The best destinations for a cruise in autumn

The cruises in autumn They are a great option for enjoying a late vacation. Maybe your job hasn't allowed you to take a few days off to travel in the summer, but now you can do so.

In that case, a cruise is a very good idea. It is no longer as hot as in the summer and there are even some bank holidays interesting. Plus, it's the perfect time for a romantic getawayHowever, not all areas are suitable for the autumn season. Therefore, below we are going to show you some of the best destinations for autumn cruises.

Western Mediterranean Cruise

We begin by proposing a cruise along the western part of the Mediterranean coast. It is one of the most popular flights at any time of the year. But in autumn it has some advantages. For example, it will cost you less than in summer and, in addition, the cities where it stops are also in low season. Thus, its prices are cheaper.

You can choose a cruise that departs from Barcelona and stop in different cities of France e Italy. As for the first nation, you will know Marseilles with its beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, which is unique in the country for its Romanesque-Byzantine style. You can also see the medieval Abbey of Saint Victor and the Tower of King René, as well as more modern constructions such as the Fort of Saint Nicholas or the Borely Palace.

In addition, it will surely make a stop at Nice, one of the tourist centers of the Blue Coast. This city is notable for its baroque churches such as Notre Dame de Cimiez and Santiago el Mayor. But also for its old military bastions such as the Monte Albán fort and, above all, the mansions and hotels built during the Belle EpoqueGood examples of these are the castles of Cremat and Valrose, the palaces of Massena and Maeterlinck and the hotels Regina and Alhambra. Not to mention the famous Promenade des Anglais.

The cruise will then continue through Italy. It will probably stop in Genoa, the capital of Liguria, whose nerve centre is Piazza Ferrari, where the Opera House and the Ducal Palace are located. But you also have to see other stately homes such as those that make up the New Roads, now Via Garibaldi, which is a World Heritage Site. And, as for the city's religious monuments, don't forget to visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo.

Next, both fall and summer cruises stop at Civitavecchia, which is the closest port to Roma for this type of boat. This way, you will be able to get to know the Sacred City, with its huge Roman vestiges (the Colosseum, the Arch of Titus, the Baths of Caracalla, etc.) and its countless monuments that we cannot dwell on here, as they would take up several articles.

It is enough to mention as an example the Basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore or San Juan de Letran (not forgetting that of St. Peter's in the Vatican); Barberini, Colonna or Farnese palaces; sources such as Trevi's or Neptune or castles like that of Saint Angelo.

Autumn cruises in southern Italy

If you choose the above itinerary and it lasts for several days, it is possible that it will also take you to the south of Italy. But we prefer to include the trip through this area in another of the cruises in autumn because the southern part of Italy has a lot to see and deserves a separate trip. Your boat to discover it can also leave from Barcelona o Valencia and go through Palma de Mallorca.

In the Balearic city you have to visit the Cathedral of Santa María, a jewel of Levantine Gothic architecture. You should also visit the Pueblo Español and the castles of Bellver and San Carlos, as well as the Lonja and the Almudaina palace.

The next scale is usually Nápoles, the capital of the Campania region. In this city that is overflowing with social life, you have to see its set of defensive castles. These include the Ovo, San Elmo and Carmine. You should also visit the cathedral and other religious buildings such as the Monastery of Santa Clara or the Basilica of San Francisco de Paula. And, of course, palaces such as the Royal Palace or the Archaeological Museum.

But, as you know, the great attraction of the area is the ancient Roman city of Pompeye, destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Also, to a lesser extent, that of Herculaneum with whom it forms an archaeological complex declared a World Heritage Site.

Finally, before returning to their place of origin, these autumn cruises through the Mediterranean usually make a stopover on the island of Sicilia, Specifically Palermo, the capital. Its impressive monumental complex, included under the name Arab-Norman Palermo and the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale, is also a World Heritage Site. Among other buildings, it includes the city cathedral, the Norman palace and the Palatine Chapel, as well as the churches of San Giovanni dei Eremitani and San Cataldo.

Cruise through the Norwegian fjords

Visiting the Norwegian fjords is a classic boat trip and autumn cruises are no exception. They usually depart from Oslo, the country's capital, where you can visit the Akershus fortress, the Royal Palace, the National Gallery or the Parliament building. You should also visit the cathedrals of St. Olaf and St. Saviour, the Gol Stave Church or the Ekebergparken.

