The Mediterranean: The Perfect Destination For a Cruise

Having fostered three of the most significant civilisations of antiquity and connecting three of the world’s six continents, the Mediterranean is undoubtedly one of the world’s great seas. If you’re keen to explore its historic cities and diverse cultures, you might like to consider taking a cruise. Tracing routes once sailed by the Phoenicians, cruises are a great way to explore ports of call as varied, impressive and naturally beautiful as Rome, the Greek islands and Barcelona. Here is a brief introduction to some of the most popular ports of call to help you plan your Mediterranean itinerary.

Barcelona

One of the most popular ports of call on Mediterranean cruises, the Catalan capital of Barcelona boasts rich history, a vibrant cultural scene and strikingly innovative architecture. Indeed, it’s hard to think of a more captivating city. Not many cities in the world are capable of matching Barcelona’s sheer style, looks and vibrancy. Cruise passengers can take a stroll along the harbour front in Port Vell, which is lined with chic restaurants and cafes, after a day seeing the churches and museums of the ciutat vella, or old town. The Museu National d'Art Catalunya is one of the most visited buildings in the city, a wonderful art museum sitting on top of a hill with a view out over the city. La Sagrada Familia is chief among Barcelona’s attractions, and the Gaudi masterpiece is one of seven throughout the city which have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in recognition of their exceptional artistic importance. The Catalan capital is the ideal starting off point for Mediterranean all inclusive cruises

Rome

A regular stopping-off point on most cruises of the west Mediterranean, Rome is a city that one could explore for weeks without exhausting its extensive list of monuments and attractions. Most brochures and guidebooks tell you that Rome is the world’s ‘largest open-air museum’, and it is possible to tick off many of the most famous sights in a relatively short space of time. Dominating the Piazza della Rotonda, the Pantheon, famous for its seemingly impossible dome, is one of the most complete Roman structures in the city. Just a few streets away, the historic Piazza Navona is the site of Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, a wonderful Baroque sculpture, as well as being a great place to enjoy a gelato. From here head south to take in the Capitoline Museums, home to an almost unrivalled collection of classical sculptures, and the nearby Colosseum, one of ancient Rome’s most impressive –if gruesome – monuments. Before re-embarking onboard the cruise ship, be sure to visit the ancient Roman port of Ostia Antica, which has been extensively excavated over the years, revealing a series of elaborate mosaics and fascinating ruins from the city’s ancient past.

Santorini

Sailing eastwards from the Italian capital to one of the most breathtaking spots in the Mediterranean, Santorini is one of Greece’s most photographed and scenic destinations. Its reddish-brown volcanic cliffs provide a dramatic backcloth when coming into port, jutting out of the Aegean and hinting at the island's cataclysmic past. Around 1650 BC, an enormous volcanic eruption devastated the island, as well as, it is thought, causing a tsunami that wreaked havoc across the Mediterranean. These days, however, the island is considerably more peaceful. In places such as Oia and Thira, Santorini boasts two of Greece's most recognisable and picturesque destinations. Dramatically perched atop volcanic cliffs and overlooking stunning dark sienna beaches, both are known for their pretty white-washed facades and bright blue cupolas. Although you might have to pay a premium to do so, it is worth eating out at one of the traditional restaurants that offer fabulously fresh seafood and wonderful views out over the Aegean.