Italy Cruise on AIDAstella from Heraklion (Crete)

Heraklion (Crete)

Heraklion, or Heraclion is the largest city and capital of the island of Crete, Greece. It is one of the largest cities in Greece. The ruins of Knossos, which were excavated and restored by Arthur Evans, are nearby. Top places to visit include the Minoan Palaces of Knossos and Phaistos and the Venetian structures in Heraklion Town, like the Koules Fortress and the Morosini Lions Fountain. Heraklion is a beautiful island and is loved by cruise passengers. There are pristine beaches to enjoy, including Matala, Agia Pelagia, and Malia. Delicious local cuisines also await, and you can’t visit Greece without trying some delicacies such as Dakos, Dolma and Kalitsounia. In short, Heraklion is an island that offers it all and we’re sure one visit won’t be enough.

Souda Bay (Chania, Crete)

Relaxation is easy in Souda Bay, a horseshoe of pristine sand and sparkling sea, sheltered by hills. But its military background means peace hasn’t always been so forthcoming. There’s reminders of World War action at the cemetery; and across the bay the fortressed Island of Souda was once a battleground between the Greeks and the Ottomans. Roger Moore’s high speed boat chase in For Your Eyes Only was filmed here. West of Souda is the charming old Venetian town Chania. Cobbled streets lined with colourful Venetian townhouses zigzag downward toward the harbour, which has a touch of Florence or Venice about it. Browse a mix of museums, churches and crafts en route, then walk the harbour wall to the oldest lighthouse in the world. End your day with a raki in a waterside café.

Katakolon (Greece)

Katakolon is a beautiful seaside town and it is situated in the municipality of Pyrgos in western Elis, Greece. The port of Katakolo is popular destination for cruises. It offers great opportunity to the passengers to visit the site of Ancient Olympia. Port of Katakolon where Greek mythology started .Greece is where the first Olympics was ever held and where you can find a historical landmark anywhere. Places of interest: Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, Stadium of Olympia, Greece and the remains of the medieval Pontikokastro/Beauvoir castle still stand on a hilltop northeast of the modern port.

Messina (Sicily)

Messina is the capital of the Italian province of Messina. It is situated near the Northeast corner of Sicily and is the 3rd largest city on the island. The campanile holds the largest astronomical clock in the world and is full of animated mechanical statues that put on quite the show at noon. The city has been a Roman Catholic Archdiocese and Archimandrite seat since 1548 and is home to a locally important international fair. Things to see and do include the Archaeological Museum of Reggio di Calabria, Torre Faro observation tower over Messina Strait, Lungomare promenade at Reggio, The Fountain of Orion, The Four Fountains and The Senatory Fountain. Sicily has long been a key feature on Mediterranean cruise itineraries and for good reason. This wonderful little island is a true gem and there’s so much to keep all the family occupied.

Naples (Italy)

Naples is the capital of Campania, one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea. The Port of Naples is one of the largest Italian seaport and one of the largest seaport in the Mediterranean Sea. Naples' historic city centre is the largest in Europe and is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Naples has long been a major cultural centre with a global sphere of influence, particularly during the Renaissance and Enlightenment eras. In the immediate vicinity of Naples are numerous culturally and historically significant sites, including the Palace of Caserta and the Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Culinary Naples is synonymous with pizza, which originated in the city. Neapolitan music has furthermore been highly influential, credited with the invention of the romantic guitar and the mandolin, as well as notable contributions to opera and folk standards.

Olbia (Sardinia)

Olbia is a town in northeastern Sardinia in the Gallura sub-region.It is the economic centre of this part of the island (commercial centres, food industry) and is very situated very close to the famous Costa Smeralda tourist area. A popular destination, well known beaches, the beautiful and for the places of cultural interest to visit by the tourists. Places of interests: Medieval Castle of Pedres. Nuragic complex of Cabu Abbas. San Simplicio Church. Defence Wall. Thermal Baths

Palma (Majorca)

The capital of the island of Mallorca, Palma welcomes you through a magnificent view: the marina, the promenade, the Cathedral that is dominated by the Bellver Castle, situated on a hill which overlooks the harbour. Majorca is a favourite European destination for many cruise passengers. Great shopping centres and tourist services, beautiful and pristine beaches, the cuisine, and traditional products, not to mention the wonderful caves of Drach, all await you on your visit. Inland, you’ll find typical Mallorcan villages and mountain ranges reaching heights of 1,500 metres.