Port guides
Filter 2,752 cruise ports by region or search by name — each links to its guide and the cruises calling there.
Ports in Mediterranean
322 ports
Brindisi
Italy · Mediterranean
The Adriatic is rich in cultural and natural treasures. Let yourself be inspired by this millennia-old Italian port city. The natural harbor is located between two bays and Caribbean-like beaches can be found throughout the region. Brindisi was a strategic base for the ancient Romans and is still an important port for ferry traffic today. Visit the well-preserved old town on your shore leave. Major attractions include the Aragonese Castle and Svevo Castle. If you're in town, check out the Colonne del Porto Roman column as well. Of course, a culinary tasting should not be missing on your trip to Puglia. A well-known specialty is the focaccia. If you are more interested in swimming, you can go to Ostuni, which is not far away. For families, this cruise offers great highlights not only on the AIDA ship. Not far from Brindisi is the largest zoo in Italy in Fasano.
224 cruises
Marmaris
Turkey · Mediterranean
Marmaris, on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is a popular international sailing port and busy all-inclusive-holiday destination for northern Europeans. Once a sleepy fishing village, the town transformed into a tourism hotspot in the 1980s, catering to everyone from backpackers and resort lovers to families and hedonistic partygoers. Its influx of foreign guests means Turkish culture can get somewhat lost, though a stopover will introduce you to the history, people, landscape and unique ecosystem of the area. The first sight on arrival is the town’s natural harbor, lined by the mountainous Marmaris National Park. It’s this landscape and proximity to the Aegean and Mediterranean seas that sustained the town as an ancient trading port and safe haven for history’s greatest armies, including those of Alexander the Great and Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. Once docked at the cruise terminal, walk to the old town where you’ll find the Grand Bazaar, Marmaris Museum and most restaurants lined up by the superyachts and Turkish gulets (wooden sailboats) of the encircling marina. Sunbeds by the beach are within walking distance, though the more attractive Içmeler Beach is just a quick trip by taxi or public bus.
224 cruises
Milos, Greece
Mediterranean
Milos is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. The island is famous for the statue of Venus de Milo (in the Louvre), and also for statues of Asclepius, now in the British Museum, and the Poseidon and an archaic Apollo in Athens. It is unique for its astonishing lunar landscape which creates unbelievable and imposing rocky formations colored in deep red, brown or glimmering white. Those fantastic hills and rocks are often emerging from a turquoise sea, boarded by fine golden, white or grey sand. Villages and small towns are charming and very attractive. The main town is Adamas.
224 cruises
Nafplion
Greece · Mediterranean
The former capital of Greece is a popular town on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese. Stately, medieval architecture recalls its Venetian occupation in the 15th century. The most dominant structure from this time is the crenellated Palamidi Fortress towering high above the town. The lively port and resort town spreads around a scenic harbor. Its center is crisscrossed by narrow streets, which are best negotiated on foot. Several monuments remain from the towns' Turkish past, including a mosque and the parliament building. Relics from ancient sites are on display in the Archaeological Museum. Those who are interested in handicrafts and traditional costumes may enjoy a visit to the Folk Art Museum. Enjoy exploring along the waterfront and around the main square of the Old Town. Open-air cafés and restaurants invite you for a break to enjoy a light snack or a seafood lunch while taking in the local atmosphere.
223 cruises
Syros
Greece · Mediterranean
Explore off-the-beaten-path Syros, built in an amphitheater style with its narrow alleyways and neoclassical architecture cascading brightly down to the deep blue bay. Visit the prehistoric village of Ano Syros, admiring the view overlooking Ermoupolis. Explore the St. George Catholic Cathedral as well as the 17th and 18th Century monasteries of the Jesuits and Capuchins. Back in Ermoupolis visit the archaeological museum and three fascinating churches – Agios Demetrius, Treis Hierarches and Ag Nikolas. Shop for distinctive souvenirs – a bottle of the famous anise flavored ouzo, silver and gold jewelry and embroidered memorabilia. Admire the Apollo Theatre, a mini reproduction of Milan’s La Scala. Enjoy the local St. Michali cheese, and a glass of Greek wine at one of the many tavernas, or the famous loukoumia, the Syros version of a famous Turkish sweet in this gorgeous setting.
