Favorite Spanish, French, or Italian Riviera ports of call anyone?

Hello. I am trying to find a 7-10 day cruise itinerary with the most interesting ports along the Spanish, French, and Italian Riviera, perhaps some that might be accessible by smaller ships. We've been to Monaco, Nice, Portofino, Genoa, Capri, Sorrento, Positano. I think I would like to see Mallorca, but I don't know much about all the other ports in this area. Any favorites or musts would be appreciated! Thanks.

You'll need very strong binoculars to see the Rivieras from Mallorca, they're over 500nm away.;)

You'll not likely find small cruise ports that far west. And Palma, and Palma Mallorca isn't anything like a small intimate port.

If those you list are your scene, consider the Greek Isles - Mykonos, Santorini, etc.

JB :)

We did an itinerary starting and ending in Venice which went to Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Athens, Santorini, and Olympia. All were so beautiful and so much history to see! We spent overnight in Dubrovnik (on the ship). We did a combination of ship organized tours and private tours and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the trip.

We are doing a back to back cruise on Wind Star cruise line in September 2018 leaving from Lisbon. The first cruise is from Lisbon to Barcelona with stops in Tangier, Malaga, Almeria/Granada, Cartengena, Ibiza and Tarragona. The second cruise departs Barcelona and goes to Rome with stops in Port Vendres, Sanary-Sur-Mer, Monte Carlo, Cannes, Portofino, and Portoferraio. We are actually continuing on from Rome aroun Silcily and back to Rome. We will be on the Wind Surf which holds about 300 passengers. We have cruised on Wind Surf and the smaller Wind Spirit and LOVE the small cruise ship and will not go back to the large ships. They do many things so right and the crew is fantastic!

My favourite cruise ports in Spain are Barcelona, Alicante and Malaga.

https://cruiseports.ca/spain/

My favourite cruise ports in Spain are Barcelona, Alicante and Malaga.

 

https://cruiseports.ca/spain/

When I first read the post these are the exact three that came to mind.

My favourite cruise ports in Spain are Barcelona, Alicante and Malaga.

 

https://cruiseports.ca/spain/

We will be in all 3 this week as we board the Spirit in Malaga on the 21st

My favourite cruise ports in Spain are Barcelona, Alicante and Malaga.

 

https://cruiseports.ca/spain/

Since Malaga is one of your favorite ports, what would you recommend doing there?

Mary Lou

Alicante is one of our favorites

We booked NCL Spirit cruise billed as The Rivieras from Rome. Hopefully, a good selection of ports; most are new to us. Not in order of date , CannesLe Havre, Livorno (Florence / Pisa), Civitavecchia (Rome), Lisbon, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cadiz, Cartagena, Malaga (Granada), Palma de Mallorca

Since Malaga is one of your favorite ports, what would you recommend doing there?

Hope this helps Fishcreek. P.S. Many of Malagas attractions have reduced admission rates for pensioners so, if you are eligible, take some form of ID showing your DOB.

MALAGA PORT TO CITY CENTRE

It is a 1.5 km walk from the cruise terminal to the port gates so a shuttle service is provided at a return fare of 5 Euros per person If you feel energetic and want to walk through the port you will pass the recently built 'Muelle Uno' ('Pier One') bar. restaurant and shops development that is a good place to break your journey. When you get to the port gates go straight across 2 roads (the second is Malagas main artery the Avenida Alameda Principal) and you will be in the heart of the old city.

SHOPPING

Malaga is a great place for a bit of retail therapy - the main shopping street is the pedestrianized Calle Larios. As well as all the well known international stores, and the big Spanish department store El Corte Ingles, the city is home to many artisan shops many of which specialise in local food produce, hand crafted Silverware and Flamenco clothing.

ARAB BATHS

Missed by most visitors to Malaga the Arab baths are a great place to unwind and be massaged by experts using centuries old techniques. www.malaga.hammanalandalus.com/es

MARKET

The Ataranzas indoor market, situated one road back from the Avenida Alameda Principal, is a fascinating mix of stalls selling local food produce - the display of fish, meat and fruit/vegetables is amazing. Recently refurbished, decoration of the markets rear wall revealed a spectacular stained glass window that is now a very attractive feature. The market also has several Tapas Bars where you can sample local Sea Food/Fish, Cheeses, Cooked Meats and Wines. The market is a great place to buy Herbs to take home and the delicious local Malaga Almonds should definitely be sampled. http://www.andalucia.com/cities/mala...zas-market.htm

GIBRALFARO CASTLE, ALCAZABA + ROMAN THEATRE

Gibralfaro - Bus 35 from the Parque del Mar (park opposite the port) will take you right up the hill to the Gibralfaro Castle entrance.

http://www.malagaturismo.com/…...-gibralfaro/12 Soaring over the city, the 14th century castle was built to defend the citadel and provides spectacular views over Malaga bay and over the Bullring. After visiting the Castle walk back down the hill for less than 5 minutes and you will come to the entrance of the Parador Hotel - a really lovely place to stop for a Coffee break; you can get the bus back into the city centre from outside the Parador gates.

Alcazaba - Situated below the Gibralfaro Castle is the Alcazaba, a fascinating Moorish Citadel with many features similar to those found at the Alhambra in Granada (but without the crowds!). You can buy a reduced price joint entrance ticket for both Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba. http://www.malagaturismo.com/…...ail/alcazaba/6

Roman Theatre Ruins and Dig - Situated at the base of the Alcazaba, visitors are now allowed to walk through the ongoing archaeological Dig to get a closer look at the ruins; no entrance charge.

