Port Profiles | Portipedia

European cruises are like exquisite appetizers. Your ship gives you a taste of the delicious culture capitals, allowing you to decide which cities and countries are most intriguing and appealing. Each stop on the cruise ship’s itinerary is designed to provide convenient access to the primary attractions, but the cruise ship must maintain a schedule, limiting port calls to 10 hours, occasionally overnight.

For a fuller flavor of any European destination, a few extra days in one of the Continent’s great cities allows you to explore more and get a sense of the rhythms and personalities of the place. To take full advantage of the trip across the ocean, more and more experienced travelers are taking the extra time before or after their cruise, extending their stay in Europe to learn and enjoy a particular place.

Following are some quick descriptions of some of the favorite European cities where cruise travelers are choosing to spend a few extra days, find some favorite restaurants and soak in the local flavors.

As the capital of Catalonia and one of Europe’s most captivating cities, Barcelona is a wonderful city to explore on foot, strolling La Rambla through the outdoor markets and the brilliant flowers.

Barcelona is home to the ambitious architecture of Antonio Gaudi, whose stunning and fantastic buildings are scattered all around the city center. Some of the most famous and impressive can be seen along Passeig De Gracia where you will find La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. The Gothic Quarter is famous for its historical landmarks and bohemian atmosphere.

Other popular attractions include the elegant Santa Maria del Mar, the scattered ruins of the old Roman Wall, the Moderniste architecture of Exiample, and the Museu Picasso, which features the artist’s Blue Period.

The restaurants are superb, and live music performances are almost always scheduled for the Palace of Catalan Music, a beautiful building.

Images of Alhambra, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

From Malaga, motorcoaches make their way to Granada and its famous fortress, Alhambra. Moorish influence lives on here, even though the Muslim monarchs were driven out of their stronghold at the end of the 15th century. The wonderfully intact buildings and grounds mix nature with man-made elements in this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace/fortress complex was completed between 1333 and 1391.

Flamenco in Granada, Spain, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

Enjoy the impassioned style of dance known as Flamenco on shore excursions from Malaga and Cadiz.

Menorca, Spain, from Azamara Quest, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

It’s a short walk from the cruise ship terminal up the stairs to the city center of Mahon, the largest city on the Spanish island Minorca.

The British ruled the island from 1708 until 1802. The British influence, which lingers to this day, is seen in the islanders’ taste for gin. The locals mix it with bitter lemon to concoct the popular cocktail known as Pomada.

One of the Balearic Islands, Minorca takes its name from the nearby, but smaller and better known, Mallorca.

When In Barcelona, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

Stroll into St. Joseph’s Market on Las Ramblas. Entering the market, look to your right for Pinotxo Bar and pull up a seat for a cappuccino or a cava and Pinocho’s warm hospitality.