Parga, Greece, was one of several new small ports we visited on our Mediterranean cruise on Seabourn Encore. These beach towns are so sunny and inviting, we quickly envisioned ourselves returning for longer visits.
By John Roberts
We sailed from Athens and ended in Venice -- with a stop at Dubrovnik in between.
These three big cruise ports are popular on many itineraries when sailing in the Mediterranean, and they rank among our favorites for several reasons. These destinations are packed with tons of activities and chances to explore art and culture, as well as see compelling and historically important sights.
But our cruise on Seabourn Encore also included five charming smaller ports that gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy our days in different ways.
Here are five cruise ports you might not have heard about and will love visiting on a Mediterranean cruise.
Gythion -- This stop in Greece brings us to Sparta and the UNESCO World Heritage castle village of Mystras. Now, modern Sparta is home to 16,000 people and not quite as dramatic as the idea of Sparta you might have from the movie "300."
It's a bustling and gritty looking town in the foothills of Mount Taygetus in the Laconia region, and we made just a quick stop there for a photo op with a statue of King Leonidas. This 1960s monument pays homage to legend of the king who led the Spartans vs. Persians at the Battle of Thermopylae against overwhelming odds.
From Sparta, we headed up the mountain to reach Mystras, a town that dates to the mid-13th century and was an important part of the Byzantine Empire. It was built as an amphitheater around a fortress and is interesting to visitors who will like to hike up its ancient pathways high above scenic ruins. Mystras is known historically as the Wonder of Morea -- the ancient name for the Peloponnese peninsula. UNESCO classifies this as an important archaeological site and restoration work continues o the palaces and castle.
Back in Gythion, a quiet fishing village, shops and restaurants line the marina area. We marveled at the orange trees that are everywhere, including small groves in people's yards. They are so numerous that markets sell the juicy fruits for 3 cents each
We sailed from Athens and ended in Venice -- with a stop at Dubrovnik in between.
These three big cruise ports are popular on many itineraries when sailing in the Mediterranean, and they rank among our favorites for several reasons. These destinations are packed with tons of activities and chances to explore art and culture, as well as see compelling and historically important sights.
But our cruise on Seabourn Encore also included five charming smaller ports that gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy our days in different ways.
Here are five cruise ports you might not have heard about and will love visiting on a Mediterranean cruise.
Gythion -- This stop in Greece brings us to Sparta and the UNESCO World Heritage castle village of Mystras. Now, modern Sparta is home to 16,000 people and not quite as dramatic as the idea of Sparta you might have from the movie "300."
It's a bustling and gritty looking town in the foothills of Mount Taygetus in the Laconia region, and we made just a quick stop there for a photo op with a statue of King Leonidas. This 1960s monument pays homage to legend of the king who led the Spartans vs. Persians at the Battle of Thermopylae against overwhelming odds.
From Sparta, we headed up the mountain to reach Mystras, a town that dates to the mid-13th century and was an important part of the Byzantine Empire. It was built as an amphitheater around a fortress and is interesting to visitors who will like to hike up its ancient pathways high above scenic ruins. Mystras is known historically as the Wonder of Morea -- the ancient name for the Peloponnese peninsula. UNESCO classifies this as an important archaeological site and restoration work continues o the palaces and castle.
Back in Gythion, a quiet fishing village, shops and restaurants line the marina area. We marveled at the orange trees that are everywhere, including small groves in people's yards. They are so numerous that markets sell the juicy fruits for 3 cents each
The harbor and seaside in Gythion.
King Leonidas led the 300 in the Battle of Thermopylae. The statue is a popular tourist stop in the town of Sparta.
The UNESCO village of Mystras.
Katakolon -- This is the port to visit for excursions to Olympia, home of the ancient Olympic games (you take take a train right from the port for 10 euros to get to Olympia). We had been to Olympia on a prior visit and wanted to learn more about the port area, which has nearby beaches, cute tavernas and plenty of shops to keep you busy.
We started our day ashore with a fun run to a beach less than two miles away. Kastro Beach is a secluded beach probably never visited by the flocks of cruisers who stay around Katakolon for the day. Most will end up at Katakolon Beach each right next to the port area.
Kastro Beach is extremely rustic, and if you are an avid runner or ambitious walker, you will love the route to get there (past quiet farmland and dense groves of olive trees). Independent spirits also will enjoy being away from the crowds at a quiet slice of paradise. There is a small bar and restaurant there. We were able to hit both beaches during our day in Katakolon. The more touristy Katakolon Beach is just steps away from the cruise pier past the shops and restaurants on the main walk, and this beach has a half-dozen restaurants on the hard-packed brown sands (vehicles can drive along the beach, which serves as a sort of roadway, too. These eateries offer free lounge chairs and Wi-Fi and some have sports like volleyball courts available. All you have to do is buy a drink to take advantage of the amenities. The water is much more clear and enticing at Kastro Beach, though.
We started our day ashore with a fun run to a beach less than two miles away. Kastro Beach is a secluded beach probably never visited by the flocks of cruisers who stay around Katakolon for the day. Most will end up at Katakolon Beach each right next to the port area.
