Whether city, beach or a bit of both, get inspired by our top three summer cruise holiday destinations.

Holiday inspiration for the perfect summer

Explore Topics

<p>Meander the streets of&nbsp;Rome&nbsp;with a gelato in hand and soak up the history and romance of the Italian capital on a city escape. Or, for the perfect beach break, head to the Greek island of&nbsp;Mykonos. The Aegean gem offers a wealth of spectacular beaches for you to choose from. And if you want a bit of both, the Spanish city of&nbsp;Alicante&nbsp;is a perfect destination for an urban beach retreat. Take your pick…</p>


City breaks in Rome

<h2>1. City breaks in Rome</h2>
<p><br />
Famous for its ancient sites, powerful history, delicious food and world-class art, the vibrant city of <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/rome-tours-from-civitavecchia-italy">Rome</a> has inspired visitors for thousands of years.</p>
<p>The biggest Roman amphitheatre in the world, the <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/moments/secret-rome">Colosseum</a>, was built as an arena for gladiator fights, public executions and animal hunts. The iconic Trevi fountain has also undergone major restoration work – after over a year of large-scale renovation, be sure to toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain to ensure your return to the beautiful city.</p>
<p>As if that weren’t enough, you can uncover the beauty of Vatican City. A country in its own right, the city within a city is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to breathtaking museums, St. Peter’s Square, one of the world’s largest churches and the hushed beauty of the Sistine Chapel (famously designed by Michelangelo). </p>
<h3> </h3>


Blissful beaches in Mykonos

<h2>2. Blissful beaches in Mykonos</h2>
<p>If summer holidays mean winding down to beautiful sunsets over crystal-clear seas, then the Greek island <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/mykonos-greece">Mykonos</a> is just for you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The island’s capital, Mykonos town, is made up of narrow marble streets, hidden churches and white-washed classic Greek houses with colourful doors overlooked by the island’s iconic windmills. Discover the glamorous side of the town with the designer boutiques and jewellers in the pedestrianised shopping area. Or sample an afternoon apéritif in one of the cute restaurants and vibrant bars found along the waterfront – perfect for soaking up the last few rays of the day as the sun sets. The colourful balconies that hang from the two-storey buildings on the edge of the sea make up the quaint and picturesque 18th-century neighbourhood, Little Venice, and are another must-see.</p>
<p>Mykonos is also well-known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, and whether you want to relax and read a book, find the perfect family-friendly beach, prefer an action-packed afternoon of water sports or while away the afternoon, cocktail in hand, there is something for everyone.</p>
<h3> </h3>


The best of both worlds: Alicante

<h2>3. The best of both worlds: Alicante</h2>
<p>Known for its <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/mediterranean">Mediterranean</a> climate and sun-drenched beaches, Alicante has long been a popular summer holiday destination for those seeking a combination of beach and urban buzz. With its long waterfront, lively dining scene, historic old quarter and dominating castle, it’s not hard to understand why.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="https://www.pocruises.com/ports/alicante-spain">Alicante</a> sits on Spain’s Costa Blanca and you don’t have to go far to find one of the city’s famous beaches. The long, sandy <i>Playa del Postiguet</i> beach is located in the heart of the city, but many of the city’s other beautiful beaches are only a short walk or bus ride away. Many also hold the Blue Flag award (a marker of their high environmental and quality standards). It’s clear why this city makes for the perfect urban summer retreat.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For the best view across the city and bay, head up to the Castle of Santa Barbara. Sitting atop Mount Benacantil at the edge of the city, the castle is one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses and is testament to the county’s Moorish history. The historic quarter, at the foot of the fortress, is made up of narrow alleyways, balconies awash with colourful flowers and secret squares, but <i>el barrio</i> is also a lively spot for an afternoon drink or tapas. End your day in the city with a stroll along the <i>Explanada de España</i>; the famous palm-lined promenade runs parallel to the port and is made up of over six million coloured marble tiles that create a wave mosaic effect. It’s the ideal area to take up the traditional Spanish custom of <i>el paseo, </i>a leisurely stroll.</p>
<h3> </h3>


title

description

Article Info Model

OFFER ENDS 26 AUGUST 2025

<p>You’ll shortly receive an email from us to confirm your sign up. Please click on the link contained within this email to start hearing more from us. If you are unable to find this email in your inbox, please check your junk mailbox.</p>


