From the vibrant tapas bars of Spain to the pasta kitchens of Italy, the vineyards of France, the fresh seafood of Portugal and the sun-kissed islands of Greece — the Western Mediterranean serves up a smorgasbord of taste sensations!
Follow this introductory guide to culinary-based shore excursions to transform your next Mediterranean cruise into a voyage of flavour.
Whether you dock in Barcelona, Valencia or Palma de Mallorca, food is a central part of the cultural experience.
In Barcelona, don’t miss a walking tapas tour through the Gothic Quarter or El Born, where you’ll sample jamón ibérico, patatas bravas and pan con tomate paired with local wines or vermouth. The La Boqueria Market is another essential stop — it’s a sensory explosion of fresh seafood, fruits, cheeses and spices.
In Valencia, the birthplace of paella, you can join a cooking class that takes you from local markets to learning the secrets of this saffron-infused dish.
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Ports like Lisbon and Porto deliver a mix of maritime tradition, rustic comfort food, and sweet indulgences.
In Lisbon, start with a stroll through the Alfama district, where you can taste fresh grilled sardines, bacalhau à brás (salt cod with egg and potato), and the irresistible pastéis de nata — Portugal’s famous custard tarts.
Port wine tastings in Porto are a must, with many cellars offering in-depth tours and pairings. For those seeking deeper immersion, some tours venture into the Douro Valley, home to terraced vineyards producing Portugal’s most beloved wines.
Go Here With Sure: Save up to $1,500 when you book NCL’s 9 Night Mediterranean Cruise by 31 May 2025! Cruise calls at various ports in Portugal, Italy, Spain and France. Full details here.
Italy is a culinary pilgrimage for foodies, and coastal cities like Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Florence (Livorno) offer deep dives into regional Italian cuisine.
In Naples, the birthplace of pizza, food tours often combine local history with tastings of traditional Neapolitan pies, sfogliatella pastries, and rich espresso. Some excursions even let you try your hand at tossing your own dough!
From Civitavecchia, day trips into Rome offer more than just sightseeing — you can savour authentic carbonara, supplì (fried rice balls), and gelato in historic neighbourhoods like Trastevere.
In Florence or nearby Tuscany, you’ll find excursions that include wine tastings at hillside vineyards, farm-to-table lunches, or pasta-making workshops using local olive oil and Pecorino cheese.
Go Here With Sure: Save up to $1,500 when you book NCL’s 10 Night Mediterranean Cruise by 31 May 2025! Cruise calls at various ports in Italy, Greece and Malta. Full details here.
French cuisine is synonymous with sophistication, and cruise stops in Marseille, Nice or Cannes give you a front-row seat to southern France’s rich culinary scene.
In Marseille, explore the city’s vibrant North African-influenced food culture alongside Provençal classics like bouillabaisse (fish stew) and navettes (orange blossom biscuits). Market tours often include visits to local bakeries, cheesemongers, and olive oil producers.
In Nice, the focus is on Niçoise cuisine, where specialties like socca (chickpea pancake) and salade Niçoise reflect the Mediterranean diet at its best. A wine tasting in nearby Provence or a visit to a perfumed lavender farm is a delectable way to round out your sensory adventure.
Go Here With Sure: Save up to $1,500 when you book NCL’s 9 Night Mediterranean Cruise by 31 May 2025! Cruise calls at various ports in France, Italy and Spain. Full details here.
Greece’s cuisine is rooted in simplicity, seasonality and regional pride. On a Mediterranean cruise, stops in Santorini, Athens (Piraeus) or Mykonos open the door to a world of sun-ripened vegetables, grilled meats, fresh seafood and rich olive oil.
In Santorini, many food tours begin at local vineyards, where volcanic soil gives the island’s Assyrtiko wines a distinctive mineral taste. From there, head to cliffside tavernas serving fava, grilled octopus and tomatokeftedes (fried tomato fritters).
In Athens, you can join guided market walks through Varvakios Agora, followed by meze tastings and traditional moussaka, souvlaki, and loukoumades (Greek doughnuts drenched in honey).
Go Here With Sure: Save up to $1,500 when you book NCL’s 10 Night Mediterranean Cruise by 31 May 2025! Cruise calls at various ports in Greece, Italy and Malta. Full details here.
What makes a foodie-focussed cruise in the Western Mediterranean truly unforgettable is not just the flavours, but also the cultural fusion behind each dish.
Follow these tips to make the most of your onshore excursions:
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