Best Western Mediterranean Shore Excursions
The Western Mediterranean is home to some of the most famous landmarks, cities, towns and landscapes in Europe. From Spain to France, Italy and Monaco, the region different cultures have swept the region for centuries, an evolution that continues in the 21st century.
If a Western Mediterranean cruise is on your bucket list, the sheer wealth of shore excursions might have you overwhelmed. However, the most popular sights are generally within a walk or short cab ride of many major Western Mediterranean ports. Satisfying your culture fix, shopping bug, or inner gastronome is easy on a cruise in the region.
To help you plan your cruise, here are some of our favorite shore excursions in the Western Mediterranean. Some might require a bit of traveling from your port, but we promise they're worth the effort.
For our guidance on how to plan your cruise, check out our tips on how to ace a Western Mediterranean cruise. If you'd like to see what's on offer on the other side of the Mediterranean, we've put together a guide to the best historic sights in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Barcelona, Spain: Gaudi's Sagrada Familia and Atmospheric Medieval Alleyways
It might not be quite finished, but Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece — Sagrada Familia — shouldn't be missed if your cruise is stopping, beginning or ending in Barcelona. Book a tour to get the most out of a visit there.
The as-yet unfinished Sagrada Familia is eye-catching enough from the outside, with 18 spires sometimes topping 550 feet high. Inside, stained glass windows and gravity-defying details only increase the awe.
Sagrada Familia isn't the only Gaudi masterpiece in Barcelona. La Pedrera (Casa Milá) is a stunning residential building as is Casa Batlló. You can find these on Passeig de Grácia, one of Barcelona's major shopping thoroughfares.
Of course, you could also spend a day strolling the narrow alleyways of the city's Gothic Quarter, Raval, and trendy parts of the Eixample, like Sant Antoni. Don't skip Barcelona's legendary tapas bars and cafes if you're exploring independently. Pa amb tomáquet is a Catalan classic (it's pan con tomate in Spanish). Crema Catalana (similar to a creme brulee) or seasonal pine nut cookies known as panellets are local sweets you'd do well to find, too.
Rome, Italy: Roman Ruins, the Renaissance and Glorious Pasta
If your cruise ship docks at Civitavecchia, you're in for a treat — and some hard decisions. Rome wasn't built in a day and, likewise, you can't see it all in an afternoon on a cruise visit. Ruins are scattered throughout a large swath of the city, while Renaissance monuments seem to be around every corner. And that's to say nothing of the cuisine.
The Colosseum might be the star of the show in Rome, and its scale is jaw-dropping even from outside of its walls. A Gladiator Gate excursion that includes an arena floor tour gives you a real taste of ancient Roman life, allowing you to see the amphitheater from the combatant's perspective. You can also score amazing views of the Colosseum and Roman Forum from the top of Palatine Hill. Make sure you have your camera handy.
Don't forget that the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica are in Rome (you can book a short visit if you're short on time, or spend the entire day there with advanced tickets). You could also spend your day picking among the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Villa Borghese collection, Caravaggio paintings, Bernini sculptures and works by Renaissance stars like DaVinci, Michelangelo and on and on.
For the culinary-inclined, eating in Rome is one of life's great pleasures. The city holds the claim to some of the best spaghetti cacio e pepe in Italy (make a reservation at Roscioli). Or take your pick of aperitivo spots and classic bakeries in Trastevere (like Biscottificio Artigiano Innocenti).
Granada, Spain: The Alhambra and Flamenco Up Close
It might require a two-hour journey from the port in Malaga, but Granada is one of the world's most picturesque cities — both for its mountainous setting as well as its manmade history.
Atop one of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Granada's Alhambra is one of the crown jewels of Spanish history. Construction began during Muslim rule of Andalucia in the 13th century, though passed to the Catholic kings of Spain in the 14th century. The Moorish styles found throughout the complex and the Nasrid palaces make this a gasp-inspiring UNESCO world heritage site, though you'll find an array of styles throughout the Alhambra.
