If it’s cheap cruise deals to the Western Mediterranean you’re looking for, then Cruise Nation is on hand with an unparalleled range. With beautiful cities like Barcelona, Naples, Palma and Rome, a Western Mediterranean cruise offers an unmistakable combination of glorious sunshine and wondrous scenery.
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How about Valencia? Spain’s third-largest city boasts plenty of culture, history and food to gorge on. For the curious, museums, Modernist buildings and a city-length park are waiting to be explored, while its long stretch of beach will suit the laid-back crowd down to a tee.
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Western Mediterranean Highlights
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Barcelona
Barcelona
The cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona is a city that pulses with history, art, architecture, and, above all else, incredible food.
With some of the best tapas in the world waiting to be discovered in Barcelona’s many hidden lanes and tucked-away squares, all paired with local Catalan wine – to say the cuisine here is world-class is, quite simply, an understatement.
Meanwhile, those in search of great architecture can take their pick from the otherworldly Gaudi masterpieces such as the Sagrada Familia and Casa Mila, or the gothic beauty of the city’s old quarter, where Barcelona Cathedral’s intricate interior leaves even non-believers speechless. And for some post-exploration relaxation, unwinding at one of its many picture-perfect beaches is just the ticket.
Before you set sail, don’t forget to visit the buzzing La Rambla for designer shopping, souvenirs, and street food, all with Barcelona’s unmistakably lush vibe.
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Cagliari
Cagliari
The capitol of Sardinia, Cagliari is a charming seaside city, a place where historic sites are hidden around every corner, and beautiful beaches seem just moments away from its bustling centre.
Bit of a history buff? Or just curious about culture? You’ll find endless attractions in Castello, Cagliari’s old town. Situated on a diamond-shaped rocky bluff, it's home to Cagliari Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari, the medieval Castle of San Michele, and the impressive Palazzo Regio. Discovering a thing or two about its rich, far-reaching past is never a problem here.
Castello also offers up beautiful, uninterrupted views of the city’s rooftops and beyond, right to the deepest blue of the vast Tyrrhenian Sea. And after your city explorations are done, head for the popular Poetto Beach. A favourite summer hang-out of both tourists and locals alike, Poetto comes alive after the sun goes down, turning into one of the best places for nightlife the city has to offer.
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Cannes
Cannes
Synonymous with images of movie stars, flashing cameras, and the red carpet, Cannes’s glitz and glamour goes far beyond its legendary film festival.
With its palm-lined boulevards dividing beautiful beaches and chic cafes from bustling nightclubs, Cannes is your gateway to Monaco and Monte Carlo, Nice and St. Tropez. But before you explore further afield, it’s a city with plenty to discover in its own right. Who knows, you might even spot a celebrity or two while you’re here.
Lined with yachts, go for a stroll across the city’s harbour and bay, or snake your way through Le Suquet, Cannes’ old quarter, where impressive museums, churches, and markets wait to delight visitors. And ever since they were spruced up in 2019, Cannes’ beaches make for a great place to soak it all up for a few hours ahead of your next journey.
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Nice
Nice
Quite simply unlike anywhere else in France, Nice’s magnetic, charismatic power is impossible to resist. A place for people watching, simple strolls through its vibrant streets, and lounging away on balmy beaches, Nice offers up a relaxed vibe that’s rarely found in other French cities.
Though it may call France its home, Nice’s Italian heritage gives it a truly unique, Mediterranean flavour. And that means fresh pasta shops, gourmet cuisine, and year-round sun providing the ideal climate whether you’re sat outside charming bistros, weaving through its streets, or retiring to the beach.
Something of a pilgrimage for legendary artists of the past, Nice’s artistic credentials also draw in culture fans from around the world. With the likes of Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir falling for its beauty, there’s plenty of museums and galleries – all stuffed with legendary works – to discover before you head back to your ship.
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Palma De Mallorca
Palma De Mallorca
Dating back to the 13th century, Palma de Mallorca has seen its fair share of history, people, and influences in its time. But now the city’s identity is all its own. The largest autonomous community in Spain, Palma isn’t quite a hidden gem, but it definitely has plenty of treasures in store for tourists.
Palma’s history is plain to see in its bevy of museums, castles, and palatial houses, but the plentiful bars, restaurants, and craft studios add plenty of native flavour to its melting pot. Bohemian neighborhoods and markets house an array of personalities, while the varied views make for a living, breathing postcard in themselves.
There might be hustle and bustle here, but the city’s quiet squares, monasteries, and peaceful marina bring their own serenity – providing the perfect getaway from Mallorca’s livelier destinations.
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Naples
Naples
A city that has every right to boast, Naples’ cultural credentials are the stuff of legend. With two palaces, three castles, a collection of frescoes and mosaics, and paintings by none other than Caravaggio, the age-old city also comes with a heady dose of myth, mystery, and urban legend.
Of course, there are plenty of other ways to get to know Naples if history’s not your thing. We’re not exaggerating when we say Italy’s best food is found here. From street markets and bistros to rustic restaurants, this is how you do the classics. Think you know good pizza? Believe us, you’ll think again after you eat it here.
As for shopping, Naples prefers local wares over global names. If you’re looking to bring something home with you, here’s the place to do it. Packed into its winding streets, artisan boutiques and shops have plenty of regional treats in-store. Even the smallest souvenir here makes for a memento to savour for years to come.
All Western Mediterranean Ports
Western Mediterranean FAQs
What is the weather like in the Western Mediterranean in the Spring?
In the spring, the weather is cool, but the crowds are small. There’s a chance of rainfall here and there, but otherwise it’s perfect for those who want comfort at a lower price than usual.
What is the weather like in the Western Mediterranean in the Summer?
Early summer turns up the heat, but you should expect to pay more for this reason. However, it’s less busy than July and August, which, as you’d expect, brings out those looking to soak up the sun. Heat is at its highest here, but the nights are cooler, especially once you’re back on deck.
What is the weather like in the Western Mediterranean in the Autumn?
Even in autumn, you can expect nice weather. And with lower crowds and prices, it can still be an ideal time depending on what you want from your holiday.
What is the weather like in the Western Mediterranean in the Winter?
It’s best to avoid cruising in the winter here. The seas are choppy, and many businesses tend to close for the season. Weather in the Eastern Mediterranean during this time of year, on the other hand, is generally milder and more predictable, so you may want to explore this region if you’re looking for a Mediterranean winter getaway.
When is the prime cruising season in the Western Mediterranean?
Thankfully the window of time for prime cruising is pretty long. Stretching from April to November, it covers a lot of seasons, but you’ll be missing the colder, rainier weather, as well as the rougher waters of December to March.