Skip to site content
The Group Travel Leader Small Market Meetings Going on Faith

A Mediterranean Mosaic in Spain

Adventure in Ibiza

Our excursion on the beautiful resort isle of Ibiza, infrequently visited by cruise ships and the third-largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, was by four-wheel-drive vehicle refreshingly open, at least initially, to the elements as we explored magnificent beaches and made stops at ocean vistas along the shoreline. Beautiful weather throughout the week was briefly interrupted here near the end of the tour by a freak downpour that succeeded in getting us — me in particular — drenched when our driver experienced considerable difficulty in extending the vehicle’s canvas covering over the passenger compartment.

Historic Cartagena was the next port on our itinerary. Gig and I became separated by the massive crowds surrounding City Hall, but that didn’t prevent us each from exploring the Old Town area independently. In addition to the ancient Roman Amphitheatre of Carthago Nova and the adjacent ruins of the 13th-century Cartagena Cathedral destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, other memorable sights included numerous fine examples of ornate Art Nouveau architecture and the excellent Naval Museum.

Next came Almeria, one of the lesser-known stops on our itinerary, where many cruisers took a day trip to the famed Alhambra in Granada. Since both Gwin and I had been there several times previously, we decided to just explore the sights of our port city, which is below the ruins of the massive Moorish fortress of Alcazaba, begun in the 10th century and destroyed by an earthquake in 1522. Along the way, we found the City Market, the Almeria Cathedral and the Renaissance Santiago Church and paused to enjoy some local Spanish beer.

Walking in Malaga

A magnificent sunny day greeted our arrival in Málaga, a port on Spain’s southern coast I have visited numerous times in the past and always enjoy seeing again. Here I opted for a long walk around town, which encompassed the tony resort and the magnificent beach area east of the port facilities. I climbed to the top of the Castle of Gibralfaro and another Alcazaba fortress adjacent, both constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries and situated with commanding views on a hill overlooking the city.

Before returning to Wind Surf, I also toured and photographed the massive Cathedral of Málaga. However, the highlight of our visit here turned out to be the ship’s outstanding deck barbecue buffet dinner, wisely scheduled for an extraordinarily lovely moonlit evening in the Málaga harbor.

We passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and made for Tangier, Morocco, where we briefly toured the city before heading off into the countryside for panoramic views of Cap Spartel. Along the way lay long stretches of undeveloped, prime oceanfront property, much of which is still being used as farmland. We made a stop to allow those so inclined to take a camel ride, an opportunity that ever-adventurous Gwin readily accepted. But the high point of the journey was a visit to the ancient, splendidly picturesque town of Assilah, filled with photogenic, traditional Moroccan architecture and narrow passageways lined with colorful little shops and cafes. 

After a relaxing day at sea, our sailing concluded in Lisbon, on the Tagus River and another of Europe’s most interesting cities, well worth a post-cruise stay. Memorable attractions in this, the capital and largest city of Portugal, include São Jorge Castle, the Alfama Historic District, Belém Tower, the National Coach Museum, broad boulevards and impressive monument squares, plus rides on the city’s historic trams.