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Skip the skies – 12 sun-soaked destinations you can cruise to from the UK

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  • Skip the skies – 12 sun-soaked destinations you can cruise to from the UK
Francesca WilliamsJune 26, 2025

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ROL CruiseCruising is a wonderfully dynamic way to explore the world. Sailing across glistening seas, exploring multiple destinations, and immersing yourself in onboard experiences allows you to experience far more than you would on a land-based holiday. And choosing a cruise that sails from the UK means you can skip the hassle of flying.

With all that to look forward to, often the trickiest part is deciding where to travel to next. So, we’ve partnered with ROL Cruise, the UK’s number one independent cruise specialist, to bring you 12 sun-soaked destinations you can cruise to/from the UK. ROL Cruise offers holidays with the award-winning premium cruise line, Celebrity Cruises.

With Celebrity, you can breathe in the bliss of areas like the Italian Riviera, the Canary Islands, and France’s Côte d’Azur without ever boarding a flight. Plus, created by world-class architects, interior designers, and landscape artists, Celebrity cruise ships are just as remarkable as the destinations they visit – striking the perfect balance between the intimacy and thoughtful service of a smaller ship and the variety and excitement of a larger one.

Savour delicious meals in speciality restaurants, settle in for world-class theatre performances, and sip on refreshing cocktails from one of the sunset bars as you sail from port to port. With Celebrity’s Cruise Planner, you can also arrange every detail before you set sail and relax the minute that you step aboard.

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Note: The destinations mentioned in this article are part of the multi-destination trips offered by Celebrity Cruises.

1. Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife, Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are beloved for their year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking scenery – and one of the most popular islands, Tenerife, is a top cruise destination. The charming port of Los Cristianos Harbour, where you’ll dock, is perfect for indulging in delicious food and browsing pretty gift shops with the sun on your back. And the nearby ethnographic park, home to Tenerife’s very own pyramids, will be a welcome stop for any history buffs.

Tenerife’s unrivalled marine life also makes dolphin and whale-watching tours a must, while a cable car ride to the peak of Mount Teide (the world’s third-highest volcano) will reveal breathtaking views of Gran Canaria, La Palma, and La Gomera.

2. Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

Villefranche-sur-Mer’s beautiful scenery and laid-back culture offer a welcome moment of calm in the ever-popular south of France. The town’s must-see beach, Plage des Marinières, and its calm azure waters are perfect for paddling or reading. And exploring the meandering alleys and steep staircases is a great way to work up an appetite before soaking up the quintessentially Mediterranean scenery from a quaint waterfront restaurant.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is also ideally placed between two of the Côte d’Azur’s most sought-after destinations: Nice and Monaco. Lap up the wondrous art, food, and music scene in Nice’s Old Town before exploring the pristine natural landscapes that surround it. Or wander by the yacht-lined harbour and historical landmarks of luxurious Monaco.

3. Flåm, Norway

Flåm, Norway

Flåm is a captivating Norwegian village nestled in the innermost corner of the Aurlandsfjord – an offshoot of the extensive Sognefjord. Set amidst steep, forested mountainsides, and rushing waterfalls, Flåm is a peaceful oasis and fantastic gateway to spectacular Norwegian landscapes. Get back to nature with exhilarating outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and kayaking; or experience the famed Flåmsbana Railway.

As one of the world’s steepest and most beautiful train journeys, you’ll experience panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, breathtaking fjords, and lush green forests. While the beautiful Aurlandsfjord and its surrounding area is undoubtedly Flåm’s biggest draw, the area’s history is well worth investigating, too. Uncover the genius and determination behind the railroad construction, or admire the beauty of Flåm Church with its intricately decorated walls, inspired by nature.

4. Vigo, Spain

Vigo, Spain

Vigo is a coastal gem tucked away in Spain’s emerald Galicia region, where the Mino River carves through landscapes of mist-shrouded mountains and deep valleys, forming the wine-rich canyons of the Ribeira Sacra. A short stroll from the cruise terminal, across the palm tree-lined Avenida del Castillo waterfront promenade, will bring you into the heart of the city.

Vigo’s atmospheric old quarter speaks of its strong maritime past, and the nearby Samil Sands is hailed as one of Galicia’s finest beaches. Home to Europe’s largest fishing fleet, Vigo is also a seafood haven – particularly the O Berbes neighbourhood, where colourful stalls and seafood vendors unload baskets of fresh fish, octopus, and other marine treasures.

