Italy, France & Spain Cruise ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
Rome (Civitavecchia) , Italy | Florence / Pisa (La Spezia) , Italy | Portofino , Italy | Provence (Marseille) , France | Sete , France | Cartagena , Spain | Gibraltar , United Kingdom | Málaga , Spain | Palma de Mallorca , Spain | Barcelona , Spain
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Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
BORN TO ROME
The Eternal City endures with endless adventures. Sip a cappuccino in an al fresco café and watch the city wake. Peruse ancient artefacts in National Roman Museum and Italian masterworks in Villa Borghese. Or learn about the ancestors of the Romans at the National Etruscan Museum.
The Eternal City endures with endless adventures. Sip a cappuccino in an al fresco café and watch the city wake. Peruse ancient artefacts in National Roman Museum and Italian masterworks in Villa Borghese. Or learn about the ancestors of the Romans at the National Etruscan Museum.
in Rome (Civitavecchia)
ANCIENT AND AMAZING
Walk through the heart of Ancient Rome. Start at the Colosseum, an enormous arena where gladiators once battled. Then meander around the Roman Forum’s timeworn ruins, past crumbling temples and basilicas. See where emperors lived on Palatine Hill – and enjoy an up-close view of the 2,000-year-old, well-preserved Pantheon church.
ADVENTURE SQUARED
Roam around Rome’s piazzas, as each offers a unique perspective. Dine al fresco in Piazza Navona and climb The Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna. Wander cobbled alleys in bustling Trastevere and browse Campo de’ Fiori’s artisanal stalls. Be sure to toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain for good measure.
SACRED SPACES
Explore the Vatican Museums’ extraordinary collection of tapestries and classical statues. Step inside the Sistine Chapel and be awed by Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes. Then enter St Peter’s Basilica, one of the world’s largest churches, to stand under its enormous sky-piercing dome.
LOCAL CUISINE
Romans live to eat, whether it’s family-style or in a pavement café. For an authentic taste of Cucina Romana, try carciofi alla Romana (braised artichokes) or spaghetti alla carbonara. Enjoy panino (stuffed sandwiches) or thin-crusted Roman pizza. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop of gelato. Then finish the night with a glass of white wine from the surrounding Lazio region.
SHOPPING
Street stalls throughout the city are your best bet for souvenirs. Via Condotti offers a string of couture Italian designers. Browse artist studios along Via Margutta, or the indie artisan retailers of the Monti neighbourhood. Porta Portese is the city’s largest flea market – and La Rinascente, the first department store.
INSIDER TIP
The train ride between Civitavecchia and Rome is approximately 80 minutes each way.
Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy
LA DOLCE VITA
While traveling to Florence or Pisa, enjoy a scenic drive through the celebrated Tuscan countryside with its rolling hills, olive and cypress trees and medieval villages. After climbing Pisa's Leaning Tower, explore the atmospheric white, rose and red piazzas (squares). In Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, you can marvel at the paintings in the Uffizi Gallery and cross the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, packed with local boutiques to poke your head into.
While traveling to Florence or Pisa, enjoy a scenic drive through the celebrated Tuscan countryside with its rolling hills, olive and cypress trees and medieval villages. After climbing Pisa's Leaning Tower, explore the atmospheric white, rose and red piazzas (squares). In Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, you can marvel at the paintings in the Uffizi Gallery and cross the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, packed with local boutiques to poke your head into.
in Florence / Pisa (La Spezia)
Lean Into Adventure
Climb the 251 steps up the spectacular Leaning Tower or Campanile (bell tower) on the Field of Miracles in Pisa. The 56-meter-high tower took almost 200 years to build, but it was already leaning when it was unveiled in 1372. Access is limited to 45 people at a time. Book online in advance to save a space — many tourists flock here.
Day at the Duomo
In Florence, you can't miss the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, more commonly called the Duomo in honor of its red-tiled cupola, or dome. The city's most iconic landmark, dating back to 1296, the Duomo's pink, white and green marble facade is a must-take photo. Head inside to admire the 44 stained-glass windows and Vasari's magnificent fresco of the Last Judgment.
Museum of the Masters
The Galleria degli Uffizi is one of Italy's most famous and star-studded art museums. Cruise to Florence to admire the mind-blowing masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance, including works by Sandro Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, as well as German, Flemish, Dutch and French masters. Just remember it's closed on Mondays.
