Cruises Around the Mediterranean: When Cruising Equals Touring

Summer lends itself to journeys by sea; whether it’s cruising, sailing, or yachting, being at sea is the place to be. The Mediterranean is one of those places that epitomises the zenith of summer cruising, and in particular its coastal countries offer entire worlds waiting to be unfolded. In particular, Greece is a location that beckons the traveller to explore and wander across its literally hundreds of islands, delving into its vast cultural heritage.

Spain and Portugal are also brimming with a tonne of riveting landmarks to discover, all equally intriguing. The latter is blessed to be enveloped by two sea masses, the Atlantic on the west and the Mediterranean to the south; Greece is luckier still, surrounded by three seas, the Ionian, the Mediterranean and the Aegean and is truly a seafarer’s nursery since ancient times.

It only makes sense to roam the seas if you want to really get to grips with what summer in the Mediterranean is really about. And since all three aforementioned countries are full of historic places as well as striking landscapes, here are some recommendations to combine a bit (or a lot) of culture and touring while searching for cruises around the Mediterranean.

When you choose to go on a cruising holiday, focusing on the relaxation that is achieved by staying on board as long as possible is usually a top priority. Being on a cruise has many advantages to offer the passenger and can be one of the most enjoyable travelling experiences ever because it will tick many boxes at the same time. To combine cruising with expert touring takes the experience to a whole new level.

Portugal & Spain

Portugal and Spain are two largely interesting countries that harbour a romantic charm, a chivalrous past and an intriguing temperament. Cruising from Lisbon to Malaga, there is an enormity of beauties to discover, from medieval cathedrals, Moorish castles and palaces to enchanting cities such as Monchique, Seville and the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Franciscan monasteries, Andalusian gardens and so much more in between.

Related: What To Do In Malaga & Costa del Sol

The ambivalent culture of bullfighting, the fiery flamenco dancing, the tapas food, the delectable wines, incredible beaches, festivals of all kinds will surely enthral you. Optional excursions are the opportunity to immerse into the distinct culture of Lisbon and other places in Portugal and Spain, however, guests can also choose the more reposeful option of remaining on board as much as possible, soaking in the sublime ambience, and gazing at the landscapes from afar, resting their eyes, mind and soul.

While you’re in the area, you may want to learn how to say thank you in Portuguese and Spanish, and other useful words.

Greece

It’s hard to make an opening statement for Greece that fully does it justice. There is so much to explore, that one journey is definitely not enough. From over 100 inhabited islands to choose from and attractions like the blue domes in Santorini to the beaches of Samos, deciding on a single destination is a hard choice to make. This is why first-timers can benefit from browsing through the thorough list of Greek sailing tours to get a feel of what is popular, worthwhile, and in close proximity that also combines options of cruising or sailing with expert touring.

Picking which sea to explore first is a good starting point. The Ionians boast azure waters for the most part and there are places that are only meant to be visited by boat, such as the islets of Paxos and Antipaxos. In the Aegean, must visit are the legendary Cyclades and specifically the volcanic Santorini, the cosmopolitan Mykonos and the spiritual Delos. Take the plunge and immerse into the alluring and diverse destination that is Greece.