Going Ashore - Three Unique Cruise Ports in Spain and Portugal

           This week, we go ashore on the Iberian peninsular, or to be more exact the western coast of Iberia.  The focus is on three ports in Spain and Portugal, each of which is quite different from the others.

            La Coruna, Spain is on the northwest coast of Spain.  For centuries ships have brought visitors here on pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, which is about 39 miles inland.  Santiago is still a major attraction and many cruisers take an excursion there during port calls in La Coruna.  But La Coruna is more than just a dropping off point for Santiago.

            La Coruna has a unique charm.  Separated by mountains from the rest of Spain, it has its own style which has strains of its Celtic heritage mixed with Spanish influences.  Within walking distance of the cruise port, there is the old town with its narrow cobbled streets and medieval churches.  Also within walking distance are the 19^th-20^th century buildings with their glass enclosed balconies called “gallerias,” which have earned the city the nickname “Crystal City.”

            Beyondships’ illustrated article on La Coruna is posted at: http://www.beyondships2.com/cruise-port-la-coruna-spain.html

            Further south is Oporto or Porto.  Like La Coruna, this is a very old port.  However, it is a much bigger city that was and is an important commercial center.  As a result, it has an altogether different atmosphere and style than La Coruna.

            Oporto is perhaps best known for its fortified wine.  Indeed, it seems like every shore excursion in Oporto involves a port wine tasting.  While there is more to the city than port wine, having a glass or two of port in one of the port lodges overlooking the Duoro River, can be a pleasant way to spend part of the day.

            Our article on Oporto is posted at: http://www.beyondships2.com/cruise-port-oporto-portugal.html

            Lisbon is without question the leading cruise port on the west coast of Iberia.  It receives some 250,000 cruise visitors a year and demand is such that the port keeps increasing the capacity of its cruise port.

            Further south than Oporto, it is summer half the year in Lisbon.  The capital city of Portugal as well as a commercial center, Lisbon has a rich history reflected in its pleasing architecture.  Also, because it has had more to focus on than just business, the city is not so harsh.  Rather, it has a relaxed cosmopolitan feel.

            Beyondships article about Lisbon can be found at  http://www.beyondships2.com/cruise-port-lisbon-portugal.html