Local Cuisine
Tuscany has its own unique cuisine and pasta dishes. Try fresh pecorino (sheep's milk cheese), fazzoletti (pasta filled with ricotta and spinach), papardelle (broad noodles), ribollita (a variation on minestrone) or zuppe di cavolo (cabbage soup). What about some pan ficato (fig cake) or castagnaccio (chestnut-flour cake with nuts) for dessert?
Shopping
Shop for souvenirs and jewelry at the Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence. Mercato Centrale is the locals' favorite for food shopping. Buy or taste wine and truffles in Enoteca Obsequium during your Florence cruise. The best olive oils, platters and soaps can be bought from La Bottega dell'Olio. In Pisa, go Italian fashion shopping in Borgo Stretto for luxury items and Corso Italia for more affordable leather bags and shoes.
INSIDER TIP
You can skip the lines at many of Florence's museums by buying tickets online before your visit.
Portofino, Italy
COAST ON BY
Spend your day in Portofino eating your way through the Italian Riviera town and people-watching in the piazzas. Take a stroll through the colorful lanes and imagine yourself living in one of the beautiful villas that lines them. Or satisfy your need for outdoor adventure with a bracing kayak ride on the Mediterranean at Portofino Marine Reserve.
Spend your day in Portofino eating your way through the Italian Riviera town and people-watching in the piazzas. Take a stroll through the colorful lanes and imagine yourself living in one of the beautiful villas that lines them. Or satisfy your need for outdoor adventure with a bracing kayak ride on the Mediterranean at Portofino Marine Reserve.
in Portofino
Take a Hike
Grab your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure through Portofino Regional Park. The park is home to an extensive network of lush trails and coastal paths that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. You can hike through this unique environment during both the winter and summer, making it the perfect year-round activity for outdoor enthusiasts.
Village Views
Stretch your legs and climb to the top of the hill above Portofino. Here, you'll come to the Church of St George, where you can take in sweeping views of the vibrant village below. Continue walking an additional 10 minutes, and you'll find yourself at Castello Brown, which overlooks the stunning bay, making it the premier spot to watch the boats come in and out of the harbour.
Dive Right In
The Portofino Marine Reserve stretches across the city and is home to a variety of marine life and is a must-see for divers. Cruise to Portofino and explore shipwrecks, natural walls and drop-offs, and come face to face with the flounder and octopus that call this part of the Mediterranean home.
Local Cuisine
Come hungry to Portofino – home to Ligurian cuisine, the originator of some of Italy's most popular culinary exports. Sample pasta dressed in pesto alla genovese, with basil, pine nuts, cheese and garlic. Try fresh focaccia, eaten here like a pizza straight out of the oven. During your Portofino cruise, sink your teeth into a piece of branzino (European sea bass) baked under a mound of sea salt.
Shopping
Portofino is a dream destination for shopaholics. Luxury boutiques and upmarket shops line the streets and piazzas. If buying Gucci or Salvatore Ferragamo in Italy isn't your thing, there are several lesser-known and less expensive shops in Piazza Martiri dell'Olivetta selling beautiful cashmere, which is commonly found in Portofino.
Provence (Marseille), France
ONLY ADVENTURE
Start your Marseille adventure at the port, where fishing boats and yachts bob close to one another and the fish market Quai des Belges still sells the day's catch. Then hop on the tourist train at Quai du Port for the steep climb to the neo-Byzantine Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Check out MuCEM museum to trace the first footprints of Mediterranean history, then relax beside the crescent-shaped colonnade and fountain at Palais Longchamp.
Start your Marseille adventure at the port, where fishing boats and yachts bob close to one another and the fish market Quai des Belges still sells the day's catch. Then hop on the tourist train at Quai du Port for the steep climb to the neo-Byzantine Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Check out MuCEM museum to trace the first footprints of Mediterranean history, then relax beside the crescent-shaped colonnade and fountain at Palais Longchamp.
in Provence (Marseille)
Climb to the Heavens
Climb the steps to 19th-century Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, rising 150 metres above the water. At its peak is a large golden statue of the Virgin Mary and Child, said to watch over Marseille's maritime community. The basilica incorporates a renaissance-era fort that includes a serene chapel with ornate stained-glass windows.
