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The Mediterranean is a first-cruise choice for many, but is not a region to cruise once and then quit in search of pastures new. In cruising terms, it stretches from the Iberian peninsula east to Turkey, and south to North Africa, taking in beaches, Roman ruins and some of the world’s finest cities on the way.
The Passenger Shipping Association says that 543,000 Britons cruised in the Mediterranean last year – that’s nearly twice as many as a decade ago. And with cruise lines bringing more ships to the region, that number can only grow.
That brings its own problems – ports packed with ships, car parks packed with buses, sights packed with passengers. People moan, but they keep coming because it’s all too good to miss.
There are two ways to cruise the Mediterranean: sailing from the UK or flying in to board a ship. The latter has the benefit of speed and allows you to do a seven-night cruise; the former adds at least two sea days in each direction as you have to cross the Bay of Biscay so itineraries are 14 nights or more.
There are also two main cruise areas. The western Mediterranean, bordered by Spain and Italy, includes Sardinia, Corsica and the Balearics, and the eastern Mediterranean, on the eastern side of Italy, includes Greece, Croatia and Turkey.
Some cruises stay in the west, perhaps sailing from Barcelona to the French Riviera, Italy and Tunisia; others remain in the east, cruising from Venice to Athens, Istanbul and the Greek islands.
Many lines offer seven-night cruises, which are great for beginners out to find their cruising legs, but there are also longer itineraries that combine the best of both Meds.
Most Brits cruise the Mediterranean in the height of summer, when the sun and crowds are at their most fierce, but you don’t have to do that. Italian lines Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises have ships in the Mediterranean year-round if a European-style cruise appeals, and this winter, Royal Caribbean International and Norwegian Cruise Line are each keeping a ship on this side of the Atlantic so there are American-style options as well.
If you do choose to cruise the Mediterranean in the winter months, it is worth remembering that you might end up seeing the sights in the cold and wet. On the plus side, there will be fewer crowds so at least you will be able to see the sights. And when the ships are sailing in the eastern MedMediterranean and to North Africa, there is a good chance of better weather.
There is so much to see in the Mediterranean that it’s impossible to cover everything, but here are some top places to consider when choosing an itinerary.
Naples: Delightfully chaotic city worth a wander, but the big attraction is nearby Pompeii, the city destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted. Take a tour as it’s useful to have a guide.
Rome: Visited from Civitavecchia, which is 90 minutes by road or rail from the city. Get a good map, whiz around the sights - the Vatican, Colliseum, the Pantheon and Roman Forum - and mark it down for a repeat visit.
Barcelona: Cruise ships berth close to the bottom of the famous La Rambla, a lively street where human statues and portrait painters hang out. Head into the Gothic quarter to the east, and explore its warren of alleyways.
Athens: Cruise ships dock at Piraeus, a 20-minute metro ride from the city. An all-day ticket costs about €3 (£2). Head for the Acropolis, within walking distance from the metro, and Plaka. It’s touristy but there are nice restaurants for lunch.
Monaco: The city has a port, but it’s small so most ships anchor off Villefranche, which is more beautiful and less crowded. A helicopter ride over the French Riviera is an extravagant treat.
Venice: Most cruise ships dock in the port, a 10-minute boat ride from the city, or you can walk it in 25 minutes. The views are spellbinding and the gondolas seductive (but be warned that they cost €100/£82.30 for 20 minutes for two).
There are also many less well-known places worth seeking out if you are choosing an itinerary. Here are three of my favourites:
Taormina: Perched on the side of Mount Tauro on Sicily, with view across the Mediterranean and to Mount Etna. Coaches go so far and a lift finishes the journey. At the top, shops and restaurants line the picturesque medieval alleyways.
Kusadasi: Lively Turkish town on the cruise circuit because it is just 20 minutes’ drive from the ancient Roman city of Ephesus. A tour and guide are invaluable. Get there early to beat the crowds.
Santa Margherita: An attractive town overshadowed by the unspeakably-beautiful Portafino. Take a bus or boat, or walk there through the woods. There are loads of restaurants; just don’t look too closely at the prices.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruis ... guide.html |
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