{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Landscape with Assos village on Kefalonia, Ionian island, Greece"}}

Set your sights on Greece

Dreaming of cobbled streets, ancient treasures and sun-kissed shores? On a P&O Cruises holiday to Greece, you can wake up to a new view of paradise every single day

Historic destinations in the Mediterranean 

Looking for a historic getaway that includes sunshine and sea breezes? Choose a P&O Cruises Mediterranean fly-cruise in 2028, and let the world’s ancient wonders come to you.

Culture, adventure, and discovery are a shore thing in the Med

5 sense-sational holiday experiences 

Caucasian couple shading themselves under palm frond in swimming pool

2026 Travel Hotlist

With a new year on the horizon, we’ve got these holidays firmly in our sights. Where will 2026 take you?

Set your sights on Central and Northern Italy

Lush landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and iconic sights: this is the Italy of romantic films, artistic masterpieces and many a daydream. These four Central and Northern Italian ports of call will turn your reveries into reality.

Set your sights on Southern Italy

Discover the vibrant culture, delicious food, and rich history of Southern Italy's most captivating ports with P&O Cruises.

Top things to do in Valletta

Experience the charm of Valletta with P&O Cruises. From historical landmarks to lively celebrations, discover what makes this city special.

2025 Travel Hotlist

From sunny escapes to city breaks, here’s a look at what’s on the horizon for the year ahead.

P&O Cruises 2024 in Numbers

We've crunched the numbers and wow, what a year it's been! Have a look at how our guests have spent their time with us this year...

Paul Ludlow in Lisbon

Our president, Paul Ludlow, looks at why Malta, our beautiful home port for Mediterranean fly-cruises, holds such a special place in our hearts. Watch Paul’s video to learn all about the exciting Maltese projects we’re involved with and how guests can enjoy an unmissable 10% off their shore experiences.

Set your sights on… Morocco and Cape Verde

Did you know we have brand-new cruises to Cape Verde and Morocco included in our Winter 2026/27 collection? As well as an 18-night Cape Verde and Morocco cruise on Arcadia in December, we also have Morocco cruises on Aurora in November and on Ventura in February. 

A perfect day in Dubrovnik

Any day in this captivating Croatian city is a day well spent. From coffee to cable cars, here’s how to get the most out of your time in Dubrovnik

Paul Ludlow shares the latest from Malta

The best places to visit when...you want to relax on a beach

Whether you’re a water baby, sun worshipper or sandcastle-building pro, a day at the beach is always the highlight of a holiday. Soak up some rays, feel the sand between your toes and breathe in the salty tang of the ocean with our guide to some of the best beach escapes for relaxing on shore.

The best shore excursions in Dubrovnik

Nestled along the breath-taking Adriatic coast in Croatia, Dubrovnik is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ and has been captivating travellers for many years. 

Escape the winter, extend your summer

Want to hold on to that summer feeling? Here are three easy ways to make it happen on a P&O Cruises holiday.

12 Months of holidays

Where will the year take you? We’ve got 12 months of tempting travel inspiration in our handy guide to some of the world’s dreamiest destinations. So whether you’re after a last-minute escape or are planning ahead, a year’s worth of holidays is at your fingertips.

A foodie's guide to Valletta

Perfectly perched in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta boasts a unique culinary scene cultivated over centuries. Flavours from North Africa and all across Europe coalesce to create flavours found nowhere else in the region.

An arty guide to Barcelona

In what is arguably the hippest of Spanish cities, there’s something to cater to every art-lover’s needs. To make the selection process a little easier when you’ve got limited time in the Catalonian capital, here’s a list of must-see places for the artistically inclined.

