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Category: Cruise Ports

The Best things to do in Mykonos Town
Mykonos Town, the starting point for any visit to this beautiful whitewashed Greek island, perfect in the summer sun, with its glorious sunshine and welcoming breeze. The blue sea, golden beaches as well as the famous windmills all provide a welcoming sight.
The island of Mykonos has a reputation of having a good nightlife and it certainly has a choice of bars and other evening venues. However it is definitely a great choice during the day.
Our ship arrived early in the morning, when Mykonos is different, a tranquil quiet place, where you can quietly explore the many alleyways, where the shops are yet to open. Read on for the best things to do in Mykonos Town.
The Mykonos Windmills
Walking through the maze-like town, you eventually see the windmills before you. These iconic windmills are, without a doubt, the most recognisable landmarks on the island. Visiting these windmills is one of the best things to do in Mykonos Town. Visit as early as you can as they get busier as the day goes on. They were built by the Venetians in the 16th century and were used for milling wheat. In addition, from the windmills you get stunning panoramic views across the town, sea and nearby islands. It is a great photo opportunity so get there early! It is also a popular spot for sunset. A visit to the windmills is definitely one of the best things to do in Mykonos town.
Little Venice
Looking down from the windmills towards Mykonos town, you can see Little Venice, which is characterised by its houses with colourful balconies. The highlight of this area is the seafront cafes and bars, obviously offering magnificent views of the Aegean Sea. It is a popular but pricey spot for a drink! It is a favourite spot for tourists, so be sure to get there early, otherwise you will have to wait! Behind the seafront cafes, alley ways with art galleries and boutiques are waiting to be explored. This however, just adds to the charm of Little Venice, which is one of the best areas in Mykonos Town to visit.
Boni’s Windmill
There are 16 well preserved windmills which stand on Mykonos. Some of these have been turned into private homes. However, if you climb up the hill from the old port you come to Boni’s windmill, standing alone on the hillside with fabulous views across the bay. It is open to visitors later in the day during the high season. Visiting Boni’s windmill is one of the great experiences in Mykonos Town. It was not open on our visit as we went early in the day before it became too hot. The climb is worth it for the beautiful views over the bay.
The Old Town
The old town, also known as Chora is the endearing, busy centre of the island. The blue skies, whitewashed houses, narrow winding streets, and bright pink bougainvillea certainly add to the charm of the town. Among the best things to do in Mykonos Town, exploring the old town is a must.
Matoyianni Street is the main shopping area of the old town and of course it is lined with shops selling souvenirs, arts, crafts, and clothing. There is also an excellent choice of restaurants and bars.
The Paraportiani Church is undoubtedly a popular photo spot, located near the main harbour on the waterfront. It is in fact a complex of five small churches, which have been joined together
Enjoy the Harbour front in Mykonos Town
Located on the harbour front is Agios Nikolaos Church. Built around 1700 in honour of Saint Nicholas, the protector of sailors and fishermen. The church has a plain interior and there are always candles available for those who wish to light one.
Of course, the harbour front is a bustling area full of cafes and restaurants. However, it is a wonderful place to grab a drink and sit and watch the world go by. Although not cheap, we have found it cheaper for a drink than the Little Venice area. Enjoying the harbour front is among the best things to do in Mykonos Town.
Beaches near Mykonos Town
Follow the harbour round with the water on your left, until you find a small beach where it is possible to swim. Discovering these nearby beaches is one of the best things to do in Mykonos Town. The beach is small and busy, but if you fancy a swim in the sea, this is one of your best opportunities unless you take a trip out of town.
If your cruise ship docks in port rather than tendering, there is another beach in walking distance. On leaving the port, turn left and walk along the road to Agios Stefanos Beach. It takes 20 minutes. Here you find a larger beach along with several traditional restaurants.