Natural Drama
At Calanques National Park, you'll find rough, white limestone cliffs that rise sharply above the sea. You can take a relaxing boat tour or even kayak in the area. The park stretches from Marseille to La Ciotat, where you'll encounter landscapes of lime rock and red conglomerate. The park is internationally known for its sublime landscapes, biodiversity and rich heritage.
Cultural Stroll
Make your way on foot down Boulevard Longchamp, with its posh 19th-century houses, tree-lined promenade and stunning Palais Longchamp, where you'll wander into a well-manicured park with a stately colonnade and fountain. It's also home to two of the city's finest museums, the Natural Museum and the Museum of Fine Art, both of which are well worth a stop.
Local Cuisine
The signature dish of Marseille is without a doubt the savoury bouillabaisse. This savoury fish stew is packed with an array of local seafood, including clams, white fish, mussels or lobster, and the broth is flavoured with fennel and pastis, a local licorice-flavoured liqueur – dive in with a crusty baguette for the full experience.
Shopping
Le Panier, just north of the port, dates back to 600 BC. While its coloured walls, narrow streets and sunny squares once made up one of the poorest districts of the city, today it's filled with trendy independent boutiques, craft shops and galleries. Cruise to Provence and look for handmade savon de Marseille, the traditional green or white soap made with olive oil that has been exported from Marseille for centuries.
INSIDER TIP
To the north-west you'll find L'Estaque, one of the fishing villages that inspired many of France's greatest artists in the late 19th century, including Cezanne and Monticelli.
Sete, France
SEA LEGS
You might never have heard of Sete before, but you'll definitely never forget it. Explore Sete's relaxed port area and its charming old town, criss-crossed by canals. Stroll the wooden stalls of the Criee, the town's fish market, where you can watch local restauranteurs haggle prices over Mediterranean bluefish and mussels from the Thau Lagoon. Later, laze on one of the white-sand beaches – Lazaret is the one nearest town centre.
You might never have heard of Sete before, but you'll definitely never forget it. Explore Sete's relaxed port area and its charming old town, criss-crossed by canals. Stroll the wooden stalls of the Criee, the town's fish market, where you can watch local restauranteurs haggle prices over Mediterranean bluefish and mussels from the Thau Lagoon. Later, laze on one of the white-sand beaches – Lazaret is the one nearest town centre.
in Sete
Quays and Canals
The most striking feature of central Sete is the system of canals that criss-cross its old town. You'll find shops, kiosks and museums on the quays jutting out into the water. Start at the broad Canal Royal, built in the 17th century during the reign of King Louis XIV.
Be a Beach Bum
Easily accessible from the town centre, Sete's beaches offer fine white sand and sprawling vistas. Lazaret beach is the closest to the town centre. Other popular spots include the long Plage des Quilles and the smaller Plage de la Corniche, located along a scenic oceanfront boulevard.
Drop-Dead Gorgeous
Why not do something a little strange while in Sete? Less than 30 minutes by foot from the port, the Cimetiere Marin offers a captivating duality: gorgeous ocean views in contrast with rows of graves dating back to the 1600s.
Local Cuisine
Seafood is the speciality in Sete, especially oysters and mussels, which live in the Thau Lagoon just offshore. Feeling adventurous? Try bourride de lotte a la Setois, a monkfish stew, or la tielle Setoise, a flaky-crust octopus pie. The best-loved restaurants are located conveniently near the port.
Shopping
If you're looking for a quirky souvenir, visit the unique Bad George's shop in the heart of the Old Town, where you can find distinctive Sete-themed t-shirts, tote bags and more. Cruise to Sete, France to shop for traditional south-of-France souvenirs, including soaps scented with local lavender, at Le Pavois Setois near Corniche Beach.
INSIDER TIP
Sete's lack of mass tourism is charming, but it also means people here are less likely to speak English and not as accustomed to assisting tourists as those in, say, Cannes or Marseilles.
