The Mediterranean typically offers splendid, sun-drenched summers; but if you fancy a little less heat, spring and autumn are also wonderful times to visit and explore. You can enjoy a Mediterranean cruise with us from April through to October.

The countries of the Med span several different time zones. On a Med holiday with us you’re likely to spend your days in the following time zones:

Central European Time (CET) and one hour ahead of the UK: France, Monaco, Spain, Gibraltar, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro and Malta

2 hours ahead of the UK: Greece and Turkey

Spring

Springtime is a wonderful season to explore the Med. The temperature is likely to be comfortably warm, with bright days and clear skies. As it isn’t the high season there’ll be less visitors, so easier to soak up the glorious sights.

Summer

The Med, quite simply, is made for the summer. Long, hot days ideal for beach basking and al fresco eating. Sea conditions during this time are the smoothest too.

Autumn

The weather begins to cool down, and there is a greater chance of rain. Much like the springtime it’ll be quieter than in the summer months, ideal for discovering the region’s rich history, art and culture.   

Winter

Generally temperatures will be a lot colder, however some places like Malta can experience temperature highs of 21℃. 

Euros: Spain, France, Monaco, Montenegro, Italy, Malta, Greece

Gibraltar Pound (and Euros often accepted unofficially): Gibraltar

Kuna: Croatia  

Lira: Turkey

The Mediterranean Sea spans twenty sovereign countries in Southern Europe, the Levant and North Africa regions, in addition to two island nations located in it (Malta and Cyprus). On a P&O Cruises Mediterranean cruise holiday you can sail to countries including; Spain, Gibraltar, France, Monaco, Montenegro, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Malta and Turkey.

If you fancy learning a bit of the local lingo before your Med holiday, here are the countries you may visit and the languages spoken:

Croatia: Croatian

France: French

Gibraltar: The official language is English, but most also speak Spanish

Greece: Greek

Italy: Italian

Malta: Maltese and English

Monaco: French is the official language, but many of the population also speak Italian

Montenegro: Montenegrin

Spain: Spanish is the most widely spoken official language, but some regions also speak: Catalan, Galician, Basque and Occitan

Turkey: Turkish

With us, you can enjoy a relaxing holiday of 7-19 nights to the Med. So how long do you fancy? 

Yes, with us you can feel the sun on your back that much sooner on a Mediterranean fly-cruise. You’ll fly into/from Valletta, Malta where you’ll board your ship for your holiday around the Med. Find out more about Mediterranean Fly-cruises.

The Mediterranean is famed for its agreeable climate, come-hither coastlines and delicious cuisines; not to mention its world-renowned art and architecture. A Mediterranean cruise holiday offers something special to discover at every port.  

One day you could be wandering between the superyachts and chic bars of the Riviera. The next perhaps you’re strolling through time in an ancient city. Just 24 hours later, you could be lazing on a pristine beach. On a Mediterranean cruise holiday to the Med you’ve a chance to experience it all.

The Mediterranean is awash with wonderful things to see and do. Here’s a suggestion of what you might enjoy: in Athens marvel at the greatest of all archaeological sites, the Acropolis and Parthenon; taste the most authentic pizza of your life in Napoli; and kayak the sparkling waters of the Adriatic. There’s a myriad of magical experiences waiting for you in the Med.  

During the daytime in the summer months, you can pack as you would if you were home: t-shirts, short, dresses, sunhats, sunglasses, flip-flops and water shoes.

During the cooler months, light layers and a light jacket would be a sensible addition. As the Med is a sight-seeing hotspot, a comfy pair of walking shoes is recommended too.

Depending on the dress code on board, you have two choices of what to pack for the evenings. Nights where the dress code is Evening Casual, you can pack your best shirts, dresses and smart, dark denim. For nights where the dress code is Black Tie, make sure to pack your best tux, suit or cocktail dress.

There are some venues on each ship where dress codes don’t apply, so make sure to check your Horizon paper that’s delivered to your cabin each day to check where these are, as they vary ship by ship. For those travelling on family-friendly ships, dress codes also don’t apply to children aged 17 and under.    

The Mediterranean diet is known the world over for its health benefits, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring - in fact it’s both nutritious and delicious. The temperate climate yields tasty fresh produce, such as sun-ripened tomatoes, juicy olives, sweet peppers, eat-me-now grapes (and drink-me-now wines!). Not to mention the freshest seafood dishes. On your Med travels follow your nose and savour such delights as authentic Valencian paella; on the French Riviera a light and satisfying salade niçoise can hit the spot; and in Italy perhaps you’ll try the Campanian coastal favourite, spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams). The food of the Med is oh-so moreish. 

Visas aren’t required for Mediterranean holidays with us on stays shorter than 90 days. However you’ll need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay. Further official travel advice can be found on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice