surface area of 2,5 million square kilometres. With some 87 seaports dotted along its 46000-kilometre coastline you could probably spend a lifetime exploring the beautiful Med.
With so many places to stop on a cruise we have a few that we think are the best Mediterranean cruise ports.
What Makes The Best Mediterranean Cruise Ports?
Within its boundaries, it embraces an incredibly diverse kaleidoscope of countries and cultures, busy ports, bustling cities and laid-back islands. There are so many countries, thousands of years of history, and cruise itineraries to the Med to choose from. There are certainly many ways to discover this ancient sea and the cultures, sights and sounds of the colourful destinations bordering it.
You can set foot in grand modern metropolises and ancient cities. Discover lively resorts and sleepy islands, stand before vibrant modern architecture or gaze at spectacular age-old wonders.
Your cruise on the Mediterranean will allow you to explore some of the most exciting port cities and sun-kissed islands the world has to offer. Thrill to see the Acropolis in Athens for yourself to embrace the beauty of picture-perfect Greek islands such as Mykonos and Patmos, or the 500-year-old Royal Walls rising from the sea on the tip of Morocco at Ceuta.
But whatever the case, your cruise ship will take you there in luxury and you will set foot on land after docking at one or more of the top-class ports of call.
We take this opportunity to give you a brief look at some (and oh yes, there are very many more out there!) of the best Mediterranean cruise ports our ships visit during their trips around this large, wonderful, entertaining and agreeable expanse of sea that laps the shores of three of the world’s continents.
The Best Mediterranean Cruise Ports Include:
- Athens
- Barcelona
- Civitavecchia/Rome
- Alexandria
- Palma Mallorca
- Malta
- Gibraltar
- Naples
- Santorini
- Venice
- Dubrovnik
Athens
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and is rightly considered to be the cradle of Western Civilization. Sun-drenched and fabulous, Athens is a big and modern metropolis with inspiring world heritage marvels at its very heart. Even a short visit to the Greek capital’s highlights, starting with the iconic Acropolis, is enough for you to fall under its legendary spell. Take a stroll around the enchanting, historic Plaka which offers cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured neoclassical townhouses and numerous shops and cafés. Located a mere 12 kilometres from Athens, Piraeus is home to Europe’s biggest passenger port. Browse the many attractions here, including religious and historic landmarks as well as fantastic restaurants.
Barcelona
If you are looking for an exciting city to visit, Barcelona is the place to be. Especially if you are an art or structural design enthusiast. Head over to the Gothic Quarter to view intriguing architecture and galleries. So many masterpieces to wonder at! Think of the Picasso Museum or Miró Foundation. Spain’s most famous architect Gaudi designed the spectacular Parc Güell and you can marvel at his extraordinary Casa Mila, Casa Batlló, and his unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. For a more casual and exhilarating adventure in the city, head over to the Rambla to enjoy street art and souvenir shopping and indulge in tapas, sangria and great coffee.
Civitavecchia/Rome
The Port of Civitavecchia is known as the “Port of Rome” and is an important Mediterranean cruise port. It is one of the main links between the Italian mainland and Sardinia. And of course, Rome is a mere 40 minutes railway journey south. A visit to Rome is an unforgettable experience. Explore the legends of the ages: the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and even the Catacombs. Amble down the Via Veneto or sip cappuccino in the Piazza di Spagna.
Italy’s ‘Eternal City’ is eternally fascinating. Throw a few coins in the Trevi Fountain and you just may be back to visit again!
Alexandria
One of the greatest cities in human history, this city of legend, mystique and iconic history is the gateway to some of Egypt’s must-sees like the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. This beautiful city, known as ‘The Pearl of the Mediterranean’ hugs Egypt’s Mediterranean coastline. Alexandria has a distinctly ‘Mediterranean vibe’ to it. Furthermore, its richness of ancient history and culture and modernity reveals a profound contrast between new and old.
Palma de Mallorca
Palma is Mallorca’s capital and is a vibrant city of boutiques, cafés and markets in medieval lanes. Its huge gothic sandstone cathedral is a sight to behold and one of the world’s greatest photo opportunities.
The island boasts beautiful coves, calm harbours and the lavish villas of the rich and famous.
Malta
Is known for historic sites related to a whole string of rulers ranging from the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, the French, and the British. The fortifications at Malta’s Grand Harbour speak volumes about her tumultuous past with numerous other fortresses and megalithic temples worth visiting. No trip to Malta would be complete without a visit to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating back to about 4000 B.C. The attractive towns of Mosta and Medina should be on any curious traveller’s bucket list.
Gibraltar
Take a trip to the summit of the ancient Pillar of Hercules in the cable car and catch the breath-taking views spread out before you. Take a moment to appreciate the diverse and sometimes unique birdlife and to meet those famous Barbary Apes! No fewer than 600 varieties of flowers grow here, some found nowhere else on Earth.
Naples
As the old saying goes: “See Naples and Die!” and nothing could be more genuinely said as you sail into the beautiful Bay of Naples. You will be awe struck while taking in the spectacular views of the Capri (with its world-renowned Blue Grotto) and Ischia islands. This charming city has something for everyone, from ancient churches to stunning parks, and restaurants offering scrumptious meals. No visit to this city would be complete without a tour of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale where a collection of mosaics from the buried city of Pompeii is on view.
Santorini
When you arrive by sea, there is no confusion about the island of Santorini. Few islands have the power to captivate the way Santorini does. Gorgeous and cosmopolitan, it’s famous for that classic Greek island look. With white-painted houses clustered along narrow winding lanes, perched atop reddish-black volcanic cliffs that tumble down more than 300 metres to the wide volcanic caldera.
Venice
There is nowhere else on this planet that can be a match for the romance of Venice! Explore the maze of markets and cafés. It won’t take you very long – maybe while travelling in a gondola along one of Venice’s peaceful canals – for you to fall under the spell of this extraordinary city.
Dubrovnik
Acknowledged as “The Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik is arguably one of the best-kept secrets of the Mediterranean. Its history is as rich and as intriguing as the first sight of it looming out of the crystalline Adriatic waters. The Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) has a great morning market spilling over with fresh flowers, cheese and fish.
Cruising the Med is totally accessible to everyone with packages to suit all tastes and budgets. Our cruise specialists at Whitestar Cruise & Travel can help you find the perfect cruise itinerary, or tailor a trip for you. Get in touch for a free consultation!
