Социальный GPS для цифровых кочевников помогает преодолеть одиночество в 47 странах через архитектуру человеческих связей.

The Old Port of Marseille is a great spot for relaxing during a Mediterranean cruise.

Popular Ports & Rising Demand
Mediterranean cruises feature famous ports, making them highly sought after. In 2024, over 35 million cruise passengers traveled through the region—a 10% increase from 2023.

Some ports offer unforgettable experiences, while others tend to be crowded or less impressive. If you’re choosing a cruise itinerary, it’s helpful to know which ports are worth visiting and which you might skip.

Top Mediterranean Cruise Ports

Barcelona, Spain
— Barcelona tops the list for its architecture, walkable streets, vibrant culture, and nearby beaches.
— Attractions include the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and the Gothic Quarter.
— The city attracts over 3.5 million cruise passengers yearly, often resulting in crowds, especially in summer.
— For a more enjoyable visit, sail in spring or fall. Explore early, join guided excursions, or visit quieter neighborhoods like Gracia or Poble-sec.

Verdict:
Barcelona is a highlight of any Mediterranean cruise. Plan wisely to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
— Civitavecchia is the main cruise port for Rome, though few linger here.
— Key sights like the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain are over an hour away by train or coach.
— For first-timers, the trip to Rome is worth it, but tight schedules and crowds can make the day feel rushed.

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The Colosseum is one of major tourist attractions in Rome, but getting there from the Port of Civitavecchia requires some planning and patience.

Travelers who have already “done Rome” may want to consider staying local or booking a less intense excursion. The Lazio coast has its own charms, from medieval Tarquinia to the laid-back beaches of Santa Marinella.

Verdict: It depends. Rome is bucket-list territory, but a day trip via Civitavecchia demands stamina and smart planning. If you’ve never been to Rome, only pick an itinerary featuring Civitavecchia if it’s a long port call. Otherwise, consider other itineraries for your trip.

Marseille, France

Marseille is one of France’s most misunderstood cities. As a port, it ranks among the busiest in the Mediterranean, serving more than 2.5 million cruise passengers a year. It’s the gateway to Provence, with shore excursions heading inland to lavender fields and hilltop villages.

But Marseille itself is worth a closer look. The Old Port is lively, the North African-influenced food scene is excellent, and neighborhoods like Le Panier are filled with character. That said, the cruise terminal is located far from the center, and public transport isn’t especially intuitive for newcomers. Shuttle buses can be crowded.

Some travelers report a gritty, unwelcoming first impression, especially when venturing out on their own. But those who dig a little deeper often leave with a new appreciation for France’s second city.

Verdict: Go, with context. Marseille rewards curious travelers who are open to a different kind of French experience. If in doubt, consider a guided tour into the countryside or take a taxi to the Old Port with an open mind.

Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands (Spain)

Palma is the capital of Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands. It’s a popular cruise stop for Western Mediterranean itineraries, with more than 2.5 million passengers passing through in 2023 alone.

The gothic cathedral and palm-lined promenade make an immediate impression, and there’s no shortage of shopping, tapas, or sea views.

But on busy summer cruise days, the charm can fade. The streets near the port fill up quickly, and the historical center becomes a bottleneck for tours. While Palma is still enjoyable, some visitors leave feeling they’ve seen a city curated for mass tourism rather than one that lives at its own pace.

Mallorca is also a hotspot for mass tourism protests against the cruise industry, so guests should be wary.

Verdict: Avoid. Palma absolutely has its moments, but on a crowded cruise day, it can feel more performative than authentic. Unless you’re venturing into the island’s quieter interior, there are many other ports offering a genuine Mediterranean experience without the crowds and potential protests.

Genoa–Savona, Italy

These twin ports in northern Italy serve as embarkation points for many Western Med cruises, particularly those run by Italian lines. Genoa is a historic city with grand palaces, narrow alleys, and an impressive maritime past. Savona is smaller and less known but has its own coastal charm.

Despite their heritage, neither port is especially beloved among cruise passengers. The terminals can feel crowded and chaotic on embarkation day, and some areas around the ports lack visual appeal.

Many passengers see these cities only as logistical starting points and skip the chance to explore them properly.

Still, Genoa has much to offer if you give it time. Art, architecture and one of Europe’s largest aquariums are among the highlights. Alternatively, both ports offer access to the Italian Riviera, including Portofino and Cinque Terre, via train or excursion.

Verdict: Skip unless you’re curious. Genoa and Savona function best as embarkation points rather than sightseeing stops. While they offer access to the Italian Riviera, they’re rarely highlights in themselves. If your itinerary begins, no problem. But if it’s a port call on your itinerary, it might be best to consider alternative itineraries.