215 cruises
Tarascon
Mediterranean
Tarascon, sometimes referred to as Tarascon-sur-Rhône, is a commune situated at the extreme west of the Bouches-du-Rhône department of France in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Inhabitants are referred to as Tarasconnais or Tarasconnaises.
213 cruises
Donji Milanovac
Serbia · Mediterranean
Donji Milanovac is a town in eastern Serbia. It is situated in the Majdanpek municipality, in the Bor District. It is located on the right bank of Lake Đerdap on the Danube. The population of the town is 2,410 people. Its name means "Lower Milanovac".
210 cruises
Bilbao
Spain · Mediterranean
Whether it’s the flow of its boundary pushing architecture, delights of its finger food tapas, or sweeps of gorgeous shoreline nearby, Bilbao is a city that places a premium on aesthetics. The relentless drive to all things beautiful may be a reaction to the city’s industrial past, but it has led this Basque city to emerge as a new beacon of artistry. American architect Frank Gehry’s masterpiece of flowing metal is the shining standout here, a perfect harmony of smooth titanium and glass, and a thrilling piece in itself. Inside the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, world-class exhibitions are exhibited in the bright, expansive interior - which practically begs you to explore more. The city has gorgeous historical presence too. Casco Viejo - the medieval area - is its historic core, and home to the original seven streets and cathedral, dating back to the 14thcentury. Tall banks of coloured buildings rise either side as you walk, dwarfed by a tide of pretty facades, overflowing flower boxes, and intricate rail balconies. Plaza Nueva is Bilbao’s neoclassical square, with a procession of arches all around you. Morning flea markets regularly overtake it, offering opportunities to pick through piles of coins, dusty books and rusted antiques on the hunt for bargains, in this most elegant setting. The titanic Mercado de la Ribera market looms tall by the river. Explore to eat your way through an endless pile of Basque pintxos – the local take on tapas. Cocktail sticks will quickly stack up as you gorge on plump olives, organic cheeses, and feather thin slices of curled hams, while orbiting Europe’s largest covered market. Described as a perfect blend of beauty and function by UNESCO, the Vizcaya Bridge is an unusual but spectacular piece of industrial architecture. The world’s oldest, gigantic transporter crane is still in use today, swinging cars and passengers from one side of the gaping Nervion River’s mouth to the other.
204 cruises
Hvar
Croatia · Mediterranean
One of the most popular of the island escapes sprinkled across the turquoise Adriatic, Hvar is a glorious idyll of hidden coves, electric blue waters and quietly contented port towns. In recent years, it’s gathered something of a reputation as a party island - mainly earned from Hvar Town’s nocturnal exuberances, and the transient day-tripping yachts that drop by. View less Soak up the energy, exuberance and fine dining, or sidestep the hedonism to explore a richly refined, rural and historic island – utterly spoiled with sunshine, and hidden beaches, which dazzle with colourful intensity. Bike rides along long sweeping coastal paths, boat journeys from pretty harbours, walks through fields of purple lavender - it’s all waiting for you on heavenly Hvar. Relish the sunshine and explore deserted, idyllic inlets, before sharing strong espressos in quiet harbour towns, surrounded by welcoming, sun-wrinkled locals. There’s also rich Medieval history – the sleepy town of Stari Grad is said to be Croatia’s oldest, dating back to 384 BC. Elsewhere, Jelsa is a postcard perfect place – settle in for a bite to eat, with nothing but the sound of harbour waters lapping and sandpaper scraping boats hulls for company. You can walk to look out over glorious views across to Brac, sometimes watching on as thunderstorms rage and flash, an eternity away over the mainland’s crumpled mountains. You’re also just a short ferry ride from the incredible Golden Horn - an evocative spike of brilliant sand which juts out evocatively into the cobalt-blue sea.
197 cruises
Tournus
Mediterranean
Tournus is a commune in the Saône-et-Loire department in the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in eastern France.
