Explora I – Monte Carlo to Barcelona

Built as the port of ancient Rome under Emperor Trajan, Civitavecchia remains the principal gateway to the Eternal City today, where cruise passengers, pilgrims, traders and travellers all follow in the wake of countless predecessors.

Port Location in Civitavecchia

Ships dock at the Port of Civitavecchia (Porto di Civitavecchia), approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from the historic centre (20-min walk or 5-min shuttle ride).

Facilities: Tourist information, cruise shuttle buses, taxis, cafés, ATMs, toilets, luggage storage, car hire, Wi-Fi and tour operators.

Port Address: Largo della Pace, 00053 Civitavecchia, Italy.

Getting Around: The historic centre is easily walkable. A free port shuttle normally operates between the ship and Largo della Pace visitor centre. Local buses connect the town, while trains provide excellent access to Rome and other destinations along the coast.

Public Transport: Regional trains from Civitavecchia station to Rome Termini run frequently throughout the day (approximately every 15–30 minutes). Journey time is typically 45–75 minutes depending on service. Tickets cost approximately €4.60–€5 each way and can be purchased from station machines, ticket offices, or via the Trenitalia app.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the Civitavecchia cruise port terminal. Local journeys are generally metered. A taxi to Civitavecchia railway station typically costs €10-15. A private transfer to Rome usually costs €140-180. Important: agree your fare before departure for longer journeys (such as to Rome). Uber is limited; licensed private transfer services are more common.

Tourist Bus: There is no Hop-On Hop-Off bus service in Civitavecchia itself. Of course, there are several hop on hop off bus tours in Rome.

What to see in Civitavecchia

Forte Michelangelo: One of the finest coastal fortresses in Italy, begun under Pope Julius II and partially designed by Michelangelo himself. Limited access; exterior view anytime | Free exterior viewing | 0.8 km (0.5 miles) from port (10-min walk)

Trajan’s Baths (Terme Taurine): Roman thermal baths dating back nearly 2,000 years, once enjoyed by emperors. Visitor centre explains the history of Roman baths and the importance of the area in antiquity. 9a-7p (seasonal) | Approx. €5 | 5 km (3.1 miles) from port (10-min drive)

Cathedral of St Francis of Assisi: A graceful Baroque cathedral at the heart of town. 7a-7p | Free | 1.2 km (0.7 miles) from port (15-min walk)

National Archaeological Museum: Small but excellent collection of Roman and Etruscan treasures recovered from the surrounding region. 8:30a-7:30p | Approx. €6 | 1 km (0.6 miles) from port (15-min walk)

The Historic Waterfront: A pleasant promenade where fishing boats, ferries and cruise ships share the same waters. 24 hours | Free | Adjacent to port

Market of Civitavecchia: A chance to see everyday Italian life away from Rome’s crowds. 7a-2p | Free entry | 1.3 km (0.8 miles) from port (15-min walk)

Vanvitelli Fountain: Built in the 18th century and still welcoming arrivals to the harbour. 24 hours | Free | 1 km (0.6 miles) from port (15-min walk)

Old Harbour of Trajan: The ancient Roman harbour remains visible beneath the modern port. You are quite literally walking through Roman history. 24 hours | Free | Within port area

Piazza Leandra: One of the oldest corners of the city, where medieval Civitavecchia still peeks through. 24 hours | Free | 1.4 km (0.9 miles) from port (18-min walk)

Beaches near Civitavecchia

Tarquinia: One of Italy’s finest Etruscan towns, with UNESCO-listed tombs and a beautiful medieval centre. 8:30a-7:30p | Approx. €6 entry | 20 km (12 miles) from port (25-min drive)

Lake Bracciano: A volcanic lake surrounded by attractive villages and dominated by a magnificent castle. 24 hours | Free lakeside access | 50 km (31 miles) from port (1-hour drive)

Cerveteri: Home to one of the most important Etruscan necropolises in Europe. 8:30a-7:30p | Approx. €6 | 45 km (28 miles) from port (45-min drive)

Rome: Quite possibly the greatest day trip in Europe. 80 km (50 miles) from port (45–75 min by train)

A day trip to Rome from Civitavecchia

For many, Civitavecchia is really ‘Rome’s port’. Fortunately, reaching the Italian capital is straightforward.

The cruise shuttle usually drops passengers at Largo della Pace. From there, a local bus or taxi can take you to Civitavecchia train station. Regional trains run frequently to Roma Termini, taking about 45-75 minutes.

