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PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ Mediterranean cruises visit no fewer than thirteen countries. From prestigious capitals to charming islands and historic towns, these ten ports of call celebrate a millennia-old culture and a sun-kissed way of life. The choice is yours!
Unmissable ports of call on a Mediterranean cruise
A crossroads of trade and encounters for centuries, the Mediterranean bears the mark of the great civilisations that have shaped its shores. Bathed in light, its landscapes have inspired painters and writers. A legendary sea, it captivates travellers enchanted by its timeless charm. Discovering it on a cruise – from Italy to Greece and Croatia to Spain – is an opportunity to appreciate its diversity. Ancient cities, islands full of character, authentic villages and historic ports: set sail on a cruise across the Mediterranean, stopping at ten unmissable ports of call.
The great cities of the Mediterranean
Rome, the Eternal City
They say all roads lead to Rome… This is certainly true of most cruise itineraries around Italy, given the wealth of treasures the city has to offer. From the port of Civitavecchia, plan your programme to match your interests. Immerse yourself in Imperial Rome with the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Via Appia; discover the heart of Catholicism with St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican or the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, admire Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, then go for a stroll to soak up the dolce vita: Rome is as multifaceted as it is fascinating.
Athens, the city protected by the gods
Legend has it that Athena gave the olive tree to the inhabitants, becoming the city’s protector through this prosperity-bringing gift. At the top of the Acropolis hill, her temple has withstood the test of time, invasions and looting. Climb this sacred mountain and take in an unrivalled view of the Greek capital, stretching all the way to Piraeus, where your ship awaits for your Greek cruise. The artefacts and sculptures unearthed during the excavations are on display in a magnificent museum below. Then head off to lose yourself in the lively narrow streets, from taverns to boutiques.
Valletta, the Baroque fortress
A voyage to Malta inevitably begins in Valletta, the capital of Europe’s smallest country. The entire UNESCO-listed city can be explored on foot, through the narrow streets and up the stairways, past the tall, golden stone mansions built by the Knights of St John to the dazzling Baroque splendour of the co-cathedral. Complete your discovery tour with a getaway outside the city walls: first to Marsaxlokk, a tiny fishing port where colourful boats known as luzzus bob up and down, and then on to Mdina, the island’s former capital. Perched on a hilltop, this fortified town makes for a peaceful exploration, as no traffic is allowed.
Between Mediterranean islands and shores
Santorini, at the heart of a submerged crater
Sailing through the Santorini caldera is a highlight of any cruise in the Cyclades. The ship’s deck offers a unique view of the high cliffs of this ancient volcano now submerged by the waves. The blue of the Aegean Sea echoes the chapels’ domes, the white of the villages mirrors the foam on the waves, while the red of the volcanic rock highlights the exuberance of the bougainvillea flowers. And when calm returns to the island in low season, a different view unfolds from the little village of Oia, perched on a headland.
Dubrovnik, with time-defying ramparts
In Dubrovnik, every stone whispers a story… Nestled within its famous ramparts, this Dalmatian city – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is best explored on foot, through its medieval alleys, cobblestone passageways, and palaces and monasteries brimming with works of art. After this immersive stroll, how about a getaway to the protected island of Lokrum with its botanical gardens? Food lovers can try their hand at an interactive Croatian cookery class, from plant to plate. This perfect day on a journey around Croatia ends with a stroll along the ramparts as the sun sets…
Venice: when secrets are revealed…
When you set sail on a cruise calling at Venice, get ready for a carnival of emotions! Marvel at the view of the city, which seems to float on the waters of the lagoon; then, back on dry land, fall under the spell of the swirl of palaces and churches and the undeniable romance of a gondola ride. After visiting the must-see St Mark’s Square and Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, set off to discover a more hidden side of Venice. As you walk along the side canals, cross a small bridge and pop into a mask-making workshop, a glassworks or leather goods shop…
Mediterranean flavours, heritage and gentle way of life
Naples, Italy’s volcanic city
Overlooked by the imposing cone of Vesuvius, Naples stretches along a magnificent bay. Start by exploring the city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety. The weathered buildings with their statue-adorned courtyards and bustling streets provide the backdrop to picturesque street scenes; take a break to enjoy a genuine Neapolitan pizza! Next, take a guided tour of the moving ruins at the nearby sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Finally, come back on board for a cruise along the Amalfi Coast with its cliffs topped with lemon trees.
Menorca, the most unassuming of the Balearic Islands
Pleasure lovers, Menorca has everything to win you over, with its whitewashed villages and unspoilt natural beauty! Although it now exudes an unassuming atmosphere, the second-largest island in the Balearic Islands has been a major strategic asset over the centuries. This is evident in the British-style façades of its capital, situated at the head of an incredible five-kilometre-long harbour. After stopping off in Port Mahon, take a break in Fornells, a charming little fishing port, then head up to Monte Torro for a panoramic view, before coming back down to sample the renowned, locally produced gin.
