The Top 8 Mediterranean Cruise Destinations

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 are accessible by cruise. In fact, some of the best Mediterranean cruises offer 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 Mediterranean cruise destinations available to you? Here are some must-visit spots to add to your list.

Key Takeaways: What Is the Best Mediterranean Cruise Destination?

● Cyprus: Visit Limassol for beautiful sunny beaches and explore the ancient Greek and Roman theater at Kourion.

● Italy: Italy offers romance where you can wander cobblestone streets or hike the scenic Mount Vesuvius.

● Greek Isles: Explore Greek islands to see white-washed homes in Santorini or visit the ancient Acropolis.

● Croatia: Discover Croatia's natural beauty by visiting Krka waterfalls or exploring the historic walled city of Dubrovnik.

● Corsica: See Corsica's dramatic red rock cliffs at Calanques de Piana and visit Napoleon Bonaparte's home.

● Spain: Visit colorful Barcelona to see Gaudí's Sagrada Familia or explore the famous La Boqueria market.

● French Riviera: Experience the French Riviera's elegance while walking the Promenade des Anglais or shopping in Cannes.

● Montenegro: Explore Montenegro's medieval town, Kotor, by hiking the massive fortifications for amazing views of sapphire waters.

● Explore Mediterranean cruises today to discover the best of the Mediterranean.

Places To Visit In The Mediterranean While On Your Vacation

If 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.

So, where do Mediterranean cruises go to show you the crème de la crème of the region? 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.

Types of Experiences in Cyprus

In Cyprus, you can expect long, slow beach days that naturally shift into more upbeat evenings, combining historic places with lively nightlife. After exploring sites like Kourion, it’s too easy to fall into a rhythm of seaside tavernas, fresh seafood and Cyprus’ famous 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 a sunny coastal holiday, the Amalfi Coast provides just that. If you travel slightly south to the nearby Bay of Naples, you can hike Mount Vesuvius or fill your stomach with pizza. Sip on Limoncello in Sorrento and take in the views of brightly colored buildings staggered along the coastal hillside in Positano.

The best Mediterranean cruises will expose you to a variety of activities exclusive to each region in Italy. 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, or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, for iconic photographs.

Types of Experiences in Italy

Italy can be almost anything you make of it. From travelers who seek to drench themselves in art, language and Roman ruins, to those who want to drench themselves in sunshine and Italian wine, Italy offers an easy blend of culture, city buzz, exquisite food and classic European character.

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. Any of the Mediterranean cruise destinations you visit in Greece will offer the quintessential local experience of sunshine, culture and farm-to-table cuisine.

Types of Experiences in the Greek Isles

The Greek Islands offer a down-to-earth vibe (think wine country crossed with golden beaches) and an openly hospitable atmosphere. This makes for typically slow days, meandering and exploring iconic historic and natural sites under the hot Mediterranean sun. Don’t miss the services, though, whether that’s dining, wine tasting or tours — there’s something about the hospitality here that’ll keep you coming back.

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. Simmered 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 Adriatic counterpart in Italy — made up of black risotto — with squid ink, or try Gregada, a fish stew made with scorpion fish or grouper.

Types of Experiences in Croatia

Croatia presents a more relaxed side of the Mediterranean, with largely untouched nature and small cities. Of course, you have historic tours and great food available, but the real charm of this country lies in nature. Head straight to its rugged beaches or go inland to explore lakes or even scale a hill. The scenery is worth the trip alone.

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.

Types of Experiences in Corsica

For a genuine go-at-your-own-pace vibe, head to Corsica. On this island, it doesn’t matter if you prefer to hit the beach snorkeling, wander through the old town or explore the outdoors; you definitely won’t be rushed. Embracing island time, the pace is much slower than on the mainland and offers just as much history, scenery and exquisite cuisine. 

6. Venture To Nearby Spain

Barcelona is a colorful city worth visiting for its magnificent architectural sights — such as the architectural forest of the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, which was designed by Gaudí and is still being constructed today. Or, wander through Las Ramblas, one of the city’s cultural centers, to explore small cafes, street performances and flower stalls. The best views of Barcelona are from the top of the whimsical private garden, Park Güell, where you can also immerse yourself in Gaudi’s masterpieces.

While on your Mediterranean cruise, you may discover that Barcelona, Spain, is a foodie paradise, too. In Spain, you can find yourself wandering down the aisles of La Boqueria, a world-famous food market and melting pot of cultures located in the aforementioned 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.

Types of Experiences in Spain

Spain brings bucketloads of color and energy. Many come here for the markets, modernist architecture and lively tapas culture — even more stay for the vibes. Barcelona’s streets are perfect for wandering, tasting and people-watching between sunny plazas, beaches and Gaudí landmarks — just arrive wide awake and ready to go. 

7. Find The Charm Of The French Riviera

Wondering what the best Mediterranean cruise is for a taste of elegance? Set sail to the French Riviera, where you can spend your days indulging in a luxurious cruise experience. The Côte d'Azur is home to stunning cities and plenty 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.

Hop on a local tour for a taste of the region’s best aromatic vermintinos and rosés, and look out for the region’s iconic lavender fields. If you’re visiting Cannes, stroll through Boulevard de la Croisette for high-end shopping and walk the red carpet steps as many stars have before. 

When you're starting to feel hungry, you'll be spoiled for choice. What makes the South of France the best destination in the area for food is its influence from the Mediterranean, Italian and Provençal cuisines. Spend a long afternoon digging into ratatouille in true French style — it's a provincial dish 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 of saffron, garlic and veggies.

Types of Experiences in the French Riviera

The Riviera has a polished feel without being unapproachable. If you’re the type for scenic promenades, chic shopping and relaxed coastal dining — just without the hype — you’ll find this wee corner of the Mediterranean perfect. It’s as much about laid-back coastal style as it is about slow market mornings and seaside walks. That’s the way of life, here, after all. 

8. Explore The Old City Of Montenegro

For more of an "off-the-beaten-track" destination, pop 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.

Types of Experiences in Montenegro

Montenegro is often thought of as more authentic and possibly less “mainstream” than popular spots like Italy and the Greek Islands. If you’re seeking an experience that deviates from the norm, while remaining just as diverse as anywhere else, head to Montenegro. Expect exquisite diving, high-end yachting and medieval stone villages. 

Discover The Best Mediterranean Cruise Destinations