186 cruises
Trapani (Sicily)
Italy · Mediterranean
Surrounded by glowing turquoise waters and rugged coastline, Trapani invites you to explore western Sicily's ruins, intense flavours, and sun-soaked leisure pursuits. Built on salt and tuna exports, Trapani is experiencing a renaissance, having been lovingly spruced up as a sailing capital, and an international airport bringing in visitors from far and wide. The town looks out over the Egadi Islands, gazing west to witness some of Siciliy's most evocative sunset displays. View less Start exploring Trapani from its historic core, a dense network of alleys hosting a collection of small shops, restaurants and wine bars. You’ll encounter the Cathedral of San Lorenzo – where colourful artworks are spread below sweeping arches and a beautiful domed roof. Sicily feels like an island on the cusp of continents, and Trapani practically has one foot in Africa, as you soak in its pretty whitewash houses and fusion of foods and arts. Discover the Ancient Greek influence by venturing to rich archaeological sites nearby, like Selinus and Segesta, where the treasures from the past have been unearthed and displayed. Pyramids of white salt rise up at the Riserva Naturale Saline di Trapani e Paceco. These salt marshes and windmills are a symbol of Trapani, and although sea salt production is much less important today, the small white hills remain a Trapani landmark. Look out for the pink flamingos wading in the salt pans below. For beach days, the Egadi Islands can be easily reached from Trapani - Favignana is the largest and most popular.
184 cruises
Corsica
Mediterranean
In 1811, Napoleon Bonaparte - then Napoleon I, Emperor of the French - made Corsica a department of France. He also moved the capital from Bastia to his hometown of Ajaccio. The capital of Corsica, Ajaccio is the island's largest town (although we know that the capital of Corsica is Paris, and Ajaccio & Bastia are roughly the same size) - and the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. One can stroll past the cathedral where the future emperor was baptized--the Casa Bonaparte is a museum devoted to the imperial glory. But Corsica is also the "scented isle" - a place of dramatic shoreline cliffs, small coves, and golden beaches. The island interior consists of stony mountains carpeted in macchia, a low, thick, chaparral comprised of aromatic Corsican mint, rock roses, and myrtle. Everywhere you'll discover traces of the island's long and colorful history, from medieval walled towns to seaside villages guarded by 16th-century towers. Though the island has been part of France since the late 18th century, Corsica retains its own distinct culture and flavor.
179 cruises
Monemvasia
Greece · Mediterranean
A town of rustic, lyrically romantic beauty, Monemvasia boasts a glorious natural setting - perched on a colossal rock island, which rears spectacularly from the waves. A truly unique castle city, the island is linked to the mainland by just a single solitary causeway. It is hard to imagine a better – and more impenetrable - setting for a fortress town than this, and the rock is laced with tight cobbled streets, exposed stone masonry and pretty Byzantine churches. View less Known as the Gibraltar of Greece, you would be forgiven for assuming that the limestone monolith was unoccupied as you approach from the seas. Look a little closer, however, and you’ll begin to pick out the ancient walls and terracotta roofs of the quaint town clinging to its steep, dramatic slopes - and the walls of the fortress crowning it. A natural stronghold of overwhelming romantic beauty – the rock is said to lend couples wedded here extra strong foundations to build from. Arrive on the island to wander the historic knot of streets of a true Adriatic wonder. Encounter gorgeous, tree-shaded terraces, which look out across the rippling blue waves. Visit the picturesque Church of Christ Elkomenos, where you can shelter in the cool interior, and see storied religious iconography. A historic paved pathway twists back on itself, rising sharply up the slope on a daunting ascent to the now uninhabited upper fortress. The views from here are even more incredible, as you look down across the rustic domes of the lower village’s churches and stone-paved streets below.
177 cruises
Giardini Naxos, Sicily
Mediterranean
Hugging a long, sweeping bay, Giardini Naxos welcomes you ashore to some of Sicily’s most scenic and historic sites. Naxos was the first Greek settlement on Sicily, and it is surrounded by remarkable remains and swirling mythology. With a long arc of sun-soaked golden sand, you can kick back by the waves - and cool off with a dip into the sea's refreshing embrace. Up above the seaside revelry, the spectacular Taormina hillside town perches - containing rich Roman and Greek history. View less Visit to encounter one of Sicily’s best views, as you look down over the rejuvenating blue of the sea, and the looming backdrop of Mount Etna rising in the distance. The majestic, honey-coloured Greek theatre is a highlight, standing before the distant loom of the volcano. Head towards the puffs of cloud, and wisps of smoke, that gather around the peak of Sicily’s mighty volcano, which is among the most active in Europe. Arrive through vineyards, thriving in this fertile soil, before taking the 1,737-metre incline to the summit of the legendary mountain of fire, across fields of solidified lava flows. Known to the Greeks as the home of the God of Fire, and the one-eyed Cyclops, the mountain continues to amaze and awe with its restless power. Vineyards carpet the scenery - interrupted by occasional cactai and citrus groves – and produce some of Sicily’s most refined flavors. Enjoy a glass of wine on Giardini Naxos’ seafront, and toast your time on these rich Sicilian shores.
