Barcelona to Malaga

Overlooking the Mediterranean city, Barcelona is a destination that welcomes exploration. Vibrant and metropolitan, this UNESCO-Awarded city is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. It is especially notable for its Art Nouveau architecture and the work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, which can be seen throughout the city. His best-known work is the immense, unfinished church of the Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction since 1882 and is still financed by private donations. Completion is planned for 2026. SeaDream overnights in this bustling Mediterranean city and typically docks downtown at the World Trade Center, just steps away from the iconic tree-lined pedestrian La Rambla boulevard

At the mouth of the Francoli River, on a hillside rising from the Mediterranean Sea, sits Tarragona, one of Spain’s most flourishing resort towns. In cultured Tarragona, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Roman history mingles with gorgeous sun-kissed beaches and a gastronomic setting that fills its boardwalks with unimaginable culinary aromas. Perhaps its biggest allures are the ruins of a seaside amphitheater and a mosaic-decorated museum, boasting one of the best collections of fourth- and fifth-century Christian documents in Spain, historical emblems made for inquisitive exploring. The Necropolis features Roman tombs and traces of the Forum stand among the alleys of the walled, medieval Old Town. Stroll the Old Town and visit the towering Romanesque Cathedral and one of its lively bistros. A walkway along the ramparts, the Passeig Arqueològic, leads to sweeping views of the surrounding community.

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. It has more than 2.5 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area. The city is recognized globally partly due to its Unesco Heritage Status as well as the City of Arts and Sciences. The Port of Valencia is a very busy commercial port. It is the 5th busiest container port in Europe and the largest in the Mediterranean. SeaDream docks as close to the city center as possible – just along the Grand Prix Raceway. SeaDream offers both day trips as well as a very popular evening adventure called “Valencia Buzzes at Night”.

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.

Dénia is a culturally diverse city on the Costa Blanca, situated on the northern edge of the Alicante province. It is halfway between Valencia and Alicante, and one of the oldest and most representative locations of the “Bous a la Mar” week-long festival (or “fiesta”) in July. Iberian ruins at Mt. Montgo represent evidence of prehistoric inhabitants in Dénia. In the 4th century, the town was a Greek colony of Marseille named “Hemeroscopion”, and allied with the Roman Empire during the Punic Wars. General Quintus Sertorius established a Roman naval base by the 1st century B.C.E. when the town was absorbed into the Roman Empire as “Dianum”. Once the Caliphate of Cordoba dissolved, after the Umayyad conquest of Hispania, Dénia became a Muslim kingdom known as the “Dénia Taifa”, created by a freed slave named Mujahid al-Siqlabi. The Muslim Arabs erected the castle fortress, which would later be rebuilt by the French in the 19th century during the Peninsular War. Dénia was captured by Christians in 1244 A.D., and the Muslim population was exiled. The town was declining, and eventually returned under the Crown of Aragon by 1455. Dénia continued to decline once the Expulsion of the Moriscos was ordered by King Philip III of Spain in 1609. The city fell to the French during the War of Spanish Succession, but once the Treaty of Utrecht declared Philip, Duke on Anjou as King of Spain in 1713, Dénia was returned to Spain. By 1803, Dénia was established as a trading port under the Spanish crown, and it began flourishing with its raisin exports. Dénia is known to be home to the iconic castle overlooking the city, which is now an archaeological museum with guided tours that guests love to visit. Since the 1960’s, the fishing and tourism market has made this port a thriving attraction, offering rich history, and other outdoor activities. Tourists can visit Macizo del Montgo Natural Park, Playa de las Marinas, and of course, visit the castle.

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.

Puerto Banus is a very upscale marina to the west of Marbella, Spain on the Costa del Sol. It was built in 1970 by Jose Banus, a local property developer, as a luxury marina and shopping complex for the jet-set. The focal point of Puerto Banus is the marina. It is also a scene for many exotic cars that are owned by international celebrities and wealthy owners that also own large mega yachts. Our local agent tells us that SeaDream is the only commercial yacht that has docked in Banus. Several club members arrange a gathering with the local Ferrari Club and line up 20 or so Italian iconic automobiles along the pier. Just sit back and watch the scenery – awesome!

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the entrance of the Mediterranean on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula. Most visitors arriving by sea are impressed by the rock’s enormous visual impact. Only covering an area of 2.3 square miles (6.0 sq. km.) several sites are a must-see! Some of the “can’t miss” options include the Great Siege Tunnels, St. Michael’s Cave, The Moorish Castle, The Lighthouse at Europa Point and shopping – yes shopping. SeaDream docks at the passenger terminal and has the coaches for the land adventures just outside. It is an easy walk downtown to the duty-free area. Bikes are available should you want to bike up the rock.

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.