Mediterranean ? Can we go to the beach with out excursions??

[tisue2006]

I was wondering if at some ports we are able to just hit land and go to the beach without paying large amounts for excursions? I am taking the western Med. Cruise. 7 nights in August and I was wondering?

 

Thanks so much!

[ubdkjrb]

the only port for beaches was Villefranche (Cannes) and they are certainly easy to get to via taxi. They aren't nice, white sandy beaches like you get in the Caribbean - kind of hard sand with lots of small rocks. Also keep in mind that the Europeans don't mind sunbathing topless so if you have small children, it might not be a good idea. We also stopped in Malta, which has some nice accessable beaches. If your itinerary includes Mallorca, they have excellent beaches.

 

Peter

[wrm3rd]

Yes you bet.

 

When we visited Santorini and Mykonos, we joined another couple and rented Moped's and drove to the beaches ourselves.....had a great time. You can also rent 4-wheelers. Rentals are real cheap, maybe a block from the pier? Just Google the Island or Port, and find the Beaches and rentals.

And YES, there are NUDE beaches!

My only suggestion would be to rent two rather than 1 as we rode double. My wife questioned if she could handle the Moped, but she drove ours without problems....I rode on the back.

 

You should enjoy this Cruise, it was our BEST ever ;)

 

 

I was wondering if at some ports we are able to just hit land and go to the beach without paying large amounts for excursions? I am taking the western Med. Cruise. 7 nights in August and I was wondering?

 

Thanks so much!

[photographia]

They aren't nice, white sandy beaches like you get in the Caribbean - kind of hard sand with lots of small rocks. Peter

 

Amen! We were extremely surprised and disappointed at the beach areas on several of the Greek islands (Patmos comes to mind, also parts of Mykonos and Rhodos). Either there were rocks--as in sharp, ugly rocks, not smooth pebbles--or a gritty, dirty sort of sand that was very unpleasant. I don't mean to suggest that every single beach area is like this, but many of them are. :(

[ubdkjrb]

...not the eastern. If you're looking to save some money, definitely stay away from the ship's excursions. Trains in Europe are very convenient and economic ways of getting somewhere. I'd suggest taking trains to Monacco, Florence (Pisa also) and Rome. Trains are also faster and go to the center of the cities. Many excursion buses can't go past the outskirts of the cities because of the narrow streets. If you're going to Naples, look at taking the hydrofoil to Capri or Sorrento - the hydrofoil terminals were within easy walking distance of our ship's terminal.

 

Peter

[tom_uk]

tissue2006: what's the itinerary?

[tisue2006]

tissue2006: what's the itinerary?

Wel it is acatually being narrowed down right now but it lookos like Rome, Messina, Athens, Crete, Turkey. What do you think?

[ubdkjrb]

Wel it is acatually being narrowed down right now but it lookos like Rome, Messina, Athens, Crete, Turkey. What do you think?

 

...that's the eastern med. OP says west!

 

Peter

[I&MsMom]

We travel with small children, so I always try to research beach options in the event of cultural overload.:rolleyes:

 

Ostia is the beach for Romans. Pretty easy to access. We've been there when it was warm enough to enjoy playing in the sand (which is "normal"), but never went in the water there.

 

In Messina, Taormina has a small beach - think very small cove - excellent beach glass!:p But, it's the rough sand/small rocks thing. I'm nearly certain there is a "resort" area in the immediate vicinity with decent beaches.

 

I recall there were beach options in Athens, I believe along the coast north of Pireaus. But, in the end, we spent the day in Athens.

 

Can't speak to Crete.

 

In Turkey, there are beach options near both Izmir and Kusadasi. To be honest, I didn't even consider a beach in Istanbul.

 

Beaches in Europe are often set up so that you pay to access the beach via a "club" - you are entitled to use their beach chairs and other amenities. Other times, particularly at smaller, out of the way beaches, beach access is free.

 

As for the beaches in France (for example, Nice) yes, there is no sand. I find walking unpleasant, but once you settle in, it's like having a massive hot stone spa treatment! :p

 

Whatever you decide, enjoy!! :)

[tcocktail]

Yes you bet.

 

When we visited Santorini and Mykonos, we joined another couple and rented Moped's and drove to the beaches ourselves.....had a great time. You can also rent 4-wheelers. Rentals are real cheap, maybe a block from the pier? Just Google the Island or Port, and find the Beaches and rentals.

And YES, there are NUDE beaches!

My only suggestion would be to rent two rather than 1 as we rode double. My wife questioned if she could handle the Moped, but she drove ours without problems....I rode on the back.

 

You should enjoy this Cruise, it was our BEST ever ;)

 

We will be in Mykonos on June 3rd, can you recommend a great beach for us. Did you get to Plata Yialos and Paradise or Ornos beach?

 

Thanks

Tom