From the sunny waters of the Mediterranean to whale watching off the Nordic coast line, Europe has plenty of fantastic cruise destinations. If you love your ancient culture, for instance, Athens is a superb cruise destination, and you can also head up towards Santorini and Rome and from there up to other Italian cities such as Florence and Pisa.
The sun splashed white city of Lisbon is another one of Europe’s amazing cruise ports, and you might also like to take to the canals of cities such as Amsterdam and Venice for a miniature day long cruise before returning to the comfort of your hotel or other accommodation on dry land for the night. Read on for the most popular places to go on European cruises.
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Best Places to Go on European Cruise Vacations
Oia Santorini, Greece
Santorini Greece
Santorini is an island in the Aegean Sea. Its rugged landscape was caused by a volcanic eruption and it is most recognisable for its whitewashed, cube-shaped houses in Fira and Oia. These houses appear to almost fall into the sea as they cling to cliffs above an underwater crater. From this vantage point you can see the Aegean Sea, western islands and beaches coated with lava pebbles. The city boasts many churches, ruins, hiking spots, romantic hotels, volcanos and hot springs. Visit the Akrotiri Ruins, Therasia volcano and Nea Kameni volcano while on a visit to Santorini. The natural coastal beauty of the area includes many beaches including the Kamari beach with its fascinating ruins, the Perissa Black Sand Beach and Marina beachwith its excellent sailing.
Florence Italy
Livorno (Florence – Pisa – Siena)
This well known commercial and cruise port is located near Pisa in Italy. While the view from your cabin is stark, the proximity to the stunning beauty of Tuscany makes it well worth the sacrifice. The port is located just a few kilometers from the starting point for tours to Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Cinque Terre or the Chianti wine region, the city of Livorno itself is a seafood-lover’s paradise. History buffs will enjoy its Renaissance-era fortifications and families can visit the modern harbour Terrazza Mascagni, which features a promenade with checkerboard paving stones. Famous architecture includes the Venezia Nuova, Venezia Nuova, Monumento dei quattro mori and Acquedotto Leopoldino.
Barcelona Spain
Barcelona Spain
The port of Barcelona is the capital city of Catalina in Spain. Well known as an art hub, cultural mecca and architecture, the city is also famous for the annual bull fighting event, although this has now been banned in the city. The Sagrada Familia church is one of its most famous landmarks In the city. Historical sites blend with modern Barcelona, where you can experience high fashion and contemporary gourmet restaurants.
Bruges Belgium
Zeebrugge (Bruges)
Zeebrugge is a seaside resort in Belgium. It is a port city linked to Bruges. The Baudouin Canal forms a thoroughfare between the resort and Bruges. It is famous for “Seafront” which is a theme park based on fishing and seafaring cultures in the area in ancient times. Here you can view an old Russian submarine. The area featured strongly in WWII and in nearby Knokke-Heist, the For Freedom Museum displays dioramas depicting war times. Nature lovers will enjoy the De Fonteintjes wetland and dunes. Visit the Damme canal, the Fountains and Zeebos Park for some special contact with nature. Take a trip to the lighthouse of Heist and Visserskruis while in the port. Like most Belgian cities there are plenty of coffee houses, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy breakfast and waffles, coffee cake or traditional Belgian dishes.
St Petersburg
Saint Petersburg (Russia)
This Russian port city is found on beautiful Baltic Sea and was the original imperial capital city. Founded by Peter the Great in 1703 it is the cultural and historical centre of Russia. The iconic “Bronze Horseman” statue commemorates the life and times of this icon. Opera and ballet can be seen at the Mariinsky. The Russian Museum showcases art, from Orthodox icon paintings to Kandinsky artwork. The Winter Palace is the former home of the Russian emperors.
Athens Greece
Piraeus (Athens)
The port city of Piraeus is located in the Attica region on the Saronic Gulf in Athens. It is the largest port city in Athens and is most well known for its maritime activities and landmarks. Piraeus is home to the port of Zea Pasalimani. In this picturesque harbour city you can enjoy beautiful views of the gulf and the yachts in the bay or go for a walk in the Castella neighbourhood. There are many churches in the area and you can learn about the history of the area at the nearby archeological museum. The Greek Cruiser Georgios Averof also operates as a maritime museum. At the Hellenic Maritime Museum you can learn about the naval history of the region. At the Electric Railways Museum you can find out about the rail history of Piraeus.