Mykonos Town Tips
Cruise boats which tender bring you into the old port, making it perfect for exploring the town. The main port is good distance from town and the walk is along a busy road. Obviously, Cruise lines offer their own transport into town, and this is often pricey. Don’t miss the local water bus which is of course much cheaper and is 5 minutes walk from the ship.
Additionally, a popular trip from Mykonos is to visit the island of Delos. Of course, every cruise line has an excursion, but if you are not on a cruise, or just feeling more independent, then tickets can be bought from the old port on the day. More details are available here.
Mykonos is a delight to visit, if you want to know more about the best things to do in Mykonos Town then contact us.
December 11, 2023
10 Great Things to do in Zadar
Zadar, Croatia is a small gem in this countries bejewelled crown . Although not as popular as Dubrovnik or Split, it is a walkable, beautiful city with a charming atmosphere and an unusual sea organ. It is also the perfect cruise destination day trip. Read on for our 10 best things to do in Zadar!
The water front, also known as Riva, is a bustling and popular promenade, offering stunning views of the sea, nearby islands, and the city’s old town. It has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, becoming a modern and vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors alike. At the north-western end you find both the sea organ and the greeting to the sun. In the evening people also gather to witness the breath taking sunsets.
In addition to Zadar Old Town’s historic core, it also has a captivating blend of ancient Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and vibrant squares.
If you arrive by cruise ship, it will likely dock at the new port which is around 5km from the centre. Use the port provided shuttle which cost 10 euros for a return ticket. This took us to the water front close to the Greeting of the Sun installation and the sea organ. Return here for the transfer back to your cruise ship. Read on to find out what to do in Zadar from a cruise ship as there is plenty within walking distance.
1. Visit the Greeting to the Sun (Pozdrav suncu)
A great start to any day trip is The Greeting to the Sun, a large circular installation with solar panels that store energy during the day and emit an impressive light show after sunset. Still visit during the day as the interactive light display creates a beautiful spectacle, attracting visitors to enjoy the colors and patterns that change according to the weather and time of day.
2. Listen to the Sea Organ (Morske orgulje)
Along the seafront you find the sea organ. This is a surprisingly innovative musical instrument that uses a series of underwater pipes and resonating chambers. As the waves interact with the tubes they produce melodious and harmonic sounds. As well as being a mesmerising experience, it is one of the best things to do in Zadar, on a sunny day. Sit along the waterfront, relax and listen to the sounds produced by the natural movement of the sea.
3. Wander through Zadar’s Roman Forum
On your day trip, do not miss one of the prominent landmarks in Zadar Old Town; the Roman Forum dating back to the 1st century BC. It served as the centre of public life during Roman times and is now an open-air archaeological site where you can explore the remains of ancient Roman structures. Wander through the site and see the remains of columns, arches, paved walkways, and the foundations of various buildings.
Adjacent to the Roman Forum you can visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts found in Zadar and the surrounding region.
4. Be Amazed by the Church of St. Donatus

Standing proud behind the Roman Forum you find the Church of St. Donatus. This impressive round church is one of the most significant and recognisable landmarks in Zadar. It is less traditional in layout with a single circular space inside, so it is often used for concerts and other cultural events in the city.
The church is named after Bishop Donatus, who played a crucial role in the early Christian history of Zadar.
There is a charge to go into the building, so on this occasion we admired it from the outside!
5. Climb the Bell Tower of Zadar Cathedral of St. Anastasia (Katedrala sv. Stošije)
Visit the cathedral (which is the largest in Dalmatia) located in the heart of the old town and dedicated to St. Anastasia, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century.
The cathedral’s outside is covered with intricate stone carvings, including figures of saints, biblical scenes, and decorative motifs. It is also worth popping inside to take in the grandeur of the building.
No day trip is complete without a view! One of the highlights of the cathedral is the Romanesque bell tower, which stands separately from the main building. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Zadar is to climb the bell tower. For 3 euros you can enjoy panoramic views of Zadar, its coastline as well as the surrounding area.
