Calvi, Corsica, France
10 Apr 2025 | Read time 8 MINS
Highlights of the Western Mediterranean
Embark on a memorable journey through the Mediterranean, where sun-drenched shores, vibrant cultures, and timeless beauty awaits your discovery.
Looking to explore the Mediterranean? This guide reveals its must-see highlights and hidden treasures as you set sail with Emerald Cruises.

Discover Mediterranean highlights

Stretching along the South of France’s sparkling Mediterranean coast, the legendary French Riviera, or ‘Côte d'Azur,’ is home to major port cities, Marseille, Nice and Cannes, chic resort destinations like St. Tropez and the miniscule Principality of Monaco, with its glitzy centrepiece, Monte Carlo. Revel in this millionaire’s playground and its eternally glamorous vibes.

Set off the French mainland, the Island of Corsica welcomes with untamed nature extending to rugged headlands, dramatic gorges and verdant mountainous interiors, where traditional village life still ensues. The birthplace of French statesman, Napoleon Bonaparte and (allegedly) the Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus, Corsica is a hybrid of French and Italian cultures, although it retains a distinct Corsican identity.

Your highlights include Bonifacio and its medieval Old Town and Bastia, a gourmet destination renowned for its authentic Corsican cuisine.

Once back on board your award-winning yacht, indulge yourself in complete relaxation with a blissful treatment in the Elements Spa as you unwind from your day of exploring.

Italy’s countless wonders starts with its ancient capital, Rome, the mesmerising ‘Eternal City’ at the mainland’s centre. Amid its famed seven hills setting, the former epicentre of the Roman Empire resembles a living museum, boasting incredible architecture and artworks and some of the world's most important collections of ancient sites.

Amongst many, marvel at the iconic St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and Roman Forum. Simultaneously, Rome is infectiously vibrant and modern and probably the best place to experience first-hand La Dolce Vita (‘the good life’).

Stretching along Italy’s northwest shores, the Italian Riviera is a little less glitzy than its French counterpart, but equally enchanting. Popular destinations like Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure each present their own charming personality.

Wherever you go, however, you’ll most likely encounter an intoxicating blend of pristine beaches, panoramic coastal views and brightly-hued seaside villages, not to mention, an authentic Italian lifestyle and delicious local cuisine.

In Italy’s southwest, another famous coastline awaits – the Amalfi Coast: so spectacular, the entire 55-kilometre stretch is UNESCO World Heritage-listed. Since ancient times, the legendary Amalfi Coast has been a much-loved holiday playground and today, it captivates with resort destinations like Amalfi and Ravello.

Expect soaring sea cliffs brimming with citrus groves and world-class restaurants, breathtaking vistas of the Bay of Naples and quaint fishing villages dotted along craggy shores.

Embedded in the sparkling Bay of Naples, the allure of stunning Capri is timeless, a playground for jet-setters for decades (anchoring their gleaming yachts at upscale Marina Grande). Capri’s main drawcards are gastronomic fine dining and exceptional natural beauty, such as the cove-studded coastline and famed Blue Grotto sea cave.

The Mediterranean Sea’s largest island, magical Sicily is characterised by Sicilian traditions, folklore and southern Italian culture. The skyline is dominated by the infamous Mount Etna, amongst the planet’s most active volcanoes. Surprisingly though, some of Italy’s finest wines are cultivated on its fertile slopes. Join a DiscoverMORE wine tasting tour and learn from the experts as you sample delicious wines from the region.

Sicily’s crystalline coast is indented with charming villages and dreamy beaches, while its history-drenched capital, Palermo, is filled with architectural and cultural wonders. Archaeological gems, including magnificent Greco-Roman antiquities, are scattered across the island – the vast, Valley of the Temples is not to be missed.

Slightly removed from the mainland, the Mediterranean’s second-largest island, Sardinia, presents a lesser-known side of Italy and an unmistakable charm. Sardinia’s mountainous interior is swathed in shaded forests, while its coastline reveals secluded white sand beaches and turquoise bays.

The capital, Cagliari is renowned for impressive Roman and Baroque architecture, while further stupendous Roman relics await at Nora Archaeological Park. Sardinia is, however, the home of Porto Cervo, a glamorous Italian resort town that attracts worldwide yachting enthusiasts for its prestigious sailing events.