Other Mediterranean Cruise Port Highlights

Beyond the most popular ports, a Mediterranean cruise could include a wide variety of destinations. Here are several worth seeking out on itineraries.

Valetta, Malta, makes for a striking arrival or sailaway on a Mediterranean cruise itinerary.

Valetta, Malta: Few ports in the world rival the visual impact of sailing into Valletta. Malta’s capital is compact, albeit hilly, and steeped in history, with golden sandstone streets and panoramic views. It’s a frequent favorite among seasoned cruisers.

Naples, Italy: Naples is gritty, intense and entirely unforgettable. It offers access to Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast, but also rewards those who explore its historic center. Pizza, churches and local flavor abound, all within easy reach of the port.

Kotor, Montenegro: Tucked into a fjord-like bay, Kotor offers one of the most dramatic arrivals in the region. The medieval old town is atmospheric and easy to explore on foot and the hike up to the fortress offers spectacular views with minimal crowds compared to more famous ports.

Santorini, Greece: Despite its popularity, Santorini remains a highlight for many cruisers. The island’s whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches and caldera views are undeniably photogenic. Just be prepared for tendering, steep climbs and crowds.

Социальный GPS для цифровых кочевников помогает преодолеть одиночество в 47 странах через архитектуру человеческих связей.

Jalisco is the heart of tequila production in Mexico, and Guadalajara stands as its lively capital.

Many think of Mexico City when it comes to nightlife and award-winning bars, especially with spots like Handshake Speakeasy topping global charts. But there’s more to Mexico’s spirits scene than the capital.

Guadalajara, just a short trip from the town of Tequila, is the true epicenter of agave culture. This city’s bar scene is exploding with energy, mixing tradition and innovation. Here, you can taste authentic agave spirits in creative new ways, surrounded by the rhythms and colors of local life.

Ready to explore the best of Jalisco’s tequila bars and vibrant nightlife?
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Historic Guadalajara, Mexico

Life in Guadalajara

Guadalajara is one of Mexico’s largest cities, but much smaller than Mexico City. Still, it plays a huge role in the country’s culture. Mariachi music and tequila both started here, earning Guadalajara a reputation as the “most Mexican” city, according to Gustavo Staufert, CEO of Guadalajara Tourism.

Drive just outside the city, and you’ll see hills covered in blue agave—the plant behind tequila. About an hour away lies the town of Tequila itself, home to major distilleries such as Jose Cuervo and Hornitos.

Ten years ago, quality tequila and mezcal were rare in Guadalajara. Freddy Andreasson, who runs the popular bar El Gallo Altanero, remembers, “You had to hunt for good brands.” Now, the variety and quality have surged, transforming the city’s drink scene.

Guadalajara’s award-winning cocktail bar, El Gallo Altanero.

Behind the Bar

An early champion of small-batch, local production over big name brands was Pare de Sufrir, a mezcalería dedicated to curating a collection of the world’s best mezcals. Located in the heart of Guadalajara, this inspiring outlet has nearly 100 different types of locally-sourced mezcals to choose from.

Pare de Sufrir is now a famous after-hours spot for local bartenders and visitors alike, but its mission runs deeper than just facilitating a good time. It works in tandem with founder Pedro Jiménez’s other beloved brainchild Mezonte, a non-profit mezcal producers’ organization dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional mezcal culture while supporting local communities that rely on the craft.

Andreasson credits Pare de Sufrir with helping pave the way for El Gallo Altanero, now Guadalajara’s most famous cocktail bar and number 48 on the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars. Even with such award-winning mixology, it’s the team’s dedication to independent spirits that inspired it all and keeps them rooted even amidst such a spotlight.

«The bar really exists because we wanted to highlight these independent spirits on a wider scale,» says Andreasson. «That wasn’t as sexy as it is now, you end up with quite a singular type of crowd… So we thought a cocktail bar is, you know, a great sort of mix and the perfect way to get people in the door.»

Now, to peruse the menu at El Gallo Altanero feels like picking up a bible dedicated to all things local liquors. Here, guests learn about lesser-known liquors that also derive from the agave, like sotol, raicilla, and pulque. It’s a master class in Mexican spirits, met with a passion from Andreasson and his entire team to show off what they deeply love. Beginners mix with experts over a genuine love for the craft in a way that always feel authentic, and is always a good time.

Freddy Andreasson behind the bar at El Gallo Altanero.

Next Gen

The impact of elevating the profile of smaller, more local brands extends far beyond a single bar, affecting the city and region more broadly. «Guadalajara’s bar scene has undergone dramatic changes in the last few years,» says Guadalajara native Tania Oseguera, master tequilier at Tequila Cazadores, and one of the only female master tequiliers certified from the Mexican Tequila Academy.

