6 underrated portside gems to visit in Europe

One of the many joys of exploring Europe by sea is discovering the delights of its portside destinations, from bucket-list beauties to underrated gems which invite travellers to stroll the streets, sample traditional eats, and live like a local for a day. Whilst some destinations are located a little beyond the water’s edge, the experts at Norwegian Cruise Line listed six idyllic and intriguing portside towns which are placed to literally step off the ship and discover the moment you disembark.

1. Riga, Latvia

A cultural icon, Riga is renowned for its ornate Art Nouveau architecture, timber buildings, museums, concert halls and World Heritage-listed medieval Old Town. Get lost amidst cobblestoned alleyways with a hidden courtyard around every corner, sample local Latvian cuisine at Riga Central Market, cruise the scenic Daugava River, and explore the city’s striking street art scene along Troksnu iela a.k.a. Noise Street. Stroll Mangalsala Pier at sunset, shop with locals at Agenskalns Market and see a different side of the city in the historic Moscow District.

2. Salerno, Italy

The gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Salerno, exudes an authentic, local ambience and is easily explored on foot. From the fabulous five-level Giardino della Minerva botanical garden, where you can enjoy a spritz in the sun on a cliffside terrace, to a leisurely stroll along the Lungomare Trieste seaside promenade, it’s easy to lose track of time in Salerno. Wander through Fornelle, the oldest district in town, to find painted poetry and colourful murals, visit the ornate crypt beneath Salerno Cathedral and fossick for secondhand books and vintage treasures in local favourite Libreria Antiquaria Vecchi Libri.

3. Valletta, Malta

Europe’s smallest capital is big on charm, with honey-hued Baroque buildings, eclectic cuisine blending African and European flavours and its plethora of palaces and cathedrals. Bustling Republic Street is the beating heart of the city, and other must-sees include the opulent St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace and the Barrakka Gardens. Tour the Lascaris War Rooms, visit the swanky Casa Rocca Piccola, a miniature palace still occupied by Maltese nobility, and delve into the backstreets off Republic Street to find hidden local gems.

4. Tallin, Estonia

Famed for its castles, cathedrals and fairytale-like UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, Tallin is an eminently walkable city where ancient walls and gothic buildings house lively local restaurants, bustling beer gardens and gorgeous galleries. Check out the Balti Jaama Turg food hall for an enormous selection of local delicacies, indulge your imagination at Telliskivi Creative City for street art, galleries and unique boutiques, or climb Toompea Hill for sensational city views. Don’t miss the artisan workshops in medieval St Catherine’s Passage, shop Estonian design at Tallinn Design House, and taste traditional Marzipan treats and Vanaema’s donuts.

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5. Bergen, Norway

Nestled between stunning fjords and majestic mountains, Bergen combines the beauty of the great outdoors with a lively arts scene which is easily walkable from the waterfront. Highlights of any visit include the brightly painted boutiques and galleries of Bryggen Wharf, riding the funicular to the top of Mt Fløyen, perusing local art museums and snacking on seafood from the Torget fish market. Relax at Marineholmen Beach, kayak around the Øygarden Islets, and wander through a reconstructed town at the Gamle Bergen Open Air Museum.

6. La Coruña, Spain

A Galician gem steeped in maritime heritage, La Coruña is one of Spain’s best kept secrets. Tapas lovers will find their haven in Plaza de Maria Pita, the city’s photogenic, porticoed main square, perfect for soaking up the local ambience. For a scenic walk, the 13-kilometre Paseo Marítimo offers sweeping ocean views and a taste of the city’s laid-back coastal vibe. Visit Mercado de San Agustin to fill up on local flavours, watch surfers and beach volleyballers in action at Plaza del Orzan or visit a local pottery workshop to learn about the city’s ceramics culture.

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