CRUISING
CAN'T MISS FAVORITES
Things to Do
A BOLDER BOULDER
Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 12 metres (40 feet) above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
ON PAR FOR ADVENTURE
Hit the links on the high seas! Refine your mini-golf game on a green that overlooks a sea of blue. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
Cartagena, Spain
MEDITERRANEAN COAST
The Mediterranean port of Cartagena is home to 3,000 years of history, with the Roman Theatre dating back to the first century A.D. Visit the eighteenth-century Concepcion Castle and pop into its historical interpretation center while you're there. Stroll through town to enjoy the extensive street art at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
The Mediterranean port of Cartagena is home to 3,000 years of history, with the Roman Theatre dating back to the first century A.D. Visit the eighteenth-century Concepcion Castle and pop into its historical interpretation center while you're there. Stroll through town to enjoy the extensive street art at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
in Cartagena
Roman Holiday
Check out Cartagena's ancient Roman Theater — built in the first century A.D. and only uncovered in 1987, it's since been reconstructed. Duck into its museum, which passes beneath a palace and a church before it reaches the theater.
Castle on the Hill
The 18th-century castle called Concepcion Castle sits on a hill facing Cartagena. Walk uphill to visit the castle and its history center, or catch the lift at Calle Gisbert for amazing panoramic views en route.
The New Within the Old
For all its ancient allure, Cartagena also has Modernist architecture, which you can see along the Calle Mayor area. One example is the home of Cervantes, designed by a local Cartagena architect. Check out the Casino, the Gran Hotel and the railway station for more examples of this exuberantly gaudy style with your Spain Cruise.
Local Cuisine
In Cartagena, you'll find authentic Mediterranean dishes featuring fresh-caught seafood, like lightly tempura-battered fried squid. Red prawns from the Mar Menor lagoon and fig bread are local delicacies. Explore off the main tourist streets and hit a tapas bar for tasty fare such as Serrano ham, toasted Cartagena almonds and cracked local olives.
Shopping
The clean, pedestrians-only shopping street Calle Mayor is an easy walk from the port and has the high-street stores of England and Spain. An El Corte Ingles department store and restaurants are housed in gorgeous buildings. Look for ceramics and leather goods in interesting boutiques and shops when you cruise to Cartagena, Spain.
INSIDER TIP
Spanish shops close for siesta between 2 and 5 p.m., and restaurants from about 4 p.m. until around 8 p.m.
Gibraltar, United Kingdom
ROCK SOLID
Come and see first-hand the unique mix of cultural influences that define Gibraltar. Traipse through the Moorish Castle, a still-standing medieval fortress. Ride the cable car to the summit of the city's namesake landform, the Rock of Gibraltar – at the top, you can get up-close-and-personal with the local Barbary macaques. Then, head to Gibraltar Port and savour the distinctive blend of Mediterranean and British flavours that makes up the local cuisine.
Come and see first-hand the unique mix of cultural influences that define Gibraltar. Traipse through the Moorish Castle, a still-standing medieval fortress. Ride the cable car to the summit of the city's namesake landform, the Rock of Gibraltar – at the top, you can get up-close-and-personal with the local Barbary macaques. Then, head to Gibraltar Port and savour the distinctive blend of Mediterranean and British flavours that makes up the local cuisine.
in Gibraltar
Trace History
Gibraltar's Moorish Castle is both its most popular historical attraction and its oldest one, dating back to the 8th century. Explore more recent history at British colonial buildings like the Convent and the Gibraltar Parliament. Or explore the city's multicultural roots at the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned, Gibraltar Hindu Temple or Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque, a gift from the Saudi king.
Monkey Around
Hundreds of playful Barbary macaques reside at the so-called Top of the Rock. You can reach it by cable car or by walking up the Mediterranean steps. Hungry for more ecotourism? Check out the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens, take a boat trip out on the bay to see the dolphins, or head to scenic Europa Point, which provides views of Africa on clear days.
Get Some Light Exercise
At just 2.7 square miles in area, Gibraltar is small enough you can explore a lot of it while you're here with your cruise. That said, you need not wander far from Gibraltar Port in order to enjoy yourself. Grab a lunch of moules marinieres at a portside restaurant, then walk it off with a stroll out to the island's southern tip, Europa Point and iconic Trinity Lighthouse.
Local Cuisine
Not surprisingly, the star of Gibraltar's culinary scene is fresh seafood, with Atlantic white fish and shellfish taking centre stage. You'll also find a variety of cultural influences: Try Italian-inspired chickpea-flour calentita bread and the national dish profiterole, a French puff-pastry filled with sweet whipped cream. Al fresco dining is the way to go here, whether you sit portside or on pedestrian-filled Casemates Square.
