Cruises - Azores Cruise Club

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WeSTern MediTerranean
porTS of Call
Palamos, Spain
Fringed with a ribbon of sun-kissed sands, Palamos started life as a tiny fishing
village. The legacy of fishing continues today with the day’s catch sold off to
the highest bidder on the quayside every afternoon. Head down to the beach,
or leave the town behind for a day of discovery.
• Head to Barcelona to stroll down Las Ramblas, admire a few Gaudi gems,
or call in at Nou Camp, home of Barcelona FC.
• Visit Girona, one of Spain’s finest monumental cities and glimpse sights like
the 12th-century Arab Baths and the Cathedral of Santa Maria.
• The excuses to visit Tossa de Mar are three fold – the town has three beaches,
a Medieval old town, and a good selection of designer boutiques.
Palma, Spain
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.
• Board the Tren de Soller and trace your way through Majorca’s interior.
This vintage electric train has been running since the Twenties, and it’ll take
you past olive groves and dinky villages.
Portimao, Portugal
Beaches don’t come much better than the one at Praia da Rocha, right next
door to Portimao. Not only is it one of the most spectacular sandy stretches
on the Algarve, it’s actually one of the most photographed in Europe.
So what makes it so special? Is it the buttery sands? The crystal waters that
lap the shore? Or the spectacular sea-sculpted cliffs that shimmer in the sun?
Find out for yourself at this fun-loving resort, which has lured holidaymakers
siren-like since the Thirties…
• Wander along the promenade on Praia da Rocha’s cliff-top, which leads to the
Fortress of Santa Catarina. It was built in 1621 to defend Portimao against
opposing fleets but these days you’ll find a great al fresco café and sea views
that’ll make you go weak at the knees.
• If water could talk, the sea surrounding the Sagres Peninsula would have some
stories to tell. It’s hosted battles by both Lord Nelson and Sir Francis Drake. Plus,
centuries ago, people believed that it was the place where the flat earth ended.
raPallo, Italy
This north Italian seaside town could never be accused of putting its eggs in one
basket. Rapallo’s long list of attractions begins with its yacht-filled harbour and
seaside promenade. It continues with its fresh fish restaurants and lidos. And it ends
with its 16th century castle, ancient basilica, and one of Italy’s oldest golf courses.
• You can hop on the funicular from Piazza Solari and inch your way up to
Montallegro, 600 metres above Rapallo. When you get there, you’ll be rewarded
with incredible views over the whole town.
• A motorboat tour is a great way of getting to grips with Rapallo’s rugged coastal
scenery. You can tick off the towns that hug the shores, too – picturesque
Santa Margherita and celebrity-favourite Portofino are both within easy reach.
rhodes, Greece See page 64
santander, Spain
Santander hugs the northern coast of Spain in a melange of jagged green cliffs
and golden beaches. The modern face of the city is one of high-rise hotels and
luxury shopping malls, which sit in stark contrast to the atmospheric old quarter.
The Medieval streets here play host to lively, family-run tapas bars, where locals
sit drinking jugs of sangria until the early hours.
• Santander’s old quarter is brimming with authentic restaurants showcasing
regional specialities from their chalkboards. Try the area’s fresh seafood –
monkfish served with dollops of green salsa is a popular dish.
Visit your local travel shop | 0871 230 2800 | thomson.co.uk/cruise
Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication.
See page 3.