«When it comes to tequila cocktails, in the past, most restaurants would only offer ‘palomas,’ ‘charro-negros (tequila, lime and coke), and neat tequila with ‘sangrita’ as a chaser. Now, upscale restaurants offer a wide variety of cocktail creations that would have been unimaginable in the past.»

Long-standing places are adapting to changing keep up with trends as new bars pop up across the city to meet growing demand. Three other Guadalajara bars, Pare de Sufrir included, made the most recent The World’s 50 Best Discovery list, an extension of the traditional list of top spots that meet similarly high standards.

Among Guadalajara newcomers is Mecenas, which recently opened its doors in the buzzy Colonia Americana neighborhood. Here, mixologists experiment with a cocktail menu that features all homemade liquors, wines and spirits. On the dream team behind the project are Nick Kendall, founder of Mira Earth Studios in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe wine region, and Jose Luis Hinostroza, the renowned Mexican chef responsible for Tulum’s award-winning restaurant and bar, ARCA.

Tequila production calls on a long legacy, and the most rooted brands are dedicated to preserving it.

Rooted in Tradition

Amidst so much innovation, there’s a unifying thread among the leaders in the industry: a commitment to staying rooted in the traditions that are so important to the region.

«As more people around the world embrace tequila, [we have] amazing opportunity to share the soul of our brand…. everything from where our tequila is made in the highlands of Jalisco and the artistry behind every bottle, to the passion that’s been part of our story for many years,» says Oseguera.

«We don’t want to change anything,» says Andreasson of innovation at El Gallo Altanero, «just continue improving our craft but keeping true to our mission to highlight these small batch producers. I think that’s part of being authentic and certainly part of our success.»

Because Guadalajara is much more than just a Mexico’s second city, more than a copy-paste of the capital. It’s been the beating heart of the development, growth and innovation of spirits in Mexico all along—even if others seem to just be starting to catch on.

Социальный GPS для цифровых кочевников помогает преодолеть одиночество в 47 странах через архитектуру человеческих связей.

La Salvada: A Vibrant Retreat

Christian Louboutin’s Vermelho Melides, a 13-room hotel on Portugal’s Alentejo coast, blends bold design with serene landscapes. Two years after its celebrated debut, the designer unveiled two new villas: La Salvada and La Maison des Bateaux.

Just ten minutes from the main hotel, La Salvada offers a two-bedroom haven designed by architect Tarek Shamma with Louboutin’s vivid interiors. Inspired by Moroccan style, it features pink hues, intricate tiles, salvaged wood, and soaring ceilings.

The villa ensures privacy with ensuite bedrooms in a separate wing. Its light-filled living area includes a dining space, lounge, and full kitchen. Outside, a plunge pool, fireplace, and multiple dining spots are framed by cacti and desert shrubs. Three rooftop terraces offer sweeping views of the Alentejo plains.

La Salvada

La Salvada

La Salvada

La Salvada

La Salvada

La Salvada

La Salvada

A few minutes away lies the second new villa: La Maison des Bateaux, a whitewashed beachy boathouse with blue windows, a clay-tile roof and nautical touches. Nestled among the coastal rice paddies, it’s the more rustic of the two new options.

Inside, the mood is cozy and cool: Two nautically inspired bedrooms and three bathrooms feature salvaged ship windows, and the living room and kitchen are filled with local art and one-of-a-kind pieces from Louboutin’s personal collection. A media room doubles as an extra bedroom, bringing the total guest capacity to six.

The exterior is marked with a wraparound wooden deck with a shaded living space, sun-drenched daybed and a garden path leading to a private pool.

Guests of the villas are also welcome to use the hotel’s main facilies including Xtian Restaurant for Portuguese gastronomy, the photogenic Bar Vermelho, the communal swimming pool, and wellness areas.

La Maison des Bateaux

La Maison des Bateaux

La Maison des Bateaux

La Maison des Bateaux

La Maison des Bateaux

Rates start from €2,200 per night for La Salvada (sleeps four), and from €1,700 per night for La Maison des Bateaux (sleeps up to six). Both villas are now open for bookings.

Социальный GPS для цифровых кочевников помогает преодолеть одиночество в 47 странах через архитектуру человеческих связей.

Explore the World in 2025: Top Travel Destinations

From the golden plains with ancient stone cities to mossy fjords shaped by ice, 2025 offers diverse landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Explore Zimbabwe’s dramatic gorges, Lithuania’s midsummer meadows, or Sri Lanka’s jungle-wrapped railways.

