With more Royal Caribbean ships than ever in Europe this year, take some inspiration for planning your Mediterranean cruise with our guide to each destination you can visit with Royal Caribbean cruises. Whether you set sail from the UK or experience the Greek Isles in-depth, find out more about each port by clicking on the country.
Croatia has survived a long history of being conquered by many civilisations, including the Venetians and Romans, which made it stronger and left their influence on the current country. The Dalmatian Coast is one of the most beloved in the world - with good reason. Dotted with more than a thousand tiny idyllic islands, perfect for all kinds of water sports. Some highlights include secluded Korcula Island, with thirteenth century Korcula Town with food and drink festivals throughout the summer; Lokrum Island, with its well-preserved monastery reachable - both reachable by ferry from Dubrovnik or Split, and Hvar Island with its winding cobbled street and ancient fortresses, reachable by ferry from Split.
Croatian food has gained worldwide acclaim in recent years, with must-try dishes including fish stew Gregada; black cuttlefish risotto, meat and vegetable dish slow-cooked in a clay pot peka; for dessert, kremsnita cream cake, accompanied by locally grown Malvazija wine.
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The Old Town of Dubrovnik's iconic red clay-tiled buildings, and renaissance, baroque, and Venetian gothic architecture of the main street, the Placa, are protected by its 1.4-mile-long wall, built in the ninth century. Wander this UNESCO World Heritage site city visiting Dubrovnik Cathedral, St Blaise's church, the Maritime Museum or simply stop at a café for delicious local oysters or fish.
Croatia's second largest city has been a hub of activity for thousands of years. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian's Palace, which is not a palace or museum, but 220 buildings that are part of the town as you walk among it. Other highlights include Klis Fortress and the Archaeological Museum. You can also take a ferry to Dalmatian islands, Brac, Hvar, Solta or Lokrum from Split.
France is loved by travellers and holidaymakers thanks to its culture, history, and gourmet food. If you're heading to France on holiday, Medieval, Gothic and Romanesque architecture complement modern museums and art galleries - always with chic places to shop and eat. Royal Caribbean cruise ships sail to ports all around the country in 2022, so you can taste it all. In the north, there is Le Havre, an ideal port to head into Paris or visit Normandy and learn about WWII history and the Normandy landings or the story of the Bayeux Tapestry. On the east coast, La Rochelle is an old port town with museums, towers, and a fantastic aquarium.
On the southern coast, Sète - the Venice of the Languedoc - is beautiful for a stroll along its canals or stop at one of the many cafes and bistros. Just along the coast from Sète is Marseille, the oldest city in France, with its bustling Old Port, and tourist quarter. The naval base port town of Toulon is the entry point to the stunning landscapes of the Provence region. Ajaccio on the island of Corsica, a territory of France, has dramatic hills, forests, and a sleepy, relaxed charm.
Find your cruiseLe Havre is a concrete UNESCO designated architectural city, rebuilt after WW2 by Auguste Perret with a modern art museum, pretty marina, and beach. It is a good port to head into Paris from or explore the local area of Normandy in Rouen with its medieval architecture and gothic churches, visit the Bayeux Tapestry in Bayeux, or learn about the WW2 history and Normandy landings.
La Rochelle is full of medieval history, highlighted in its Lantern Tower and Chain Towers and Museum of Natural and Cultural History. More recent history is shown in the La Rochelle Bunker Museum about the city's part in WWII, the Museum of the New World, and the Maritime Museum, while the Charruyer Park and La Rochelle Aquarium keep wildlife and nature enthusiasts happy.
The "Venice of the Languedoc" got its nickname for the canal network throughout the city, providing the perfect place for languid strolls and sitting sipping a coffee or wine. The Musée Paul Valéry, named after the famed local poet and philosopher, has fine art, and displays on the history of the city, including its jousting tournaments.
Marseilles was founded in 600 BC, and the Old Port is still busy and one of the city's main attractions today, with its large marina surrounded by bistros, cafes, and boutiques. Highlights include the Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations), twelfth-century Saint Victor's Abbey, seventeenth-century Fort Saint Jean and the Neo-Romano-Byzantine La Major Cathedral.
The port town of Toulon has everything close by, with a large Provencal street market, boutique and café-lined marina and opera house and museums. It is the entry point to the region of Provence, with its stunning landscapes including the Southern Alps, olive groves, rolling vineyards, pine forests and fragrant lavender fields, and tiny towns dotted among them.
Corsica is an island territory of France situated between France and Italy, with dramatic geographical diversity including mountains, valleys, beaches, and bays ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Its capital Ajaccio is home to the Maison Bonaparte, a museum of the house the famous general grew up in; the Palais Fesch fine arts museum; sixteenth-century Cathedral Ste Marie and the Imperial Chapel.
