Sail the Spanish Coastlines with Seabourn

The best sites of coastal Spain open up a whole universe of cultural heritage, one that sinks deep into the centuries, through religions and realms. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are almost too numerous to count. And when it comes to cosmopolitan pursuits, Spain is extremely adept at showing you a good time. One more thing: perfect weather.

Get acquainted with Barcelona.

Spain’s second-largest city is one of Europe's most astonishing. The Catalan capital city of Barcelona is a legend in the cruise world, a port of call that leaves visitors first bated, then breathless. This gateway to Mediterranean luxury is filled with elegant boulevards, tightly knit neighborhood squares, scintillating tapas bars, and cafes. The Pablo Picasso Museum is a must-do, housing an extensive collection of the master’s work. The architectural wonders of modernist Antoni Gaudi are instantly recognizable throughout town, including the architectural masterpieces: the Sagrada Familia church and the mosaic-covered buildings and sculptures in Park Güell. Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is filled with medieval landmarks, and La Boqueria public market gives you a taste of Spain’s culinary culture.

Later in your cruise, when you return to port, Seabourn can help you extend your visit to Spain with a getaway north of Barcelona to the sultry beaches of Costa Brava.

Go to the Balearic Archipelago.

They are an irresistible quartet of islands filled with extraordinary landscapes, historic wonder, quiet villages, cosmopolitan splendor, fine dining – and Zen moments that will come when you least expect them. Seabourn sails east of the Iberian Peninsula to Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera in the Balearic Sea, islands alive with a storied past that aligns perfectly with a fabulous present. The sun-washed buildings and dazzling marinas of Palma de Mallorca are eclipsed only by the seafood – oh, the lobster stew! The sexy, sandy beaches of Menorca – more than 100 of them – are little pockets of perfection. And Ibiza, of course, is an international nightlife icon, but also one of the world’s top yachting hubs. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, dancing in the sand, shopping for leather and silk, or sipping wine, these islands will become your new favorites.

Stop to admire Alicante and Valencia.

Back on the mainland, art, and architecture are the points of pride in the port of Alicante, the Museum of Contemporary Art in particular. There is also a visual feast of historic sites here, including the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, which dates back to the 8th century. For downtime, Costa Blanca is a 100+-mile swath of sand filled with serenity, including the popular Playa del Postiguet. History buffs love the city of Valencia simply because it is one of Spain’s oldest settlements, founded by the Romans and later occupied by the Visigoths and Moors. Valencia also has a nice mix of arts and culture – in addition to being the birthplace of paella.

Sail on to the North Atlantic.

But wait – what if you had time to go just a bit farther? Off the northwest coast of Africa lie the Canary Islands, an archipelago of enormous charm. The big island of Tenerife boasts quite openly of its total sunshine throughout the year, a beach bonus when it’s time to retreat to your private cabana. Inland, the 75-square-mile, UNESCO-listed Parque Nacional del Teide beckons with its massive volcano, Teide. Hiking here is one of the most exhilarating natural experiences in the whole of Spain. Excursions to the region’s six other main islands, including Gran Canaria and its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation, reveal a utopia of green ravines and white dunes.

Escape in the spring or autumn.

Seabourn never disappoints when it comes to exploring this fascinating part of Europe, delivering all the onboard wellness, cuisine, and comfort discerning travelers have come to expect.

A luxury trip to Spain with Seabourn any time of the year is a voyage to be treasured, but off-peak travel in the shoulder seasons delivers multiple benefits, fewer crowds being the most pronounced. Your Tully Luxury Travel Designer will be happy to help arrange dates that suit your calendar perfectly, including any pre or post-cruise adventures that sit patiently in the back of your mind.