Cruising through Europe can be a wonderful way to discover the region. Cruises offer a relaxing way to explore towns and cities, and see their natural wonders from the water. There are many sea routes in Europe you can cruise during your vacation. From northern France to southern Turkey, there are so many places along these coasts for cruising. Here are the top 10 sea routes for cruising in Europe:
Germany and the Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea, bordered by Germany and the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, is a great cruising route for several reasons.
Firstly, the route is relatively short. Most cruisers only need a few weeks to explore this area. As the Baltic Sea is a very popular cruise route, you will find plenty of cruise ships and itineraries sailing to or through it. If you choose to cruise this route in the summer season, you may find the conditions to be perfect with warm temperatures and low winds.
The Adriatic Sea
The Adriatic Sea is one of the most beautiful cruising destinations in Europe. There are so many different cruising options here including cruises sailing the inland waterways and cruising the islands of the Adriatic Sea.
The cities of Venice, Porto Cervo, Dubrovnik, and Split are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are must-sees for cruisers. The cities of Brindisi, Bari, Lecce, and Otranto are also great places to visit.
The English Channel
The English Channel is one of the most popular cruising routes in Europe. The Channel is famous for its huge variety of cruising options. You can sail through the narrowest part of the Channel, between Calais and Dover, or sail down the French and Spanish coast.
Most cruisers visit during the summer when the weather is warm and sunny. The best way to experience the Channel is aboard a small, modern yacht.
Ireland’s Emerald Coast
Dublin and Cork are two of the best places to visit in Ireland. Enjoy the beautiful Emerald Coast where the cities of Galway, Birr, and South Kerry all offer great cruising options.
You can also explore the Ring of Kerry or punt across the Atlantic to Valentia Island in Co Kerry or the Aran Islands. You can explore the ruggedly beautiful Burren or wander around the ancient cities of Galway and Waterford.
French Riviera – From Toulon to Saint-Tropez
The French Riviera combines the beauty of the Mediterranean with the glamour of France’s Côte d’Azur and Monaco. The best way to experience the French Riviera on a cruising vacation is to sail the Mediterranean from Monaco to Toulon. If you choose to cruise the French coast, you can visit the cities of Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Menton, Monaco, or Saint-Tropez.
Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean is the world’s third largest sea and cruisers can discover it on a sailing vacation. You can choose to visit any of the 13 member countries of the European Union. If you are visiting a country that is not one of the member states, you cannot enter the European Union.
Under most circumstances, you can only enter a non-EU country if you have a visa. It is best to visit the Mediterranean in the summer when there are fewer crowds and the weather is warm and sunny. The best way to navigate the Mediterranean is by sailboat or motor yacht. You can also explore by cruise ship or catamaran.
Spanish Coast – From Barcelona to Valencia
The Spanish coastline is one of the most beautiful in Europe. You can visit many of the major Spanish cities by cruising the Spanish coastline. If you are visiting Barcelona, Valencia, or Madrid, you can explore the cities by yacht or cruise ship.
Alternatively, you can explore the coastline in southern Spain from Barcelona to Valencia by cruise ship. Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe and its waterfront is a must-see.
Istanbul Waterfront – A World Heritage Site in Turkey
The city of Istanbul is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and is the third most visited city in the world. The best way to explore the city is by cruising the Bosphorus on a sailboat or cruising the city’s waterways.
You can cruise along the Bosphorus, visit the World Heritage Site of Sultanahmet, or explore the Dolmabache Golf Club and the adjacent city of Dalyan. If you are visiting Istanbul during the summer, you will have to deal with hot temperatures and high humidity. You can avoid these conditions by visiting in the winter when the temperatures are cool and the city is more accessible.
Conclusion
Cruising the sea routes in Europe is a great way to explore a new part of the world. You will find many great sea routes for cruising in Europe that are easy to navigate. You can explore the many natural wonders along the coastlines and enjoy the amazing cities that line these sea routes.
Many of these cities are World Heritage Sites, so you can learn more about history while exploring these cities. If you are planning a trip to Europe, it is important to research the best sea routes for cruising. You will find many different cruising options that are perfect for exploring the coastlines of Europe.
