What would you recommend near a port that most people will miss.

[dolittle]

I have two ,I will start with the U.S. in port Canaveral in Fla. a short drive away is Canaveral National Seashore the biggest stretch of natural beach and thousands of acers of wildlife . It is mostly locals, and few tourists find it but it is  worth the trouble to find it . Even on busy day if you are up for a walk on the beach you can have an amazing Atlantic ocean beach all to yourself.                                                                                                                                                                                   My second one in Europe the port in Naples which has so many great excursions there is an easy walk from the ship to Toledo street again few tourist make to this very real and very Naples experience .                                                                                                                                                                                                        What are your best spots that many are missing.

[Szt]

If you want some great ideas for the hidden gems, check out Rick Steves shows on PBS or video or , if you are old school, his books. He focuses mostly on Europe. But he now has a series specifically for cruising. Just be advised, he is much more fit than he looks and most people over 60 would find it hard to do a lot of what he recommends. 

[bbwex]

In Port Canaveral my suggestion would be the tour of the Kennedy Space Center.  It is always unforgettable.

 

In Naples, we actually took a tour down to Positano which we really enjoyed.  Some interesting sites to look at along the way as well.

[Sea42]

20 hours ago, Szt said:

If you want some great ideas for the hidden gems, check out Rick Steves shows on PBS or video or , if you are old school, his books. He focuses mostly on Europe. But he now has a series specifically for cruising. Just be advised, he is much more fit than he looks and most people over 60 would find it hard to do a lot of what he recommends. 

I would disagree! Anything that Rick Steves recommends becomes over run with tourist very quickly.

[Szt]

8 minutes ago, Sea42 said:

I would disagree! Anything that Rick Steves recommends becomes over run with tourist very quickly.

Very true

[shipgeeks]

Naples, just walking anywhere is so magical.  But our favorites are the chapel with The Veiled Christ (thank you, Rick Steves), and the Galleria, closer to the port.  We've never had the desire to go out of town.

[George C]

We love Naples so many things in the area including the best pizza in the world , would love to tour Pompeii again and Capri .

[dolittle]

8 hours ago, George C said:

We love Naples so many things in the area including the best pizza in the world , would love to tour Pompeii again and Capri .

We love love Naples too ,so many great side trips.

[Tapi]

- Valletta, Malta: Most cruisers will explore Valletta, but just a few minutes down the street from the cruise terminal, there’s a water taxi that takes you across the water to the three cities of Cospicua, Senglea, and Vitoriossa. We rented a golf cart and criss crossed the area. Absolutely stunning architecture and narrow streets, and wonderful views of Valletta and our cruise ship from that side. Super easy to do and not crowded since most cruisers don’t venture to that side. 
 

- Sitka, Alaska:  Instead of walking into town, go right and follow the path to the Sitka National Forest. It’s a fairly short walk, and the hike through the forest is not strenuous, but beautiful. You’ll see totem poles at the entrance to the forest. Best part? It’s all FREE! Once you reach the other side, you can visit the Raptor Center where you can see rescued bald eagles up close. 
 

- St. Martin / Sint Maarten: Not necessarily super close to the port, but still worth it. Most cruisers visiting this port will stay in the more touristy Dutch side, but we opted to take a quick taxi to the French side and go to the capital of Marigot. Once there, there’s a path that takes you up the hill to Fort St. Louis. It’s mostly in ruins, but you’re reward with breathtaking, postcard perfect views of Marigot bay. Once back in town, there are tons of little cafés and shops with a definite French flair. A much more laid back and less crowded way to experience this island. 

Edited September 23, 2023 by Tapi

[Sea42]

Lokrum Island, just a very short ferry ride from Dubrovnik was a favorite of ours. But, we have not visited since Game of Thrones was filmed there. That could have changed the experience.

It had been a nice place for a swim and a walk, leaving behind the chaos that Dubrovnik is on ship days.

[Hlitner]

18 hours ago, dolittle said:

We love love Naples too ,so many great side trips.

A bit off topic, but when it comes to Naples there are many DIY options not known to many cruisers.  From the same nearby ferry port (Molo Beverllo) where folks catch the fast ferries to Capri, you can also catch a fast ferry to Ischia or Procida.  And thanks to a suggestion by EuroCruiser, we enjoyed taking a train to Caserta (some very interesting WWII history) with its wonderful Royal Palace that has one of the best Italian gardens we have ever seen.  And a bonus to Caserta is that the town also has what some experts claim is the best pizza on earth (Magnani Pizzeria).

 

Hank