These views are better in real life

Have you ever caught yourself looking through holiday snaps and saying, ‘my camera just hasn’t done it justice’? Pretty as pictures can be, there’s nothing quite like seeing those epic, once-in-a-lifetime sights with your own two eyes. These six wonders are even more picture-perfect in person. 

5 of our best cruises for couples

If you and your other half are seeking a dreamy escape that will leave you with cherished memories, look no further. 

Things to do in Mykonos

Glamorous Mykonos has it all: beautiful beaches, dazzling seas, a vibrant town and nearby mythological sites. Discover the things to do in Mykonos to spark inspiration.

Cruise with ease from Southampton

Your holiday begins the moment you step onboard when you choose to cruise from Southampton. On a no-fly cruise, you can say goodbye to luggage restrictions and navigating airports. Even though you don’t take to the skies, your no-fly cruise holiday will start, and finish, on a high.

5 Chocolate Treats to Enjoy Onboard & Ashore

World Chocolate Day falls on 7 July, and what better way to get in the mood than with a sprinkling of chocolate-themed travel inspiration? Which of delicious treats will you add to your must-do list?

Escape to Monte Carlo

Discover Monte Carlo, the city full of mega yachts and five-star resorts that glitter in the shadows of the Alpine Mountains.

Big screen destinations

To celebrate the opening of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival we have taken a delve into our itineraries to see which big screen destinations you can visit on a P&O Cruises holiday.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Photo Taken In Amsterdam, Netherlands"}}

Six great winter escapes

Our winter itineraries offer great escapes to a fabulous range of destinations. We'll start with some sunny adventures around the globe before highlighting our top suggestions for holidays closer to home.

Discover the secrets of Rome

Travel writer Yolanda Zappaterra explores Rome, off the beaten track. Yolanda is a travel, art and design enthusiast who writes for Time Out and Saga magazine, as well as national newspapers. 

Spain and Portugal: the coast with the most

If you’re looking for a holiday that showcases Europe’s most exhilarating cities, Spain & Portugal offer copious sunshine, cultural clout & fabulous food.

Hidden Gems in the Mediterranean

From ‘Byzantine Pompeii’ to the world’s smallest town, there’s even more to the Mediterranean cruise holiday than meets the eye. These six hidden gems offer a new perspective on an old favourite.

Glories of western Italy • Things To Do

From preserved ancient cities and impressive Roman ruins to Renaissance and Baroque art and awe-inspiring architecture, western Italy is a treasure trove of antiquity and here are the best things to do in western Italy.

Five top spots for family fun

Explore five of the best family holiday spots from Madeira, to Tenerife or further afield in Barbados. There's something for every traveller with P&O Cruises.

Your own Greek odyssey

Soak up some epic history and culture as well as glorious sunshine when you holiday in the Mediterranean.

Discover hidden Naples: What to see and do

Delve into one of the most ancient cities in the world for artistic culture, tranquil gardens and culinary delights, says travel writer, Yolanda Zappaterra.

Exploring new territory on a Mediterranean cruise

Guest David George is a self-confessed cruise holiday addict and has visited many destinations around the world on board P&O Cruises ships. But there’s nothing quite like the thrill of visiting a port for the first time, he says.

The pearl of the Adriatic: great things to do in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a highlight of any Mediterranean cruise and makes the perfect summer holiday destination. Local tour guide Maris Marković picks her favourite things to do in this stunning city by the sea.

Five great reasons to love the Canary Islands

Each of the Canary Islands has a distinctive character. Having fallen for their seductive charms, travel writer Yolanda Zappaterra is longing to return. In the meantime, she reveals why she loves their different personalities… Which one you will fall for?

Best Places to Visit on a Mediterranean Cruise

From history and architecture to high culture and stunning vistas, the Mediterranean offer an abundance of attractions.

There’s plenty of culture to discover on a P&O Cruises holiday

Art, history, romance, food and wine – the ingredients of your perfect holiday. Be inspired by new experiences on a culturally rich adventure to enchanting destinations around the globe.

