Exploring the Western Mediterranean
Join Jenni on a Western Mediterranean trip through Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Cinque Terre, Rome, and Capri. This photography travel blog captures the colorful coastal villages, historic landmarks, turquoise waters, and unforgettable moments from one of our favorite Mediterranean adventures.
Jenni Wilson
5/8/20245 min read
Barcelona was the perfect place to begin our Mediterranean adventure. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by a vibrant seaside city filled with beautiful architecture, lively streets, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. We stayed near the beach, where the warm late-May weather was perfect for enjoying the Mediterranean before wandering into the heart of the city.
The Gothic Quarter quickly became one of our favorite places to explore. Its narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, charming plazas, and outdoor cafés were full of life and character. We also visited Park Güell, where Antoni Gaudí's colorful mosaics and imaginative architecture blend beautifully with sweeping views of the city. Our visit ended at the breathtaking La Sagrada Família, a masterpiece unlike any cathedral we had ever seen. Its incredible detail, soaring towers, and stunning interior left us speechless.
There was still so much left to discover, but Barcelona gave us the perfect introduction to the beauty, culture, and history that awaited us throughout the Mediterranean.
Manarola
Manarola offered some of the most breathtaking views of the entire Cinque Terre. Perched dramatically along the cliffs, its colorful buildings overlook the sparkling Mediterranean, creating one of Italy's most iconic landscapes. Walking along the scenic overlook, I couldn't believe how vibrant everything looked. The views almost didn't seem real—they looked more like a painting than a photograph.
I've always dreamed of exploring the Mediterranean. With young children, my husband and I decided that a cruise would be the perfect way to experience several destinations in one trip while minimizing days at sea. We found the ideal itinerary—beginning and ending in Barcelona with stops at some of the Western Mediterranean's most beautiful ports. Each destination offered its own unique charm, from colorful coastal villages and ancient landmarks to crystal-clear water and unforgettable scenery.
Barcelona, Spain
Our first cruise stop was Palma de Mallorca, a stunning island city surrounded by brilliant turquoise water and dramatic coastal scenery. Palm-lined streets, elegant architecture, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere made it easy to see why this island is such a popular destination.
To make the most of our day, we hired a local taxi driver who showed us several scenic viewpoints overlooking the harbor and coastline. We then spent time wandering through the beautiful old town, where narrow stone streets, historic churches, charming courtyards, and local boutiques invited us to slow down and explore. After lunch, we headed to the beach for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear sea before returning to the ship.
Palma was the perfect blend of history, coastal beauty, and island charm. Even with only a day to explore, it quickly became one of our favorite stops.
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
One of the main reasons we chose this cruise was the opportunity to visit the famous Cinque Terre. These five colorful villages perched along Italy's rugged coastline had been on my travel bucket list for years.
With only one day available, we attempted to visit as many villages as possible. Looking back, I would recommend taking the train rather than hiring a taxi, since the villages are largely closed to outside traffic. Even so, each stop was well worth the journey.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Monterosso
Monterosso was our first stop in the Cinque Terre and the flattest of the five villages. Its wide sandy beach and relaxed atmosphere made it the perfect place to slow down and enjoy our first glimpse of Italy's stunning coastline. We grabbed a coffee at a café overlooking the beach while the kids played in the sand. Afterwards we climbed path along to the vista point. The view was amazing!
Riomaggiore
Our final stop was Riomaggiore, another charming seaside village with its own unique character. After treating ourselves to some delicious gelato, we strolled down to the small harbor where fishing boats gently bobbed in the water. We dipped our toes in the Mediterranean, relaxed by the waterfront, and spent a little time people-watching before heading back to La Spezia.
Vernazza
Vernazza quickly became one of my favorite villages. Every turn seemed more picturesque than the last, with colorful buildings draped in flowers, narrow stone streets, and a charming harbor opening to the sea. We wandered through local shops before enjoying a leisurely Italian lunch overlooking the waterfront. As a photographer, I couldn't get enough of the vibrant colors and dramatic scenery. It was one of those rare places where every photo looked beautiful straight out of the camera.
The villages of Cinque Terre were among the most colorful and photogenic places I've ever visited. Although each town has its own unique personality, they all share the same breathtaking coastal beauty that makes this region so unforgettable. If you enjoy photography, charming villages, and spectacular Mediterranean views, Cinque Terre is an absolute must-see.
Capri, Italy
Our final stop brought us to Naples, where we caught an early ferry to the beautiful island of Capri. Surrounded by brilliant blue water and dramatic limestone cliffs, Capri was everything we had imagined and more.
After exploring the charming marina and browsing local shops, we rode the funicular up to the Piazzetta, where flower-filled streets, boutique shops, and breathtaking views awaited us. After lunch, we returned to the marina for one of the highlights of our entire trip—a private boat tour around the island.
Seeing Capri from the water offered an entirely different perspective. Towering white cliffs, hidden sea caves, and crystal-clear water created some of the most spectacular scenery of the cruise. One of the biggest advantages of the private tour was skipping the long line for the Blue Grotto, whose glowing blue water was every bit as magical as we'd hoped.
Capri was the perfect way to end our Western Mediterranean adventure and left us dreaming of returning one day.
Rome, Italy
This was my second visit to Rome, and I quickly remembered why I fell in love with the Eternal City. Visiting in mid-May meant pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it the perfect time to explore on foot.
Our day began at Vatican City before winding through some of Rome's most iconic landmarks. We admired the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, stood beneath the incredible dome of the Pantheon, enjoyed lunch overlooking Piazza Navona, and cooled off with gelato near the Trevi Fountain. Every corner of Rome seemed to reveal another beautiful piazza, historic church, or fascinating piece of ancient history.
We ended our day at the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Walking among ruins that have stood for nearly two thousand years was both humbling and awe-inspiring. Rome has a remarkable way of bringing history to life, making it a city I could visit again and again.
Our Western Mediterranean cruise was everything we had hoped for and more. Each destination offered its own unique blend of history, culture, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable experiences. From Barcelona's remarkable architecture and Mallorca's turquoise coastline to the colorful villages of Cinque Terre, the timeless beauty of Rome, and the dramatic cliffs of Capri, every stop left a lasting impression. While our time in each port was brief, it gave us the perfect introduction to places we hope to explore again someday. If you're looking for a trip that combines incredible photography opportunities with history, culture, and some of the world's most beautiful coastlines, the Western Mediterranean is hard to beat.