The most important thing to remember is Rome wasn’t built in a day – and so don’t expect to see it all in one day either. To avoid too much time trudging between places, it’s a good idea to focus on attractions that are close to each other, or take a city-wide hop-on-hop-off bus tour for an overview.

For a first visit, these have to be considered:

Colosseum & Roman Forum: The heart of Ancient Rome. Allow 2-3 hours.

Trevi Fountain: Rome’s most famous fountain. Throw a coin (over your shoulder) and tradition says you’ll return.

Pantheon: Nearly 2,000 years old and still astonishing.

Piazza Navona: One of Europe’s great public squares.

St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums: The spiritual heart of Catholicism. Allow extra time for security queues.

Aim to be back at Civitavecchia station no later than two hours before all aboard. Italian trains are pretty good, but train delays do occasionally happen.

Tipping customs in Civitavecchia

Service is often included in restaurants. If not included, rounding up or leaving 10% is appreciated. Taxi drivers generally appreciate ‘keep the change’ tips.

The very Italian ‘coperto’ charge in a restaurant is not a service charge – that’s a cover charge for the use of cutlery, tablecloth, and bread. You can’t decline it!

Food & drink to try in Civitavecchia

Cacio e Pepe: Rome’s deceptively simple masterpiece of pecorino cheese and black pepper.

Carbonara: The authentic Roman version contains egg, pecorino and guanciale – no cream.

Supplì: Deep-fried rice balls with a molten mozzarella centre.

Frascati Wine: Crisp white wine from the hills southeast of Rome.

Souvenir suggestions for Civitavecchia

If you’re heading into Rome, look for handmade leather goods, artisanal olive oil, Roman mosaics, or food products featuring truffle, pecorino or guanciale. In Civitavecchia itself, maritime-themed gifts and ceramics are common.

Useful Italian phrases for cruise tourists

Perched on dramatic cliffs above the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is a town of lemon groves, elegant piazzas and spectacular views. Beneath the postcard scenery lies a proud maritime community with a remarkable tradition of craftsmanship that still thrives today.

Port Location in Sorrento

Ships anchor offshore in Sorrento and passengers are transferred ashore by tender to Marina Piccola, immediately below the historic centre. A public lift connects the waterfront with the historic centre (2-min walk from tender pier, 5-min walk at the top to Piazza Tasso).

Facilities: Tourist information, cafés, restaurants, ferry ticket offices, taxis, toilets and souvenir shops.

Port Address: Marina Piccola, Via Luigi de Maio, Sorrento.

Getting Around: Sorrento is highly walkable. Most highlights are within a 15-minute walk of Piazza Tasso.

Public Transport: Public buses operate throughout the peninsula, while Circumvesuviana trains connect Sorrento with Pompeii and Naples. Local buses generally cost around €1.50-2.00 per journey. Tickets can be purchased from tabacchi shops, stations and ticket machines. To book train tickets in advance, visit the Campania Express website.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the harbour and Piazza Tasso. Fares are not always metered for tourist routes, so agree the fare before departure. A typical journey from the harbour to central Sorrento costs approximately €15-20. Uber is not widely used; local taxis dominate.

Tourist Bus: There is no Hop-On Hop-Off bus service in Sorrento.

What to see in Sorrento

Piazza Tasso: The bustling heart of Sorrento where cafés, churches and daily life converge. The perfect starting point for exploring the town.
Open 24 hrs | Free | 1 km (15-min uphill walk) from tender pier.

Sorrento Cathedral: A fascinating cathedral blending Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque influences.
8a-12p, 4p-7p | Free | 1.3 km (15-min walk) from tender pier.

Museo Bottega della Tarsia Lignea: A fascinating museum dedicated to Sorrento’s world-famous marquetry tradition. Learn how artisans assemble hundreds of tiny pieces of wood into intricate works of art.
10a-6p | Approx. €10 entry | 1.5 km (20-min walk) from tender pier.

Villa Comunale: A cliff-top terrace offering one of the most spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
Open daily | Free | 1.2 km (15-min walk) from tender pier.

Chiostro di San Francesco: A peaceful medieval cloister where weddings, concerts and art exhibitions frequently take place.
8a-7p | Free | 1.2 km (15-min walk) from tender pier.

Museo Correale: A treasure house of paintings, furniture and decorative arts housed in an elegant villa.
9:30a-5:30p | €15 entry | 1.5 km (20-min walk) from tender pier.

