Europe is full of rich history and beautiful culture. A vacation there can include visits to some of the most gorgeous examples of architecture and art in the entire world. When looking to get away, European cruises from Barcelona definitely fit this description.
Many ships depart from the port of Barcelona, and if Mediterranean cruise vacations are on your radar, this is the place to start. Though no one can give a complete picture of what these magical getaways have to offer, below is a list of some highlights. Remember, look at your itinerary before booking a vacation and make sure that you visit all of the best ports.
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Western Mediterranean Ports of Call
If you are going on a six- or seven-day journey, the western Mediterranean is typically where you will be going. Though there are too many ports to adequately address them all, some possible stops along this route could include:
Palma de Mallorca
The capital of the Balearic Islands in Spain, Palma de Mallorca has more of a rich history than many known areas around the world. Most starting their trip in this city begin with the Placa d’Espanya, which is the main transportation hub around the city, offering bus tours. Once this is done, the past can be more deeply explored by going to the Old City, where visitors can see some unique architecture. Finally, those interested in religious history can visit La Seu, a cathedral built over a previous mosque.
Livorno
The main draw of this city in Tuscany, Italy, is the neo-classical architecture. Two major buildings of mention here are the Piazza Grande and the Piazza della Repubblica. In addition to these buildings, tourists can find museums, public parks and other more typical tourist attractions.
Marseille
This French city has one of the largest commercial ports in the region. If theater is of interest to you, go at the right time and you can see a spectacular show in the Opera House of Marseille. For those more interested in the history, there are sites dating back to the 5th century A.D. that attract visitors from around the world.
Remember, this is just a small taste of what tourists traveling this area of the world can see. These ports are rich in history, but there is much more to see as well.
Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Ports
For those looking to go on a 10- to 14-day adventure, a cruise from Barcelona may start going through the western Mediterranean area, but it should also include many destinations in the east. Remember, there are many stops that are not listed here, but some of the potential cruise destinations could include:
Limassol
The most populous city in Cyprus, this city is best known for its various festivals held throughout the year. Depending on what most strikes your fancy could affect when you want to visit. To name a few: in September, they hold a large Wine Festival; in May there is the Yermasogeia Flower Festival; and the Festival of the Flood is in June. Beyond these festivals, Limassol also has beautiful beaches for those looking for a more tropical getaway.
Haifa
The third largest city in Israel, Haifa is known best for the Baha’i World Centre, which is named as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of museums and theater.
Corfu
At this point, visitors will find themselves in the Aegen Sea. This beautiful Greek island has all of the comforts and attractions that you would expect from on this type of sea voyage. For a long time, Corfu was a very popular destination among European royalty, but now it enjoys a much wider array of visitors year round.
Kusadasi
Also in the Aegen Sea, Kusadasi is a major tourist spot in Turkey. Its main draw includes some gorgeous historical buildings. Kaleici Camii is a mosque built in 1618. It currently remains a major tourist attraction. For those looking for more modern attractions, there are aqua-parks throughout the city. In addition to the local attractions, visitors also have the option of an excursion tour to Ephesus, which is best known for the Library of Celsus.
Kotor
Located in the Adriatic Sea, Kotor is a town in Montenegro. The town itself is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it includes some the most well-known religious buildings throughout history, including the Church of Our Lady of Health and the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon.
Cruise Stops before Transatlantic
Those individuals looking for slightly different European cruises from Barcelona also have the options of taking a transatlantic trip. On these transatlantic routes, there are three major ports that nearly every traveler visits before going across the Atlantic:
Gibraltar
Located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is a British territory rich in culture and history. Tourists can visit the famous Rock of Gibraltar in the morning, shop in the afternoon and watch the sunset from the sandy beaches at night.
Funchal
Part of Portugal’s Madeira region, one of the main tourist draws in Funchal is the baroque architecture.
Tenerife
The largest and most populous of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has much more to offer than just sandy beaches. It also contains golf courses, waterparks, animal parks, theaters and a variety of restaurants.
If any of these ports are on your list to visit, perhaps the transatlantic route is the way to go.
Start with European Cruises from Barcelona
Since many major ship companies offer Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, the options are virtually limitless. Check with your chosen provider to see if this is an option and plan out the journey that is best for you. If your family is along, remember that there are plenty of places for everyone to have fun.
When you are planning your next getaway, keep European cruises from Barcelona at the top of your list. If an extended trip across multiple destinations is on your travel list, this is certainly the place to start. Don’t put off that dream getaway any longer and check out prices today.
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