Surrounded by wonders, it’s easy to fall in love with the numerous coastal cities in the West and East Mediterranean, situated on the breathtaking Southern European coast. Here is a sampling of some of the highlights in this unforgettable region:
SPAIN
Old meets new in Barcelona. Narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards and trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas. For the adventuresome, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the mind-boggling La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet.
The beautiful port city of Tarragona has its own spectacular cathedral, lovely beaches, Roman ruins of Tarraco, and an amphitheater by the sea.
Looking for a little fun in the sun? Mallorca is fringed with more than 200 beaches; or if shopping is more your style, you can visit Paseo de Borns to the many shops.
A stroll to the walled town of Cartagena ends at a large naval shipyard and a wide range of activities from windsurfing to snorkeling to sailing.
An art lover? Visit the shores of Costa del Sol to view Picasso’s work at Museo Picasso in the city of his birth.
GREECE
This small country bears 3,000 years of history. The Acropolis, the Plaka, and the Acropolis Museum are must-sees. If you can climb, head to Pnyx Hill for sunset photos of the Parthenon.
Monemvasia holds treasures that are old even by Med standards. Climb to the upper town for an up-close look at the castle, a Byzantine church or wander the lanes of the lower town lined with Venetian mansions.
ITALY
In Rome, intermingled among ancient ruins and majestic cathedrals are modern skyscrapers and boutiques. Visit the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica to view works by Bernini, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Raphael. Tour ancient ruins—the Colosseum, Forum, Circus Maximus and don't forget to throw coins in the Trevi Fountain, promising your return to the Eternal City.
UNESCO Sites abound in Sorrento, including the archaeological sites of Pompeii and the fourth-century B.C. city of Herculaneum. Perched on the spectacular Amalfi Coast, Sorrento offers exceptional views of the Bay of Naples and Mt. Vesuvius.
CROATIA
Stroll the walled city of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, where no cars are allowed. Take in exhilarating views of the harbor and visit Buza Café watching divers leap off the cliffs into the sea.
A Roman amphitheater, ninth-century churches, and museums crowd the peninsula that contains the Old Town of Zadar, home to a giant Sea Organ, a haunting musical improv performed by the surging Adriatic.
By land or sea (and road, bike, foot and rail), discover the magic of the Mediterranean coast—from ancient ruins to the pure indulgence of the Med lifestyle. For information, contact Robin Brengle, Cruise Planners, 636.233.1612 or WindstarCruises.com.