Cruising the Iberian Peninsula: where to go in Spain & Portugal

Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie

Mention Iberia and you'll likely think of languorous tapas lunches in the sunshine, swathes of Europe's grandest cities and the legacies of the epic civilisations like the Romans and Moors who have coveted Spain and Portugal's remarkable mainland over the millennia.

Swirled into the mix on a Fred Olsen cruise (as cruising is the perfect way to explore, thanks to Fred Olsen sailing to the star ports and cities) is a new Iberia of sparkling avant-garde museums and dynamic urban centres just begging exploration.

Join me now as we board and share the highlights of Spain and Portugal's delicious tapas spread of destinations you could cruise to with Fred Olsen.

Book your trip: browse the latest offers on Iberian itineraries with Fred Olsen* to visit some of Spain and Portugal's most desirable port cities.

Northern Spain

Vigo, Galicia

Vigo* is Europe's largest fishing port and, as such, it dishes up the bountiful fruits of the Atlantic; it's well worth trying a few tapas, even if you prefer to savour all your meals happily aboard.

Slip back through the centuries in the charm of the old town, explore the Collegiate Church of Santa Marta, built on the site of a Gothic building burnt down by Francis Drake, or head up to Monte del Castro to enjoy the city and its dramatic setting.

La Coruña, Galicia

Fred Olsen slips into the Galician city of La Coruña* under the watchful eye of the oldest continually operating lighthouse in the Roman Empire, the UNESCO World Heritage listed wonder of the Tower of Hercules. Picasso later made his mark with the legacy of the Picasso House Museum, where he lived for years.

Take a stroll along the Paseo Marítimo and tuck into boat-fresh seafood (the paprika-spiced octopus, pulpo a la gallega, is a highlight). Wherever you go, you will always feel the distinct Celtic culture.

Gijón, Asturias

Follow the Romans to the largest city of Asturias, Gijón*, where Europe's oldest Roman baths beguile. As does the famously delicious local cider, or sidra. Enjoy it in the old Cimadevilla quarter, which unfurls by the baths.

If it's the beach you're after, the sandy crescent of San Lorenzo awaits. Within striking distance is the Picos de Europa National Park with its landmark rock formations, where brown bear and Iberian wolf roam wild here.

Santander, Cantabria

The glorious city of Santander* in Cantabria rests betwixt a whirl of white sand and green hill. Old-world mansions vie for attention with gleaming avant-garde architecture in a dynamic hub that is a microcosm for Spain's impressive journey since the Franco years.

Keep the nautical theme going at the Cantabrian Maritime Museum, or beach-hop munching on fresh seafood as you go. Use the free funicular railway like the locals to take the edge off Santander's hills and enjoy the views as you go.

Getxo for Bilbao, Basque Country

Linger in Getxo* if you want to just relax in this emerging port city and check out the UNESCO-listed Bizkaia Bridge and Mercado de la Ribera.

Nearby Bilbao has done a Glasgow in recent years, reinventing itself as a major city break destination with a serious spruce up and the arrival of Frank Gehry's landmark Guggenheim Museum in 1997.

Not only is it one of the top cultural attractions in Spain, but in all of Europe. No wonder other cities talk of the 'Bilbao effect' as this Basque city has become synonymous with impressive urban regeneration.

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The above guide shows the climate in .

Eastern Spain

Barcelona, Catalonia

The Catalan capital of Barcelona* is quite simply one of the world's great cities. Wandering La Rambla down to the dramatically reborn Port Vell, delving into the old town's warren of streets and lazing on the beach are quintessential Barcelona experiences.

As is following the trail of Picasso at the Picasso Museum, and his otherworldly Park Güell, one of the city's bountiful green lungs. No one forgets their first view from here, or their first sight of Gaudí's Sagrada Familia. FC Barcelona's Camp Nou is essential for football fans.

