The Mediterranean is Europe’s premier cruising region, but ships rarely cover the entire sea in a weeklong trip. That means you have to choose between Western Mediterranean cruises with dreamy itineraries to Spain, Italy and France and Eastern Mediterranean cruises to the sun-drenched Greek islands and Turkey or Croatia.
The itineraries have many similarities, and both take you to some of the most amazing sites in the ancient world. But only you can decide whether you want to travel back in time to history at the Colosseum or learn about ancient Greece at the spectacular Parthenon in Athens.
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Across the Mediterranean, culture lovers will find themselves in a wonderland of options. Visit world-class museums or indulge in some of the best shopping (Gucci! Turkish rugs!). The entire region is packed with delicious food, whether you’re craving snails, paella or moussaka.
Take a deeper look at the specific differences between Western Mediterranean and Eastern Mediterranean cruises to decide which one to go first.
Tour itinerary
Mediterranean cruise itineraries vary in length, but ports are close enough that you can spend a week at a time.
In the western Mediterranean you can go to Spain, France and Italy on a week-long cruise between Barcelona and Civitavecchia, Italy (Rome’s port), or on a round-trip from either Barcelona or Rome—all are popular routes. Large-ship itineraries may feature a different port each day. Smaller ships may focus on a specific area, such as the legendary coasts of Italy and France, with an overnight in Monte Carlo, Monaco, so you can pretend you’re James Bond at the Grand Casino.
Longer 10- and 12-day itineraries will give you time to relax at sea and can include more overnight port calls, giving you time to explore the local nightlife.
All major cruise lines sail the Western Mediterranean, sometimes launching new ships on the route even before they reach the Caribbean.
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Eastern Mediterranean cruises of a week or longer depart from ports such as Piraeus, Greece (to Athens); Istanbul; and Venice, Italy (or nearby Italian ports). A week-long itinerary from Athens can focus entirely on the Greek islands or combine the Greek islands with a visit to Kusadasi, Turkey, gateway to the amazing ancient site of Ephesus, where Mark Antony and Cleopatra may have walked through the still-intact marble streets.
A week-long cruise in the Eastern Mediterranean from a port near Venice might combine Greek With ports of call in Croatia like Dubrovnik, this walled city was famous even before it became the setting for the fictional King’s Landing in HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”
Luxury small ships and sailing yachts explore the Greek islands, combining popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos with hidden gems. Longer Eastern Mediterranean itineraries can include mainland Greece and sail as far as Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt and Israel.
Both Eastern and Western Mediterranean cruises are most popular in the summer, especially with family crowds. Bargain hunters should look for deals in early spring and late fall. Fares are especially cheap in winter, when routes are limited but European lines like Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises operating in the Western Mediterranean with significantly reduced fares.
Related: The Best Mediterranean Cruises You Can Book Right Now
Port of call
Here are some ports of call to help you decide whether the Eastern or Western Mediterranean route is best for you.
On a Western Mediterranean cruise, you’ll likely visit Rome, the Eternal City, with sites like the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, the ancient Colosseum and the Forum. Another popular port of call is Barcelona, where you can see the amazing modern architecture of Antoni Gaudí, including his still-unfinished cathedral, and visit the Picasso Museum to see the artist’s early works.
Other ports of call in the Western Mediterranean in Italy include Naples, the birthplace of pizza. From Naples, you can venture to the ancient city of Pompeii or follow in the footsteps of the rich and famous to the island of Capri. From Livorno, you have a number of destination options. Head to Florence, home to Renaissance treasures like Michelangelo’s “David,” or visit nearby sites like the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the stunning Tuscan countryside.
In France, you can visit Marseilles, the gateway to Provence, with its vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields. Or you can stop along the French Riviera, where the stunning coastline has inspired artists, or moored among the superyachts in Monaco.
Related: Mediterranean Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Planning Tips, and Things to Do
Eastern Mediterranean itineraries are more varied. You’ll likely explore Greece, with its breathtaking coastline and islands, none more dramatic than Santorini, where you sail into a submerged caldera and see whitewashed villages clinging to hillsides 1,000 feet above sea level. Other highlights include Mykonos, with its colorful houses and beaches, and other Greek islands that look like they’re straight out of “Mamma Mia!”
In Athens, you’ll see the hilltop Acropolis with its magnificent columned Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, and stop by the modern Acropolis Museum, home to spectacular ancient treasures. Also on mainland Greece, you can stop in Katakolon, a small fishing village (with a long, beautiful beach) that was the gateway to ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
Some itineraries combine Greece and Croatia, calling at Dubrovnik and sometimes other towns on the crystal clear Adriatic Sea.
If your itinerary includes Türkiye, you can cross the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul off your to-do list. From Kusadasi, you can tour the ancient ruins of Ephesus and visit sites associated with the Virgin Mary.
Related: The Best Mediterranean Travel Tips to Enhance Your European Vacation
Shore excursions and activities
No matter which Mediterranean itinerary you choose, you should budget for tours and activities. Coastal excursions on both routes will take you to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
At the ancient Greek and Roman sites on both itineraries, expert guides can help you understand the history and take you to the main attractions (while skipping the less important ones). You’ll appreciate their guidance, especially in the summer when you can be sightseeing in hot, crowded conditions.
At museums, especially in the Western Mediterranean, taking a tour will help you skip the lines. You’ll find this useful at popular sites like the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum.
In both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, major attractions may not be located near ports — meaning you’ll have trouble finding transportation if you’re exploring on your own. Civitavecchia is about 45 miles from Rome; Piraeus is easier, just 6 miles from Athens.
Related: The Best Mediterranean Coast Cruises
If you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer, look for “Do-It-Yourself” tour opportunities, which essentially provide transportation and a few hours for you to do everything yourself before returning to a drop-off point. Rome is a great place for this.
You’ll find tour options that focus specifically on food, wine, and art; the Western Mediterranean has an edge over the Eastern Mediterranean in this area. In the Eastern Mediterranean, you’ll find more options for beach trips if you need a break from sightseeing.
Wherever you are in the region, try to spend time in towns and cities, strolling around and enjoying outdoor cafes where you can sample local cuisine, people-watch and soak up the culture. Chatting with friendly locals over mezes on a Greek island, tapas in a Spanish city or a perfect bowl of pasta in an Italian town can be the highlight of your trip.
Related: Shore Excursions: What New Travelers Need to Know
Last line
The entire journey to the Eastern and Western Mediterranean is fascinating, from the moment you admire the stunning coastal views to the moment you are amazed by the sights you only dream of witnessing.
For a focus on ancient sites, along with options for beach time, choose the Eastern Mediterranean. If you want to go high culture with history, choose the Western Mediterranean.
When it comes to choosing between the Western Mediterranean or the Eastern Mediterranean for your next cruise, you can’t go wrong with either choice.
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