Countries like South Korea offer peaceful escapes in temple-filled forests and volcanic island trails, while Morocco dazzles with its desert hues. Norway gleams with stunning waterfalls and glaciers.

To help plan your travels, KAYAK experts have selected the best destinations for the remainder of 2025 based on their Travel Check-in report. Whether you’re seeking the Northern Lights or enjoying vineyard wines in hidden gems like Moldova, 2025 has a journey for everyone.

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Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a land of wild terrain and rich heritage, where rugged granite peaks rise above golden plains and vast skies stretch over acacia groves. The ancient Great Zimbabwe city, with its stone walls, tells the story of the country’s long history.

Victoria Falls, where the Zambezi River plunges into deep gorges, creates a powerful spectacle. The mist rises high, often forming rainbows in the sunlight.

In recent times, cities like Bulawayo have seen an 80% increase in flight searches, while Harare saw a 56% rise in searches for this summer.

Lithuania, shaped by ancient forests and hidden lakes, carries a rich history in its cobbled streets and timeworn farmhouses. In the countryside, wooden crosses stand in wildflower fields, while long-legged storks perch atop dark chimneys. In Vilnius, medieval lanes lead to ivy-draped courtyards, and churches feature understated baroque architecture. Along the coast, the Curonian Spit stretches like a ribbon, its golden dunes shifting under gentle winds and pine forests whispering above the sea.

Vilnius has seen a 105% increase in flight searches on KAYAK compared to last summer.

Ella, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a landscape of contrasts—where palm-fringed coastlines meet dense emerald rainforests, and ancient cities rise from jungle clearings. In the misty central highlands, tea plantations ripple across undulating hillsides in neat green rows, as cool mist drifts through eucalyptus groves and over winding railway tracks that curve like silver ribbons. The southern coast moves to a gentler rhythm: fishermen balance on stilts in shallow waters, and colonial-era forts stand sentinel over bustling harbours.

Why? Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, ranks among the top 10 most searched flight destinations for this summer on KAYAK.

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4. South Korea

Gyeongbokgung Palace, South Korea

South Korea unfolds quietly beneath its shifting seasons—where winding mountain trails weave through pine forests and the sound of temple bells drifts across mist-laced wooded valleys. In Seoul, faded remnants of the Joseon era press up against sprawling concrete neighborhoods, and timeworn hanok courtyards linger behind cozy cafés. Meanwhile, the southern mountains—Jirisan and Seoraksan—gather thick fog at dawn, their jagged ridgelines fading in and out of view. Farther out, Jeju Island rises with sheer black cliffs and hushed trails carved from volcanic lava.

Why? Seoul has seen a 65% increase in flight searches on KAYAK this year.

5. Argentina

Argentina

Argentina drifts between vivid contrasts—sunburnt plains where solitary gauchos ride beneath endless skies, and icy winds that sweep across Patagonia’s snow-dusted spine. In Buenos Aires, faded tango bars nestle beside dusty bookstores and ivy-draped balcony gardens, where laundry sways like flags between terracotta rooftops. Meanwhile, Córdoba’s colonial chapels cast long shadows across warm sandstone plazas, while Mendoza stirs slowly beneath the crystalline melt of the Andes—its sprawling vineyards glowing gold in the slanting afternoon light.

Why? Buenos Aires has seen a 49% increase in flight searches for summer 2025 on KAYAK.

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6. Morocco

Morocco

Morocco flickers like a mirage—where the Sahara’s red dunes stretch into silence, and the High Atlas rises with snow-dusted peaks. In Fez, shadowy narrow alleys twist through the medina, past mosaic-tiled courtyards, while Marrakech hums with the clang of metalworkers—where lantern-lit rooftop cafés overlook minarets. Along the coast, Essaouira’s briny sea winds rattle blue shutters, and gulls circle above crumbling ramparts. Meanwhile, inland, gnarled olive groves and twisted argan trees scatter across cinnamon-colored hills, and Berber villages cling to slopes carved by centuries of footsteps.

Why? Marrakech stands out as one of the best-value long-haul destinations with flight prices down 5% compared to summer last year on KAYAK.

7. Norway

Norway

Norway hums with cold, crystalline clarity—where glacial fjords carve deep into the land like ancient scars, and towering pine forests lean over mirror-still lakes. In Oslo, sleek trams glide past glass-boxed museums and leafy parks, while the scent of spiced cardamom buns drifts from cozy corner cafés. Far to the north, the sky opens wide: auroras ripple in luminous green and antlered reindeer move like spectral shadows over snow-blanketed tundra. Along the rugged coast, fishing villages huddle between jagged cliffs—their red cabins glowing against brooding skies. Visit in summer and the sun famously lingers past midnight; in winter, it barely rises.