Royal Caribbean cruise ships sail to some of Greece's most stunning and popular destinations. The ever-popular island of Santorini with views over the ancient volcanic crater the island grew up around; Mykonos with its windmills, restaurants and boutiques selling locally made jewellery; Athens with the Acropolis and Parthenon and Souda on Crete with its attractive harbour and cosy local tavernas.
The birthplace of democracy, philosophy, cartography, and the Olympic Games has plenty to offer visitors from its ancient roots to its modern amenities. It is home to more than 6,000 gorgeous islands, 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 10,000 miles of coastline. Famous for its warm hospitality, white houses with blue domed roofs, dancing, plate smashing and food! From moussaka (recipe featured here), souvlaki (meat and vegetables on a skewer) and gyros (rotisserie-cooked meat and salad wrapped in a warm pita) to baklava and loukomadies (Greek doughnuts) for dessert and finished off with a nice Retsina wine - or ouzo for the brave - it is a gourmand's paradise.
Find your cruiseSantorini island is a favourite Greek Isle - and it's easy to see why! When leaving your ship, you'll take the funicular, donkey, or steep path up the hill to Fira, the main town. You can explore the white-washed houses with blue domed roofs and relax in a taverna for a glass of Retsina or lunch. Or head to alluring Oia and check out the iconic Atlantis Books or icon paintings created by local artists.
Athens is easy to get to from the port in Piraeus and see the ancient splendour of the 2,500-year-old Parthenon and the Acropolis. Explore the winding narrow lanes of the Plaka neighbourhood, with historic churches and picturesque squares lined with bars and restaurants. Or head out of the city to Cape Sounio to see the Temple of Poseidon, poised dramatically on the cliff top.
Souda is a small sleepy fishing town on the island of Crete with winding cobbled streets and welcoming tavernas. The Fortress of Itzedin, about five miles outside of the town is an interesting visit, as is the ancient village of Kalami. You can also visit the larger nearby town of Chania and wander its Old Town.
Mykonos is one of Greece's most popular islands. Cruise ships tender directly into the main town, where you can walk to most of the attractions. Narrow cobbled streets lined with white-washed houses with blue domed roofs house local artisan shops selling hand-crafted jewellery, paintings, and white linen clothes. Many cosy bars and tavernas are to be found along the way, inviting you in.
Italy is known the world over for its fascinating history, art, culture, architecture, churches, and probably most of all - its food. While these aspects are present all over Italy, each port offers its own appeals of what to see, do and eat. The Roman Empire conquered half the world at its peak, so going to the country to see where the influences came from is quite magical. Royal Caribbean cruise ships stop at ports in north Italy and all down the west coast, so you can get a flavour of the whole country.
No city on earth quite takes you back in time like Rome to feel the glory of the Roman Empire as you walk through the Roman Forum and gaze at the Colosseum. Naples loves tradition in culture and food, with some of the best in the country. Hop over to Capri in the Bay of Naples for a glamourous day trip with designer boutiques. Enjoy seaside time in La Spezia. The city of light, Venice (from Ravenna or Trieste), has captured the heart of artists for centuries, and it will capture yours too with the exquisite palazzos (palatial mansions) and intricate churches.
Find your cruiseIt wasn't built in a day, and it can't all be seen in one. But luckily the historic centre has the main sites in close, walkable proximity. Start by strolling the Roman Forum to feel what life was like two millennia ago, explore the Colosseum, climb the Palatine Hill for the best views of the city, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, marvel at the open-domed roof of the Pantheon, then relax with a gelato.
Naples is proud of its history, with its exceptional Museum of Archaeology with fine statuary, thirteenth-century castle Castel Nuovo (New Castle), the Royal Palace, Cathedral of Saint Gennaro filled with frescoes and hidden underground city Napoli Sotterranea (Subterranean Naples). From the city, you can visit Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Amalfi Coast. Its most famous export is pizza!
This port city in the Liguria region has a rich seafaring heritage, highlighted by its Technical Naval Museum. It is the gateway to Cinque Terre, five stunning villages built into the rockface of the cliffs. A former convent houses the Amedeo Lia Museum with bronze sculptures and Saint George's Castle houses the archaeological museum with pieces from the Middle Ages back to prehistory.
Capri is famous for its ritzy boutiques, restaurants, and famous visitors. Stop by its popular main square, Piazzetta, for a coffee in the morning, or afternoon spritzer before heading back to the ship. Take a trip by rowboat into the Blue Grotto to awe at its glowing electric-blue water. Before you go, sample a real Caprese salad and slice of Torta Caprese (flourless chocolate cake).