Shopping
Gibraltar's most popular keepsake is handmade glass. Glass shops from Main Street to Casemates Square will be happy to wrap your gifts up for safekeeping. If you're still nervous about transporting glass, you can admire the glass-makers at their craft, or purchase other souvenirs like artisanal chocolate or Barbary macaque stuffed animals during your Iberian Peninsula cruises.
INSIDER TIP
Despite its small size, Gibraltar boasts days worth of activities. Focusing in on the most important ones to you will help you get the most out of your adventure.
Málaga, Spain
TO MODERN ART
After your arrive in Málaga, soak in the ancient history at La Alcazaba Moorish fotress and the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre. Then, unwind on sunny La Malagueta beach or in the orchids and ferns at La Concepcion Botanical Garden. Check out the works of the city's most famous former resident at the Picasso Museum, and savor regional, fresh-caught pescado frito (fried fish) with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
After your arrive in Málaga, soak in the ancient history at La Alcazaba Moorish fotress and the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre. Then, unwind on sunny La Malagueta beach or in the orchids and ferns at La Concepcion Botanical Garden. Check out the works of the city's most famous former resident at the Picasso Museum, and savor regional, fresh-caught pescado frito (fried fish) with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
in Málaga
Moor History
Ascend to the top of La Alcazaba, the medieval Moorish fortress that towers over the city. This palatial fortification was built by the Hammudid dynasty in the early 11th century and is the best-preserved Moorish castle in Spain. From here, you can wander down to the Roman Amphitheatre that sits beneath it, before you gaze up at the 16th-century cathedral that sits right in the city center.
Work on Your Tan
It just wouldn't be a trip to the Costa del Sol without a little coast and sun. Most tourists stick to the convenient La Malagueta Beach, but if you've got more than a couple hours in Málaga, you can take a taxi to less crowded but equally beautiful beaches to the east, like Playamar or Playa de Burriana.
Paint With Picasso
The most obvious way to follow Málaga's Picasso trail is to visit the Picasso Museum, which has many pieces you won't find anywhere else. You can also visit the artist's birthplace, or take a "Ride With Picasso" bike tour that features Picasso-focused city sightseeing, including Plaza de Merced, where the formidable painter took his first steps as a child.
Local Cuisine
Seafood is the focus of gastronomy in Málaga. Don't miss the city's signature dish of gambas al pil-pil, flash-fried fresh prawns with garlic, paprika and chilies. During your Málaga cruise, order a basket of pescado frito, an array of local white fish, clams and other seafood breaded and fried. Finish up with tarta malaguena, a cake made with almonds and raisins, and a glass of Málaga dessert wine.
Shopping
Pop into a local wine shop to take a bottle of Málaga dessert wine back home with you. Málaga cruises provide access to an eclectic range of other souvenirs, like hand-painted Andalusian ceramics or handmade fans to help you beat the heat. You can also find some of Spain's best olive oil here — pick up some of this cloudy, spicy liquid gold from the Ataranzas Market.
INSIDER TIP
The center of Málaga is relatively small and walkable, but don't take this for granted — three to five hours will pass quickly.
CRUISING
FOR FOODIES
Things to Do
A FAR EAST FEAST
Say “Konnichiwa” to a reimagined favorite. Sushi, sashimi and more, all made-to-order with intense flavors, the best ingredients and impeccable presentation.
A CUT ABOVE THE REST
For more than a decade, the chefs of Chops Grille have proudly presented quality, hand-cut prime steaks at this hallmark Royal Caribbean restaurant.
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
SPAIN'S ISLE OF PALMS
Palma de Mallorca is the perfect place to immerse yourself in history and beauty. Go back in time to the 14th century at Bellver Castle, with its mix of Arab arches and Roman-inspired fortification. Catch a wave on the golden sands of El Arenal beach. Then, tuck into cocarrois, a local take on empanadas, or cool off in the quiet gardens and medieval ruins of the 10th-century Arab Baths.
Palma de Mallorca is the perfect place to immerse yourself in history and beauty. Go back in time to the 14th century at Bellver Castle, with its mix of Arab arches and Roman-inspired fortification. Catch a wave on the golden sands of El Arenal beach. Then, tuck into cocarrois, a local take on empanadas, or cool off in the quiet gardens and medieval ruins of the 10th-century Arab Baths.
in Palma de Mallorca
Castles and Cathedrals
Palma de Mallorca's historic places look like something out of 'Game of Thrones'. Whether you traipse through the courtyard of 14th-century Bellver Castle or say your prayers inside Gothic Palma Cathedral, Palma de Mallorca can transport you back to medieval times. Your can also see the city's unique Arab influence dating back to the 10th-century Moorish conquest at spots like the Arab Baths.