169 cruises
Pecs
Mediterranean
Pécs is an ancient city in southern Hungary, close to the Croatian border. Founded by the Romans, it's known for its architectural landmarks such as the Early Christian Mausoleum, which features frescoed tombs. Vast Pécs Cathedral towers over central Szent István Square. The domed Mosque of Pasha Gazi Kasim was built in the 16th century during the Ottoman occupation of the city and is now a Catholic church.
169 cruises
Bodrum
Turkey · Mediterranean
Today Bodrum is a picturesque yacht harbor filled with traditional wood-varnished sailboats, charming outdoor cafes and streets bursting with small shops selling carpets, leatherwear, jewelry and local artwork. In antiquity, it was the site of ancient Halicarnassus. Under King Mausolus, the city prospered, and in death, the king left the city its most enduring legacy, his majestic tomb, from which we derive the term "mausoleum." Only its massive foundations remain today but it was the largest tomb ever built by the Greeks and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Models on the site recreate its form for visitors. Alexander the Great attacked the city in 334 BC, leveling all but the Mausoleum, which was later destroyed by an earthquake. When the Knights of St. John lost their castle in Smyrna in 1402, they came here. Finding the mausoleum in ruins, they used the stone to construct the Castle of St. Peter, which proudly stood sentinel to the city. Together with their fortifications on Kos and Rhodes, the Knights dominated the southeastern Aegean, running a hospital for passing pilgrims and ruling the seas as privateers in swift vessels. They remained until 1523, when Ottoman ruler, Suleyman the Magnificent, conquered Rhodes and the Knights' position became untenable. The castle still dominates the harbor and houses an archeological museum.
168 cruises
Batina, Croatia
Mediterranean
Batina is a port village on the right bank of the Danube in Baranja, Croatia. Its elevation is 105 m. Administratively, it is located in the Draž municipality within the Osijek-Baranja County.
167 cruises
Palamos
Spain · Mediterranean
One of the best ways to arrive in Catalonia is by sea, especially via the Costa Brava. This coastline, also known as the Rugged or Wild Coast, stretches from Blanes to the French border. Its name aptly refers to the steep cliff of ancient twisted rocks, which runs its entire length and is bounded inland by the Catalan mountain ranges. The intensity of the coast's colour, the ruggedness of the rocks and the scent of the plants all combine to add to its attraction. The port of Palamos, some 36 miles northeast of Barcelona, has been in existence for nearly 700 years thanks to its location on one of the deepest natural bays in the western Mediterranean. The town itself is the southernmost of a series of resorts popular with sun worshippers. For the most part, Palamos has managed to retain some of the charm of a fishing village. The port also serves as a gateway to such inland locations as Girona, the capital of the province. Art lovers may want to visit Figueras, famous for its bizarre Teatre-Museu Dali, the foremost of a series of sites associated with the eccentric surrealist artist, Salvador Dali.
167 cruises
Korcula
Croatia · Mediterranean
Croatia's fractured Adriatic coast is scattered with hundreds of islands - but few can match the elegant beauty of lovely Korčula. Tucked away behind bustling Hvar, Croatia’s sixth-largest island is a little harder to reach, making for a more peaceful affair. Decorated with beautiful medieval fortifications, time stands still as you stroll narrow paths, cutting between the stone facades of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Hear the stomps of feet and clacks of swords rattling off of the walls, during traditional Moreška performances - an enchanting, authentic sword dance. View less Revelin Tower looms over the grand entrance to the walled old town - nicknamed Little Dubrovnik - which was built and fortified in 1485 to protect Korčula. The island is also said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, and his former house contains a narrow staircase leading to Marco Polo Tower, which peeks above the tight streets. The majestic Cathedral of St. Mark also rises high, and you'll spot the gorgeous vaulted bell tower, framed between narrow alleyways. Climb to the top for views of the red roof cluster, and sparkling Adriatic below. A beautiful island to explore, its dark blanket of pine tree forest led to the Greek's naming the island, Korkyra Melaina - or Black Corfu. Explore the gorgeous ring of coastline, which is lined with pebble beaches, sandy bays and hidden coves. Or, indulge in the island's tastes - like luxurious olive oils and white wines grown from grapes including posip, and grk - cultivated only on this island.