Sicily, Italy Sicily, Italy
Sicily, Italy

Set on the Iberian Peninsula, the Spanish mainland is home to some bewitching regions laden with rich cultural heritage, striking architecture, culinary traditions and endless golden sand beaches.

Vibrant Barcelona takes centre-stage in Spain’s northern Catalonia region, while along the southern coastline, Andalucía is home to strong Moorish legacies and memorable ports of calls like Cádiz, considered Western Europe’s oldest city. You can also make a stop at Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory dramatically positioned below the Rock of Gibraltar.

Cruising further westwards along the Iberian Peninsula’s southern coast brings you into the Atlantic Ocean, where you have an opportunity to visit Portugal. Discover the Algarve, a region popular for its beautiful, cliff-backed beaches and northwards along the Portuguese western shores, the centuries-old capital city, Lisbon. Take advantage of one of your yacht’s on board bikes as you explore the charming ports and towns.

Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain
Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

A sun-drenched archipelago scattered off Spain’s eastern coasts, each of the stunning Balearic Islands are exceptional in their own way, suiting whatever your preference.

The largest, Majorca (Mallorca), is a favourite holiday hotspot for Spanish royalty, celebrities and many others with good reason. The island is popular for its lovely beaches and upscale resorts and a wild beauty that extends inland to dramatic mountain ranges and award-winning vineyards. The Balearic Islands’ capital, the port city of Palma de Mallorca is steeped in history, with architectural gems covering the 13th century Catalan-Gothic cathedral, La Seu.

Adored by the rich and famous, gorgeous Ibiza is world-renowned for its nightlife and hedonistic lifestyle, while its tiny capital, Eivissa, is home to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, Dalt Vila. This rocky island is also famed for its naturally beautiful, but diverse scenery, from rugged mountains to pine tree-edged coves lapped by iridescent turquoise waters.

Part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the lesser-known and smaller island, Menorca (Minorca) astounds visitors with its wealth of flora, fauna and dramatically varied landscapes extending to reddish-hued beaches. Menorca’s azure, crystal-clear waters and exceptional seabed has long been a haunt for diving enthusiasts, while the historic capital, Mahón – the birthplace of mayonnaise – charms with its atmospheric cobblestone streets.

Take in the dramatic sunsets from the Pool Deck Take in the dramatic sunsets from the Pool Deck
Take in the dramatic sunsets from the Pool Deck

Sandwiched between Sicily and the North Africa coast, Malta is one of the world’s smallest island-nations and a miniscule archipelago. It’s perhaps best known for its distinct cultural identity and European and Arabic legacies, evident in the Maltese architecture, cuisine, heritage and language.

On the main island, Malta, Valetta ranks as one of Europe’s tiniest capitals, but comes packed with striking Renaissance and Baroque architecture and historical treasures – the entire city is UNESCO World Heritage-listed. Other ancient notables include the megalithic Hagar Qim temple complex, one of the world’s oldest freestanding structures.

The Maltese archipelago also dazzles with beauty, most notably, the famous Blue Lagoon sea caves and transparent turquoise waters, which, with its rocky formations and offshore shipwrecks, offers a prime Mediterranean diving spot. Explore the ocean from your yacht’s Marina Platform, whether you simply take a dip in the sea, take out a kayak or try out a SEABOB marine scooter, there’s lots to explore from the convenience of your yacht.

Explore the Western Mediterranean with Emerald Cruises

The Mediterranean invites you to explore its vibrant cultures, iconic landmarks, ancient heritage, and breathtaking landscapes. From the French Riviera’s glamour to Malta’s historic charm, every moment is unforgettable. Enjoy seamless relaxation, discovery, and connection on board your Emerald Cruises award-winning yacht. Begin your journey today and uncover the wonders of this timeless region.

Featured Itineraries

Explore our itineraries below and discover the remarkable destinations that await you.
Nice

8 Days

SEASON: 2025

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From
NZD
$10,045*
Dubrovnik to Athens (Piraeus)

8 Days

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$10,545*
Nice

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Côte d'Azur & Beyond

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$7,095*