One of the Cyclades islands, Santorini is a spectacular jewel of the Aegean. Born out of a volcanic eruption in approximately 1500BC, which formed the two islands of Aspronissi and Terrasia, Santorini is a magnificent mixture of dramatic cliffside villages, glorious black sand beaches and ancient treasures. Steep cliffs plunging into a crystalline sea distinguish the west coast, while the east coast is gentler, featuring a fertile plain and delicate bays, with the Profitis Ilias mountains in the background.

Think of a trip to Greece and you will imagine Mykonos. The port of Mykonos, or perhaps it would be more correct to say of Chora, is located on the west coast of the island.
The Cyclades islands in the Aegean are wonderful and the beaches are no less marvellous, with the pleasant distinction of being among the most festive in the archipelago. After docking at the port of Mykonos, enjoy the numerous natural coves, beaches and cliffs of this beautiful island. You can enjoy the clean, azure sea of Paradise Beach, while in the evening let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of this cosmopolitan and youthful island. The harbour district, the Kastro, is known as the ‘little Venice’. In its alleys, the shops and restaurants alternate with white houses with blue doors and windows. On a trip to Mykonos, take advantage of the stop to go on shore excursions, stroll through the maze of streets and alleys where you can discover the beauty of the architecture and the design of the city. The small white houses with shutters as blue as the sky, the pigeon houses and the numerous small churches of Mykonos will simply enchant you.

The Mediterranean island of Malta, situated between the North African coast and Sicily, is a land of history and mystique. The ancient Greeks claimed the island had divine origins and was the province of the Calypso nymph who lived on nearby Gozo. In Homer’s Odyssey, Ulysses landed on the island during his epic journey to Ithaca. In the Middle Ages, the Crusaders partially fortified the island during their expeditions to the Holy Land, giving rise to the powerful Maltese Knights of St John.

Costa Cruises stops in Catania on the Mediterranean cruise. This Sicilian city, proud of its ancient history, is a port that should not be missed.
The stop in Catania will offer you both cultural visits, which are some of the most beautiful in Italy, and shore excursions full of wonderful surprises. Dynamic and full of energy, it will surprises with the richness of its old town and the unique sight of the lava layers on the slopes of Mount Etna. Catania, like Sicily, is rich in monuments, ancient traditions and sumptuous food, which it shares generously with the rest of the world.

The port of Catania is located about 300 metres from the historic city centre. We suggest that you visit the Piazza del Duomo, symbol of the city. If you cross Via Crociferi, one of the city’s most famous streets, you come to Palazzo Biscari, one of the most impressive and majestic buildings in the whole of Sicily. Finally, you can see Mount Etna looking north, with its famous lava flows.