Let’s be honest, when you think of cruise holidays, certain names immediately spring to mind. Venice. Barcelona. Santorini. They’re lovely, of course, but what about the lesser known gems that are quietly waiting to blow you away? Imagine docking in a vibrant coastal town in the Mediterranean or wandering ancient alleyways in a Greek port free from hordes of tourists. These under the radar ports promise adventure, culture, and cuisine every bit as rich as their better known counterparts, but with far fewer crowds.
Gijon, Spain
Gijon, nestled on the Bay of Biscay in the Asturias region of northern Spain, is one of those rare places where you can feel the soul of a city in its salty sea air. This coastal town blends maritime tradition with a lively, youthful energy thanks to its universities and cultural scene.
What to do? Stroll along the San Lorenzo beach promenade, lose yourself in the charming old town of Cimavilla, and visit the Laboral City of Culture, a staggering architectural complex with rotating art exhibitions and a panoramic tower.
Asturian food is a revelation. Think fabada asturiana, a hearty bean stew with chorizo and sip sidra (cider) in traditional cider houses where servers pour it from a great height to aerate it. It’s a ritual as much as a drink!
Many boutique and mid-sized cruise lines like Azamara, Oceania, and Windstar include Gijon in their northern Spain itineraries, especially on routes exploring the Bay of Biscay and Atlantic Iberia.
San Sebastian
Just a short hop east from Gijon lies San Sebastian, a Basque coastal beauty famous for its culinary prowess. It’s often overshadowed by Barcelona or Madrid, but locals will tell you: this is where the true magic happens.
You could spend your entire stop eating pintxos (Basque tapas.) Tiny masterpieces of food art served on slices of bread and paired with local wine or txakoli, a lightly sparkling white. But save time to wander the charming Parte Vieja (Old Town), surf at Playa de la Zurriola, or hike up Monte Urgull for sweeping views of the bay.
Crystal Cruises, Oceania and Silversea are among those that include San Sebastian in their luxury itineraries, perfect for foodies and romantics alike.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Part of Oceania’s Ancient Empires of Asia itinerary, Ho Chi Minh City offers a heady blend of old and new. French colonial architecture sits cheek by jowl with neon lit skyscrapers, and motorbikes buzz like bees in the tropical air.
Start with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an astonishing underground network used during the Vietnam War, then wander the markets for silks and spices. Don’t miss the War Remnants Museum for a sobering but necessary dose of history.
Vietnamese street food is legendary: pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls are just the beginning. And it’s all incredibly affordable, even by local standards.
You’ll find this port on itineraries by Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, and Viking Ocean Cruises, especially on longer Asian voyages from Bangkok or Singapore.
Leixoes, Portugal
While Leixoes might not be a household name, it’s the port gateway to Porto, one of Portugal’s most beautiful and underrated cities. As your ship glides in, the sight of Portugal’s second city, its terracotta rooftops and historic bridges, signals adventure.
Porto’s Ribeira district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is famed for, you guessed it, Port wine. Tour one of the many cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river, or take a traditional rabelo boat ride up the Douro.
Expect Mediterranean-like weather most of the year and delectable dishes like bacalhau à Bras (shredded cod with egg and potato) and francesinha, a decadently cheesy meat sandwich topped with a beer sauce.
Cruise lines like MSC, Holland America, and Seabourn include Leixoes on their Atlantic or Iberian Peninsula itineraries.
Bilbao, Spain
Once an industrial city, Bilbao has been reinvented as a modern masterpiece. The Guggenheim Museum, with its shimmering titanium curves, is the crown jewel, but there’s much more to explore.
Bilbao’s Old Town (Casco Viejo) offers Gothic cathedrals and traditional taverns serving bacalao al pil-pil (salted cod in a garlic sauce). Hop on the funicular to Mount Artxanda for panoramic city views, or escape into the green hills of the Basque Country.
Spring and early autumn are ideal for weather and avoiding summer tourist surges. Cruise lines like Oceania, Celebrity, and Norwegian Cruise Line often pair Bilbao with other northern Spanish ports.
Nafplio, Greece
Tucked away in the northeastern Peloponnese, Nafplio feels like a fairytale come to life. Cobblestone lanes wind through neoclassical mansions, and the waters of the Argolic Gulf shimmer like sapphires under the sun.
Climb the 999 steps to Palamidi Fortress for incredible views, or take a boat to the little fortress island of Bourtzi. Nafplio is also a gateway to ancient Epidaurus and Mycenae, two of Greece’s most important archaeological sites.
This town boasts Mediterranean sunshine most of the year, with spring and autumn offering ideal conditions for wandering and sightseeing.
