20 Best Cruise Ports in the Mediterranean You Won’t Want To Miss
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most popular cruise destinations for American travelers – and who could be surprised? With stunning beaches, historic landmarks, incredible cuisine, and more Mediterranean cruise itinerary options than ever, now is the time to plan a cruise to Europe. You’ll want to look for these 20 best ports on your itinerary as you sail the Mediterranean.
Civitavecchia, Italy
The port of Civitavecchia is the gateway to the Eternal City of Rome, the major appeal of this incredible Mediterranean port. Many Mediterranean cruises start in Civitavecchia, but even travelers with just a day to spend here can enjoy excursions such as a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, a walk through the charming neighborhood of Trastevere, or exploring the Vatican City in hopes of spotting La Pieta and the Sistine Chapel.
Barcelona, Spain
One of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean is also one of the most desirable ports for travelers headed to this part of Europe. Enjoy spending time in Barcelona trying churros and chocolate, sampling paella and tapas, exploring markets like La Boqueria, and visiting Gaudi masterpieces like Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia. Barcelona is also one of the most cities of embarkation for Mediterranean cruises.
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Palma de Mallorca is the capital city of the Spanish island of Mallorca and a gateway to enjoying one of the Mediterranean islands known as a summer hotspot for Europe’s elite. Many cruise passengers head off to enjoy a day on Mallorca’s beaches, though Palma de Mallorca has a beautiful cathedral, historic streets, and great local seafood dishes to enjoy as well.
Piraeus, Greece
Piraeus has little to offer on its own, though it’s a highlight on a Mediterranean cruise itinerary as the port city to access the capital of Athens, Greece. The best way to spend a day here? Take in the city views from the Parthenon before heading to the National Archaeological Museum, undoubtedly one of the world’s best museums for ancient history buffs.
Istanbul, Türkiye
Istanbul is a city spread over two continents, but it’s also a highlight on any Mediterranean cruise itinerary. Visitors will love exploring the winding alleyways in the Grand Bazaar as they shop for colorful light fixtures, local teas, and handmade Turkish rugs and visit famous spots like Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque.
Monaco
Even if you’re not in town for the famous Formula One Grand Prix race, the independent city-state of Monaco is one of the most exciting cruise ports in the Mediterranean. While few ships dock directly in the port of Monaco – only smaller vessels with luxury cruise lines like Windstar Cruises can manage in this smaller port – many visitors head to Monaco from nearby port cities in France like Nice and Villefrance-Sur-Mer.
Nice, France
The colorful, winding streets of Old Nice, the fresh food and flower market at Cours Saleya, and the dramatic arch of crystal clear water on the city’s beachfront make Nice one of the best cruise ports in France. While smaller ships can dock at the city’s port just a few minutes walk from Old Town, larger vessels dock in the adjacent bay at Villefranche-Sur-Mer, just a few minutes taxi ride from the heart of Nice.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is packed with visitors year-round, but it’s still one of the most beloved ports in the Mediterranean for its incredible beauty. Whitewashed buildings and blue domes cling to dramatic cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea, making Santorini a dream destination for cruise travelers. Whether visitors want to explore the island’s villages, try local wines, swim in azure waters, or even hike to the volcanic cone at the heart of this ancient caldera, Santorini is one of the most memorable cruise ports in any Mediterranean cruise itinerary.
Giardini Naxos, Italy
White Lotus fans will remember Taormina from the second season of this hit show, but savvy travelers know it has long been considered one of the most picturesque cities in Sicily. The port of Giardini Naxos, though small, is easily poised to access Taormina, located just a half-hour south of the famous city with its gorgeous Mediterranean views and stunning Greco-Roman theater.
Mykonos, Greece
One of the most famous Greek islands is Mykonos, and travelers lucky enough to find it on their cruise itineraries will love this multi-faceted destination. Mykonos is famous for its vibrant party scene, but visitors just spending the day in port will love beach hopping across the island, exploring historic streets with whitewashed buildings, and spotting the island’s iconic windmills.
Livorno, Italy
Livorno is one of Italy’s most famous port cities, not for anything it offers on its own but for the easy access it offers travelers looking to enjoy some of the most incredible cities in the Tuscany region of Italy. Livorno is within day trip distance of such iconic destinations as Lucca, Pisa, and Florence, offering travelers plenty of options when it comes to how to spend a day here. We’d recommend heading to Florence to check out Michelangelo’s famous David at the Galleria dell’Accademia, exploring the renowned Uffizi Gallery, and stopping at the famous sandwich shop All’Antico Vinaio.
Salerno / Amalfi, Italy
To explore the five historic seaside villages that compose Italy’s historic Cinque Terre, look for a cruise ship itinerary that makes stops at either the ports of Salerno or Amalfi. While larger cruise ships tend to dock in Salerno, smaller ships can access the port of Amalfi, much closer to Cinque Terre. Even the port of Sorrento is located close enough for a day trip to Cinque Terre.
Venice, Italy
While the visitor numbers in Venice have never been higher, the city is still one of the most popular destinations for a Mediterranean cruise. Exploring winding streets and hidden canals, marveling at Piazza San Marco, and taking in the view above the city from the Campanile are the best ways to spend one day in Venice.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Among a laundry-list of increasingly popular cruise ports in Croatia, the “Pearl of the Adriatic” is the most popular and memorable of all. Walking the city’s historic walls, exploring age-old landmarks, or even venturing to nearby beaches are among the best ways to spend a day at port in Dubrovnik.
Rhodes, Greece
While Greek islands like Mykonos and Santorini can feel overcrowded and busy, sunny Rhodes still maintains an untouched feel, complete with enough ruins and historic landmarks to keep visitors busy for a week. What is the best way to spend a day at port on this golden Greek island? Visit the acropolis at Lindos before heading down to the crystal clear waters in the protected bay at St. Paul’s Bay Beach.
Cadiz, Spain
Cadiz is packed with history: after all, it is known as the oldest city in Western Europe! With cruise ships parking just a short walk from the center of the old town, it’s also one of the easiest Spanish ports to enjoy without needing an expensive tour or shore excursion.
Valletta, Malta
The UNESCO World Heritage Site at the historic heart of Valletta, Malta, is just one of the most impressive features of what is known as Europe’s smallest capital city. Cruise travelers are enchanted by its narrow streets, grand palaces, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination on a Mediterranean cruise.
Corfu, Greece
Located on the western coast of Greece, the island of Corfu feels like a world away from the busier Greek islands of the Aegean Sea. The island is lush and green, with stunningly clear waters, making it a popular choice for a beach day excursion.
Valencia, Spain
The city that gave the world paella is known for having an enchanting mix of both historic and modern attractions to appeal to visitors. Don’t miss the ultra-modern Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias as well as the historic old town at the heart of Valencia.
Kotor, Montenegro
Montenegro is a first-time destination for many Mediterranean cruise passengers, and the port of Kotor is the perfect introduction to this tiny gem of a country in the heart of the Balkans. Kotor has an impressive natural landscape, setting off its well-preserved, UNESCO-protected Old Town and just a fraction of the visitors of nearby countries like Croatia or Greece.
Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.