Magic Spain Cruise Itinerary
DAY 1 – Palma, Majorca
Palma. Think leafy boulevards that echo with the stilettos of stylish shoppers. Tiny tapas bars tucked down narrow sidestreets. Architectural gold hidden in the historic quarter. With its trademark cathedral dominating the skyline, cosmopolitan Palma never fails to impress. Spend some time exploring the city, clicking snaps of the 14th-century Bellver Castle, browsing the boutiques and tasting tapas in the authentic bars that barnacle the backstreets.
DAY 2 – At Sea
DAY 3 – Gibraltar
Affectionately known as Gib or The Rock, Gibraltar is a little slice of Britain in the Mediterranean. And, just like the motherland, it’s a small stretch of land with a lot to offer. The history here is largely military-related – you’ll find Nelson’s anchorage where the body of Nelson was brought back to land after the Battle of Trafalgar, and the Parson’s Lodge Battery that dates back to 1875. Elsewhere, wildlife steals the show. Check out the cheeky Barbary apes or go whale-watching in the Strait. Explore the Rock’s famous attractions like the Moorish Castle and the fascinating Gibraltar Museum, where you can learn about the island’s role in the World Wars as well as its prehistory.
DAY 4 – Cadiz, Spain
From its impressive harbour to its streets packed with Moorish relics, Cadiz is a great introduction to Spain. One minute you can be admiring medieval walls, the next browsing the racks of designer boutiques. It’s one of those cities where a new surprise awaits at every turn. Take a look at Cathedral de Cadiz, a take-your-breath-away creation by architect Vicente Acero. Head inside and you’ll see its interior is dominated by a beautiful apse.
DAY 5 – Malaga, Spain
Set on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol, Malaga is a Moorish delight. During the Arab occupation of Spain, the city was the principal port of the Moorish kingdom of Granada. So what does that mean for you? It means the city of Granada and its striking Alhambra Palace are just a short drive away. Prepare to be blown away.
See Malaga’s 16th-century cathedral. It’s known as ‘La Manquita’ or ‘one-armed woman’ because lack of funds meant only one of the two planned towers was completed.
DAY 6 – Cartagena, Spain
Tucked in a deep bay guarded by two cliff-top fortresses, this Spanish gem is steeped in history. In the 18th century it became a major Spanish naval base and reminders of its seafaring past can be seen down in the port, where you’ll find a prototype submarine.
Day 7 – Alicante, Spain
Discover Alicante, a palm-lined promenade packed with waterfront cafés. Whitewashed houses freckled with fuchsia geraniums. World class museums stacked with futuristic attractions. Of course, this corner of Spain has another string to its bow. Swathe after swathe of powder-soft sand. Wander along the Explanada de Espana, one of Spain’s prettiest promenades, stopping for a coffee along the way. Take a look at the Castle of Santa Barbara, which is the biggest Medieval fortress in Spain, or pick a harbourside café and people watch over an iced coffee. Make the 45-minute journey to Benidorm, where you can relax on Malpas beach, just by the harbour, or navigate the maze of cobbled streets in the Old Town.
DAY 8 – Palma, Majorca
One you leave the cruise ship, you will be picked up by coach and taken back to the airport.
