Top Mediterranean Cruise Destinations
By Taylor Fuller | Published on December 4, 2025
Imagine you’re in the Mediterranean. The blue sea sparkles in the sun, the taste of freshly caught seafood lingers on your tongue and your mind drifts to your days filled with visiting ancient architectural wonders.
The most magical places to visit in the Mediterranean can be reached by cruise. In fact, some of the best Mediterranean cruises offer you the chance to explore islands and cities in different countries with ease and comfort, allowing you to let your hair down and set sail on the adventure of a lifetime. Want to discover the top Mediterranean cruise options available to you? Here are some must-visit spots to add to your list.
Key Takeaways
- ● Royal Caribbean is among the best Mediterranean cruise lines, given our countless vacation destinations and amenities.
- ● The top cruise port in the Mediterranean is Barcelona, Spain.
- ● While this area is gorgeous year-round, the best time for a Mediterranean cruise is from April to May or September to October. These months offer nice weather, fewer crowds and generally lower prices.
- ● Cruises are the best way to see the Mediterranean, and Royal Caribbean can deliver your dream trip. Explore our Mediterranean cruises today.
Places To Visit In The Mediterranean While On Your Travel Vacation
Whether you’re traveling to the Mediterranean through the most popular cruise port in Barcelona, Spain or one of the other numerous port options, this area has so much to offer. Good times to visit are from April to May or from September to October. The absolute best month is May because of the gorgeous weather, fewer crowds and generally less pricey activities.
What are the top destinations for a Mediterranean cruise? Read on for a list of the eight best places to visit on your next trip.
1. Enjoy The Cyprus Nightlife
Head to one of the many beaches that can be found near Limassol, Cyprus's main cruise port. Soak up the sun at Akti Olympion before dusting off the sand to visit Kourion, a UNESCO heritage site. Here, you can visit a restored Greek-Roman Theater that’s still in use today.
If you're getting hungry while exploring on your travel vacation to Cyprus, then it's time to dig into some local cuisine. Lucky for you, you'll be surrounded by freshly caught seafood favorites, including clams and mussels. You'll also find cultural foods such as Stifado — a hearty meat dish prepared with onions, cinnamon sticks, cloves, tomatoes and drenched in red wine. After you've filled your stomach, you can dance the night away and soak up the nightlife at the various clubs and rooftop bars.
2. Discover Culture And Romance In Italy
Cruises through Italy combine both culture and romance to perfection. Stroll through cobblestone streets in cities like Florence and Rome, or take to the canals in Venice. If you're interested in more of a sunny holiday, the Amalfi Coast provides just that. Here, you can hike Mount Vesuvius or fill your stomach with pizza in Naples. Sip on Limoncello in Sorrento and take in the views of Positano.
Italy is a remarkable place because you can choose from a variety of activities depending on the region you're traveling to. The best Mediterranean cruises will take you everywhere. In Rome, you can visit Vatican City or the Colosseum before heading to the Trastevere neighborhood to dine on rich pasta dishes. A visit to Florence will bring you face to face with the Duomo, a stunningly beautiful burnt orange dome on top of a church. A quick ride from there will bring you to the Tuscan hills where you can sip on some of the best wines in the world, in true Italian fashion.
3. You Can't Go Wrong In The Greek Isles
Mykonos is known for its extravagant parties, and you can join in the fun at the famous Scorpios Beach Club or head to Santorini and wander through the streets surrounded by white-washed homes with turquoise rooftops. A trip to Milos will provide a chance to see massive white cliffs that feel as if you're on the moon.
If it's history you're after, make a stop in Athens while planning your vacation in the Greek Isles and visit the Acropolis for a step back in time. No matter where you stop, you can feast on some of the finest seafood in the world. Plus, you can indulge yourself with gyros and souvlaki topped with the freshest ingredients. No matter which islands you find yourself visiting in Greece, you'll know you're setting foot among the best places to visit in the Mediterranean.
4. Learn About Croatia Through Its Food
From the walled city of Dubrovnik to the palace of Split to the ancient Roman ruins of Istria, there’s so much history to discover here. The true wonder, however, is the natural beauty you can find throughout the country. Visit Krka to see cascading waterfalls, or travel to the Plitvice Lakes National Park to see towering mountains. Island-hop the Dalmatian Coast, making stops at the small, quaint villages and stunning beaches along the way. Each will make you feel as if you've just stepped into a postcard. Stop by this amazing country through the Dubrovnik, Croatia, cruise port for easy access to amazing sites.