6. Explore the main entrances to Zadar – the Land Gate (Kopnena vrata) and the Sea Gate (Morska vrata)
These surprisingly well-preserved entrances to the Old Town, serve as a reminder of the city’s medieval fortifications. As you walk through the gates you find yourself in a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, where you can explore charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is another excellent starting point for exploring Zadar’s old town.
The Land Gate (Kopnena vrata) is one of the iconic entrances to the historic Old Town of Zadar, Croatia. It is a significant historical landmark and a remnant of the city’s medieval fortifications. The Land Gate is an excellent starting point for exploring the historical and cultural treasures that await within Zadar’s city walls.
The Seagate is another historic gateway that provided access to the city from the sea and played a crucial role in Zadar’s maritime heritage. Today, the Sea Gate stands as a historical monument, providing a glimpse into Zadar’s maritime past.
7. Enjoy the Atmosphere in the People’s Square (Narodni trg)
This central square located in the heart of Zadar’s Old Town, Croatia. It is a bustling public space and a popular gathering point for locals and tourists alike.
The square is lined with outdoor cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it an ideal spot to relax, enjoy a meal, or coffee while taking in the atmosphere. This is one of the most popular things to do in Zadar during the summer months. During this time the square hosts various cultural events and performances.
8. Visit Five Wells Square (Trg pet bunara)
This is another of Zadar’s beautiful squares and is named after the five historic wells that are the focal point of the square. These wells were once the city’s main water source and were built to provide the citizens of Zadar with fresh water during times of siege or water scarcity.
The Five Wells Square is another popular gathering place with a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere. It provides a respite from the bustling streets of the Old Town, here you can take a seat, relax and take in all that is going on.
9. Discover Green Zadar – Take a Stroll in Queen Jelena Madijevka Park (Park kraljice Jelene Madijevke)
Queen Jelena Madijevka Park is a green space that offers a tranquil and picturesque setting in an otherwise bustling city. The park is known for its lush greenery, beautiful flower beds, as well as well-maintained walking paths. Take leisurely stroll, or sit down and enjoy the natural surroundings.
10. Have an Ice Cream in Zadar
Of course one of the best things to do in Zadar is to eat! Your food choices are vast, with fresh fruit, fish and seafood among other local delicacies. There is also a great café culture where you can enjoy a drink and a snack. However, no day trip is complete without an ice cream! Zadar has many shops and cafes where you can enjoy this summer favourite. We chose Stasticarna Donat Gelatrari near the Cathedral which did not disappoint.
Overall Zadar is a captivating destination to visit which is manageable as a day trip or cruise excursion. The waterfront is modern with natural beauty as well as the opportunity to enjoy the coastal charm of Zadar. The old town is perfect for those interested in history and architecture as well as those who like to explore what the local shops and restaurants have to offer.
Zadar is famous for its sunsets, so if you get the chance, head to the sea organ for the best views. If you visit from a cruise then make sure you admire the beautiful coastline as you sail away!
If you would like to find out more about things to on a day trip or cruise excursion to Zadar, then please contact us .
Find the latest about Zadar on the tourist board website.
June 13, 2023
The Magic of Kotor: Visiting Montenegro’s Gem
Visit Kotor, a popular cruise destination in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is also one of the most beautiful, due to the dramatic fjord like scenery, which you cannot fail to admire as you cruise through the bay of Kotor, passing Our Lady of the Rocks, to reach this historic coastal town in Montenegro.
The Old Town
A short walk from the cruise port is the main attractions in Kotor; its well-preserved Old Town, or Stari Grad. It is surrounded by medieval walls which stretch up the hillside. The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets, squares, and picturesque buildings, including churches, palaces, and museums.
The small, fortified town is easy to reach from the port and walking time is 5 minutes. The narrow streets are delightful to wander with many a souvenir shop as well as an abundance of cafes and restaurants. On arrival in the town, we started by walking around the lower part of the walls. This gave good views of the town. Due to the timing of our boat trip we did not have time to embark on the steep uphill hike(which takes 1.5 hours) which climbs along the fortified walls to reach St Johns fortress. Here you get beautiful views of Kotor and the bay.