162 cruises
Bourg-en-Bresse
Mediterranean
A burgus or turris is a small, tower-like fort of the Late Antiquity, which was sometimes protected by an outwork and surrounding ditches. Darvill defines it as "a small fortified position or watch-tower usually controlling a main routeway."
156 cruises
Limassol
Cyprus · Mediterranean
Limassol on Cyprus' south coast is the island's largest seaside resort. It meanders for ten miles along the coast with the Troodos Mountains providing a magnificent backdrop. Sunshine, blue sky and beaches are the criteria that attract scores of vacationers each year. The more adventurous traveler, too, finds worthwhile attractions, such as medieval castles, remote mountain villages, archaeological sites dating back to 7,000 B.C., and inviting cedar forests, orange groves and vineyards. Although the easternmost island of the Mediterranean, eastern culture is augmented by a large dose of European. Rome and Byzantium, the Crusaders and the Venetians, the Turks and the British have all left their traces. Since the Middle Ages, when the Crusaders held Cyprus under Richard the Lionhearted, Limassol has been known to traders for its wine and sugar cane. Today, the island's second largest city is the hub of its wine-making industry and an important commercial center.
155 cruises
Pauillac, Bordeaux
Mediterranean
Pauillac is a municipality in the Gironde department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France. The city is mid-way between Bordeaux and the Pointe de Grave, along the Gironde, the largest estuary in western Europe.
155 cruises
Rovinj, Croatia
Mediterranean
The first documented mention of Rovinj was in the 5th century. However, it is very likely that Rovinj is much older, emerging somewhere at the turn of the 3rd and the 4th centuries. During this period, Istria was occupied by the Romans who stayed there until 476. Later came the Ostrogoths, Franks and the Venetians. During the Venetian times, Rovinj was developing into a strong fishing, shipbuilding and maritime center, especially in the 17th and 18th century when they had the precedence over Istria. At the time that the town walls were secured, the town started to expand to the mainland and in 1763 the channel between the mainland and the island was covered up and Rovinj became a peninsula. In 1797 the Venetian republic lost its power and for a short time and Istria fell under Austrian and then under Napoleon's rule. In 1813, Rovinj became part of the Austor-Hungarian Empire and a period of industrial and urban development started. Rovinj fell to fascist Italy until the end of World War II and in the second half of the 20th century was a part of Yugoslavia, as was all of Croatia, until 1991. In the past 40 years Rovinj has developed from a fishing village into a real tourist center thanks to its picturesque surroundings, its pleasant Mediterranean climate and its cultural-historical values.
153 cruises
Alexandria, Egypt
Mediterranean
Alexander the Great founded this city, but never lived to see it. When he took Egypt from the Persians in 332 BC, he decided to move the capital from Memphis to the Mediterranean. Leaving instructions with his architect, he traveled on to Asia where he died. Egypt passed under the control of his general, Ptolemy I, who made Alexandria a great intellectual center. The city was designed with grand proportions. Its lighthouse, the Pharos, was a beacon to all. The Mouseion, from which our word "museum" derives, incorporated laboratories, observatories and a vast library. With the fall of the Ptolemies, Alexandria slumbered in obscurity until revived as an international seaport. A cosmopolitan, decadent colonial era, captured such works as Lawrence Durrell's Alexandrian Quartet, ended in the 1950's, but the beaches, restaurants and architecture still draw visitors, along with such excavations as Cleopatra's Palace, where this Queen of Egypt shared her love with Mark Anthony.
150 cruises
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Regions are derived from each port’s coordinates. Sailing counts reflect active upcoming departures, refreshed through our scheduled feed.