Top 5 ports to visit in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is one of the most popular destinations for our customers. This got us thinking of our top 5 favourite ports of call are in this fabulous part of the world. Here is what we came up with…

Dubrovnik

There’s a reason why Dubrovnik is popular with both cruise and non-cruise customers. Dubrovnik is the home of the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’ – the old town, and is a must visit. You may recognise it from some of your favourite TV programmes and films, since the old town has been the backdrop to both Game of Thrones and Star Wars Episode VIII!

To get the best view of the city, we recommend getting the cable car up Mount Srd. The views are breath-taking and provide perfect holiday snaps. For those that are wanting to lose some of those extra cruise calories, there are steps that you can climb to the top – all 90 minutes of them!

A trip to Dubrovnik would not be complete without a walk around the city’s walls. Built between the 12th and 17th centuries, and at some sections being up to 6 meters’ thick, they are pretty impressive and a great way to discover different parts of the city, without getting lost.

Rome

Take a walk back in time in the capital of Italy, Rome. Oozing with history, there are plenty of ‘must see’ monuments including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon.

Other must-do’s include taking a tour around Vatican City and visiting the oldest market in Rome at Campo Dei Fiori.

It would be rude to go to Italy and not sample their finest cuisine – that’s if you haven’t eaten enough on board already! It goes without saying that you must try some authentic pizza and why not cool yourself down with a delicious gelato? If you feel like you need an afternoon pick-me-up, try a traditional Italian espresso. Well, when in Rome…

Athens

The heart of Ancient Greece, Athens is full of must see historical architecture. From the Parthenon to the Panathenaic Stadium, these awe-inspiring monuments will take your breath away as you can see history come to life.

However, Athens is not all about it’s ancient Greek artefacts. The Plaka district is a charming part of town where you can walk the cobbled streets that are lined with shops selling jewellery, clothes and souvenirs, as well as a number of cafe’s and restaurants. It is the perfect place to take a break from discovering ancient Greece.

Santorini

The most photographed island in Greece, this picturesque destination is a must visit. Santorini is a great location for keen hikers where many holiday makers will take the 2-4 hour walk between Oia and Fira. These are the picturesque villages which you would commonly see when you Google ‘Santorini’. Blue domed white buildings built into the cliffs are covered in fuchsia flowers, posed with a back drop of the glistening blue sea – it really is hard to get a bad photo of this stunning island.

To get the best view of Santorini take a trip to the highest point, Pyrgos Village, where you will be blessed with panoramic views of this beautiful destination. It’s an added bonus to catch the sunset here and one more fantastic picture for your photo album.

Another positive aspect of this port is the slow pace of the town. It will provide you with ample time to discover this beautiful destination at your own pace, continuing the flow of relaxation from your cruise ship to the cobbled streets.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo truly is the millionaire’s playground. However, you don’t have to be a millionaire in order to enjoy this beautiful city. It’s a great destination to watch the locals go by and take in ‘how the other half live’.

Make sure to visit the Prince’s Palace and take in the sights of the home to the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Take a break from the hustle and bustle by visiting the Japanese Gardens, a true oasis of calm. If you really want to see how the residents of Monte Carlo relax, a trip to the harbour is well worth a visit. It is home to some unbelievable private yachts and it really is amazing what money can buy.

If you are willing to splash the cash when in Monte Carlo, two essential visits are to the Casino, recognisable from James Bond no less, and Le Metropole shopping center. At the Casino you will be sure to see outstanding super cars parked outside and many of the rich and famous. Le Metropole shopping center is beautifully decorated in marble and impressive chandeliers. Filled with high-end designer shops, this is where most people would just window shop, but to the residents and richest visitors of Monte Carlo it’s their number one shopping hub.

The list could go on… We would love to hear about your favourite places to visit in the wonderful Mediterranean, and what you like to get up to when you’re visiting them – get in touch using the comment section below!