Cats of Kotor
Kotor has a large population of cats, which have become a city symbol. The cats have become an integral part of the town’s charm and character. There are several cat stores, a cat museum, as well as Cats’ Square (Trg od mačaka) where water and food is left for them.
Our Lady of the Rocks
On arrival in Kotor, as you walk towards the old town there are plenty of people trying to sell you various trips and excursions. We had already booked a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks before our visit.
Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) is a small man-made island located in the Bay of Kotor, near the town of Perast. According to legend, Our Lady of the Rocks dates back to the 15th century. It is said that on July 22, 1452, two local sailors discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary on a small rock in the bay. They considered it a miraculous occurrence and pledged to build a church in honour of the Virgin Mary on the spot.
Over the centuries, the tradition of adding stones to the site grew among sailors and fishermen. Following each successful voyage or safe return, they would throw rocks into the sea. This slowly expanded the island’s surface area. The Church of Our Lady of the Rocks was constructed on the artificial island and is the site’s focal point.
Access to the island is by boat, and there are a number of ways this can be done. Take a bus, or alternatively the open-top tourist bus to Perast where there are boats to take you to the island. From Kotor, there is a larger boat which goes across to the island, as well as a number of smaller tourist boats as well as speed boats. We booked a speed boat with Montenegro submarine and speed boat tours through getyourguide. It is a stunning trip and we reached the island in 30 minutes. We then had 30 minutes (which is plenty), to view the Church and island. It is an extra 2 euros to go into the church.
Perast
We then left the island and the boat continued to Perast. We had another 30-minute stop here. Perast is a small town with restaurants and beautiful views across the water. It is also the perfect place to have a long lunch. To do this you need to take a bus, but the highlight of our trip was the speed boat across bay.
Other suggestions around Kotor
We enjoyed our few hours in Kotor and would definitely return. We researched a number of options for further trips in the area. These include extending your trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, to enjoy the Blue Cave. Also consider a visit to the seaside town of Budva. This trip is along the mountain road with its views of Kotor bay, to the village of Njegusi.
Kotor left us wanting to return and to discover more of Montenegro. You cannot beat arriving on a cruise ship, through the bay of Kotor in the early morning as the sun is rising. It is a beautiful introduction to this stunning town and country. The short walk from the port to the fortified historic town made this pretty town with its stunning bay an ideal place to spend the day. I look forward to returning!
If you would like to know anymore about our visit to Kotor then please contact us.
May 15, 2023
Explore Split in a Day from Your Cruise
Split is easy to discover on a day trip, with its central cruise port making it a perfect cruise destination. Situated on the eastern shores of the Adriatic in Croatia, it also makes an ideal location for a weekend or a base to discover the beautiful area and surrounding islands. The city’s historic centre is within the walls of the Diocletian’s Palace, as well as being a short walk from the cruise port. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman palaces in the world.
In addition to the Diocletian’s Palace, Split has many other historic buildings and monuments. These also include the Cathedral of St. Domnius, the Bell Tower, and the Peristyle, which are all located within the palace walls. The Riva promenade is a popular spot as it offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the nearby islands.
Split Cruise Port Location
The cruise port of Split is located around a 10 minute walk form the Golden Gate entrance of the Diocletian’s palace. It is an easy walk and this is the simplest and cheapest way to reach the city centre. We spent the morning in the Diocletian’s Palace, returned to the cruise ship for lunch and then explored the promenade and beyond in the afternoon.
As you leave the cruise port area there are plenty of taxi’s and excursion providers, to travel further afield. To visit Krka falls it is best to book prior to your visit. However, Split itself has plenty to offer for and enjoyable day trip.