Venice (Ravenna or Trieste) is magical. St Mark's Square is the place to start, early morning to avoid crowds. Enjoy a coffee then climb the stairs of the Campanile (Clock Tower) for unrivalled views over the city. Visit the Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica and its museum to learn the city's history. Explore the iconic Rialto Bridge for the best views of the Grand Canal and the Rialto Market for the best souvenirs.
Spain is one of the most fascinating, vibrant countries in the Mediterranean to travel to. It is a captivating blend of past and present - making Spain the perfect destination for holidaymakers. From Moorish castles to ancient and modern churches, classic and modern art, the music and dance of flamenco, delicious paella, tapas and wine, great shopping and not to forget the stunning beaches - Spain has something for everyone.
In summer 2022, Royal Caribbean's ships will stop at the northern Spanish ports of Bilbao, where you can enjoy art at the Guggenheim and Bilbao Fine Arts Museums; and La Coruna, where you can learn at modern museums of Science and Technology, and Domus (interactive museum of the Human Body). Barcelona's bustling thoroughfare Las Ramblas, Gaudi's Gothic cathedral La Sagrada Familia and impressive Park Güell are not to be missed. Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, and Cartagena boast beautiful ancient churches and cathedrals, and a myriad of charming squares to sit and sip a café bon bon at (local favourite of espresso with condensed milk).
Find your cruiseThe industrial northern Spanish city of Bilbao is the major tourist draw of the Basque area, known as a hub for art and architecture. Museums and galleries not to miss are the modern Guggenheim Museum, and classic Museo Bellas Artes. Tasty local food includes Basque paella (featured in our recipe hub) and pintxos (tapas-meets-smorrebrod small open-faced sandwiches with various toppings).
La Coruna is a port town in Galicia in north-western Spain, known for its Tower of Hercules, Roman lighthouse, and Maria Pita square, surrounded by narrow, pedestrianised lanes. La Coruna hosts multiple world-class museums, including Picasso House Museum (Picasso lived here in childhood), History and Archaeology Museum, Fine Arts Museum and Museum of Science and Technology.
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, and home to the famous Las Ramblas main street full of stalls and street performers. Local artist Gaudi left his mark on the city, as he designed the stunning Gothic cathedral La Sagrada Familia, many of the buildings and the Park Güell. La Boqueria Market provides foodies with local snacks such as olives, cheese and Serrano jam, sweets, and drinks.
Palma is the capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca, known for its thirteenth-century Gothic cathedral Santa Maria or La Seu (cathedral of light). Across from the cathedral is the Palace of Almudaina, which was originally an Islamic fort, turned royal residence, now mostly a museum. The fourteenth-century circular-shaped medieval Bellver Castle and Lluc Monastery are worth a visit too.
The south-eastern Spanish port city is known for its City of Arts and Sciences designed by Spanish architect Calatrava, with museums, arts venues, and an aquarium. The city boasts a fantastic climate, beaches, and Albufera National Park nearby. Famous as the home of paella, Valencia also has tasty sausage-shaped sweets, fartons to dip in horchata, and the divine, strong cocktail agua de Valencia.
The port and naval base city was formed in 220 BC by the Carthaginians then within a decade was under Roman rule for the next seven centuries - and the city flourished. Roman legacy can be visited today in the first-century BC theatre, Casa de la Fortuna (villa with murals and mosaics), Roman Forum Museum, Punic Wall, and National Museum of Subaquatic Archaeology.
Turkey is rich in culture and traditions, being a transcontinental country, with most of it in Western Asia and part of it in Southeast Europe. It is famous for friendly, welcoming people; large bustling markets selling everything you could want where haggling is part of the fun; impressive mosques and religious sites; fantastic weather and beaches - and delicious food!
Royal Caribbean cruises will stop in the port of Kusadasi in 2022. There is a labyrinth of stalls and shops to explore, dotted with small local cafes and restaurants, perfect to stop at to have a shish kebab, pide (Turkish pizza), apple tea or Turkish delight. The area has been inhabited for 9,000 years, Alexander the Great's generals founded Ephesus in the fourth-century BC, and the Romans incorporated it into their Empire in 133 BC. Excavations over the past 150 years uncovered the Roman Library of Celsus and Temple of Artemis (wonders of the ancient world). A few miles from Ephesus sits the moving House of the Virgin Mary, a domed cruciform chapel with a wall of thousands of prayers outside it.
Find your cruiseThe ships dock in Kuşadasi, where you can walk from the ship to the hundreds of stalls, tiny shops, and restaurants of the town. The most popular excursion to take from Kuşadasi is to the ancient city of Ephesus, where you can see the excavations of this millennia-old city, being awed by the Roman Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis and the very moving House of the Virgin Mary.
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