Italy: Why Small Ship Cruising Makes Every Port Personal
Italy stays with you.
I’ve walked the sun-dappled lanes of Sorrento, tasted pizza in Naples that felt like a family ritual, and paused for espresso in sleepy piazzas where time slows. Each trip brings something new—flavours that linger, conversations that stretch long into the evening, and the kind of beauty that asks you to stop and breathe it in.
That’s why I’m drawn to small ship cruising. Not for the fanfare—but for the intimacy. You step off the ship not into a crowd, but into a place. A real one. One you can feel, taste, and remember.
Ports That Feel Like Stories, Not Stops
Ponza – A Secret Among Locals
Off the coast of Lazio lies Ponza, a crescent-shaped island kissed by turquoise coves and pastel harbors. Beloved by Italians but largely undiscovered by the rest of the world, it’s relaxed, authentic, and refreshingly untouristed.
Porto Cervo – Glamour with Sardinian Soul
Porto Cervo glows with Costa Smeralda sophistication: designer shops, world-class beaches, and charming cafés—all wrapped in natural beauty. Sardinia’s soul is wild and elegant all at once.
Porto-Vecchio – Corsica’s Quiet Charmer
This French-Italian gem blends pine-fringed beaches with cobbled old-town warmth. Whether you’re exploring its hilltop citadel or savoring local wine under olive trees, Porto-Vecchio feels like a well-kept secret.
Amalfi – Lemon Groves & Cliffside Beauty
Arriving by sea into Amalfi is like sailing straight into a postcard. With its pastel buildings and vine-laced terraces, it’s every bit as magical as you’d imagine—only more personal when you’re not sharing it with thousands.
Catania – Baroque Drama at the Base of Etna
Alive with history and Sicilian intensity, Catania serves up a mix of lava-stone streets, bold flavours, and vibrant markets. It’s gritty, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.
Valletta – Malta’s Fortress of Light
Golden stone ramparts rise from the sea as you glide into Valletta’s stunning harbor. Once ashore, history meets hospitality: think sunlit cafés, winding alleys, and the warmth of a welcome that feels centuries deep.
Trapani – Salt Flats & Slow Living
Western Sicily’s Trapani moves at a gentler pace. Salt pans shimmer outside town, fresh seafood fills your plate, and nearby Erice invites you up into the clouds for panoramic views and medieval charm.
Lipari – Volcanic Wildness & Island Calm
Part of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari offers rugged cliffs, ancient ruins, and crystalline waters. A perfect place to slow down and feel the Mediterranean in its rawest form.
More Than Italy: The Adriatic Beckons
Some itineraries don’t stop at Italy—they stretch across the sea to Croatia, where another side of the Mediterranean awaits.
In Dubrovnik, terracotta rooftops crown ancient walls above turquoise waters. Hvar blends beachside ease with historic glamour, and in Split, Roman columns and Adriatic views meet in a swirl of culture and charm. Even Korčula, often called “mini Dubrovnik,” greets small-ship guests with medieval walls and the soft scent of pine.
These are not flyby stops—they’re invitations to explore, taste, connect, and exhale.
Why Small Ship Cruising Changes Everything
The magic is in the scale.
With Windstar Cruises, you’re not one of thousands—you’re one of a few. Their yachts and sailing ships access harbors big vessels can’t, docking right in the heart of historic towns or quiet island coves. There are no long queues, no cruise terminals—just cobblestones beneath your feet and a day that’s yours to shape.
You wake up already there, wander ashore for espresso in a quiet piazza, hike coastal paths or meander through markets, and return in time for sunset on the deck. It’s unhurried, elegant, and refreshingly real.
The ships themselves reflect that too—beautifully designed, relaxed in atmosphere, and focused on meaningful service. Not flashy, just thoughtful. Not overwhelming, just right.
Let the Journey Feel Like Yours
Italy isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. And the best journeys honour that. They slow down, dive deep, and let you become part of the story.
For more about Windstar Cruises read our earlier blog here
If you’re ready to experience Italy (and beyond) this way—intimately, beautifully, and without the noise—contact Julie at Exclusively Cruising on 03 9762 2799. Let’s start planning a journey where every stop means something, and every moment feels like it’s just for you.
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About Julie O'Grady, CLIA Cruise Master, and Exclusively Cruising
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