Sedile Dominova: One of the few surviving noble meeting halls in southern Italy, decorated with beautiful frescoes.
Daytime (Tue-Sun) | Free | 1.3 km (15-min walk) from tender pier.

Marina Grande: The old fishing harbour where Sorrento still feels like a working coastal town rather than a resort.
Open 24 hrs | Free | 1.8 km (25-min walk) from tender pier.

Vallone dei Mulini: A dramatic abandoned mill hidden within a deep ravine in the middle of town. One of Sorrento’s most unusual sights.
Viewpoint always accessible | Free | 1 km (15-min walk) from tender pier.

Basilica di Sant’Antonino: Dedicated to Sorrento’s patron saint and filled with maritime votive offerings.
7a-7p | Free | 1.1 km (15-min walk) from tender pier.

Villa Fiorentino: Historic villa hosting temporary exhibitions, cultural events and beautiful gardens.
Typically 10a-7p | Usually free | 1.4 km (20-min walk) from tender pier.

Beaches near Sorrento

Pompeii: One of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites, frozen in time by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79.
9a-7p | Approx. €18 entry | 28 km (45-min train ride) from Sorrento. Get a skip-the-line ticket for Pompeii in advance

Positano: The Amalfi Coast’s most famous village, tumbling down steep cliffs towards the sea.
Open 24 hrs | Free | 17 km (40-min drive) from Sorrento.

Herculaneum: Smaller than Pompeii but often better preserved, with remarkable surviving buildings and mosaics.
8:30a-7:30p | Approx. €16 entry | 45 km (50-min train ride) from Sorrento. Get your official tickets in advance

Amalfi: Historic maritime republic and home to the magnificent Cathedral of St Andrew.
Open 24 hrs | Free to visit town | 31 km (75-min drive) from Sorrento.

A day trip to Naples from Sorrento

Naples is one of Europe’s great cities – at one point the capital of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and the third largest city in the continent. It lies about 50 km from Sorrento, across the Bay of Naples.

How to get to Naples from Sorrento: The quickest way to get to Naples from Sorrento is to take the Hydrofoil Ferry, which runs every 40-minutes or so and departs directly from Marina Piccola. Hydrofoil tickets cost approximately €20 each way. The Circumvesuviana Train offers a cheaper (€4 one-way) though slower (65-75-mins) option, arriving into Napoli Garibaldi Station.

Once in Naples, popular highlights include: walking along Spaccanapoli – the historic street that slices through the old city; visiting the Naples Cathedral, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, San Gennaro; and visiting the National Archaeological Museum, which boasts one of the world’s finest collections of Roman artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum. The medieval fortress (Castel Nuovo) overlooking the port is worth a moment too.

For shopping, explore Via Toledo – the city’s main shopping street – and visit Galleria Umberto I, which is a gorgeous example of a 19th Century shopping arcade.

Tipping customs in Sorrento

Service is often included in restaurants. If not included, rounding up or leaving 10% is appreciated. Taxi drivers generally appreciate ‘keep the change’ tips.

The very Italian ‘coperto’ charge in a restaurant is not a service charge – that’s a cover charge for the use of cutlery, tablecloth, and bread. You can’t decline it!

Food & drink to try in Sorrento

Limoncello: The region’s famous lemon liqueur, made using giant Sorrento lemons.

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: Potato gnocchi baked with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil.

Delizia al Limone: A lemon sponge dessert that has become a local icon.

Provolone del Monaco: A distinctive local cheese produced in the nearby hills.

Souvenir suggestions for Sorrento

If you only buy one thing in Sorrento, make it something crafted from wood. The town’s inlaid wooden boxes, jewellery cases, chessboards and furniture represent generations of skill and remain uniquely tied to local identity. Beyond that, locally produced limoncello, lemon preserves and handmade leather goods make excellent reminders of your time on the Sorrentine Peninsula.

Useful Italian phrases for cruise tourists

The first Greek settlers arrived here almost 2,800 years ago, making Giardini Naxos the oldest Greek colony in Sicily. Today, it offers something rather different – a relaxed seaside resort framed by the smoking silhouette of Mount Etna and the elegant hilltop town of Taormina perched above the bay.

Port Location in Giardini Naxos

Ships anchor in Giardini Naxos Bay and use tender boats to bring guests ashore at the waterfront harbour. The tender ride is typically 10–15 minutes. Once ashore, you are already in the heart of Giardini Naxos.

Facilities: Tourist information, taxis, cafés, restaurants, public toilets, beach clubs, excursion operators.

