Spain Cruise Holiday Highlights
Spanish destinations have a unique cityscape, where past and present play out in a lively mix of architecture and anything-but-everyday life. Walk on golden sands, take a cultural journey through the ages, set your pulse racing in rolling countryside and listen to the heartfelt sounds of local musicians. From proud local traditions to gastronomic delights.
Nestled in the spectacular Costa Brava coastline, Alicante boasts year-round sunshine, some lovely beaches, a charming Old Town and an elegant waterfront promenade. The cosmopolitan Catalonian capital has much to offer, day and night. Stroll up the famous Las Ramblas, sample some world-leading cuisine or soak up the sun on one of the many city beaches. Much more than just a gateway to the Costa del Sol, this ancient city of Malaga has reinvented itself as a cultural and gastronomic gem, thanks to a sparkling new waterfront area, a thriving art scene, and some fantastic bars and restaurants. Valencia, Spain’s third city, is a wonderful blend of historic and modern architecture, from the Gothic buildings of the old city to the stunning contemporary City of Arts and Sciences. And there’s no shortage of culture and cuisine on offer, too.
Reasons to visit Spain on a cruise holiday
Architecture & design
Awe-inspiring architecture peppers each port of call, but special mentions go to Barcelona, Valencia and the dynamic Andalusian duo of Cadiz and Seville. In Barcelona, the open-air Spanish Village houses 117 full-scale buildings that capture the essence of the country’s architecture, but it’s the whimsical work of architect Antoni Gaudí that famously adorns the city’s streets.
Action & adventure
Alicante is a springboard for an action-packed visit to the Costa Blanca. Rolling landscape of lush pine forests and fragrant citrus, almond and olive groves stretching out before you. Two wheels is one of the best ways to experience the countryside. Vigo offers up more action, with Galicia’s longest river, the Miño, providing plenty of white water to satisfy an appetite for adventure. Back in town, hop on a Segway to whizz along the waterfront promenade before getting your heart going exploring the hilly old quarter.
Beaches
You’ll never be far away from a stunning stretch of sand, and the Costa del Sol triumphs when it comes to resort beaches. Easily reached from Malaga, Benalmádena has almost 10km of beaches to choose from, ranging from quiet coves to lively areas packed with activities. For an off-the-beaten-track experience, look to Vigo. At one time a paradise for pirates, today the Cíes Islands are a serene national park with idyllic stretches of soft, powdery sand.
Explore Spain on a Mediterranean Cruise Holiday
When choosing a holiday destination, it can be difficult to decide between a cultural city escape or a relaxing beach break. But who says it has to be one or the other? Many cities in the Med boast beautiful beaches that offer a retreat from the bustling urban life that lies just beyond the sand.
As Spain’s second-largest city, Barcelona is a cultural wonderland of fantastic food and eye-popping architecture. But its prime position on the Catalonian coast means it’s also blessed with a wealth of stunning beaches. Barceloneta is probably the best known of the bunch. Located near the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, it’s a great choice if you want a true urban beach experience – buzzy and boisterous. For something a little quieter, head just a little further north to Nova Icària beach, where you’ll find more tranquil stretches of sand. The beach was created for the 1992 Olympic Games, and today it’s a popular choice for families.