CATHEDRAL

A truly spectacular building known as the One Armed Lady as only one tower was built - probably due to lack of funds but legend has it that money for the second tower was sent to rebel US forces to help them in their battle against the Brits in the War of Independence. Next to the Cathedral is the Bishops Palace Square which is a great place to sit and people watch. http://www.malagaturismo.com/…...l/catedral/132

MUSEUMS

Malaga is home to far too many museums to list them all but these are my particular favourites:-

Picasso Museum - a great selection of paintings by Malagas most famous son plus family photos and personal items. The museum also has a second gallery with changing exhibitions such as the Dennis Hopper collection www.museopicassomalaga.org/en

Carmen Thyssen Museum - art gallery www.carmenthyssenmalaga.org/en

Glass and Crystal Museum - a personal collection of exquisite crystalware www.museovidrioycristalmalaga.com

Motor Museum - one of the best motor museums that will fascinate car lovers of all ages www.museoautomovilmalaga.com

TAPAS BARS

Malaga is a Foodies paradise. You are spoiled for choice of high class restaurants but, for us, Tapas is the only way to go. Definitely try the local speciality 'Fritura Malaguena' which is a delicious mix of deep fried small fish. Just follow locals into a bar and you won't go far wrong; to get a good feel of the citys bar culture and atmosphere people visiting for the first time may enjoy:

El Pimpi - Accessed down a ginnel off Calle Granada or from immediately opposite the Roman Amphitheatre ruins, El Pimpi is one of the best known bars in Malaga where you can sample local Wines, Hams, Cheeses etc. www.elpimpi.com/en

Bodega Antigua Casa de Guardia - this bar can be accessed either off the main street Avenida Alameda Principal or from opposite the Indoor Market. A Malaga institution (gets packed at lunchtime so visit around noon) it is rumoured to be the oldest bar in the city and was once the prison house. Numerous casks house all varieties of the famous Malaga Wines (fortified wines similar to Sherry) plus wines from other parts of Spain. As you select each glass your running total is chalked up in front of you on the old wooden bar. Good seafood Tapas served too. www.casadeguardia.com

Cafeteria Axarquia - A basic café just up from the Casa Antigua de Guardia on the Avenida Alameda Principal. Don't be put off by appearances, the Tapas and Seafood here are excellent (quality and price).

Bar El Jardin - Situated at the rear of the Cathedral (on the left hand side if you face the Cathedral), this is an Art Deco bar/restaurant that serves great Tapas (best Tortilla anywhere IMO). Although slightly dearer than other Tapas Bars, the decor and food make it a place that we never miss when visiting Malaga. www.eljardinmalaga.com

Port Bar - If you don't want to walk into the city centre there is a bar in the main port/ferry building (opposite the entrance to the port) that is a popular watering hold for local workers - not the most elegant of bars but they offer a good choice of Tapas. This place is a lot cheaper than the bars you will find in the Muelle Uno development within the port grounds.

CHURROS

Churros are deep fried Donut-like fingers served with very thick Hot Chocolate or Coffee (dunking is compulsory lol!) can be found in many of Malagas traditional bars but Casa Aranda is a Churros institution visited by people from all over the world. www.casa-aranda.net

BEACHES

If walking around a city isn't your thing, Malaga has several beaches close to the city centre. The best known is La Malagueta Beach about 5 minutes walk from the port entrance - the beach is especially popular with locals and is fringed with some good Chiringuitos (beach bar/restaurants)..

HOHO BUS

The sightseeing tour bus stops immediately outside the port gates and takes you all around the city including a trip up to Gibralfaro Castle. http://www.malagatours.net/…/H...-Tour-i…

My favourite Western Med ports have been Naples, Palma, Cannes, Valetta, Ajaccio and Cagliari - all ports that don't need shuttles to get to places of interest.

Antibes, Ajaccio, Menorca, Ibiza all worthwhile

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We just did Azamara in October......small ships, so they get right into ports, and spend way more time. Did French Riviera, Italian Riviera and Barcelona leaving from Rome.....and we started in Venice for 4 days

Italy: Venice, Taormina, Sorrento

Spain: Malaga!!!!, Cadiz/Seville

France: Ile de Porquerolles (though not sure if small cruise ships still stop here)

You didn't mention Portugal, our favorite European country and people: Porto, Lisbon, Portimao

Cadiz is a nice city (somewhat similar to Malaga), and of course, a trip to Seville is worthwhile as long as you don't mind taking a train, bus or excursion there. It just feels different from the other places in Spain I've been.

I liked Malaga a lot too. Barcelona is always fun. Granada or Motril for the amazing Alhambra is worthwhile, but I'd probably put that farther down on any list, as the Alhambra is not very close to a port.

If you like modern architecture, Valencia is worthwhile.

If you do go to Palma, I would go out of the city and into the country. Malta was fun. I went out into the country there, too, as Valetta was a bit overcrowded for my taste. Loved Portofino, but you've been there.

I absolutely loved Lisbon, but it's a little off the path you mentioned! I also loved the Canary Islands, but ditto for those! So many places to choose, so little time!