KRISTIANSAND Norway Norway’s most southerly city, Kristiansand, is also its sunniest and with its superb range of attractions, makes it the most popular holiday spot for Norwegians as well as a big hit with visitors. A Renaissance city founded in 1641, Kristiansand’s history is laid out in one of Norway’s largest open-air museums – Vest Agder. It is also apparent in the 17th century Christiansholm Fortress and the rows of attractive old wooden houses in the city centre. Just outside the city are the 960 year old Oddernes Church and the Kristiansand Cannon Museum. Other tours take in a visit to Setesdal Mineral Park and the Setesdal Vintage Railway.
LA CORUNA Spain Known as the ‘Crystal City’ due to its unusual galleria balconies, La Coruna is a charming mixture of old and new town with a couple of beaches along the two-mile stretch of coastline it overlooks. The colonnaded Maria Pita Square is at the heart of the old town, with many shops, bars and restaurants. There are various fascinating museums including the interactive House of Mankind, plus an aquarium and planetarium. La Coruna is also the main Atlantic gateway to one of the most ruggedly scenic regions in Spain – Galicia. Among its attractions is one of the top three Christian pilgrimage destinations: Santiago de Compostela.
LA PALMA Canary Islands La Palma is called ‘the fair isle’ because of its fabulous landscape and you will soon see why. Santa Cruz is one of the prettiest harbours among the islands and easily explored on foot. A short stroll along the Avenida Maritime promenade will take you to the lovely old quarter around Plaza de Espana, which has a 16th century fountain, town hall, a magnifi cent Renaissance church and handicrafts market. Then there’s the island’s most spectacular volcanic crater, Caldera de Taburiente. This beautiful area is fi lled with rare animal and plant life and has been designated a national park.
LA ROCHELLE France The medieval city of La Rochelle offers an intriguing mix of well preserved and restored historic buildings and market places within a lively modern city full of bars and restaurants and with an excellent aquarium. Tickle your tastebuds with a visit to the small town of Cognac and its famous Courvoisier, Hennessy and Martell cellars. This region also boasts ancient towns like Saintes with Romanesque churches, arches and arenas.
LANZAROTE Canary Islands Lanzarote’s sunny climate makes it a big hit with sunbathers and swimmers who relish its volcanic red, black and white sand beaches. But it’s worth tearing yourself away from the coast to explore the island’s spectacular moon-like volcanic landscape, best seen from the Fire Mountain in the Timanfaya National Park. Head north and you will discover wonderfully verdant Haria – ‘the valley of a thousand palms’ and can enjoy panoramic views from Mirador del Rio. Equally fascinating is a visit to Jameos del Agua cave, an oddly shaped volcanic cave overlooking a saltwater lagoon where you will fi nd a colony of white crabs unique to the island.
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LE HAVRE France The bustling French port of Le Havre offers a selection of sights including Granville Abbey, St Adresse Fort and the Seine Estuary. Its position also makes it the perfect gateway to some of Normandy’s most picturesque towns and villages, including the pretty harbour of Honfl eur and inspirational Etretet characterised by its stylish mansions and sheer white cliffs. In Rouen, half-timbered houses, churches and cafés sit alongside the great Cathédrale Notre- Dame, which is well worth a visit. Alternatively take in the sights in stylish Paris. Have lunch in one of the city’s many cafés, admire The Louvre’s amazing art collection and meander through Montmartre with its artists and charming square.
LIMASSOL Cyprus Sat about halfway along the south coast, Limassol is the ideal base for visitors to enjoy what Cyprus has to offer. Across the island, there is plenty of rugged coastline and mountain scenery to explore and enjoy along with a variety of archaeological sites. A visit to the Troodos Mountains is an excellent way to see the majesty of this island. In the little resort of Troodos you can shop for souvenirs or just enjoy the mountain air. Limassol itself is a working town as well as a holiday resort and has been attractively landscaped with a centre that’s easily walkable. Make sure you visit the 12th century fort where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria and which now houses an excellent medieval museum.
