Mediterranean Shore Experiences Europe

What type of Med traveller are you?

Our shore experiences bring you the marvellous Mediterranean in all its glory. From tuk tuks to tapas, basilicas to beaches, we’ll help you do it your way.

5 min 06 Feb 2025

Editorial Team

Author

Who are you when you’re on holiday in the Med? Are you an adventurous explorer, climbing, surfing and trekking your way from A to B? Or are you a gallivanting gourmand, getting under the skin of a destination one bite at a time? In a region as diverse as this, there are endless things to see and do and endless ways to see and do them.

We have a diverse collection of shore experiences to help you discover a destination your own way – over 400 of them in the Med alone, more than 90 of which are new for 2025. We’ve compiled some of our favourites here. So whoever you are, whatever you like and however you travel, we’ve got you covered.

Best shore experience for seeing iconic sights: Panoramic Rome

Civitavecchia (tours to Rome), Italy

No matter how much of the world you’ve seen, some sights still have the power to stop you in your tracks. And Rome, that Eternal City, is home to more than its fair share of them. There are the imposing walls of the Vatican, home to an invaluable treasure trove of religious history, art and architecture. The 80 hectares of beautifully manicured gardens in Villa Borghese, a green respite in the heart of the city. The fifth-century Porta Pinciana gate and the elegant Via Vittorio Veneto, a street synonymous with the Italian ‘dolce vita’. The crumbling ruins of the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine and the Circus Maximus. And of course, the infamous Colosseum, still the largest amphitheatre ever built. You’ll see them all on this panoramic experience – just sit back and enjoy the leisurely ride.

You might also like: Highlights of Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain); Sights of Seville (Cadiz, Spain); Napoleon Tour & Fesch Museum (Ajaccio, France)

Young couple at the Colosseum, Rome - Happy tourists visiting Italian famous landmarks

Best shore experience for mind-blowing scenery: Caminito Del Rey Trekking Adventure

Malaga, Spain

The Caminito Del Rey was once known as one of the world’s scariest hiking routes. It was built at the start of the 20^th century for workers at the nearby hydroelectric plants but was closed a century later after falling into a dangerous (and deadly) state of disrepair. After a massive refurbishment, it reopened in 2015 with much sturdier walkways and proper safety regulations, but the thrill of the walk still very much remains. The walkway is pinned some 100m up along the steep walls of the El Chorro gorge, crossing the Gaitanes Ravine. You can see pieces of the old path as you walk along the new one, giving you a glimpse into the truly perilous conditions the workers endured. On your guided tour, you’ll enjoy a three-hour walk that covers about five miles, stopping along the way to learn about the flora and fauna of the gorge. It's a unique way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Andalusian countryside – with a side of adrenaline.

You might also like: Zip-lining in Cetina Canyon (Split , Croatia); Marsamxett & Grand Harbour Cruise (Valletta, Malta); Beautiful Cinque Terre (Livorno, Italy)

The King Walkway (El Caminito del Rey). The walkway is built into the side of the gorge of the Gaitanes (Desfiladero de los Gaitanes) Natural Area near the village of Ardales, Malaga Province, Andalusia, Spain. Europe.

Best shore experience for diving into culture: Vintage Greece – Olives & Wine

Katakolon, Greece

If, like us, you’re a firm believer that a culture is best explored through its food, you’ll have a delightful time getting to know Greece on this appetising shore experience. You’ll learn all about two of the country’s most famous culinary exports – olives and wine – on a visit to the family-run Domaine Mercouri in Katakolon, which has a rich history in producing both. Country life comes alive as you take a tour around the equipment and vintage agricultural tools in the family museum. You’ll stroll through the charming vineyards and take in magnificent views across the Ionian Sea. Of course, this experience isn’t only about feeding your curiosity – you’ll have the chance to savour the local produce, including the estate’s wine, olive oil and some local snacks such as bread and feta cheese. Yamas to that!

You might also like: The Acropolis (Piraeus, Greece); Turkish Delights (Kusadasi, Turkey); Chef's Gastronomy Tour & Tapas Dinner (Barcelona, Spain)

Best shore experience for making memories: Kayak Around the City Walls

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik’s harbour looks almost too pretty to be real – seas that sparkle in the sunlight surround the impeccably preserved Old Town and create a view like something out of a fairytale. On this shore experience you can do more than simply stare – you can become part of the story. Paddle out into the sapphire water of the Adriatic Sea; gaze up at the ancient, turreted walls of the Old Town that tower above as you glide towards Lokrum Island. You’ll stop in Betina Cave Beach for a well-earned rest, a tiny ‘secret’ beach that can only be reached from the sea. You’ll have time to chill out, bask in the sun or take a cooling dip in the emerald water. Beginners need not fear – kayaking is easier than it looks, especially in calm seas; plus, you’ll get a full briefing from an expert guide and a snack to keep you fuelled up.

You might also like: Paul Ricard Circuit F1 Experience (Toulon, France); UNESCO Captivating Cordoba (Malaga, Spain); La Coruña by Tuk Tuk (La Coruña, Spain)

Best shore experience for pure relaxation: San Juan Beach Break

Alicante, Spain

It’s easy to while away a day at Playa San Juan. This beautiful beach is one of the best in Alicante and indeed all of Spain – it boasts 7km of fine sands, sparkling seas and palm-lined promenades. En route to the beach, a few kilometres north of Alicante, you’ll be taken on a panoramic tour of the city. Soak up its distinctive architecture and vibrant atmosphere before you hit the beach and soak up the sun. At Playa San Juan, a sun lounger and umbrella will be waiting for you, so sink into the serenity of the Mediterranean – relax in the warm sunshine, splash in the sea and admire the stunning mountain views surrounding the beach. And if all that relaxing sparks your appetite, hit up one of the bars and restaurants lining the promenade.

You might also like: Beach Escape (Split, Croatia); Beach Break (Souda Bay, Greece); Glyfada Beach Escape (Corfu, Greece)

San Juan beach

Why book your shore experiences with P&O Cruises?

Our shore experiences help you get under the skin of a destination and see it from a unique perspective – yours. They’re curated by locals who know and love these places and want you to know and love them, too. It couldn’t be easier to book before you sail or once you’re on board – and of course, when you book through us, you have the added comfort of knowing the details are all taken care of and we’ll always get you back to your ship.