Mediterranean Beaches & Cities

Discover Southampton’s maritime history at the SeaCity Museum or see impressive works in the city’s art gallery. Jane Austen used to walk Southampton’s city walls and you can too, stopping at the Tudor House Museum along the way. Go all nostalgic over vintage cars at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu or see King Arthur’s fabled Round Table at nearby Winchester, the ancient capital of England.

The sun will shine upon you as you enter the harbor of Vigo, the largest city in Spain’s autonomous Galicia region. Start your adventure by ascending the Castro Fortress — you can take in views of the city and the lushly forested mountains around it from these granite-walled 17th-century fortifications. Then, learn up about the region at one of Vigo’s excellent museums: Museo do Mar Galicia features exhibits on the local oceanography and ecosystems, while the Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a changing lineup of participatory workshops and installations by innovative artists working today. Later, stretch your legs on the GR-53, a 25-mile path along the coastline and low mountain peaks around the city, or relax by the blue waters of Cies Beach.

Lisbon is a quintessential European city, full of natural beauty, historic architecture and culinary pleasures — not to mention one of the best climates anywhere on the planet. To get to know Portugal’s capital, walk between the captivating miradouros — terrace viewpoints that are scattered on the hilltops, offering stunning vistas from the sea to the castles and beyond. Watch as the light peeks through the clouds and shines down on The City of Seven Hills during your cruise to Lisbon. If you’re a history buff, head to Belem or nearby Sintra to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Jeronimos Monastery and Quinta da Regalaira.

Ibiza is a legend among those who enjoy electronic music and mega-nightclubs. But this tiny speck off the coast of Valencia, Spain, has its fair share of natural beauty, local culture and delicious cuisine to delight visitors beyond party season and the neon walls of its clubs. Find Ibiza’s mellower side in the old town of Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — see the medieval fortress and castle of Castell de Eivissa, and behold the simple Gothic beauty of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows. Jump onboard an Ibiza cruise to head to the white-washed villages of Santa Gertrudis and Santa Agnes to saunter through canopied squares full of quiet cafes and artists’ galleries.

The Spanish island of Mallorca offers towering mountains and dramatic cliffs rising over clear, blue water – but its hidden gem is Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital and largest city, where you’ll find quaint historic streets, Gothic castles and gastronomic delights. Cruise to Palma de Mallorca and check out one-of-a-kind Palma Cathedral: The 14th-century Gothic spires of exterior contrast the modernist interior designed by in the early 1900s by Gaudi. See the circular courtyard and Arab-inspired arches of Castell de Bellver, and take in the fresh scent of the miles of pine forest that surround it. Or hire bikes and pedal east to Palma Beach, where you can soak in the sun on the white sands and clear waves.

It’s easy to see why Barcelona is the most-visited city in Spain. As the capital of the country’s Catalonia region, this cityscape’s cultural mosaic pieces together a 2,000-year-old hodge-podge of sun-drenched beaches, cutting edge architecture and a world-renowned dining and drinking scene. Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi left his modernist handprint all over the city, while medieval treasures linger in historic Gothic Quarter squares. Get lost in the whimsical gardens of Park Guell or savour a chef-led Catalan cooking class. Browse art collections dedicated to Picasso and Miro – or ride a cable car to the top of Montjuic Hill, relishing citywide views along the way.

Spain’s third largest city, Valencia offers a little bit of everything, from historic sites and bustling city squares to placid beaches. Soak up the sun at Malvarrosa Beach along the urban seafront, or head to El Saler for a more remote beach experience surrounded by white-sand dunes and pine trees. Cruise to Valencia and get your culture fix at Gothic Valencia Cathedral, and see the 15th-century renaissance paintings housed in its interior. Head to Plaza de la Reina in the city’s old town and do some people-watching over a fresh glass of horchata, a classic Valencia beverage made from almond milk with cinnamon and spices, or take a picnic lunch of fresh pears and local cheese to the quiet Turia Gardens.

More than 3,000 years ago, Cadiz is a lively port city with intriguing North-African ambiance and an Old Town of 18th-century architecture. It is also a gateway to the fascinating region of Andalusia, including its capital, Seville.

Discover Southampton’s maritime history at the SeaCity Museum or see impressive works in the city’s art gallery. Jane Austen used to walk Southampton’s city walls and you can too, stopping at the Tudor House Museum along the way. Go all nostalgic over vintage cars at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu or see King Arthur’s fabled Round Table at nearby Winchester, the ancient capital of England.