Indulgence in Italy

These ancient Italian cities are rich in natural beauty and boast more heritage sites than anywhere in the world, finds Steven Short

Captivating Corfu - things to do

Corfu is an emerald charm in the Ionian Sea with its historic capital, turquoise waters and verdant countryside. And luckily P&O Cruises fly-cruise holidays can take you straight there, as well as our holidays departing from Southampton.

Our magical Greek islands

We could all do with a little Greek island magic right now. To tempt us further, five local creatives tell why their island home is a constant source of joy and inspiration

Croatia five beauties to steal your heart

We ask travel writer, Rudolf Abraham, what he loves most about Croatia and why the 5 towns are worth a visit on your next  P&O Cruises adventure.

Five bucket-list European landmarks to discover

We’ve identified some of the most incredible landmarks in Europe that you can spot on a P&O Cruises holiday. How many have you visited?

Holiday inspiration: Sunshine hotspots

We're taking a look at some of our favourite sunshine hotspots so sit back, relax and soak up the virtual rays as we check in to the Caribbean, the Canary Islands and more.

The best places to visit in Croatia

Explore the sparkling seas, medieval towns and rich culture of Croatia with a guide to the best places to visit along the Dalmatian coast.

Sea the world on Britannia

Britannia sails the high seas in style, combining the excitement of cruising with the sophistication of a 5 star hotel. We take a look at her many charms.

Authentic Venice

Explore our best shore excursions and activities in Venice, from local favourite restaurants to Murano glass makings. Book your P&O Cruises Italy cruise.

Five romantic destinations

Have you ever wanted to follow in the footsteps of your favourite movie couples? These five romantic destinations – all of which can be visited on P&O Cruises holidays – offer the perfect chance to relive the iconic moments and soak up the amorous vibes of some of the dreamiest settings in the world.

The wanderlust list: 7 top destinations for 2020

P&O Cruises can take you to some of the most exciting places in the world – near and far and everywhere in between. Whether you have your sights set on distant shores or a port closer to home, our list of the hottest destinations for 2020 will help inspire your next epic holiday

Travel through time in Tarragona

UNESCO World Heritage sites, sun-drenched beaches and traditional Catalan cuisine: Tarragona has it all.

<h4>Explore more on the Mediterranean</h4>

/content/dam/po/content-fragments/en_GB/forms/email-offer-signup-form

<p>Sign up and we'll happily get you in the holiday mood with offers and ideas to help you see the world.</p>


Title* 

First name*

Last name*

Email address*

Email Offer Consent

Your dream cruise might only be an email away...

Sky view of Rome Colosseum and surroundings

Sign up to hear from us

Get to know us

https://www.pocruises.com/frequently-asked-questions

https://www.pocruises.com/request-a-brochure

Support

https://www.pocruises.com/manage-my-booking

https://www.pocruises.com/deals/promotion-terms-and-conditions

https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations

https://www.pocruises.com/new-to-cruising/whats-included

Useful links

https://www.pocruises.com/legal-and-privacy/privacy/cookies

https://www.pocruises.com/legal-and-privacy

https://www.pocruises.com/company-information

https://www.pocruises.com/legal-and-privacy/consumer-protection

https://www.pocruises.com/essential-information/safety-and-security

https://www.pocruises.com/legal-and-privacy/booking-terms-and-conditions

Footer Bottom

Stay connected

sm-Facebook

sm-Instagram

sm-Youtube

sm-Pinterest

AbtaLogo

AtolLogo

https://www.pocruises.com/account/my-details

https://www.pocruises.com/account/my-preferences

https://www.pocruises.com/login/pay-balance

https://www.pocruises.com/my-account/brochures/request-a-brochure

Avatar menu

On board

Discover cruising

Help

https://www.pocruises.com/deals/cruise-deals

https://my.pocruises.com/api-mc/mc-getCruiseSummary/v1

Holiday inspiration for the perfect summer

Canary Islands cruise holidays

Mediterranean cruise holidays

Explore Topics

Your dream cruise might only be an email away...