Port Address: Porto di Giardini Naxos, Via Schisò, 98035 Giardini Naxos, Sicily.

Getting Around: Giardini Naxos is very walkable. Taormina sits 200m above sea level and is best reached by local bus, taxi, or via the Mazzarò–Taormina cable car. Taormina itself is largely pedestrianised and best explored on foot.

Public Transport: Interbus services run frequently between Giardini Naxos and Taormina. Most tickets can be purchased onboard or at kiosks. The cable car to Taormina runs every 15 minutes (€6 one-way for tourists).

Taxis: Metered or fixed-price. Expect approximately €20–30 to Taormina depending on traffic and season. Uber is not generally available.

Tourist Bus: There is no Hop-On Hop-Off bus operating in Giardini Naxos or Taormina.

What to see in Giardini Naxos

Archaeological Park of Naxos: Sicily’s first Greek colony was founded here in 734 BC. Walking among the ruins, you are standing where Greek Sicily began.

9a-7p | Approx. €6 entry | 1 km (15-min walk) from tender pier

Museum and Archaeological Area of Naxos: A compact museum displaying finds from the ancient colony, helping bring the ruins outside to life.
9a-7p | Included with archaeological park ticket | 1 km (15-min walk) from tender pier

Schisò Castle: A private castle occupying a strategic position above the ancient settlement. While generally not open to visitors, it remains a prominent local landmark.
Exterior views only | Free | Adjacent to archaeological park

Lungomare Tysandros: The seafront promenade is perfect for a gentle stroll, gelato in hand, while watching fishing boats and Etna dominate the skyline.
24 hours | Free | At port

Church of Santa Maria Raccomandata: A small church linked to centuries of maritime traditions and prayers for safe voyages.
Variable hours | Free | 1 km (15-min walk) from tender pier

Beaches near Giardini Naxos

Regional Highlights

Mount Etna: Europe’s highest active volcano. Depending on conditions, visitors can reach volcanic landscapes by cable car and 4×4 excursions.
Tours from approx. €50 | 45 km (1-hour drive) from port

Castelmola: A hilltop village above Taormina where the views somehow become even better. A wonderfully Sicilian place to escape the crowds.
Free | 10 km (30-min drive) from port

Alcantara Gorges: Dramatic volcanic canyons carved by the Alcantara River through ancient lava flows.
Approx. €8-15 entry | 15 km (25-min drive) from port

Savoca: One of the filming locations used in The Godfather. The famous Bar Vitelli still welcomes visitors.
Free | 20 km (35-min drive) from port

A day trip to Taormina from Giardini Naxos

Perched dramatically on a mountainside, Taormina has been attracting travellers for centuries. Goethe admired it. D.H. Lawrence lived here. Today, visitors arrive for much the same reasons – spectacular scenery, elegant streets, ancient ruins and perhaps the finest view in Sicily.

Getting to Taormina from Giardini-Naxos

The easiest option is the local bus from Giardini Naxos. Taxis are plentiful. Another popular route is to travel to Mazzarò and take the cable car up to Taormina. The cable car operates every 15 minutes throughout the day, from 8am–1:30am. Tickets are €6 one-way for tourists.

Must See in Taormina

Teatro Antico (Ancient Theatre): One of the most spectacular Greek theatres in the Mediterranean. Built by the Greeks and expanded by the Romans, it combines history with astonishing views of Mount Etna.

Usually open from 9am until around one hour before sunset. Adult ticket approximately €16.

Palazzo Corvaja: A fascinating blend of Arab, Norman and Gothic architecture, reflecting Sicily’s multicultural past.

9a-7p | Approx. €6

Odeon Romano: Small Roman theatre hidden beside Palazzo Corvaja.

9a-7p | Free

Badia Vecchia: Medieval tower containing archaeological exhibits and historic artefacts.

Variable hours | Approx. €4

Duomo di Taormina: A fortress-like medieval cathedral built from local stone.

Church of San Giuseppe: One of Taormina’s most beautiful Baroque churches overlooking Piazza IX Aprile.

Corso Umberto: Taormina’s elegant pedestrian street lined with cafés, boutiques, churches and hidden courtyards.

Public Gardens (Villa Comunale): A peaceful oasis created by English aristocrat Florence Trevelyan, filled with exotic plants and extraordinary Victorian follies.

Piazza IX Aprile: One of Sicily’s most famous viewpoints. The panorama stretches across the Ionian Sea to Mount Etna.

Porta Messina to Porta Catania: Simply walking the length of town is one of Sicily’s great pleasures.