It’s a favourite among smaller luxury cruise lines like Azamara and Seabourn, often included on Greek Isles and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries.
Trieste, Italy
Far less crowded than Venice (and only a short hop away), Trieste is a fascinating blend of Italian elegance and Austro-Hungarian charm. It was once the main port of the Habsburg Empire, and you can feel it in the grandeur of its architecture.
Take a stroll along the Canal Grande, sip espresso in elegant cafés once frequented by James Joyce, and don’t miss the stunning Miramare Castle perched on the cliffs just outside the city.
Trieste’s local cuisine blends Italian, Slavic, and Austrian influences, perfect for food lovers seeking something different. Try jota, a hearty sauerkraut and bean soup, or strucolo, a sweet or savoury strudel.
Cruise lines like MSC, and Regent Seven Seas often start or end Adriatic itineraries in Trieste, making it a perfect jumping-off point.
Cadiz, Spain
One of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Cadiz is a living museum wrapped in sunshine. This Andalusian port, perched on a narrow spit of land, is a maze of plazas, towers, and golden-stone buildings that glow at sunset.
Explore the Roman theatre, climb the Tavira Tower for panoramic views, and relax on La Caleta beach with churros in hand. If you’ve got time, take a day trip inland to Seville, just 90 minutes away.
Cadiz’s food is pure southern Spain: fresh seafood, tapas, and the ever-refreshing glass of tinto de verano. Weather-wise, it’s almost perpetually sunny, even in winter.
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean anchor here, especially on Mediterranean and repositioning cruises.
Zadar, Croatia
While Dubrovnik and Split often steal the limelight, Zadar offers a more authentic slice of the Dalmatian coast. It’s a city where Roman ruins meet quirky modern art, and it’s blessed with spectacular Adriatic views.
Walk along the waterfront to experience the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation. Two interactive public art installations powered by nature. Explore Roman forums, medieval churches, and lively open-air cafes.
Cruise lines like MSC, Viking, Celestyal, and Marella include Zadar on their Adriatic and Balkan itineraries, and the mild Mediterranean climate makes it a joy to visit nearly all year round.
Kotor, Montenegro
Set in a bay that looks like a Norwegian fjord, Kotor is a marvel of medieval walls, winding streets, and scenic beauty. As your ship glides through the fjord-like Boka Bay, the approach alone is unforgettable.
Climb the old fortress steps for panoramic views, then wander the UNESCO-listed old town with its cats, palaces, and churches. This is a place to get blissfully lost.
Montenegrin cuisine features fresh seafood, grilled meats, and hearty stews, all seasoned with a Mediterranean twist.
Cruise lines like MSC, Princess, Windstar, and Viking frequently visit Kotor, and its charm never fails to win over travellers.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Venturing away from Europe now, Ketchikan is a favourite on Alaskan itineraries but still feels like a well-kept secret. Nestled within the lush Tongass National Forest, it’s often called the “Salmon Capital of the World.”
Explore the colourful Creek Street boardwalk, watch salmon leaping upstream in late summer, and visit Totem Heritage Centre to learn about the Tlingit and Haida cultures.
Expect misty, moody weather, pack your waterproofs, but it’s all part of the Alaskan magic. Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America, and Princess Cruises all call here.
Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is where medieval charm meets modern cool. Its walled old town, complete with turrets and cobbled streets, feels like a set from a fantasy film. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find hip cafés, tech startups, and street art.
Climb Toompea Hill for city views, shop for hand-knitted woollen goods, and enjoy Estonian specialities like elk stew or black rye bread with smoked fish.
Cruises from MSC, Viking, and Celebrity often include Tallinn on Baltic Sea itineraries, typically alongside stops in Helsinki and St. Petersburg (when available).
Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki blends cutting-edge design with Nordic nature. You’ll find architectural masterpieces, forested islands, and enough saunas to sweat out every ounce of stress you’ve ever accumulated.
Take a ferry to Suomenlinna fortress island, stroll through the Design District, and be sure to try karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies) with egg butter.
Helsinki is a popular port of call on Baltic and Northern Europe cruises, with lines like Silversea, Viking, and Oceania offering stops.
Discover the Unexpected
While the classics will always have their place, the true joy of cruising lies in the unexpected. These under the radar destinations promise new perspectives, rich histories, unique flavours, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re watching the sun set behind a fortress in Nafplio, sipping cider in Gijon, or wandering a medieval alley in Tallinn, you’ll return home not just with souvenirs, but stories that your fellow cruisers haven’t heard a hundred times before.
So, next time you browse cruise itineraries, don’t skip over those unfamiliar ports. Hidden gems, after all, are only hidden until you find them.
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