Nice, the beautiful city on the Côte d’Azur
Is it because of its famous Promenade des Anglais, where the waves of the Mediterranean tirelessly lap against the pebbles? Its market, brimming with produce from the South – flowers, olives and citrus fruits – where you can hear the lilting accent of nearby Italy? The pastel-coloured façades of Old Nice? Its delicious specialities, stuffed vegetables and socca? When you’re lucky enough to visit Nice, there’s only one thing you want: to go back! Come and soak up its charm for yourselves, but be warned: its neighbours – Menton, Cannes and Antibes – are more than a match for it.
Palermo, guardian of the Sicilian spirit
Of all the ports of call on a cruise around Sicily, Palermo is undoubtedly the most fascinating. The capital is a city of striking contrasts: aristocratic and working-class, dynamic and old-fashioned in one. Step back in time as you stroll through its streets lined with mansions with a faded splendour, and visit the magnificent Palatine Chapel in the Norman Palace. Cefalù can be easily reached from Palermo. Enjoy the attractions of this renowned seaside resort, and step inside the Arab-Norman cathedral to admire the gilded details of a magnificent Byzantine mosaic.
Which cruise should you choose to explore these ports of call?
Several PONANT EXPLORATIONS ships sail the Mediterranean all year round, offering a wide range of voyages. If you are drawn to eastern shores, Turkey is the place to go! Starting from Istanbul, there are several itineraries that combine visits to ancient sites with a relaxing break, with the added bonus of discovering the Aegean Sea. If it’s blue-and-white Greek villages that appeal to you, you’ll be pleased to know that some of our cruises to Greece are entirely devoted to the Cyclades.
In the Adriatic, choose a cruise around Croatia, departing from Venice or Dubrovnik, with several ports of call along the Italian and Dalmatian coasts. Further west, you find the major islands of the Mediterranean. Whether you are heading to Corsica, Sardinia or Sicily, the cruise allows you to both admire the magnificent coastal scenery and explore the inland areas from the ports.
Cruises to the Iberian Peninsula will take you from Barcelona to Lisbon, via the famous Strait of Gibraltar.
Frequently asked questions about our Mediterranean cruises
1. What are the best ports of call in the Mediterranean?
It goes without saying that the best port of call is the one that meets your expectations! Some of the most beautiful ports of call to discover in the Mediterranean include Barcelona, Marseille, Nice, Naples, Dubrovnik, Athens and Santorini. Museums, ancient sites, craft workshops, culinary discoveries, hikes, cycle rides, swimming and diving: at every port of call, a wide range of excursions allows you to combine culture, nature and relaxation.
2. Which ports of call should you choose to discover Mediterranean history?
As the Mediterranean has been at the crossroads of civilisations since Antiquity, there are many ports of call where you can discover its long and rich history. In Istanbul, for example, magnificent buildings bear witness to the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans in turn. Venice, for its part, extended its influence across the entire Adriatic for several centuries. And on the shores of North Africa, such as Carthage in Tunisia or Tipasa in Algeria, many ancient ruins serve as a reminder that the Roman Empire used to rule “mare nostrum”.
3. Which ports of call offer the best scenery?
The best vantage point for taking in the Mediterranean landscapes is your cruise ship! The shallow draught of the modestly-sized PONANT EXPLORATIONS fleet allows the ships to sail close to the coast. You can admire the Mediterranean landscapes from the balcony of your stateroom, enjoying lunch on the restaurant’s outdoor terrace or taking a refreshing dip in the seawater swimming pool. A particularly enchanting sight awaits along the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, in Santorini’s caldera, in front of erupting Stromboli or in the Venetian Lagoon.
4. Which cruises should you choose to discover several iconic ports of call?
Every year, we design itineraries that include the most iconic sites in Greece, Italy or Spain. Here are a few examples you can find on our website:
- The “The Mediterranean: In the Footsteps of Great Civilisations” cruise offers an 11-day voyage between Turkey, Greece, Italy and Malta.
- “At the heart of the Greek islands” promises eight days of discovery in the Aegean Sea, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.
- “From the canals of Venice to the city of gods” connects Venice to Athens in nine days, travelling along the Adriatic coast.
5. When is the best time for a Mediterranean cruise?
As the Mediterranean enjoys a pleasant climate all year round, we offer cruise departures throughout the year. While the height of summer is ideal for water sports, with warm seas and long, sunny days, spring and autumn enjoy moderate visitor numbers – a welcome advantage when visiting monuments. In winter, temperatures remain mild and rainfall is rare. It is the perfect time of year for hiking and discovering authentic local life.
PONANT takes you there
Set sail for the most beautiful ports of call along the shores of the Mediterranean
