Dreaming of a Mediterranean cruise? From the ancient wonders of Rome and Athens to the architectural masterpieces of Barcelona, discover the must-see destinations, the best time to visit, and the top cruise lines sailing this iconic region.
Few cruise destinations have the reputation of the Mediterranean for providing as wide and high-quality a range of ports to discover. Itineraries throughout this region are beloved for their historic cities, lavish beaches and culinary delights, but what are the sites that simply can’t be missed?
With Odysia Cruise, discover everything that the Mediterranean has to offer. In this ultimate cruise guide, find the locations and experiences you can’t miss out on, discover the best time to sail to this iconic destination, and get the answers to all your biggest questions.
The Mediterranean offers so much more than sunshine and cocktails. Home to a variety of languages, cuisines and cultures, its diverse history makes every port a unique experience. With so many incredible things to see, let’s pick out some of our favourites.
Few cities in the world are as famous as Rome, and on a Mediterranean cruise, you can find out why. In addition to offering a cultural and culinary energy that makes days in port both delightful and delicious, Rome features so many ruins of its past that are sure to expand the mind and linger in the memory.
No landmarks are quite as famous or as epic as the Colosseum, but you can also step ashore to explore the Pantheon, the Baths of Caracalla and the Roman Forum, all still standing in resilient glory. And it isn’t just Italy that hosts ruins like these; you can also visit magnificent sites like the Roman theatre in Cartagena, Spain. Across the entire Mediterranean, there’s a wealth of incredible Roman history to be uncovered.
Docking in Barcelona, you simply have to explore all the architectural masterpieces left behind by Antoni Gaudí. There are so many to see, from the unfinished Sagrada Familia to the blooming Park Güell, with each adding to Barcelona’s aesthetic charm and architectural variety.
Perfect for pedestrians, Barcelona invites you to discover all of Gaudí’s works as you walk its beautiful streets and discover its wealth of cafes and shops. Quirky sites like the dragon-inspired Casa Batlló and colourful expressions of genius like the Casa Vicens are certain to impress on any Mediterranean cruise itinerary.
In the Eastern Mediterranean, Athens is home to sites that literally transport you back to the dawn of democracy. Ancient Greece is often discussed in schools, but only by seeing the powerful Acropolis and the victorious Parthenon can that history be truly appreciated.
And for those exploring more of Greece’s beautiful coasts and islands, there are even more sites to uncover. Off the coast of the sun-kissed island of Mykonos, you can discover Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an ancient sanctuary, and in Corfu, the Paleopolis gives trips to this beautiful area a historical twist.
The best time to go on a Mediterranean cruise can vary depending on what you are looking for in your holiday. While the destination has year-round appeal, there are optimal times for activity availability and lower rates, so finding the perfect time to book depends on what you want to get out of your cruise.
With its intriguing history and consistently beautiful weather, the Mediterranean is a popular destination among the world’s best cruise lines. From escapes for all the family to mini cruises that provide a short but sweet adventure, there are a lot of options for those seeking the best cruise line for Mediterranean cruises, including:
The beauty of Mediterranean cruises is that they can vary so much in terms of where they sail. Guests can choose from itineraries that journey around the West Mediterranean, visiting ports across Portugal, Spain, France, Corsica and Italy, and those that voyage across to Croatia, Greece and Turkey in the East Mediterranean.
Mediterranean cruises depart from ports all over Europe, including the UK. With cruise lines like P&O Cruises, Cunard, Fred. Olsen Cruises and Ambassador Cruise Line, guests can set sail from ports such as Southampton, Tilbury, Liverpool and Portsmouth.
Some of the top items we recommend packing for a Mediterranean cruise include:
Make your Mediterranean cruise a success with Odysia Cruise! Find your ultimate getaway today by taking a look at our cruise deals or discovering what itineraries are on offer from the best cruise lines.