Kastro Beach is extremely rustic, and if you are an avid runner or ambitious walker, you will love the route to get there (past quiet farmland and dense groves of olive trees). Independent spirits also will enjoy being away from the crowds at a quiet slice of paradise. There is a small bar and restaurant there. We were able to hit both beaches during our day in Katakolon. The more touristy Katakolon Beach is just steps away from the cruise pier past the shops and restaurants on the main walk, and this beach has a half-dozen restaurants on the hard-packed brown sands (vehicles can drive along the beach, which serves as a sort of roadway, too. These eateries offer free lounge chairs and Wi-Fi and some have sports like volleyball courts available. All you have to do is buy a drink to take advantage of the amenities. The water is much more clear and enticing at Kastro Beach, though.
We went for a run, with this beach as the destination. We were the only ones there and got to enjoy the scenic spot alone in the morning.
Katakolon Beach is right next to the cruise ship piers.
Parga -- This one wowed us. We arrived on perfect day, with blue skies and temps in the low 80s. An inviting trio of bays in the Ionian Sea welcomes cruisers who tender ashore from Seabourn Encore.
This is an idyllic seaside town with dozens of shops and restaurants lining the shore just behind the rocky beaches that lead to crystal-clear waters. We plopped down on the beach to soak up a bit of sunshine and take a refreshing swim in the bay, which is home to jutting picturesque rock formations. The perfect conditions also allowed the captain on Encore to open the ship's sports marina for the first time in its six months of sailing (this is Seabourn's newest ship). We took a scenic kayak ride, while other passengers delighted in banana boat (pulled by Zodiacs) and peddle boat rides.
This is an idyllic seaside town with dozens of shops and restaurants lining the shore just behind the rocky beaches that lead to crystal-clear waters. We plopped down on the beach to soak up a bit of sunshine and take a refreshing swim in the bay, which is home to jutting picturesque rock formations. The perfect conditions also allowed the captain on Encore to open the ship's sports marina for the first time in its six months of sailing (this is Seabourn's newest ship). We took a scenic kayak ride, while other passengers delighted in banana boat (pulled by Zodiacs) and peddle boat rides.
Brindisi -- This port in Puglia region of southern Italy sits on the Adriatic Sea coastline. We went on a "Shopping with the Chef" excursion with Seabourn and had fun watching Chef Kurt Timmermans pile up a cart with fresh produce as we made our way around the small market square and nearby fish market.
From Brindisi, you can head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello, a village filled with fairytale-like Trulli houses. These residences use prehistoric building techniques characterized by conical roofs. About 10,700 people live in the city in these whitewashed homes along narrow alleyways. Or travel by train to Lecce (known as Florence of the south) to see historic churches and a second-century Roman amphitheater.
Near the port, visitors can head to the city center to visit the Cathedral at Piazzo Duomo and other sites and restaurants. You'll also find plenty of eateries near the harbor. Climb the Sailors Monument to capture the panoramic views over the region.
From Brindisi, you can head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello, a village filled with fairytale-like Trulli houses. These residences use prehistoric building techniques characterized by conical roofs. About 10,700 people live in the city in these whitewashed homes along narrow alleyways. Or travel by train to Lecce (known as Florence of the south) to see historic churches and a second-century Roman amphitheater.
Near the port, visitors can head to the city center to visit the Cathedral at Piazzo Duomo and other sites and restaurants. You'll also find plenty of eateries near the harbor. Climb the Sailors Monument to capture the panoramic views over the region.
Seabourn Encore executive chef Kurt Timmermans works out a price for fresh produce from a vendor in Brindisi's market.
Primosten -- Croatia is filled with dozens of stunning seaside destinations. On our Seabourn Encore voyage, we landed at one to rival any we've seen so far. Primosten is now one of our favorites for a beach day. The town lies on an islet that long ago was connected by a draw bridge and protected by walls and towers. It is built into a hill and at the top is St. George church. We started our morning with a walk through the stone streets among the small homes to ascend to the church and the views from the highest point over Primosten.
The walled old town is filled with inviting restaurants serving cold beers, traditional Croatian plates and delicious pizza. It's also surrounded by waters. After the morning hike, we settled on one of the rocky and sun-splashed beaches (bring a lot of sun screen and water shoes if you can't handle walking on stones). Beers go for about $3 for a big mug, and pizzas are about $8 or $9. Beach massages go for about $40 for an hour-long sports treatment, and they also offer couples massages in the huts set up on the beach. There are ATMs all over and a currency-exchange office near the marina. The currency in the Croatian kuna, and many businesses only accept those (a few places take certain credit cards, too).
The walled old town is filled with inviting restaurants serving cold beers, traditional Croatian plates and delicious pizza. It's also surrounded by waters. After the morning hike, we settled on one of the rocky and sun-splashed beaches (bring a lot of sun screen and water shoes if you can't handle walking on stones). Beers go for about $3 for a big mug, and pizzas are about $8 or $9. Beach massages go for about $40 for an hour-long sports treatment, and they also offer couples massages in the huts set up on the beach. There are ATMs all over and a currency-exchange office near the marina. The currency in the Croatian kuna, and many businesses only accept those (a few places take certain credit cards, too).
Thanks for reading!
JR
JR
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