Cruises to the Iberian Peninsula

Situated on the country’s southeast coast, Almeria is great for culture and history lovers, offering such ever-popular attractions as the Arabian fortress of Alcabaza and natural wonders like the Nijar National Park, where the beaches are beautiful. Getxo is another popular port of call, owing largely to the fact that it serves the city of Bilbao – home to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum. The many artistic works on show here are indeed one of the city’s biggest draws but not too far from the Bilbao lies the popular resort of San Sebastian. La Coruna meanwhile, is a must for lovers of architecture, whether you choose to explore the Medieval Quarter, stroll the waterfront or visit the remains of the city’s famous Roman Wall.

The fact that it occupies a large portion of the coast makes Portugal’s capital Lisbon a natural port of call on Iberian itineraries. Indeed, when it comes to European harbours, Lisbon’s is one of the most memorable, spanned by the continent’s longest suspension bridge. There are plenty of older architectural treasures to unearth in the city too, not least the 16th century Belem Tower fortress and the eye-catching Moorish architecture on display in the Alfama Quarter. Leixoes is another Portugal mainstay, being that it serves another of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, Oporto. Home of the famous port wine, it’s also where you can take a trip along the beautiful Douro – Portugal’s famous River of Gold. Portimao, meanwhile, is the place for a little of the relaxed Algarve vibe; the port on your Iberian cruise where it’s acceptable to do nothing but simply soak up the atmosphere and some rays and perhaps try some of the wonderful local cuisine.

A place where British and Mediterranean influences famously meet, Gibraltar offers fish and chips and red telephone boxes aplenty, along with altogether more favourable weather. Of course, this is the Iberian Peninsula, indeed, the very south of it, so there are plenty of distinctive attractions on offer. The islands famous Barbary Apes who dwell atop The Rock are as mischievous as ever and while you’re up there, don’t miss the spectacular views of Europe and Africa. Famous for their naturally beautiful landscapes and volcanic peaks, which you can explore thanks to a number of excursions, the Azores offer a collection of colonial attractions too. Located on Sao Miguel, the largest of the Azores, Ponta Delgada is the islands’ administrative capital and also a key port of call thanks to its proximity to such natural wonders as the Caldeiras hot springs, Fire Lake and the impressive Crater Lakes.