Malaga to Nice

Malaga, together with adjacent towns and municipalities such as Rincon de la Victoria, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Alhaurin de la Torre, Mijas, and Marbella, forms the Malaga Metropolitan area. The important cultural infrastructure and the rich artistic heritage have culminated in the nomination of Malaga as a candidate for the 2016 European Capital of Culture. The internationally acclaimed painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso and actor Antonio Banderas were both born in Malaga. SeaDream calls to Malaga both as an embarkation point as well as a typical port of call. Kindly check on the land adventures tab to see all of the activities and options. Should you need embarkation information, it’s also available there.

The port of Motril is the closest port to the ancient Moorish city of Granada, less than one hours drive up into the Sierra Nevada mountains. In Granada, the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, is the most famous building of the Andalusian Islamic historical legacy. Granada was the last Moorish city to surrender to the Christians during the "Reconquista" in 1492. The town of Motril is about two miles inland from the port. The beach of Playa Granada is a short walk from the dock to the fishing port.

Cartagena was founded in the 3rd century BC and has been a major naval station. It is located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain. Thanks to its strategic position on the Mediterranean, Cartagena has been inhabited by many different cultures which have left their mark on its rich cultural heritage during a glorious and turbulent history. It’s a very pleasant and relaxing city to walk around. SeaDream makes it easy is the yacht docks in the center of town. Guests have an option of a walking discovery adventure as well as resort golf at La Manga. Some guests also enjoy independent usage of the mountain bikes.

Seaside Alicante sits along Spain’s Costa Blanca, the Mediterranean coastline that runs along the Alicante province on the southeastern coast of Spain. A holiday resort town known mostly to travel insiders, Alicante’s picturesque harbor and stunning golden-sand beaches complement its signature Explanada de España, a marble promenade lined with more than six million mosaic tiles. Alicante’s Old Town, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, is your pathway to the medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara, one of Spain’s largest medieval fortresses, set on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

Ibiza town is the largest city on this 3rd largest Balearic Spanish Island. It lies 79 kilometers (49 miles) off the coast of Valencia, in eastern Spain. Ibiza has become famous for its incredible nightlife and the electronic music that originated on the island. This UNESCO awarded city has some great land adventure options including resort golf, wine tasting, exploring the Dalt Villa and mountain biking to name a few. We try to stay late in the evening so guests can also get a taste of the nightlife.

Palma de Majorca enchants visitors with its cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that presides over the destination. Visit the Old Town and admire the Royal Palace of Almudaina, before strolling along the promenade and dining on tapas and imbibing on sangria. Valdemossa, a beautiful mountain village in the Tramuntana Mountain valley outside of Palma, is steeped in old-world charm and a rich blend of olive and almond trees. It includes such notable gems as a thirteenth-century monastery where musician Frederic Chopin drew inspiration.

Mahón (also known as Maó) is the capital of the Balearic Islands of Menorca. The arrival by sea is really incredible as the Captain enters via a fjord-like inlet and then turns that yacht around and docks in the heart of the city. The capital has an interesting mix of old and new architectural styles. SeaDream has arranged four separate and unique yachting land adventures that include Golf, Kayaking, Mountain Biking and “Mahon Musts”.

St. Tropez located on the French Riviera quite simply may be the most famous resort town in Europe. It is a playground for the fashion models, athletes, movie stars, entertainers and other extremely wealthy summertime guests. There’s much to offer in this resort town, shopping, nightlife (Byblos hotel’s Les Caves du Roy nightclub) exceptional beach clubs such as Le Club 55 and Nikki Beach at Pampelonne. Nearby you can explore some of the hill towns and visit the award winning rose wineries. You can also visit neighboring Grimaud and Port Grimaud or just a little further out golf at a few highly rated courses. SeaDream anchors just off the break wall and tenders directly to the pier downtown.

Cannes is a well-known destination in the French Riviera that is home to many international festivals celebrating the arts, including Midem, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and the global film festival founded in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival. It’s the first European satellite manufacturer, home to the Cannes Mandelieu Space Center, as well as the headquarters for Thales Alenia Space. Originally a small fishing port heavily tied to the Lerins Islands, Cannes is most characterized by luxury, fame, and hosting conferences. Despite becoming a glamorous destination in the Côte d'Azur, the history of Cannes and the Lerins Islands was quite rocky. Cannes was initially named Aegitna, and established by the Ligurian tribe of Oxybii in the 2nd Century B.C. In 410 A.D. two monks settled on Lerina and established a monastery, housing several hundred monks by the 6th century. Out of fear of a Saracen invasion, Le Suquet was procured by the monks in the 11th century, which led to the birth and expansion on what became known as Cannes. Piracy remained a general problem and by the 12th century, the monastery was finally attacked by Saracen pirates, which further fueled insecurity. In 1520, when French King Francis I and Holy Roman Emperor Charles V declared war, Cannes became a passageway for their armies. The situation in Cannes would worsen when the great plague of 1579 annihilated much of the population. In 1635, the Spanish occupied the town for a couple of years before returning to Spain in 1707 for the War of Spanish Succession. It wasn’t until the 18th century where Cannes finally became tranquil and began flourishing in the 19th century. The economy for Cannes is sustained by business fairs, trade, tourism, and aviation. Points of interest include the Iles de Lerins, Marches Forville, Casino Croisette and Rue Meynadier. During the summer, from May to September, Cannes remains sunny for 12 hours a day. Its warm climate allows lemon, orange and olive trees to thrive, as well as fig, almond, oak, lotus and cypress trees. When sailing to Cannes, be sure to visit La Croisette and stroll along the white sandy beaches on this mile-long promenade where the very essence of this town thrives. SeaDream typically anchors so we can offer water sports to our valued guests. You may occasionally see the yacht docked alongside when we are chartered from the festival.

Nice is the fifth most populous city in France and the second largest on the Mediterranean coast. The city's famous seaside promenade, the Promenade des Anglais ('the Walkway of the English') owes its name to the earliest settlers to this seaside resort. For over a quarter century, the picturesque Nicean surroundings have attracted not only those in search of relaxation but also those seeking inspiration. SeaDream docks in the small port and offers several land adventure options as well as private arrangements and transfers.