Magic of the Med

In a time where you can travel anywhere in the world within a day or two, sometimes destinations closer to home can be overlooked for the more exotic. However, the Mediterranean has plenty of hidden gems for you to explore, especially at quieter ports which are more traditional and tucked away from the tourist crowds. With beaches to rival the Caribbean, cool culture and lots of history, the Med is unmatched in terms of giving you a new adventure wherever you stop during your sailing.

Greece – There are few destinations in the world which vary in landscape as much as the Greek islands, making them an exciting place to stop-off on your cruise. Glamorous Santorini will treat you to a touch of luxury, with its towering hillsides and blue-domed skyline. There’s plenty of rugged beauty here too, with natural hot springs and prehistoric ruins. And make sure you don’t miss that famous Santorini sunset, best enjoyed with some freshly-caught seafood and a glass of white wine. If you sail into Rhodes’ Mandraki Port, it’s just a short walk to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhodes Town. Here, you’ll be able to discover bohemian market stalls and boutique shops, as well as some unspoilt history, such as the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. There are also plenty of traditional tavernas, making it the perfect place to indulge in some delicious stiffado or stuffed vine leaves.

Spain – You’ll be able to feel the magic of Barcelona the second you come into port. With a beautiful beach, a bustling center and amazing architecture, you’ll find everything the city has to offer right on your doorstep. Use your time here to discover Gaudi’s work, like Casa Batlló, Parc Güell and the world-famous Sagrada Familia. If you’d prefer to enjoy some downtime, head further south of the city to discover La Ramblas. It’s the perfect place to people-watch, enjoy a quiet coffee and stroll amongst street artists. Third in size to Barcelona and Madrid, the smaller city of Valencia certainly doesn’t lack in character. It’s a place where the old blends seamlessly with the new, from the glass-fronted L’Oceanogràfic aquarium to the 15th century Torres de Quart building. It’s also renowned for its fantastic restaurant and bar scene and, of course, there’s no better place in the world to enjoy a glass of fresh orange juice.

Turkey – Complete with stunning turquoise shore lines, Kusadasi is an idyllic spot to stop-by for some peace and quiet. Here, you can stroll the streets of the ancient city Ephesus, take a dip in the Cave of Zeus or visit a traditional Turkish hammam (bath). Make sure you bring your camera off the ship with you, as you’ll definitely want to take some snaps at Pamukkale; a stunning snow-white cliff side with basins of blue water and amazing frozen waterfalls. If you fancy yourself as more of a culture vulture, Istanbul is home to the more traditional side of Turkey; you’ll be able to find the incredible Sultan Ahmed Mosque in all its pale blue-domed glory. If you’re looking to indulge in some retail therapy, the Grand Bazaar is a magical maze of sights, scents and sounds. Haggle for a bargain, whether you’re looking for leather, jewellery or simply a special souvenir to bring home.

Canary Islands – There’s more to the island of Tenerife than just water parks and beaches, and enjoying a few hours in the wild landscape is the perfect way to stretch your legs during your cruise. Head to Teide National Park to discover bubbling lava vents, volcanoes and craters; there are walking trails for all abilities, or you could always take the cable car to the summit of Mt. Teide itself. It’ll give you the perfect photo opportunity and-views out to the shimmering coast on a clear day. There’s free Wi-Fi all over the island, thanks to its completely sustainable ecosystem that uses only renewable energy. You can get in touch with nature yourself by going for a dip in El Hierro’s Charco Azul, a naturally-formed turquoise pool complete with relaxing sunbathing decks.