Croatian cuisine tells a mouthwatering story of its local culture and history, with dishes that feature fresh fish, meat and vegetables. Cooked slowly on wood-fired grills and drizzled with olive oil, the food is insanely delicious and cooked with pride. Don't miss out on Crni rizot, a dish inspired by Croatia's neighbors in Italy — made up of black risotto — with squid ink, or try Gregada, a fish stew made with scorpion fish or grouper.
5. Take In The Beauty Of Corsica
Corsica is an island located just south of France and right above Sardinia, Italy. Not only did Napoleon Bonaparte grow up here, but he was even baptized in the Notre Dame Cathedral right in town, and his family home now serves as a museum. There's more to this island than that, however. To take in its beauty, visit the Calanques de Piana — breathtaking yet dramatic red-rock cliffs. Here, you can visit caves, overlook the deep blue ocean and spot eagles flying overhead.
If you'd rather take a stroll through the old town, you can visit Place Foch in Ajaccio, where you'll fall in love with the charming rainbow-colored buildings. Spend the rest of your day sipping on Corsican wine and enjoying amazing cheeses and cured meats. If you see civet de sanglier on a menu, order it. This delectable stew made with wild boar is the most popular dish on the island.
6. Venture To Nearby Spain
While not technically part of the Mediterranean, parts of Spain can be found on the Balearic Sea, which flows right into the Mediterranean. Barcelona is a colorful city worth visiting for its magnificent architectural sights — such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, which was designed by Gaudí and is still being constructed today. The best views of the city can be seen from the top of the whimsical private garden, Park Güell.
While on your Mediterranean cruise, you may discover that Barcelona, Spain, is a foodie paradise. In visiting Spain, you can find yourself wandering down the aisles of La Boqueria, a world-famous food market and melting pot of cultures located on Las Ramblas, where you can marvel at the eclectic mix of foods, pick up some of the freshest produce imaginable and enjoy the energy of like-minded food lovers. Then, go tapas-hopping! You can spend a night wandering the streets of the city, where you can find tapas on every block. Or, head to the beach and get sandy before enjoying some paella by the sea from one of the local vendors.
7. Find The Charm Of The French Riviera
Set sail on a cruise to the French Riviera, where you can spend your days feeling like you're part of the elite. The Côte d'Azur is home to stunning cities and lots of history. As you visit cities like Menton or Nice, their colorful seaside villages may even make you feel as if you've traveled to Italy. Take a stroll down the Promenade des Anglais or hop on a boat in Cannes and admire the coastline from the water.
When you're starting to feel hungry, you'll be spoiled for choice. What makes it the best destination in the area for food in the French Riviera is its influence from the Mediterranean, Italian and Provençal cuisines. Dig into ratatouille, a veggie dish native to Provence. It's made with eggplant, zucchini and red peppers. Or, if you're in the mood for seafood, get your hands on a heaping bowl of bouillabaisse, filled to the top with fish and shellfish and cooked in a broth filled with saffron, garlic and veggies.
8. Explore The Old City Of Montenegro
For more of an "off-the-beaten-track" destination, pop on over to Montenegro. You'll find that this tiny country is actually a can't-miss, even if you do miss it when dreaming up your ideal Mediterranean adventure. Most people opt to visit Kotor, which is home to one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the entire area.
Explore the Old City of Montenegro on your Mediterranean vacation, where you can see huge forts, ornate churches and beautiful museums. Hike to the top of the Fortifications of Kotor — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and witness some of the most amazing panoramic views you've ever seen. When you look out at the horizon, you'll see sapphire waters meeting lush green landscape and towering mountains.
You'll be hungry after your hike, but luckily, you've earned a feast. Taste buzara, a dish filled with shellfish, shrimp and prawns cooked in red or white sauce. Not a fan of seafood? Don't worry, it's time to grab a fork and indulge in ispod saca, which is made with veal, lamb or goat and then roasted slowly with veggies like potatoes, carrots and more. It's tender and oh so good.