Autumn fjord cruises often stop at BergenIt is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the country. In it, you have to visit the historic district of Bryggen, with its brightly painted wooden houses. You should also visit Bergenhus Fortress and St. Mary's Church, as well as take the funicular to the Mount FloyenThe views of the town and the seven mountains that surround it are spectacular.

Next, your cruise will enter the fjords. We recommend that you choose an itinerary that takes you through at least the fjords. sognefjord, Naeroyfjord y GeirangerfjordThe first of those mentioned is the second longest in the world, with 204 kilometers and also the deepest. For its part, the Naeroyfjord stands out for the impressive height of its cliffs. Finally, the third takes you to the beautiful town of Geiranger and shows you the spectacular waterfalls of the Seven Sisters (the highest one throws water from 250 meters) and El Pretendiente. Finally, this area is a good starting point for excursions to the glaciers.

Cruise to Athens and the Cyclades Islands

Among the autumn cruises, those sailing around the Greek islands are also very popular. They also usually depart from ports in the Spanish Mediterranean such as Barcelona o Valencia and they have as their first stop the historic city of Athens, the Hellenic capital and cradle of Western civilization.

In it you have to visit, of course, the famous Acropolis, or ancient city, whose buildings date, for the most part, from the time of Pericles (499-429 BC). This is the case of the no less well-known Parthenon, but there are also buildings from the Hellenistic, Archaic and even Mycenaean periods (second millennium BC). Among the most important buildings in the complex, in addition to the one mentioned, you have the temple of Athena Nike, the theatre of Dionysus or the Erechtheion. In addition, you have a complete Acropolis Museum.

You can also visit remains from the Roman era in Athens such as the Hadrian's Arch and lantern of LysicratesThe spectacular ones belong to the Middle Ages monasteries of Kesariani and Dafni, located on the outskirts of the city. And more modern are other monuments such as the neoclassical complex that forms the Academy, the University and the National Library.

Precisely, the Syntagma Square is the centre of modern Athens. Here you can see the Parliament building and a monument to the unknown soldier. But more popular is the Monastiraki square, where the famous is installed flea market and there is the Byzantine church of Pantanassa.

From the capital, autumn cruises around the Greek islands will take you to Cyclades archipelago, which is the closest to Athens. Among them, which stand out for their white houses and cozy beaches, a mandatory stopover is Serifos, with its monasteries and towers. But cruise ships also often stop at the most famous of Mikonos, with its beautiful beaches and nightlife; Andros, with its ancient capital Paleopoli and the summer resort town of Batsi, or Paros, in which the spectacular gulfs of Parikia and Nausa stand out.

Autumn cruises on the North Sea

Finally, among the autumn cruises, we suggest one through the main cities of the wild and spectacular North Sea. The first stop is usually Hamburg, which stands out for its numerous canals and bridges. In it you have to visit the historic district of Speicherstadt, a World Heritage Site. But you should also see the majestic town hall and the churches of St. Michael, St. Peter and St. Catherine. More modern is the spectacular building of the Elbphilharmonie.

The next stop is another city famous for its canals. We are talking about Amsterdam, where it is almost obligatory to take a tour of its museums. Among these, the Van Gogh, the Rijksmuseum, the Rembrandt House or the Anne Frank House. You should also visit the Hortus Botanicus, which is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, and the concert hall Concert Hall.

Cruises in this area usually stop in the French city of Le Havre. Recognized as a Villa of Art and History in 2001, it was extensively rebuilt after the Second World War. Precisely, Its urban centre has been listed as a World Heritage Site.. Among its monuments, the Church of San José and the Oscar Niemeyer Space stand out. On the other hand, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace It dates back to the 16th century and combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles in its façade.

Finally, these autumn cruises descend to the Atlantic Ocean to end in La Coruna. The Galician city is also very beautiful. You have to look at its typical houses with galleries or closed balconies. But, above all, you have to visit monuments such as the Tower of Hercules, the castle of San Antón, the churches of San Jorge and Santiago or the collegiate church of Santa María.

In conclusion, we have proposed some of the best cruises in autumn that you can do. As you can see, they are all around Europe. The reason is that we are in a time of year when free days are not abundant. In other words, we have to make short trips. However, if you have more time, you can also take cruises around the world. Indian Ocean with stops at places like Madagascar or by Central America with stops in Puerto Vallarta o Cancún. Dare to take your cruise in autumn.