Tipping customs in Sicily

Service is often included in restaurants. Leaving a few euros for particularly good service is appreciated but not expected.

The very Italian ‘coperto’ charge in a restaurant is not a service charge – that’s a cover charge for the use of cutlery, tablecloth, and bread. You can’t decline it!

Food & drink to try in Giardini Naxos

Arancini: Deep-fried rice balls filled with ragù, cheese or pistachio.

Pasta alla Norma: Sicily’s beloved pasta dish of aubergine, tomato and salted ricotta.

Granita: Sicily’s answer to ice cream. Try lemon, almond or coffee with brioche.

Cannoli: Crisp pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream. Make sure they pipe it in front of you for freshness.

Souvenir suggestions for Giardini Naxos

Look for Etna volcanic stone jewellery, hand-painted Sicilian ceramics, almond products, and locally produced pistachio delicacies. Taormina’s artisan shops also sell beautifully decorated Teste di Moro ceramic heads, one of Sicily’s most distinctive crafts.

Useful Italian phrases for cruise tourists

Malta is an island-state in the Mediterranean to the south of Italy. It is made up of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino, of which Malta is the largest. Valletta (on the island of Malta) is the capital, with the distinction of being the smallest capital city in the European Union.

Port Location in Valletta

Ships dock at Valletta Cruise Port, about 1 km (25-minute steep walk) to the Old City. The Barrakka Lift offers an easier alternative for reaching the fortified city. Traditional horse-drawn carriages are also sometimes available.

Facilities: Tourist information, toilets, ATMs, cafés, restaurants, shops, taxis, excursion operators, free Wi-Fi

Port Address: Valletta Cruise Port, Valletta Waterfront, Floriana FRN 1913, Malta

Getting Around: The historic centre is easily walkable. A free port shuttle normally operates between the ship and Largo della Pace visitor centre. Local buses connect the town, while trains provide excellent access to Rome and other destinations along the coast.

Public Transport: At a total of 316km², everywhere on Malta island is within easy reach. For public transport, the Tallinja smartphone app has a useful journey planner. Water taxis run frequently from the harbor to Sliema Harbor and Senglea. Bike and e-bike rentals are readily available

www.publictransport.com.mt for public transport routes and timetables

Taxis: Metered taxis are available at the terminal. Expect approximately €15–20 to Sliema and €25–35 to Mdina. Uber, Bolt and eCabs all operate in Malta and are often cheaper than traditional taxis. Visit www.visitmalta.com/en/book-your-trip/ to book a taxi in advance, or download the Malta Taxi App

Tourist Bus: Valletta offers several Hop-On Hop-Off services with multilingual commentary. Tickets can be purchased online, at stops, or onboard. The southern route is particularly useful for first-time visitors wanting to see Mdina, Mosta and the south of the island. CitySightseeing operates a tour, or for something more unusual go for a vintage bus tour instead.

What to see in Valletta

Tipping customs in Malta

Service is sometimes included, but not always. Rounding up or leaving around 5–10% for good service is appreciated but not obligatory.

Food & drink to try in Valletta

Pastizzi: Flaky pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas.

Ftira: Traditional Maltese bread sandwich, particularly good with tuna.

Rabbit Stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek): Malta’s best-known national dish.

Kinnie: Malta’s uniquely bittersweet soft drink made from bitter oranges and herbs.

Souvenir suggestions for Valletta

Look out for Maltese filigree silver jewellery, a craft perfected over centuries. Mdina glass remains one of Malta’s most distinctive souvenirs, with colourful hand-blown pieces produced on the island. Food lovers often take home sun-dried tomato paste, capers, sea salt, or a bottle of Maltese prickly pear liqueur. If you’re interested in the Knights of St John, several shops sell high-quality reproductions of historic maps and engravings.

Useful Maltese phrases for cruise tourists

Dominated by a cathedral that seems to rise directly from the sea, Mallorca’s capital combines medieval streets, elegant squares, excellent food, and enough history to fill several holidays – all wrapped around one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful natural harbours.

Port Location in Palma de Mallorca

Ships dock at the Palma Cruise Port (Estació Marítima), approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) from Palma Cathedral and the historic centre. Depending on your berth, it is around a 10–15 minute taxi ride or 45-minute walk along the waterfront.

Facilities: Tourist information, toilets, Wi-Fi, taxis, shuttle buses, cafés, souvenir shops and ATM facilities.