That UNESCO designation also includes the Albayzín, a centuries-old neighborhood founded by the Moors and now inhabited with Andalucian families, many of whom can be spotted with their doors open in the evening, playing live flamenco music inside or just in front of their homes. Of course, Granada has plenty of more formal tablaos (flamenco venues) throughout the city that are also great.
Foodwise, get ready for lots of pork and ham, as well as a famous local soup called salmorejo, which bears similarities to gazpacho, though has a slightly different texture and taste.
Florence, Italy: Renaissance Masters Around Every Corner
A city that needs no introduction, Florence is reached from the cruise port of Livorno and is overflowing with all things Renaissance. Even if you're not an art aficionado, some of the world's most acclaimed and important works of Western art can be found here, from sculptures and paintings to frescos and towering cathedrals.
To see the highlights, opt for a Florence shore excursion that includes skip-the-line passes. Florence, like all of Italy's major destinations, is swarmed with tourists from late May through September. Head first to the Accademia to get a glimpse of Michelangelo's iconic "David."
After that, stop by the Uffizi Gallery. With miles and miles of art-filled corridors, it can be easy to miss the works of Botticelli, Caravaggio and Titian here. An experienced guide will lead you to the most famous pieces and explain their finer points in more detail.
The cityscape itself is a work of art, stamped by the towering Cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori, also called the Duomo. Construction started in the 13th century and numerous famous names of art history contributed to its completion in the early 15th century. The dome was designed by Renaissance architect Brunelleschi; the bell tower by Giotto; and on and on. It's striking inside and out, so budget a good amount of time here. Book tickets in advance to visit the top of the bell tower.
Marseille, France: Mediterranean History and Calanques National Park
If you talk to travelers who have visited Marseille in recent years, you know that its buzz is growing. Marseilles is scruffier than more glam towns to the east, like Cannes and Saint-Tropez. But there's so much history (and more) here that a Marseille shore excursion is a must on your Western Mediterranean cruise.
You can tour the city independently or opt for a walking tour. Le Panier, on the north side of the Old Port, is your destination for old Marseille charm, albeit with lots of street art. The area around the Old Port is steeped in history, and a visit to the breathtaking Palais Longchamp (in Park Longchamp) is well worth your while. If you're looking for something more bohemian, Cours Julien is packed with cafes, vintage shops and even more street art.
For the more adventurous, some of the most breathtaking coastline in France sits just east of Marseille. Calanques National Park is home to impossibly beautiful ocean inlets surrounded by cliffs and mountains, all with sparkling turquoise water and pristine beaches below.
The best beaches require hikes down to the shore, but the scenery alone is breathtaking. Several outfitters provide bike and e-bike excursions inside of the national park, or you can visit on small boats by sea (with the chance to swim in the Mediterranean).
Seville (Cadiz), Spain: Two Sides of Spanish History
If you do only one thing during a shore excursion in Seville (from Cadiz), head to the Real Alcazar and Seville Cathedral. Pick a tour with skip-the-queue passes if you're on a tight schedule.
Start at the gothic cathedral and climb to the top of the Giralda Tower for fantastic views over the city. Standing at 320 feet tall, it's the third-tallest bell tower in the world.
Once you've admired the scenery, head to the Real Alcazar. Dating back to the 10th century, the palace began life as a fortress-palace complex. Over the centuries it has been continuously updated, influenced by both Islamic and Christian architectural styles. "Game of Thrones" fans will recognize the palace as the location of Dorne, home to the Martell family.
The splendor of the complex is overwhelming at times. There are vaulted halls and room after room filled with ornate tapestries, antique furniture and skilled tiled work. The elaborately designed gardens won't disappoint either. With water features, such as fountains and pools, alongside topiary and flowers, you'll get to enjoy the Spanish sunshine while you sightsee.
Palma de Mallorca (and Nearby Towns), Spain: Moorish Influences and Charming Streetscapes
Ask anyone who's been to Spain's Balearic Islands and you'll likely hear rave reviews about it's capital city, Palma. Actually, you'll probably hear that about the entire island. With incredible remnants of Moorish architecture found through Palma's Old Town, and a wealth of charming towns nearby, a shore excursion in Mallorca is a must.