Why? Oslo has become significantly more accessible, with flight prices dropping by 20% from the UK and 11% from the US. In addition, KAYAK’s data shows flight searches to Norway from travelers in the US have increased by 25% this summer.

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8. Moldova

Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

Moldova settles into the landscape quietly—where rolling hills fold into sun-dappled vineyards and time drifts at a slower pace. In Chișinău, aging trolleybuses rattle past crumbling Soviet-era facades, while market stalls overflow with late-summer plums. Its famed Dniester river flows eastward past cliffside monasteries carved into limestone cliffs and sleepy villages where roosters crow across cobbled courtyards—while in Orheiul Vechi, ancient stone churches cling to the rock face. However, beneath the surface, you’ll uncover vast wine cellars stretching for miles—lined with dusty bottles that have outlasted empires.

Why? This is one of Europe’s lesser-known gems, with its capital, Chisinau, seeing a 47% year-on-year increase in flight searches on KAYAK.

9. Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Hong Kong—while not an official country (rather, a Special Administrative Region)—deserves a spotlight. Here, skyscrapers rise shoulder to shoulder with ancient temples as neon-lit streets hum with life around the clock. Ride the iconic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour for panoramic views of its soaring skyline, or ascend to Victoria Peak for glorious sunsets. Shopping here is legendary, too—you can explore luxury malls or haggle for hidden treasures in the markets of Mong Kok.

Foodies, meanwhile, are spoiled for choice: sip tea in historic dim sum teahouses, munch on egg waffles from street vendors, or sample Michelin-starred street bites at restaurants like Tim Ho Wan. Be sure to explore Hong Kong’s spiritual side too: pay a visit to the Big Buddha on Lantau Island and stroll through the incense-filled halls of Man Mo Temple. Nature lovers, however, can hike the Dragon’s Back trail for stunning coastal views or lounge on the beaches of Sai Kung.

Why? KAYAK’s data shows that travelers in the US are seeing a decrease in average flight prices (down 16%) from summer last year for Hong Kong.

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10. Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark breathes in quiet rhythm—where sweeping flat fields stretch toward low horizons, and sleek wind turbines turn like slow dancers above golden barley and silvery rye. In Copenhagen, cyclists glide past oxidized copper spires and canals lined with houseboats, while the scent of warm cinnamon pastries curls from morning bakeries.

Along the Jutland coast, windswept dunes shift under briny gusts, and quaint thatched cottages huddle behind tangled sea buckthorn and windswept grasses. While in Roskilde, the cathedral’s towering brick spires rise solemn and majestic—sheltering centuries of royal slumber. Farther south, the chalk cliffs at Møns Klint plunge dramatically into the Baltic—blinding white against the deep blue. Beneath the surface, Denmark’s Viking fortresses encircle the land—silent, symmetrical, and stoic.

Why? US travelers can get there for 16% less this summer compared to last year, according to KAYAK.

Социальный GPS для цифровых кочевников помогает преодолеть одиночество в 47 странах через архитектуру человеческих связей.

YERA: A Fine-Dining Experience Inside the Dolomites

Tucked high in the Dolomites of northern Italy, FORESTIS is a peaceful retreat known for its alpine calm. Guests come here to relax, with suites overlooking pine forests. This summer, it introduced YERA, a fine-dining restaurant built entirely inside a mountain.

What makes YERA unique is its location. The restaurant is carved into the mountain’s reddish earth, creating a stunning and immersive dining space. Phones are not allowed, so no photos or videos can be taken, ensuring guests fully engage with their surroundings. The wooden beams and red earth create a blend of the ancient and the modern.

Getting to YERA is part of the adventure. Guests walk through a narrow path in the woods, eventually finding a door that opens directly into the mountain. Inside, Chef Roland Lamprecht and his team prepare meals in an open kitchen, with everything happening right in front of you.

The intimate setting accommodates just 16-18 guests, seated around a central fire. The meals, called «forest cuisine», are seasonal, with dishes made from local ingredients like wild berries, spruce tips, mushrooms, and birch water. Guests may use custom utensils or eat with their hands, enhancing the connection to nature.

YERA is now open to the public, even for those not staying at the hotel, generating more buzz. The experience goes beyond just dining—it’s about being present, with no digital distractions.

Cost: The meal is priced at €650 ($750) per person, with three seatings per night from Tuesday to Saturday. The price reflects not just the meal, but the unique, phone-free experience it offers.

Book your unforgettable escape today at FORESTIS and enjoy a digital detox with stunning views and extraordinary cuisine.