Meditteranean

The Mediterranean is the Cradle of Civilisation with summer sun, glamourous resorts, historic cities and idyllic islands. The world's largest inland sea, enclosed by three continents, it is Europe's most popular cruising destination. If you want a 7 night holiday then a fly-cruise is for you. Cruises from the UK involve a couple of days at sea before they enter the Med so will take 10 days or more. Fly-cruises are port intensive and will sail at night and be in port during the day - 6 ports in a week is quite normal. You will probably need to choose whether you want to cruise the Eastern or Western Mediterranean. 

Western Mediterranean
The Western Mediterranean has the beaches of the Rivieras, popular island resorts and cosmopolitan cities and is cruised from Barcelona, Palma, Genoa or Rome (Civitavecchia). Ports on the Spanish coast include Valencia, Malaga (for Granada), Gibraltar and through the Straits to Cadiz (for Seville). Majorca and the Balearics are popular ports of call and both Corsica and Sardinia have lots to offer. The French Riviera can be explored from Nice or Monte Carlo and the Italian west coast offers Livorno (for Florence), Civitavecchia (for Rome) and Naples. Further south volcanic Sicily, Malta and Tunis on the North African coast are interesting ports of call.

Southern Mediterranean
The Southern Mediterranean is popular for winter cruises. These may visit Cyprus, Alexandria in Egypt and Tripoli and other ports on the North African coast. The Israeli ports of Ashdod (for Jerusalem) and Haifa are no longer visited due to security problems.

Eastern Mediterranean
The Eastern Mediterranean offers the Aegean Sea full of islands to explore surrounded by ancient sites and cities. Cruise from Venice or Athens and exotic Istanbul and visit ancient sites like Ephesus in Turkey, Olympia in Greece or Knossos on Crete. The Croatian coast , Dubrovnik and Corfu are now regular ports of call in the Adriatic Sea while the most popular Greek islands for cruises are Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini.

WHEN TO CRUISE?

The Mediterranean is a year-round cruising destination, but the experience varies depending on the season. Here’s a detailed guide:

Spring (April to June):

• Why Go?
• Mild and pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Fewer tourists compared to the peak summer season.
• Blooming landscapes add to the beauty of coastal and countryside destinations.
• Great for visiting historic cities like Rome, Athens, and Barcelona without overwhelming crowds.

Summer (July to August):

• Why Go?
• Peak season with warm, sunny weather, ideal for beaches and outdoor exploration.
• Vibrant nightlife, festivals, and events in popular destinations like the French Riviera, Ibiza, and Mykonos.
• Perfect for island-hopping and swimming in the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters.

Autumn (September to October):

• Why Go?
• Warm weather persists, making it ideal for both sightseeing and beach activities.
• Fewer tourists compared to summer, offering a more relaxed experience.
• Harvest season is perfect for wine tours in Italy, Spain, and Greece.
• Stunning autumnal landscapes in certain regions.

Winter (November to March):

• Why Go?
• Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make it a great time for cultural and historical exploration.
• Lower cruise prices compared to the high season.
• Southern Mediterranean destinations like Malta, Cyprus, and North Africa remain warmer and sunnier.
• A festive atmosphere during the holiday season in cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Marseille.

Recommendation:

• Best Overall: April to June or September to October for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a balanced experience.
• For Warm Weather and Festivities: July to August for summer vibrancy.
• For Budget-Friendly and Peaceful Travel: November to March, focusing on cultural and southern destinations.