Get Your Beach On
It's no surprise that Palma de Mallorca is home to some of the world's best beaches – what's astonishing is just how clear blue the water is at Cala Llombards, or how the warm, golden sands of Playa El Arenal will make you wish you never had to leave. No wonder so many red and yellow umbrellas dot the sands here.
Explore a Dragon's Lair
Head to Porto Cristo on the east side of the island, where you'll find the Cuevas del Drach — the dragon caves. While no actual dragons have been spotted here, the stalactites and stalagmites of this ancient underground cave make it easy to imagine. You can even take a violin-serenaded boat ride on the cave's underground lake during your cruise.
Local Cuisine
Mallorca is technically part of Spain, but Palma de Mallorca's cuisine is a world unto itself. Savour tombet, a vegetarian stew with sweet potatoes and carrots that's Mallorca's take on ratatouille. Cruise to Palma de Mallorca to sample the eclectic coca mallorquina, a kind of crunchy flatbread pizza with an olive oil-rich crust topped with roasted red peppers.
Shopping
Palma's premier shopping is to be had in the Passeig de Born neighbourhood. Shop here for upscale brands like Mulberry and Zara. Then, head to Jaume III and Sant Miquel streets for boutiques specializing in fine local goods: Choose a necklace or earrings made with world-famous Mallorcan pearls, try on a pair of handmaid Menorquina sandals, or marvel at handicrafts like colourful pottery and traditional straw bags.
INSIDER TIP
If you're more interested in ocean time than historic sites, book a boat tour to see the coastline of Mallorca from the sunlit waves.
Barcelona, Spain
CROWN OF CATALONIA
Afternoons in Barcelona are best spent eating Spanish tapas in a cosy bar. Then take a Gaudí-inspired architecture crawl to see modernist wonders like Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Park Güell and the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Família. Explore medieval dockyards at the Maritime Museum – or throw on an apron and learn the centuries-old art of Catalan cuisine in a chef-led cooking class.
Afternoons in Barcelona are best spent eating Spanish tapas in a cosy bar. Then take a Gaudí-inspired architecture crawl to see modernist wonders like Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Park Güell and the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Família. Explore medieval dockyards at the Maritime Museum – or throw on an apron and learn the centuries-old art of Catalan cuisine in a chef-led cooking class.
in Barcelona
SKY HIGH DELIGHTS
Get an up-close glimpse of La Sagrada Família, a cathedral masterwork designed by celebrated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Marvel at its sky-piercing spires and then step inside to admire intricate mosaics, Montjuïc stone pillars and the Nativity façade. You can even climb to the tippy-top of the spires for panoramic city views.
SEAS THE DAY
With seven beaches spanning more than two miles of Mediterranean coastline, Barcelona’s harbour-front is known for some of the world’s best sun-seeking and on-the-sea adventures. Lounge along the shore, kayak deep blue waters – or charter a fishing trip for the chance to reel in tuna, swordfish or Mediterranean spearfish.
IN THE MIX
Take a stroll along La Rambla’s pedestrian boulevard to experience the city’s pure essence. Souvenir shops, street artists, flower stalls, pavement cafes and Catalan folk sardana dancers set a lively scene. Its marvellous centrepiece, La Catedral, dates from the 1200s – and its tower delivers sweeping views of medieval Barcelona.
LOCAL CUISINE
Barcelona has mastered the art of eating. Many restaurants serve up creative 'nueva cocina española', while waterfront spots dish out seafood paella and multi-course lunch menus include a glass of sparkling cava wine. For a taste of Catalan cooking, try pa amb tomàquet (tomato-topped bread). Or nibble on Spanish tapas (bite-sized appetisers) around the bar like a local, with house-made vermouth in hand.
SHOPPING
You could spend hours checking out the markets of Barcelona for high-quality leatherwear, jewellery, old books and unique housewares. Passeig de Gràcia and Barcelona Shopping Line are two popular retail promenades – and the Gothic Quarter is home to dozens of family-owned shops that sell textiles, stationery, decorative ceramic tiles and earthenware kitchenware.
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INSIDER TIP