You'll likely spot the Palma Cathedral (Cathedral of St. Mary of Palma) right when you arrive in Mallorca. The imposing sandstone church has sat at the water's edge on the Bay of Palma since 1292 (though it was fully completed in 1601). Inside La Seu (as it's also known), you'll find a range of Gothic and Baroque styles and a massive stained-glass rose window that radiates light beautifully throughout the cathedral.
If you've tired of big cities on your cruise through the Western Mediterranean, Palma is home to plenty of small towns that are postcard-ready. Valdemossa is one of the most famous among them and its early Spanish streetscapes will have your picture-taking fingers sore. It's about 30 minutes from Palma by taxi. Some shore excrusions also include the town of Soller, though you can also reach it by historic train through the mountains of Mallorca in about an hour.
Monte Carlo, Monaco: Grand Prix, Local Cuisine and Coastal Views
If your ship docks in Monaco and you have a taste for the fast life, time your Western Mediterranean cruise so that you port in Monte Carlo during the Monaco Grand Prix. It typically takes place in May, and many cruises offer shore excursions that take in the high-adrenaline race.
The F1 race only takes place once a year so you will need a backup plan at other times of year. Join a small food tour in Monte Carlo to sample Nissart, the traditional cuisine of Nice (which is nearby). Along the way, you'll learn about the techniques and ingredients favored in the region. Visit local olive oil mills and get a chance to sample its produce, before devouring delicacies including socca (chickpea crepe) and pissaladiere (onion tart), and tasting the local wine.
Although the focus is on food, you'll be surrounded by stunning scenery for the duration of the tour. The highlight is a stop at Fort du Mont Alban, where you'll get spectacular views of the coastline along the Cote D'Azur.
Naples, Italy: Equally Famous Volcanoes, Ruins and Food
Naples itself has so much rich southern Italian culture that, if you can handle a bit of urban chaos, is worth exploring. You'll eat well — this is the place where pizza Napoletana was created, after all — and there are incredible sites in the city itself. Be sure to visit the veiled sculptures of the Museum and Chapel of Sansevero and ancient Greek, Roman, and other historic features in Naples Underground. Some tours combine both, though separate tours are offered as well.
But it's perhaps disaster that has made Naples so famous among cruisers. When Mount Vesuvius erupted around 79 A.D., it killed countless people and buried towns in the region. That includes Pompeii, of course, but also Herculaneum, Pompeii's smaller but arguably better-preserved cousin.
An excursion from Naples is the best way to see the complex's mosaics, frescoes, bathhouses and more. Pompeii — the more famous ruins — are thrilling and cruise lines often pair that with a stop at Mount Vesuvius.
Capri and Sorrento are also worthy of attention if your cruise stops in Naples. Capri has gorgeous views of the Bay of Naples and Amalfi Coast, as well as high-end shopping galore. Sorrento also offers astounding views as well as a dip of the toe into the charming historic towns of the Amalfi Coast.
Some cruise lines pair visits to Pompeii, Sorrento and Capri into one shore excursion, but be ready for a very long day.
Cannes, France: Quaint History to Combat the Jet Set
Perhaps the most famous destinations in the French Riviera, Cannes doesn't need much of an introduction. This frequent Western Mediterranean cruise stop, puts you smack in the middle of the jet set. However, you'd do well to explore a slightly less glitzy side of the city by hopping on a guided e-bike tour.
Tours are generally around three hours, and you'll take in some of central Cannes' major sites. Admire the boats in the old port and cycle the length of Boulevard de la Croisette before heading up into the hills to the tranquil neighborhood of Le Suquet.
Le Suquet is a world away from the boutiques along the seafront, because this is where Cannes was born. Dating back to the 12th century, the Old Town features castle ramparts, beautiful churches and tranquil parks; you'll see a traditional side of a city renowned for being the playground of the rich and famous.