Alicante, Valencia

Forget any notion that this seriously engaging city is just a jumping-off point for the resorts. Its revamped waterfront is a joy, as are the beaches and local rice dishes, which more than match paella. Climb Santa Bárbara Castle to peer out at the city and plan your sightseeing.

Get cultural at the Archaeological Museum or follow the seminal Spanish artists Picasso and Dalí at the Asegurada Museum of Modern Art. Make sure to save time for just strolling along the waterfront and raising a toast to discovering an Alicante* airport arrivals never see.

Cartagena, Murcia

Once closed off as a naval base, the port city of Cartagena* has really flourished since cruises started calling here. The historic quarter has been revamped, along with the waterfront, with its sparkling millionaire yachts.

Then, how about exploring an ancient Roman theatre and museum (the theatre was only rediscovered in 1988), or just admiring the ornate, rejuvenated Modernista architecture of Calle Major? To really appreciate this beguiling city, ascend the panoramic lift up to Concepcion Castle.

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The above guide shows the climate in .

Southern Spain & Gibraltar

Málaga, Andalusia

I remember coming to Málaga* in the 1990s, and the transformation has been nothing short of phenomenal. Streets have been pedestrianised, and the whole waterfront has been transformed into a leisure hub with cultural attractions, bars and cafes; real thought has gone into what people want on holiday today.

The view from the Gibralfaro Castle takes your breath as the city and its hills sweep all around, and your Fred Olsen maritime steed reclines below. There are over 40 museums and galleries to explore; beaches and tapas bars too, in a city that has it all.

Gibraltar

This slice of Britain to the south of Spain is utterly unique. It's senses-popping to find all the British legacies, like the post boxes and police uniforms. Its WWII history, when Gibraltar* played a key role, is fascinating, especially the tunnels.

For all the Britishness, the influence of Spain is unmistakable, and there is a real sense of a distinct Gibraltarian culture that combines elements of both. Soaring above this cross-cultural drama sits the towering 426-metre-high Rock of Gibraltar, with its views and Barbary macaques, Europe's only wild monkeys.

Cádiz, Andalusia

What locals insist is Europe's oldest city shines with a swagger borne of its gloriously tangled Iberian and Moorish roots. The old town of Cádiz* echoes North Africa as much as it does many Spanish cities in what for me is the most arresting of the Andalusian cities.

There are beaches, churches, museums and superb beaches too. Then there is that golden-domed cathedral. Look out for flamenco shows, too, in this deliciously authentic slice of Andalusia, and, of course, sherry in its spiritual home.

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The above guide shows the climate in .

Portugal

Lisbon

The Portuguese capital of Lisbon* is like a theme park for adults. An irresistible one at that. Vintage trams rattle around, playful elevadors scoop you up to viewpoints just for the fun of it, and funiculars snake up the city's famous hills.

You really appreciate the grandeur of Portugal's glory days during the 'Age of the Discoveries' in the centre, with its grand architecture as well as out in Belém with its looming Belém Tower and the nearby monastery. Trying one of the delicious pasteis de Belém custard tarts is a must.

Matosinhos for Porto

It's tempting to just chill in Matosinhos, with its nearby beach and seafood restaurants. But Porto* tempts too close by, with the Douro River spectacularly connected by the arcs of the city's iconic bridges and ploughed with tour boats.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ribeira old town is ideal for aimless wandering, while across the Douro, all the big names in the world of port tempt with tours and tastings. Wherever you go, look out for those striking blue and white azulejo tiles.

Climate in xx

The above guide shows the climate in .

Ready for your next Iberian cruise? Be sure to check out the current offers on Fred Olsen, which offers cruises across the Mediterranean and around ports in the eastern Atlantic.

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Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie is a Scottish travel writer, author and broadcaster. He has visited over 100 countries and regularly writes about Scotland and the Canary Islands. As well as frequently contributing to Weather2Travel.com, Robin writes for publications including The Telegraph, The Independent, The Guardian, The Times and Wanderlust, and has authored more than 30 guidebooks.

Posted in: City Cruises Europe & the Mediterranean

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