The Most Underrated Port Towns for a European Cruise
Europe in summer is one example, where half the world can be seen clogging the streets of Paris, Venice or Rome and the shores of Puglia and Santorini. These destinations buckle under the weight of over-tourism each year.
Moreover, most of them just stay for a few hours, especially in the downtown area, thereby generating a feeling of collapse.
As masses descend on these over-popular cruise destinations, it is imperative to seek out itineraries that feature some of the lesser-known hidden ports that many cruise ships eschew on a European cruise.
These are the sort of places where you could step off from the ship, hire a bike and see the local attractions at your own pace before heading back to your stateroom and settling down by the pool with your favorite drink in hand.
When you look into European cruises, it is easy to focus on famous headline ports, yet some of the most memorable moments at sea come from arriving somewhere unexpected.
These lesser known underrated coastal towns and working harbor cities highlighted below will provide you a unique way to explore Europe, a way rooted in everyday culture, rather than in mass tourism.
Also, arriving by sea often enhances the overall cruise experience because these destinations when approached by water allows you to step into life directly rather than in a tourist zone, by opening routes that prioritize character above spectacle.
Hvar, Croatia
Overshadowed by the grand port of Dubrovnik, Hvar may not get the recognition it deserves, but this island in Croatia is often dubbed the sunniest place in the country with over 8 hours of sunshine each day.
An ancient hilltop fortress dating back to 500 BC that was built on the site of an Illyrian settlement towers over the azure blue waters of Hvar and the surrounding islands.
One can visit the splendid adjacent 15-th century Franciscan monastery or sunbathe on any of the pristine beaches that abound in Hvar-and the water is also very inviting.
Porto, Portugal
Nestled along the Douro River and famed for its port wine production, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Porto is also known for its stately bridges and narrow cobbled streets that never fails to charm a visitor to this beautiful riverside city.
Though most cruise guests opt for the crumbling buildings of Lisbon in favour of cool city beaches and a thriving art scene which should put Porto on top of a holiday maker’s list seeking to explore some of the hidden gems of Europe.
From the incredible tile-lined Sao Bento railway station to indulging in the Francesinha, the city’s iconic dish, to the iconic Dom Louis bridge across the Douro river there is much more in Porto which can be enjoyed with a glass of Port wine.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, on the tip of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico, has since long been considered as a popular getaway for the high and mighty and though its reputation shows no signs of letting up, beneath the glossy veered are some lesser-known places, pleading to be discovered.
This beautiful place for beautiful people is home to some of the world’s best diving spots, that offer a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure, not to forget the nature here that is truly mesmerising.
Cabo’s weather-hewn rock formations rise like a phoenix from the opal waters, while whales and sea lions can be seen in their natural habitat in the Cabo Pulmo Marine Reserve, which is also home to a thriving marine life including manta rays, loggerhead turtles and tropical fish.
Stavanger, Norway
This hidden coastal gem is the ideal destination for cruisers looking for an authentic Norwegian experience. Not only is the hospitality unmatched in the idyllic city of Stavanger, the place is a haven for adventure seekers and culture lovers alike.
Visitors have the option to stroll through the cobbled streets of Old Stavanger with its quaint wooden houses and village street lamps and the stunning Stavanger Cathedral, famous for its brilliant Gothic architecture.
If you have more time, venture further afield to Lysefjord to experience the beauty of the Preikestolen, Norway’s iconic natural wonder. It’s best to hike to the top to enjoy surreal views of the fjord below whilst gawking at the Northern Lights.
Kotor, Montenegro
Set on the Adriatic Sea, this often-forgotten destination if Kotor, is said to be one of the most picturesque places of Europe, but still doesn’t get the credit that it richly deserves.
The rugged mountains, crystal clear waters and the terracotta-roofed houses showcase Kotor as a true gem of Montenegro that aptly blends natural splendour with rich history, encircled by old city walls and below towering mountains.
This UNESCO World Heritage site beckons cruise visitors with its breathtaking medieval architecture, charming cobblestone streets and maritime heritage dating back to centuries. Between the Romanesque churches and the imposing Tryphon’s Cathedral is a town buzzing with cosy cafés and cool bars.
Opatija, Croatia
Nicknamed “Vienna by the sea”, Opatija in Croatia is famed the world over for its Belle Epoque architecture and is one destination to be added to the wish-list of an avid cruiser looking to explore overlooked cities in favour of popular places like Split and Dubrovnik.
Once a retreat for the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy in the 19-th century, the island located in the Kvarner Bay, under Mount Luca, is just 15 minutes from Rijeka, home to an international airport and a great base for cruise travel.
Proyected by mountains, Opatija enjoys a very mild Mediterranean climate, not as brutally hot as Punta Cana or Split.The 12km long promenade connects Opatija with Lovran, home to a plethora of wellness spas and cafés.
One pitfall to look out for that most seasoned travelers will tell you is to when choosing an itinerary jump online and open Google Maps to check for distances. The port and the city centre may be miles apart and commuting to and fro may take up the major part of your day.