Rome Italy
Civitavecchia (Rome)
Civitavecchia is a sea port city in Rome. It is located on the Tyrrhenian sea. Rome is the capital city of Italy and offers immense numbers of churches, landmarks, historical places and museums to visit. It is most well known for the Colosseum and Forum. The Vatican City houses St Peter’s Basilica which is home to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel artworks. Civitavecchia is a coastal town famous for the Roman Dock, the Michelangelo Fort, Archeological Musuem with its ceramic and bronze artifacts. In Civitavecchia you can visit the Monti Della Tolfa nature reserve and the Aquafelix waterpark is a treat for families with children. The Terme Taurine or Trajan is a fascinating archeological site which is well worth visiting. The city receives thousands of visitors daily.
Kotor Montenegro
Kotor Montenegro
Kotor is located in a bay on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast near Mt. Lovcen. The limestone cliffs are a popular tourist attraction. This quaint town is dotted with winding streets and squares. In the old town visitors marvel at the Romanesque churches and the world famous Kotor Cathedral. Tourists can learn about its seafaring history at the Maritime Museum. Sveti Đorđe is a tiny island off the town of Perast.
Amsterdam The Netherlands
Amsterdam The Netherlands
Probably most famous for its canals and Red Light District, the port city of Amsterdam is also home to the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum, the van Gogh museum and Dam square. Often noticed first by visitors is the cities cycling culture – with numerous paths devoted to getting into and around the city by bicycle. You can buy Dutch tulips at the flower markets and enjoy traditional foods from Holland at one of the many late night eateries.
Portofino Italy
Portofino Italy
This fishing village is located on the Italian Riviera to the southeast of Genoa. Its pastel-coloured houses are famous and frequently photographed. The village also contains its share of sleek boutiques and seafood restaurants. The Piazzetta is a small cobbled square which has a fantastic view of the harbour. The area is a playground for the rich and famous and large yachts dot the harbour. Castello Brown is a 16th-century fortress and here visitors can find a museum, art exhibitions and striking views of the Ligurian Sea. Divers can visit Christ of the Abyss which is an underwater statue depicting Christ. In the Marine Protected Area there are numerous SCUBA diving sites and fishing spots.
Lisbon Portugal
Lisbon Portugal
The port of Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. The area is notable for its beaches, hilly terrain and breath taking views from São Jorge Castle. From here visitors can see pastel-coloured homes and shops, the Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. History lovers can see the ceramic tiles that the area is famous for at the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. Hundreds of tourists enjoy visiting the Belem Tower and Sao Jorge Castle. Praca do Comercio is a magnificent plaza facing the river. Rossio Square is a common meeting place and the city’s contemporary culture is thriving. Warm summers and a bustling shopping culture and art scene make Lisbon a popular tourist haunt.
Amalfi Coast – Ravenna
Amalfi Coast (Naples, Salerno, Sorrento)
Spanning 50km, the gorgeous Amalfi Coast is located in Campania
along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. Its rugged coastline and sheer cliffs are dotted with tiny beaches and the fishing villages are a notable attraction. Between the port city of Salerno and Sorrento on the cliff tops you will find grand villas, terraced vineyards and lemon groves.
Dubrovnik Croatia
Dubrovnik Croatia
Located in southern Croatia on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is famous for stone wall encircled Old Town. These walls dated as far back at the 16th century. The region is famous for Baroque architecture like St. Blaise Church and Renaissance buildings like the Sponza Palace. There are also many Gothic buildings like the Rector’s Palace, which also houses a history museum. Paved with limestone, The Stradun is a pedestrian area where you can find good shopping and restaurants serving Croatian delicacies.
Venice Italy
Venice Italy
Well known for is gondolas and annual masked ball, Venice is the capital city of the Veneto region. This port city has no road system and all travelling is done using the canals. This romantic city is built on an island system in the Adriatic Sea. The Grand Canal is dotted with Renaissance and Gothic palaces and Piazza san Marco is the central square where you can visit St Marks Basilica and see the red roofs of the city’s homes and buildings.
Norway fjords
Geirangerfjord
Geiranger Fjord in Sunnmøre region of Møre og Romsdal county, Norway is located in Stranda. This 15 km fjord is a pristine area for photography and breath taking vistas. It is a beautiful site protected under UNESCO and surrounded by snowy mountain peaks and vegetation and waterfalls. It is one of the most popular landmarks in Norway and attracts thousands of visitors each year, many of which cruise the fjord and enjoy it’s unique scenery.
