When you want to run away from the busy city and frantic daily schedule and simply relax for a couple of days, there is no better choice than a sea cruise on the endless waters of the Mediterranean Sea. I’ve always been fascinated by the contrast between the calm, crystal clear sea and the rocky shores of the islands, their gulfs inviting you to stop for a few hours and simply explore. One of my dreams is to cruise the Balearic Sea and there are many reasons for which I won’t stop pursuing it.
The Balearic Sea, also called the Iberian Sea, is a part of the Mediterranean Sea and it is near the Balearic Islands, an archipelago belonging to Spain. So, the first opportunity this cruise offers is to admire these beautiful islands, four of them being the largest ones and, surely, the most well-known: Majorca (3626 sq km), Minorca (689 sq km), Ibiza (571 sq km) and Formentera (83 sq km). The islands are mostly flat and hilly, with wide beaches, and they have everything a tourist may dream of, for tourism is the main industry of this Spanish province.
Remaining within Spanish borders, the Balearic Sea cruise offers the chance to see two of the most exotic cities on the Mediterranean Coast: Valencia and Barcelona. Valencia is the biggest port on the Western Coast and before 1990 it was known as an industrial city. Since then, it has changed a lot, expanding its cultural and touristic possibilities and becoming a vibrant city, full of life and countless museums and monuments worth visiting. Also, it is famous for the amazing Marvarrosa Beach and the evening walks during which you can enjoy the sand, the sound of the waves and the palm trees, all the while relaxing and being at peace with everything around you.
Barcelona is too special to be described in just a couple of words. A true global city, it is the leader in almost every field: history, culture, sports, entertainment, fashion, tourism, science and art. It takes weeks to properly enjoy it, but for a short stop, you can see the Olympic Port and visit the surroundings and some major points of interest: Ramble del Mar, the Wax Museum, the Aquarium.
While cruising the Balearic Sea you have the opportunity to admire the second largest city in France and the largest commercial port of this romantic country – Marseille. The most amazing experience you can have here is to see the Calanques, a coastal area that was also named the Mediterranean fjord. Climbing the steep rocks, you will be rewarded with a breath-taking scenery over the sea, a view that will surely convince you that Heaven can indeed be found on Earth. If you are a passionate hiker or climber, this is the place you need to go, for there are areas that have been especially arranged for these activities.
And, of course, the journey wouldn’t be complete without seeing the shores of two of the most beautiful Italian islands: Sardinia and Corsica. The second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia will amaze you with the contrast I was mentioning in the beginning: clear, blue water… and all of a sudden, high, rocky coasts jutting out of the sea. The landscape that Sardinia has to offer seems to have been taken out from a fairytale: long stretches of coastline, spectacular headlands, a few wide, deep bays and smaller islands off the coast. Another reason for which this island is worth as much time as possible, is its history. Its monuments will take you back to Ancient times, when the Phoenicians stopped on its coasts during their trade routes and the Carthaginians had to surrender Sardinia to Rome after the first Punic War. The best thing is that you can visit the island whenever you want, for during the year there are 300 days of sunshine, due to its typical Mediterranean climate.
On the north of Sardinia you can see the island of Corsica, which is known as the most mountainous island in the Mediterranean Sea. The highest peak is Monte Cinto, with 2706 meters. Corsica was the result of numerous volcanic explosions and it has a surface of about 8680 sq km, out of which 3500 sq km belong to the Natural Park of Corse. The island is worth visiting for the marine landscapes which are unique to the Mediterranean. The activities you can enjoy here seem to be countless, for Corsica is full of places where you can swim, fish, dive, or simply walk. It is also known for its hiking trails of about 180 km that can be made in approximately 15 days. Moreover, if you don’t forget that Corsica is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, you will realize how much history there is to discover here.
With so many opportunities and unforgettable experiences, a Balearic Sea Cruise can become more that a touristic attraction, but also a special journey that everyone should make. Exploring amazing shores, visiting some of the most famous cities in Europe and letting the tranquility of the sea envelop you… you will finally find the peace that will help you move on with your life once you get back home.
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