Trapani, Sicily
Known for its Mediterranean-fresh red shrimp (àmmaru russu), Trapani Sea salt and flavourful “black bread” cooked in stone ovens fired with olive wood, this port on Sicily’s west coast is an historical gem. Under Arab rule in the 9th century, the port produced tuna and salt. Today, salt is produced within a Special Area of Conservation where there are working windmills, a salt museum and birdlife, including flamingos, spoonbills and great white egrets. About an hour’s drive from port is Selinus, where visitors can see the remnants of three impressive temples that were part of a city founded by the Carthaginians, in the mid-7th century.

Greek temples at Selinunte, Trapani, Sicily, Italy
Sarande, Albania
Albania may not be the secret it was a decade ago but the port of Sarande on the Albanian Riviera is relatively new to cruise itineraries. The main beach hums with activity and is a great place for people-watching and to dine alfresco. Be sure to check out the seafront art gallery and then head up to Sarande’s Byzantine church, the Monastery of 40 Saints. The monastery’s hillside perch affords great views along the coast.
For cruise excursions, visit the UNESCO-listed Butrint National Park. One of Albania’s most important archaeological sites, Butrint is a showcase for Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman ruins. Alternatively, a bus journey around the Riviera’s seaside bays takes visitors to the Venetian-built Porto Palermo Castle and finishes with a sea paddle in the Hellenic village of Himara.

Aerial of the city of Sarande in Southern Sarande, Albania
Bozcaada, Turkey
This charming Aegean island off Turkey’s west coast could be one of the destination’s best kept secrets. Bozcaada has a long and interesting history, with influences drawn from the Greek, Persian, Roman and Byzantine empires. Mentioned in Homer’s Iliad it is said to be where the Greeks built the legendary Trojan Horse prior to their attack on Troy. As your ship approaches port, look out for the imposing walls and moat of the well-preserved castle. Old Greek houses line the cobbled, flower-draped streets and the island offers stone windmills (go for the sunset), sandy coves and swimming beaches and plenty of harbourside tavernas.
Vines have thrived here since antiquity. Take your pick from one of six island vineyards – the three oldest are conveniently in the town centre. Take a tour, see the cellars and then relax in the sunshine and enjoy the local tipple.

Bozcaada, view from the Castle, Turkey
Sibenik, Croatia
Fans of Game of Thrones may already unknowingly “seen” Sibenik. Located on the estuary of the Krka River, halfway between Split and Zadar, the city doubles as Braavos in series five. Scenes were filmed in and around the Cathedral of St James and St John’s Fortress – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Great views can be had from the 11th century St Michael’s fortress, which overlooks the red rooftops of the Old Town.
Shop the boutiques, cool off with a gelato in the medieval street plazas and feel the breeze along the waterfront promenade.
Further afield excursions visit the waterfall trails at Krka National Park, while boat trips visit some of the other islands in the Sibenik archipelago.

Waterfalls at Krka National Park, Croatia
Mgarr, Malta
Packed with charm, the island of Gozo offers snapshots of rural simplicity that are hard to find in the Mediterranean’s busier ports, making a port of call at Mgarr a real treat. Malta’s sister island mixes a tranquil island vibe with an authentic local foodie scene, pretty bays and beaches, handsome architecture and a raft of summer festivals. For a small island there are impressive historical sights, too.
Northwest of Mgarr are the prehistoric and UNESCO-listed temples of Ggantija and in the capital Rabat (formerly Victoria) the imposing bastion walls of the ancient citadel (Cittadella), dating to 1500 BC, encompass a 17th-century Baroque cathedral, an alluring maze of narrow streets and a clutch of interesting museums, including the old prison. From the walls there are fine views over Gozo’s hills, valleys and perched villages.

Mgarr harbour view, Gozo, Malta
Written by Teresa Machan