Spanish Adventures With Marella Cruises

This is a sponsored post for Marella Cruises.

If you’re planning a summer cruise, some of the best destinations are the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. One of the countries that spans both of those regions is Spain, making it one of the most visited countries for cruises during the summer months.

While you’re onboard a Marella cruise, you’ll be whisked between some exciting destinations and Spain’s ports are packed with thrills, scenic marvels, and cultural icons. You’re welcome to explore on your own if you prefer, but it’s often a good idea to book a shore excursion to help you make the most of your time in port too.

With all that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best shore excursions you can book with Marella Cruises on a trip to Spain.

Benefits Of Booking Excursions With Marella

A lot of the adventures you can enjoy in ports of call can be arranged through a third party, or you might just go exploring yourself and find your own way around.

But booking with Marella direct has a number of benefits, including the biggest being the guarantee that you’ll always make it back to the ship in time before she departs, even if something goes wrong with your excursion transport.

If you head off alone or use a third party, a ship will have to leave without you if you’re late, but for excursions booked with the cruise line, they know what’s happening and will stick around for you.

Plus, you know you’re getting the maximum out of each destination, since each excursion is planned to make the most of the time you have in port, and things like tickets to attractions are already included.

It may cost a little more to go with the cruise line, but for a lot of people that peace of mind and the jam-packed itinerary for the day makes that cost worth it.

The Best of Marella’s Spanish Cruise Excursions

These are just a selection of the best excursions you can enjoy on a Marella cruise to Spain – each port has a variety of options to suit different interests and activity levels.

Maspalomas Beach Transfer, Gran Canaria

Visiting the golden sand dunes of Maspalomas is an unforgettable way to capture the essence of Gran Canaria.

The climate here is often considered the best on Gran Canaria, a fact that initially drew tourists to transform the once-quiet town into a premier vacation spot. On this half-day excursion, guests are conveniently dropped off near the town, where an escort will provide them with a meeting point and time for pick-up.

You then have the freedom to explore for up to three hours, with options ranging from browsing local shops and cafes to relaxing on the expansive beach, basking in the sun. For those who prefer a leisurely walk, the Meloneras seafront promenade offers a picturesque setting to enjoy some free time by the sea.

Enjoy Oceanographic, Valencia

If you aren’t too interested in the historic architecture of Valencia, then consider an excursion to Oceanographic, the largest aquarium in Europe.

Spanning over 100,000 square meters and containing approximately 42 million litres of water, the facility provides a habitat for over 500 species.

Here, you’ll encounter an array of marine life including sharks, a variety of exotic fish, sea lions, penguins, and more. A key feature is the opportunity to walk through Europe’s longest submarine tunnel, offering a unique underwater perspective. The experience culminates with a thrilling dolphin show.

Scenic La Gomera

This driving tour showcases La Gomera’s enchanting landscape of lush valleys, rugged mountains, and verdant expanses.

Starting from the serene capital, San Sebastián, the journey begins at the city’s harbour. As the coach winds through the city, passengers will notice the vibrantly coloured houses cascading down the hillsides. San Sebastián, once the base for Christopher Columbus, features historic sites like La Asuncion Church, known for its connection to Columbus and his crew.

Moving away from the capital, the tour heads towards Los Roques de Agando, a prominent viewpoint offering spectacular views of unique rock formations. The route includes stops at picturesque villages like Chipude and El Cercado, the latter renowned for its exquisite pottery.

A highlight of the tour is a visit to La Laguna Grande in the heart of the island, where guests witness a demonstration of ‘El Silbo’, the local whistling language. The tour concludes with a tasting of Gomeron, a local delicacy combining grape juice and brandy, before returning to the ship.

Bike Tours (Various Ports)

Many of the ports on a Spanish cruise are best explored by bike, if you’re feeling energetic (or just want to burn off the calories from all the delicious food and drink you’ve enjoyed onboard!).

Las Palmas, La Gomera and Valencia are just some of the locations where you can enjoy a guided tour, with quality bikes provided for you along with helmets. All you need to do is bring your energy, although don’t worry about zooming all over the place – tours are run at a level to suit the guests, so you aren’t going to be too exhausted by the end of the day.

Stops will be included to allow you to sample local cuisine, enjoy spectacular views of the local scenery, and just soak up the atmosphere.

Cadiz & A Taste of Jerez

This excursion offers an insightful exploration of two of Andalucía’s gems: the historic city of Cadiz, reputed to be Europe’s oldest, and the charming Jerez, renowned for its wine bodegas across Europe. The tour commences with a scenic drive through Cadiz’s ancient quarter.

As the coach navigates through narrow, winding streets and expansive squares, guests are encouraged to keep their cameras ready to capture the sights. Highlights include the 18th-century baroque cathedral and the iconic Plaza España, home to the celebrated monument of the Spanish Parliament.

The journey continues through the lush Andalucían countryside, leading to the picturesque vineyards of Jerez de la Frontera. Upon arrival at a local wine cellar, visitors will have the opportunity to taste the region’s celebrated sherry wine and discover the intricacies of its production process.

PortAventura, Tarragona

If you want something more action-packed for your cruise excursion, why not try PortAventura, one of Europe’s premier theme parks. This park is a thrilling blend of towering rollercoasters and family-oriented shows, all set within distinct themed zones.

Visitors can journey through Polynesia, Imperial China, Aztec Mexico, the Wild West, and the Mediterranean. The park’s highlight, Dragon Khan, offers an exhilarating experience with its eight-loop track, reaching speeds up to 110 kilometres per hour.

Children have their share of fun too, with dedicated playgrounds and miniature coasters. For those preferring a more relaxed experience, there are boat and train tours around the park. Entertainment options abound, from Wild West Can Can performances to acrobatic shows featuring Chinese artists.

Final Word

Spain truly has something for everyone, so why not sample as much as possible in one go with a Mediterranean or Canary Islands cruise with Marella? These excursions are fabulous and only a handful of the options available, but don’t delay as the best tours – just like the best cabins – will sell out.

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