The Eastern Mediterranean’s cruise stops are packed with brilliant cultural spots across different countries.
You’ll find Greece’s famous landmarks like the Acropolis in Athens and those lovely white-washed houses in Santorini.
Pop into Turkey’s ports to see amazing ancient places like Ephesus.
Cyprus has got loads of old castles and Roman remains to wander through, whilst Albania’s SarandĂ« shows off its beautiful beaches and UNESCO heritage sites.
Each place has its own special bits worth seeing.
Mediterranean Cruise Ports in Greece
Amazing Greek cruise ports are scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas, letting you see ancient ruins, lovely beaches and charming little island towns.
Piraeus is Athens’ bustling main port – hop off here to visit the Acropolis and Parthenon. When you sail into Santorini, you’ll spot the stunning caldera with its white buildings perched on volcanic cliffs. Rhodes greets cruise ships with its brilliant medieval Old Town and Palace of the Grand Masters. Mykonos shows off its famous windmills and lively waterfront, whilst Corfu mixes gorgeous Venetian buildings with green, leafy surroundings. From Heraklion, you can pop over to see Crete’s amazing Minoan ruins.
Mediterranean Cruise Ports in Turkey
Turkey’s lovely Mediterranean ports mix old-world history with modern appeal. You’ll come across Kusadasi, which leads to ancient Ephesus – one of the world’s best-kept Roman cities. Istanbul’s port puts you right by the beautiful Blue Mosque and bustling Grand Bazaar, whilst Bodrum catches the eye with its medieval castle and clear waters. Antalya blends brilliant beaches with Roman ruins rather nicely. Make time for Marmaris’s lively marina area and Fethiye’s amazing rock tombs carved into the cliffs. Each port brings its own bit of Turkish magic that’ll stick in your memory.
Limassol Cruise Ship Port Guide, Cyprus
Limassol’s modern cruise terminal sits just west of the city centre, making it Cyprus’s main port for cruise ships. Free shuttle buses run between the terminal and the old town, where you’ll find the medieval Limassol Castle and a lively waterfront promenade.
The port’s handy location means you can easily pop over to brilliant ancient sites like Kourion’s Greco-Roman amphitheatre and Apollo’s Temple. The nearby Troodos Mountains have lovely local wineries worth visiting, or you might fancy a swim at Lady’s Mile Beach. For cruise passengers, the terminal has everything you need – duty-free shops, tourist info and Wi-Fi.
Paphos Cruise Ship Port Guide, Cyprus
The Paphos port greets cruise ships on Cyprus’s western shoreline, where you’ll find brilliant UNESCO sites mixed with laid-back Mediterranean style. Your ship will pull into the modern harbour, roughly 3km from the town’s main sights.
From here, you can wander to the impressive Tomb of the Kings, see stunning Roman mosaics at the Archaeological Park, and pop by the medieval Paphos Castle. Make time for Aphrodite’s Rock – locals say the goddess herself rose from the waves right there.
Getting about is simple, with buses and taxis waiting at the terminal. The harbour promenade is packed with restaurants, shops and cafes – brilliant spots to sample proper Cypriot food whilst gazing at the Mediterranean.
Sarandë Cruise Ship Port Guide, Albania
Along Albania’s beautiful Ionian coast, SarandĂ«’s small port puts you right in the heart of town. The ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are just a 30-minute journey away. The seafront promenade is full of restaurants and local markets where you can grab a bite or browse.
Make sure to visit the 16th-century LĂ«kurĂ«si Castle sitting high above town – it’s got brilliant views of the harbour and Corfu. The lovely beaches of Ksamil and Mirror Beach are close by and easy to get to. Thanks to the port’s handy spot, you can soak up both Albanian and Greek culture in this lovely Mediterranean town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year for an Eastern Mediterranean Cruise?
The top time to sail the eastern Mediterranean is between May and October. Summer brings the hottest weather but it’s rather packed with holidaymakers. If you fancy quieter ports and lovely temperatures, go for the sweet spots in May-June or September-October.
Are There Visa Requirements for Multiple Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Port Stops?
You’ll need quite a few travel papers for this! The basics: get a Schengen visa for European Union ports, and you’ll want separate visas for Turkey and Egypt if they’re on your route. Best to sort out all the paperwork well ahead of booking your sailing.
How Much Spending Money Should I Budget for Eastern Mediterranean Shore Excursions?
You’ll need around ÂŁ40-120 per person for each port stop. Well-known tours like Ephesus or Santorini might set you back a bit more. If you fancy taking guided tours at every port, set aside roughly ÂŁ400-650 in total.
Which Cruise Lines Offer the Most Comprehensive Eastern Mediterranean Itineraries?
Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian run fantastic Eastern Mediterranean routes. MSC and Costa really shine in this region too, with brilliant sailings through Greece, Croatia, Turkey and Israel. You can choose trips lasting between 7-14 days.
What Type of Clothing Is Appropriate for Visiting Religious Sites During Port Calls?
You need to dress modestly when visiting these places – keep your shoulders and knees covered. Go for loose, comfy clothes that aren’t too heavy, and ladies should bring a scarf along. Most churches and mosques won’t let you come in if you’re wearing anything too skimpy or tight.
