Pearls of Southern Spain & Portugal

Your marvellous cruise begins in Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. Here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for the start of a memorable journey along the Mediterranean coasts.

The historic port city of Mahón is the capital Menorca, one of Spain’s stunning, though lesser-known, Balearic Islands.  Mahón is known for its uniquely shaped, naturally deep harbour, ranked among the largest in the world and its delightful Old Town. This compelling city is also famed for its markets, eateries and cuisine; the birthplace of mayonnaise (named after the city) and its local speciality, Mahón, a bold-flavoured, semi-firm cow’s milk cheese.

Set on the beautiful island of Mallorca and the capital of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, is a city steeped in history and brimming with remarkable architecture. One of Palma’s most notable landmarks is the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria, which overlooks the Bay of Palma. Dating back to the 13th century, this masterpiece of Gothic architecture boasts one of the largest rose windows — a decorated circular window with stained glass — in the world.

Ibiza’s party scene is legendary, attracting thousands of revellers each year from across the world. This gorgeous Balearic Island, lying just off the coast of Spain, has become synonymous with electronic dance music, a jetsetters lifestyle and late-night revelry. Despite its hedonistic reputation however, Ibiza also promotes responsible tourism, with initiatives to ensure the island’s natural beauty, including beautiful sandy coves backed by pine-clad hills, is preserved for future generations. Today choose between our EmeraldACTIVE or DiscoverMORE option.

As a major naval station on the Mediterranean coast, Cartagena has been greatly influenced by various cultures over the centuries. This historical crossroads of civilisations is evident in the city’s diverse architectural styles from the Roman era to Art Nouveau. A must-see landmark is the ancient Roman Theatre, unearthed in 1987 and restored for public viewing.

Málaga was founded by the Phoenicians and has been under the rule of various civilisations, including the Romans and Moors, each leaving their mark on the city’s culture and architecture. Several historical sites and landmarks that are worth exploring in Málaga, including the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress overlooking the city, and the nearby Roman Theatre.

Guarding the slender Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier has been Europe’s gateway to Africa for centuries, welcoming with an intoxicating blend of exotic cultures and influences unique to Morocco. Built on the slopes of a chalky limestone hill, the Old Town, filled with charming narrow streets and houses bearing eclectic styles, is dominated by a Kasbah, the Sultan’s Palace, now a museum of Moroccan art, and the Great Mosque – all, must-see attractions.

Located in the valley of the Guadalquivir River, Seville is the stunning capital city of Andalusia and birthplace of Flamenco

During the Spanish conquest of the American continent, Seville was an important harbour but nowadays, this city is famed worldwide for its distinctive Andalusian culture, monuments, traditions and artistic heritage.

Situated at the mouth of the Arade River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean, Portimão harbours a long fishing tradition that developed predominately between the 19th and 20th centuries with the advent of the canning industry and tourism. Most of the buildings that you see in the streets and squares of the historic centre originate from this period. Portimão is known for its excellent sandy beaches lapped by warm, calm waters, making this quite the alluring holiday destination.

Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes in Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly coastal city and capital, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday.