4 of the best Mediterranean cruise ports & destinations

Istanbul, once known as Constantinople, is a city built on duality. The historic city that bridges Europe and Asia, shaped by centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman influence, was a major hub of two fallen empires, and now serves as a window into worlds both old and new. Numerous sites around the city including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Hippodrome are stunning reminders of all the cultures that have thrived in Istanbul. Exploring this scenic city offers views of the Bosphorus from its European shores.

Nothing epitomizes the beauty of the Greek Islands better than the myriad shades of blue that engulf Mykonos. From the contrasting blue-and-white homes that fill the island, to the endless expanses of crystalline water and cloudless sky that surround it, Mykonos is home to countless vistas that will produce a lifetime's worth of memories. This stop on your Mediterranean cruise is best spent exploring the island's whitewashed Cycladic villages with their narrow stone streets and blue-domed churches, or settling into one of Mykonos's golden-sand beaches. Along the waterfront, sample fresh grilled octopus and local catch at family-run tavernas tucked into the harbor, where the scent of oregano and sea air mingles with the sound of waves lapping against the shore.

Time has left its mark on Messina, Italy. After it began as a Greek colony around the eighth century BCE, the Romans, Goths, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans left their influence on the city before Italy became united in 1861. Fortunately, many of Messina's most precious sites remain intact even after changing hands on so many occasions. Proudly situated in the center of town is a statuesque twelfth-century duomo. This grand church was erected under Norman occupation and underwent reconstruction not long after an earthquake devastated the island in 1908. In the town of Taormina — just a short distance from Messina — you can visit the ancient Greek theater that dates back to the Hellenistic era and now serves as a venue for concerts and classical productions. Beyond the city itself, Messina puts the slopes of Mount Etna and other Sicilian sites within easy reach on shore excursions.

Barcelona has been cultivating a strong personality all its own since it was founded as a settlement in the Roman Empire. What has blossomed is an urban oasis with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, grand tree-lined avenues, and charming outdoor spaces that all pay homage to a city that is always uniquely inspiring. Catalan cuisine is celebrated for blending traditional and modern flavors where savory and sweet pair with old and new. Some recipes in use today date back to the Middle Ages and can be found on the menus of top restaurants including Café de l'Acadèmia and La Dama.

Many of Barcelona’s most iconic districts are highly walkable. A stroll down La Rambla shows Barcelona at its most vivid, and Park Güell is a masterfully curated public park combining splendid architectural and gardening elements into one picturesque locale. Barcelona is also one of the largest cruise embarkation ports in the Mediterranean, making it a popular starting point for cruises exploring both Western Mediterranean destinations and nearby coastal cities.

Ready to see what the Mediterranean coast has to offer? Plan your Mediterranean cruise now!