Mediterranean Cruises
The Mediterranean is all things to all people, and there’s no better way to explore than on a Mediterranean cruise. From incredible culture and architecture, to great food and wine aplenty, seaside cities with shopping streets scattered with coffee spots, every destination forges its own identity. And the beaches. Oh, the beaches! From vast golden swathes to the tiny pebbled coves, you will love exploring each location.
So, where exactly will you visit on a Mediterranean cruise? Well, this depends on the itinerary and how long you plan to sail – but rest assured, wherever you go and for however long, a truly memorable holiday awaits.
Ibiza, for example, was once hailed as the party island of the Mediterranea but has now shed its glow sticks in favour of an altogether more adult vibe. Yes, there are still pockets of pure party hedonism to be found in Playa d’en Bossa and Ibiza Town, but this is an island that has far much more to offer.
A little further east, there is the incredible mainland Italy, where ancient cities such as Rome and Pisa are within easy reach. A little further south you may encounter Sicily on a Mediterranean cruise, where you’re guaranteed a foodie reawakening from the moment you step ashore. There’s nothing finer than a bowl of pasta con le sarde by the sea; who knew that sultanas and sardines were such a great match? Find yours in Cefalù on the north of the island – an ancient fishing port full of character, charm and arguably more restful than some of its neighbours on the Tyrrhenian coast.
If you opt for a Mediterranean fly-cruise with P&O Cruises, there’s every chance it will start in Malta. Home to Valletta, the tiniest capital city in Europe, this island spans just 20 miles by 10 – you won’t find a single lake or river here, but not that it matters. The Maltese islands archipelago is brimming with culture and a resident population who are about as friendly as they come.
Then you will encounter the gorgeous Greek mainland, as well as a fair few of its islands. From sun-drenched beaches to snow-sprinkled mountains, it may sound like a cliche, but there really is something for everyone in this part of the world. It epitomises everything that’s great about holidaying in the Mediterranean: the sea, the sand, the sunshine and the souvlaki, it’s destination waiting to be savoured in every sense of the word.
A Mediterranean cruise is a chance to sample a smorgasbord of rivieras, capital cities, archipelagos and coasts in a week or two of blissful relaxation. What are you waiting for?
The colourful capital of Catalonia, Barcelona
Malaga one of the oldest cities in the world
The world’s second-smallest country Monaco
Italy’s fiery capital Rome
Croatia’s crown jewel Dubrovnik
Santorini the ultimate silver lining
Venice the marble city
Find Out More About Mediterranean Ports Of Call
Western Mediterranean Cruises
The western Mediterranean is bold and vivacious, unafraid to live the good life but unapologetic about lazy days and post-lunch slumbers. A cruise to the Western Mediterranean can take you to the cities that gave Picasso and Gaudi to the world, whisk you away to the Cote d’Azur and show you Portugal’s hottest cities.
Barcelona
The colourful capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is the seaside city with boundless energy and architecture that could have come straight from the story books. Throw yourself into exploring the Gothic Quarter and follow up with bowls of lemony calamari on the waterfront.
Malaga
More than just the gateway to the Costa del Sol, Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world. No longer the poor relative to Seville, the place that gave the world Picasso has come into its own with a sleek new port, a burgeoning foodie culture and a treasure trove of art galleries. With Spanish energy, a Roman amphitheatre and a Moorish fortress in its arsenal of attractions, Malaga has never looked better.
Monaco
The world’s second-smallest country packs acres of excess and opulence into its few square miles. Monaco is the playground of the rich and famous, an aristocracy-attracting enclave perched in the hillside of the impossibly glamorous French Riviera. Spend a morning window-shopping super yachts in the harbour and diamonds in Cartier, before retreating to the charming old town for a more laissez faire afternoon. The port’s Cote d’Azur neighbours, Villefranche-Sur-Mer and Cannes, promise to show you a quieter side to the coastline beyond the red carpet.
Rome
A popular embarkation port for cruises to the Mediterranean, Italy’s fiery capital Rome has charisma in spades. Gorge yourself on art and culture, gazing up at frescoes by Raphael and out at sculptures by Michelangelo and Bernini. The Colosseum and Roman Forum stand proud and the Vatican powerful, lording it over a city that has a history as the most important in the world. Slurp pasta in peaceful Trastevere, then work up an appetite for affogato on a climb to the top of St Peter’s Basilica.
Eastern Mediterranean Cruises
Cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean and lift the veil on ports full of old-world intrigue. Italy, Croatia, Greece and Turkey host some of the most popular ports in the Mediterranean on their coasts, from the waterways of Venice to the black sands and blue domes of Santorini.
Dubrovnik
Croatia’s crown jewel Dubrovnik has seen a surge in popularity since finding fame in Game of Thrones, but there’s still serenity to be found within its city walls. A day spent walking the marble streets of the pedestrian-only old town, dining al fresco on black risotto, before looking out across the Adriatic with a glass of something cold is a day spent well.
Santorini
You could call Santorini the ultimate silver lining, an island left behind by an enormous volcanic eruption 3,600 years ago. Perched on the edge of a caldera, its cities are white and blue tiers of domed churches, tavernas and cave houses. Reach the foot of the winding streets and you’ll find a choice of beaches beneath your feet; what Red Beach, Black Beach and White Beach lack in imaginative names they make up for in sea views. Round off the day with sunset drinks in tiny Oía, the poster girl of the island.
Venice
For many, Venice is the highlight of an Eastern Mediterranean cruise. The marble city is audacious, with no less than 50 palazzi and six churches dotted along its Grand Canal alone. Were the charming gondolier rides and long lunches in sunny ‘bacaro’ eateries not quite enough to tempt you, the fact that Venice is the rightful home of prosecco and pours it with wild abandon should seal it
Kotor
The coastal town of Kotor sits in a natural bay on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro and is often referred to as the ‘fjord of the Mediterranean’, thanks to its fjord-like outcrop of the same name. Kotor has appeared on many a cruiser’s bucket list in recent years, largely due to the combination of a historic UNESCO-recognised Old Town and a glittering yacht-littered harbour. The city walls have stood since the 9th century, and are illuminated at night to create a golden halo around the hillside, whilst during the daytime the steep greenery-covered slopes provide a backdrop to cream stone villages and terracotta roofs.
You may also be interested in our Greek Island Cruises