The Golden Gate and Gregory of Nin
On leaving the cruise port the best starting point for exploring the city is the Golden Gate. Located on the north wall, it is the main of the four gates of the Diocletian’s Palace.
Here you will also find the statue of Gregory of Nin. He was a bishop who defied the Pope by introducing the Croatian language into his services. This was revolutionary and had a big impact on the culture of Croatia and the development of the country. It is believed that rubbing the big toe of the statue will bring you luck.
Continue through the gate into the Diocletian’s Palace and on to visit ‘peristyle’ central square.
Split Central Square
The Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace is a rectangular courtyard surrounded by a peristyle of columns and arches. The Peristyle is one of the most important parts of Diocletian’s Palace. It was originally used as a ceremonial space for the emperor and his court. Today, it is obviously popular tourist destination. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, which was originally built as a mausoleum for Diocletian.
You can buy a combined ticket to visit the various buildings of the Cathedral. More information can be found here. We visited the Bell tower only and climbed around 200 steep steps to see the fabulous views.
In the square you will also find the Vestibule which is a famous part of Diocletian’s Palace, being a grand entrance hall located at the southern entrance of the complex.
The Vestibule is a rectangular space with a domed ceiling that was originally used for imperial audiences and official ceremonies. Today, as well as being a popular tourist attraction, it is used as a venue for concerts.
Sliver Gate and Riva Promenade
Head towards the Silver Gate (the east gate), walk through and into the Green Market; the largest open air fruit and vegetable market in Croatia. Continue on along Split’s main Riva Promenade until you come to the Bronze Gate
The Bronze Gate
The Bronze Gate (also known as the North Gate) is another of four original entrances to the Diocletian’s Palace. Despite its name, the gate is not made of bronze and is the most unassuming of the gates. It is more door like in appearance and connects the Promenade via some steps to the Palace cellars. To explore the Palace’s west cellars there is an entrance fee, but it is free to walk through the cellars main corridor. Here you will find a small market selling souvenirs, which leads you back through to Peristyle Square.
Jupiter’s Temple and Let me Pass Street
Opposite the Cathedral on the left is a narrow street. Walk down this street around 50 metres and you will find the Temple of Jupiter with the headless Sphinx outside. The sphynx is a human head on a lions body and was brought from Egypt 3500 years ago. The temple was built at the time of the construction of the city and is dedicated to the ancient Roman god Jupiter.
Let me Pass Street is a very short and narrow passage claiming to be the narrowest street in the world. It must also compete for the shortest as well!
Split Water front and Marjan Hill Viewpoint
Next, head towards the waterfront and turn right to enjoy the beautiful views along the Promenade, until you reach the Fisherman’s Port. Turn right here and walk up Solurat Ul. On the right there is a sign to Marjanske Scale. This is the start of the 300 steps to climb to the Marjan Hill viewpoint. From here you are treated to amazing views of Split and its coastline. If you have time then it is possible to walk on further up the hill.
Leave the view point and walk past the steps you came up. On the right hand side are another set of steps. These lead you back down to the Fisherman’s Port and the main waterfront.
Back to the Golden Gate
Head back along waterfront towards town and turn left into Republic Square. The square is surrounded by historic buildings and landmarks, inclding the National Theatre, the City Hall, and the statue of Marko Marulić. Just over midway down the square, on the right take the path leading through to the fish market. You are now back in the centre of Split. From here take Marontovi Ul, to see the unusual funnel and cup fountain where water comes from the hand in the wall into the funnel. Finally turn right and follow the road back up to the Golden Gate where you started.
Split is an excellent location for a daytrip or longer with easy access to the centre from the cruise port.
Extend your trip to Split by visiting beautiful natural areas including Marjan Forest Park, the Krka Waterfalls as well as the nearby islands of Brač, Hvar, and Vis. These islands are perfect for hiking, swimming, and sailing. Split a great destination for anyone who loves the outdoors!
If you require any further information on cruise excursion ideas then please contact us.
April 23, 2023