Exploring Italy as part of a Mediterranean cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to experience the country’s beauty. Say goodbye to airport stress, and hello to smooth sailing, comfort, and unforgettable destinations.
From the historic charm of Naples to the glamour of Portofino, the artistic vibe of Ravenna, the Tuscan gateway of Livorno, and captivating Cagliari in Sardinia, these ports offer a perfect taste of Italy, one stop at a time.
Beautiful Ports to See in Italy on a Mediterranean Cruise
Portofino
I found my love in Portofino, sang an old Italian song. Falling in love with Portofino is easy. It’s one of the most exclusive coastal resort towns in Italy. The views are as impressive as the yachts moored in its harbour. The green peninsula, where the town sits, embraces the blue water of the Mediterranean sea: making a perfect background for the pastel coloured houses that are typical of the Ligurian coast. Synonymous with la bella vita (‘the good life’), Portofino has everything you expect from Italy: glamour, gorgeous views, sea, elegant shops and top-notch restaurants.
If you’re up for some walking, there’s a coastal path that links the town to Rapallo that’s as scenic as it gets.
The port of Livorno to see Pisa and Florence
Livorno, also known as Leghorn, is the major port in Tuscany. A busy port city that’s a perfect starting point from which to visit nearby Pisa, with the famous Square of Miracles, and Florence, the ‘city of the Renaissance’, which is an hour and thirty minutes away (by bus).
But if you decide to stay and visit Livorno, you might be surprised. Though it’s not as famous or beautiful as other more famous Tuscan towns, it’s got its fair share of interesting things to see and do. There’s an old fortress, the historic neighbourhood of ‘Quartiere Venezia’ with its picturesque canals, and it’s the top place to try signature fish dishes like cacciucco. If you’re up for a truly authentic, and less ‘touristy’ experience, visit Livorno historic centre and go to the Mercato delle Vettovaglie, one of the top food markets in Tuscany.
Naples
Larger than life, Naples welcomes visitors with amazing sights, Italian flavours and a touch of crazyness. The compact historic centre is dotted with beautiful palaces, churches, monasteries, extravagant architecture that conquer the visitors. The noisy, and slightly ‘crazy’ heart of the city is the spaccanapoli neighbourhood, with its narrow streets and laundry hanging out of the windows. The Gulf of Naples is busy and beautiful, with views of the Vesuvio and the seafront castle Castel dell’Ovo.
This is a port city that involves all the senses ( from the smell of the sea, to the taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza) and an amazing destination for those who love history and art, with sights like the Archeology Museum and the wonderful Sansevero Chapel Museum.
Joining a Food Tour in Naples to explore its culinary delight is an unforgettable experience!
Nearby you have the scenic Amalfi coast and Pompei Archeological site, one of the top Unesco sites in Italy.
Ravenna
Located on the Adriatic sea, the town of Ravenna is famous for its collection of Byzantine mosaics. It was once the Capital of the Western Roman Empire, and this glorious past is reflected in its religious edifices that date back to the 5th and 6th century. Any art lover will be thrilled by the exquisite mosaics to be found in Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, San Vitale and the famous Mausoleo di Galla Placidia with its profusion of blue and gold tiles.
Book a Guided Tour of Ravenna mosaics to delve into Ravenna’s art and fascinating history
From Ravenna you can also visit Venice, the wondrous ‘City of Water’, which is two and half hours up the coast. There are many cruise itineraries that also include Venice.
Cagliari
The port city of Cagliari is the ‘capital’ of Sardinia, the second largest island in Italy. A great place to enjoy life at sea, relax at the outdoors cafès and try local specialities like spaghetti alle vongole or a plate of delicious fregola. Here you find a Roman amphitheater, ancient churches, the scenic Castello district located in the higher part of the city. In the fascinating Archeological Museum, you can learn about the history of the Island, which has traces of an ancient bronze age civilisation that built the nuraghi dotting the island.
A visit to Cagliari gives you a glimpse of another, lesser-known, side of Italy, that still retains many of its ancient traditions while being welcoming and lively.
READ ALSO:
* Top Places to See in Southern Italy
* Discover the Most Beautiful Beaches in Tuscany
Author: Sabrina Nesi, born in Florence, founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world. Thanks for reading! 🙂
