From Plato and Socrates to Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great to many more historically iconic individuals, the Mediterranean is enveloped in history. No matter where you are in the Mediterranean, otherwise known as "The Cradle of Civilization," you're likely not far from a historical site, sunny beach, awe-striking landscape, eclectic shopping area, and amazing food and wine.
You could probably spend a lifetime exploring the Mediterranean, from seeing firsthand the city where Game of Thrones was filmed to visiting the Acropolis where the Olympic games were held to chowing down on pizza, pasta and more. So how do you choose where to go on your Mediterranean cruise with so many beautiful, cultural and historic destinations that meet the wanderlust of every kind of traveler?
It's hard to go wrong when selecting a Mediterranean cruise, but if you're stuck between a few options, looking through this list of the top Mediterranean ports may make your selection a little bit easier. Here are 12 of the best Mediterranean cruise ports:
Journey back to Medieval times by taking an excursion through "The Pearl of the Adriatic." From surviving Renaissance buildings such as Sponza Palace to the "Stradun", the town's main boulevard, and other stone architecture, cobbled streets and churches, in just one day you can get a glimpse into over 900 years of European history. If you were trying to place the Game of Thrones reference earlier, Dubrovnik is your place to go.
Dating even farther back, over 2,500 years, is Athens, Europe's oldest city, coined the heart of Western civilization. At the Acropolis, you can visit Athens' ancient buildings of the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Propylaea, and get an astounding view of the city. Or head into Plaka Quarter to indulge in Greek cuisine, drinks and music.
(L) Dubrovnik, Croatia, (R) Santorini, GreeceBeautiful beaches with crystal blue waters backdropped with stunning mountains, olive orchards, vineyards and castles make Corfu a phenomenally photographic destination to drive through. We recommend booking an excursion that will take you exploring through this green Isle, visiting its beaches, architectural icons and old town, to marvel in the area's natural beauty, ancient buildings, shops and tavernas.
Fabled as the lost continent of Atlantis, Santorini boasts volcanic landscapes jutting out of the ocean, black pebble beaches and white-washed, blue-domed villages. From the port, ride a donkey up the mountain to get into town. History buffs can head over to Akrotiri, containing the ancient ruins of the volcano-destroyed city, the adventurous can hike the cliffs overlooking Santorini's towns, or those just looking for a nice relaxing day can walk through Oia for some shopping and dining.
Nestled between the continents of Europe and Asia, Istanbul contains a vibrant treasure trove of religion and history amongst its ancient ruins, domes and minarets. Visit its famous landmarks, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, shop for exotic souvenirs at the fragrant Grand Bazaar, listen to the muezzins' call to prayer, and wander the ancient city of Troy.
6. Florence, Italy
Famous for the Italian Renaissance movement, its residence to major influences like Lorenzo de' Medici and Michelangelo, and its classic artwork and historic architecture, this capital city of the Tuscany region is ideal for artists, photographers, history buffs and the like. Marvel in the architecture of the Duomo and climb the cupola, view artwork at the Uffizi Gallerycdecuctqddbywzywzafzxtetfyzcsczzvxdd and then head behind the Pitti Palace to the Boboli Gardens to gaze at plants, sculptures, fountains and other architectural designs. This is not to mention many more sites you can visit including the Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo and more.
Sitting in the shadows of the volcano that left much of Pompeii in ashes, Mount Vesuvius, is Naples. Take a tour through the ancient ruins, stop in the city for some authentic Italian pizza, and continue your fascination at the National Archeological Museum, where you can find Naples' impressive collection of Roman artifacts. If history's not your thing, take a boat ride over to Capri to walk along the coast, visit Blue Grotto Cave and enjoy some pizza and wine.
As the saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day." The intriguing, legendary "Eternal City" contains a vast array of historic architecture, monuments, churches and more. See first-hand where gladiators and animals would battle it out with over tens of thousands of eyes on them at the famous Colosseum, make a wish as you toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, admire the beauty of St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, and enjoy many more experiences that the city has to offer, not to forget boundless pasta and gelato.
(L-R) The Triton Fountain - Valletta, Venice, Italy, Sagrada Família - BarcelonaA day in the enchanting city of Venice will likely leave you on cloud nine by the time you board back onto your cruise. This memorable location offers romantic gondola rides through the canals, wandering the shops of Rialto Bridge for homemade souvenirs, and architectural beauties including the bell tower and basilica at St. Mark's Square.
Maybe recognizable from its appearance in films such as Troy, Valletta is filled not only with medieval castle-like architecture but also an exotic history that creates a fascinating culture to the city, combining Arab, Phoenician, African, Roman and more influences. Aside from shopping, you can visit historical buildings such as St. Jansco Cathedral and Grandmaster's Palace.
Spanning mountains and sea, dreamy Villefranche-sur-Mer offers spectacular views of southern France's mountains and the French Riviera. This beautiful destination has not only brought in tourists but inspired artists like Picasso and Matisse, with its hilltop fortress, medieval chapels, and breathtaking views of the gentle blue water and coastal hills.
Bustling Barcelona with its shops, street musicians, cathedrals, museums and more, is an exciting city to venture into, especially for art enthusiasts. Head over to Gothic Quarter to view intriguing architecture and galleries, or visit the Picasso Museum to view the famous artist's work. For a more casual and exhilarating adventure in the city, head over to the Rambla to enjoy street art and souvenir shopping and indulge in tapas and sangria.
A Mediterranean cruise offers a little bit of something for everyone. Aside from the exciting experiences usually offered onboard, the cruise lines also often include some of these beautiful destinations on their itineraries. If your interests are history, architecture, artwork, nature, food, or anything else, you'll likely enjoy most, if not all, of these ports of call.
But now after looking at all of these ports, you might be even more confused on where specifically you want to go. Now you want to go everywhere! You may also be wondering which cruise line to take and how to make this dream of yours happen.
That's why you should work with our travel experts to help you plan your next Mediterranean cruise. Contact us today and we'll help you book your beautiful Mediterranean vacation.
About Sarah Pruzansky, Cruise & Travel Writer
Sarah Pruzansky is passionate about everything related to travel, hospitality, environmental science, self-care, and writing. She joined the iCruise team in February 2019 and assists the company in developing blog and web content that shows the benefits of cruising, information on different ports of call and destinations, and other industry tips for those looking to cruise.