LISBON Portugal Some of the best views of the Portuguese capital come as you sail along the Tagus River. You pass the Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery and the ‘Monument to the Discoveries’ with its statue of Henry the Navigator, before arriving at Lisbon. Although small for a European capital, this city does sprawl a little so you would do best to concentrate on three districts – Baixa, Bairro Alto and Alfama, each with its own distinctive style. Baixa has busy streets of inviting shops, cafés and restaurants while Alfama is the atmospheric old town. Bairro Alto is another historic district with narrow streets and it is a steep climb from Baixa so look out for the 100-year-old lift (Elevador do Carmo) near Rossio Square.
LIVERPOOL England The lively city of Liverpool is packed full of history. First there is Albert Dock where you’ll fi nd the largest group of Grade I listed buildings in the UK, home to award winning visitor attractions Tate Liverpool, the famous Beatles Story and the Merseyside Maritime Museum. And then there are the three Edwardian buildings that stand on the Pier Head as testament to the city’s importance to global trade in the early 20th century. You can also visit the largest cathedral in the UK (also the fi fth largest in the world), which was designed by Giles Gilbert Scott – who most famously designed the red telephone box.
LOFOTEN ISLANDS Norway A delightfully remote Arctic archipelago, the Lofoten Islands offer a vista of natural beauty, spectacular even by Norway’s high standards. A latecomer to Norwegian cruising, the Lofoten Islands have quickly become popular because of their picturesque fi shing villages, breathtaking views of pristine fjords and huge variety of birdlife. There are even some beautiful white sand beaches which are much appreciated in the islands’ remarkably mild, Gulf Stream-infl uenced, climate.
MADEIRA When you travel around Madeira it quickly becomes clear why it’s known as the ‘Garden Isle’ – and it’s hardly surprising that colourful fl ower markets are one of the most arresting features of Funchal, Madeira’s capital. Locally made wicker furniture, lacework and tapestries all make good buys along with the ubiquitous Madeira wine. Funchal is also the base for tours to the fi shing village of Camara de Lobos where Churchill went to paint.
MALAGA Spain
This second city of Andalucia has many Moorish infl uences, seen at their best in the stunning Alcazaba. Built on the site of a Roman fortress between the 8th and 11th centuries, the castle’s huge walls and fortifi ed gates ensure a grand entrance. Inside, a restored Roman amphitheatre now acts as an outdoor entertainment centre. Immediately behind the Alcazaba and rising high above the city with spectacular views, are the ruins of the 14th century Moorish castle, Gibralfaro. If you are in port for the entire day then a trip to the magnifi cent Moorish Alhambra Palace and its gardens in nearby Granada is a must.
MALTA GC The fortifi cations at Malta’s Grand Harbour speak volumes about her past, indeed her reputation for valour during the Second World War earned her the George Cross. Fort St. Elmo, created by the Knights of St. John and once the most impregnable in the world, houses in its National War Museum the famous George Cross. Inland lies the walled city of Mdina with its cathedral, natural history museum and citadel offering stunning views across the island.
MARSEILLES France Birthplace of the revolutionary Marseillaise, and the oldest city in France – Marseille – is a vast, Provencal melting pot. Guarding the entrance of the port are two forts, Fort St-Jean and Fort St-Nicolas, built for King Louis XIVth. Rising serenely above the human hubbub, the statue of the Virgin Mary on the Church of Notre Dame de la Garde extends her arms in perpetual benediction. Along the main street, the Canebiere, elegant shops stand side by side with characterful bars and restaurants. Further afi eld, why not visit the city of Avignon with its famous ‘pont’ (bridge) and Palace of the Popes? Alternatively, discover the town of Aix en Provence home to gracious mansions and pretty fountains.
PORT GAZETTEER
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