Port Address: Estació Marítima (Poniente and Paraires Quays, Terminals 1–4): Avinguda de Gabriel Roca, 44E, 07015 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain.
Dique del Oeste (Terminal 5 and 6): Carretera Dic de l’Oest, 07015 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain

Getting Around: Palma is highly walkable once you reach the old town.

Public Transport: EMT public bus routes connect the cruise port with the cathedral area and city centre. A typical bus fare is around €2–3, payable by contactless card. The journey takes approximately 10–15 minutes.

Taxis: Metered. Expect approximately €12–20 to the cathedral area depending on traffic and terminal location. Uber is limited, but local taxi apps are available.

Tourist Bus: Palma offers a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with multilingual commentary. (19 stops incl. cruise port | approx. 90-min loop | 10a-5:30p | approximately €25-30 for a 24-hour ticket). Tickets can be purchased online, at stops, or onboard

What to see in Palma de Mallorca

Tipping customs in Palma de Mallorca

Tipping in Spain is appreciated but not expected. Leaving a euro or two in cafés and around 5–10% for particularly good restaurant service is perfectly adequate. Taxi drivers generally do not expect tips, though rounding up the fare is common.

Food & drink to try in Palma de Mallorca

Ensaimada: Mallorca’s famous spiral pastry, traditionally dusted with icing sugar.

Sobrasada: Soft paprika-spiced cured sausage unique to the Balearic Islands.

Tumbet: A delicious vegetable dish featuring potatoes, aubergines and peppers.

Pa amb Oli: Rustic bread topped with olive oil, tomatoes and local ingredients.

Souvenir suggestions for Palma de Mallorca

Mallorca produces some genuinely distinctive souvenirs. Look for pearls from Manacor, olive wood crafts, Mallorcan glassware, sobrasada, and locally produced sea salt. Food lovers should consider taking home a traditional ensaimada, available in specially designed travel boxes at bakeries throughout the city.

Useful Spanish phrases for cruise tourists

The vibrant capital of Catalonia, Barcelona, is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and Mediterranean charm. One of Europe’s largest cruise ports, and with good reason.

Port Location in Barcelona

Ships usually dock at one of Barcelona’s cruise terminals on Moll Adossat, approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) from the foot of La Rambla and the city centre (10-15 min drive). Some smaller ships may use the World Trade Center terminals closer to town. The port provides shuttle buses.

Facilities: Tourist information, toilets, taxis, shuttle buses, luggage services, limited shopping, waiting areas, Wi-Fi in terminal areas

Port Address: Port of Barcelona, Moll de Barcelona S/N, 08039 Barcelona, Spain

Getting Around: Most attractions are accessible via foot, metro, or buses. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are widely available.

Public Transport: The official PortBus (T3) connects the Adossat cruise terminals with the World Trade Center near the Columbus Monument and lower La Rambla. Single tickets cost €3 and return tickets €4.50. From there, most of the Gothic Quarter is walkable and Drassanes Metro Station (Line 3) is only a few minutes away. Standard metro tickets start at €2.90. Contactless payment is widely accepted.
Visit https://www.tmb.cat for more information on routes, schedules, and pricing.

Taxis: Metered. Typical fare to Plaça Catalunya is approximately €15-20 depending on traffic and terminal location. Uber, Cabify and FreeNow all operate in Barcelona.

Tourist Bus: Barcelona has two main Hop-On Hop-Off Bus operators with audio guides. (35 stops (incl. port) | 2 hr loop | 9a-8p | €30 day pass/€40 2-day pass | Buy tickets online, at stops, or on bus.) City Sightseeing | Gray Line

What to see in Barcelona

Tipping customs in Barcelona

Service is often included, but many locals simply round up the bill or leave a few euros for good service. Tipping is appreciated rather than expected.

Food & drink to try in Barcelona

Pa amb Tomàquet: Toasted bread rubbed with tomato, olive oil and salt – deceptively simple and utterly Catalan.

Bombas: Deep-fried potato balls traditionally associated with Barceloneta.

Escalivada: Roasted vegetables, often served with olive oil and anchovies.

Cava: Catalonia’s sparkling wine, produced mainly around nearby Sant Sadurní d’Anoia.

Souvenir suggestions for Civitavecchia

Take home hand-painted ceramics, Catalan textiles, Gaudí-inspired souvenirs, and Cadager figurines (shitting farmer, a quirky Catalan tradition). Spanish olive oil and local wines also make excellent gifts.

Useful Spanish/Catalan phrases for cruise tourists