5. Leixões, Portugal

Leixões, Portugal

Nestled along the picturesque Portuguese coastline, Leixões is a hidden gem combining old-world charm with modern vitality. The town’s glorious beaches, captivating maritime past, exciting culinary scene, and friendly locals offer an authentic Portuguese experience that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

When in Leixões, you won’t want to miss Matosimhos Beach, popular for its consistently good waves and laidback atmosphere, or the Lighthouse of Leca da Palmeira, designed by renowned Portuguese architect Raul Lino. Vibrant Porto (Portugal’s second-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage site) is also just a short drive away. Renowned for its Port wine and incredible street food scene, it’s foodie heaven.

6. Funchal, Madeira

Funchal, Madeira

Known as the ‘Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, the beautiful archipelago of Madeira is famous for its stunning landscapes, exotic plants, and delectable food and drink scene. And cruising into its beautiful capital, Funchal, is the ideal way to get a taste of Madeiran charm.

Explore Funchal’s Botanical Gardens for endemic plant species, or experience Madeiran wine tasting at historic venues like Blandy’s Wine Lodge, housed in a former 16th-century convent. The city’s rich history also shines through its architectural landmarks, museums, and fortresses – and that’s without mentioning the famous cable car and Monte toboggan ride!

7. La Spezia, Italy

La Spezia, Italy

La Spezia is a captivating coastal town and, with one of the biggest cruise terminals in Italy, welcomes thousands of travellers every year. Ideally placed between Liguria and Tuscany, La Spezia serves as the gateway to some of Italy’s most iconic destinations – particularly in the renowned Cinque Terre region. The Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands”, is a collection of five colourful villages perched on the cliffs of the Ligurian coast.

Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso al Mare offer stunning Mediterranean views, waterfront strolls, and authentic wine tasting. All are beautiful, but each one has a unique draw. Equally, if you’d prefer to stay put, La Spezia’s own lively markets, pretty harbour, and fantastic food scene offer an equally wonderful taste of the Italian Riviera.

8. Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Rotterdam is a key destination on the romantic Rhine River, which flows from the striking Swiss Alps through central and Western Europe until meeting the North Sea. Renowned for its picturesque scenery and historical significance, on a Rhine River cruise, you’ll pass waterfront castles and fortresses, medieval bridges, fairytale villages, and sweeping vineyards.

The major port city of Rotterdam is known for its innovative architecture, world-class museums, and lively art scene. Breathe in the contemporary works of artists like Picasso and Mondrian at Kunsthal Rotterdam or browse Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum’s impressive collection of works by Bosch, Van Gogh, and many more. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can make the most of Rotterdam’s diverse food scene – influenced by the more than 180 nationalities who call Rotterdam home.

9. La Coruña, Spain

La Coruña, Spain

Perched on Spain’s rugged northwest coast, La Coruña is a Galician gem that feels refreshingly uncrowded compared to the bustling tourist hubs of Madrid or Barcelona. Sandy beaches, historic squares, and charming cobblestone streets mean there’s plenty to explore. Plus, the city is scheduled to experience a total solar eclipse in 2026, making now the perfect time to visit.

Following the city’s seafront promenade, you’ll pass historic landmarks like San Anton Castle and the Aquarium Finisterrae – a marine science museum featuring a diverse collection of marine life from the Atlantic Ocean and the Galician coast. And, in the Old Town, don’t miss the Plaza Maria Pita. Named after a local 16th-century heroine who defended the city from the British, it’s arguably the city’s most famous square.

10. Le Havre, France

Le Havre, France

The UNESCO-listed city of Le Havre, in the Normandy region of Northern France, is a popular stop for many cruise liners. It was almost completely rebuilt after World War II, and its long history makes it an exciting place to explore. Explore Perret’s architectural works, marvel at St. Joseph’s church, or browse the largest collection of Impressionist works outside of Paris at the Andre Malraux Museum of Modern Art.

As one of France’s greenest cities in France, Le Havre’s public gardens also feature large open squares with shallow pools and peaceful water features – perfect for relaxing on a sunny afternoon, while the promenade along the pebbled beach offers fresh sea air. And, just a few hours away, Paris awaits with history, culture, and cute cafes at every turn.

11. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

With delicious food, historic neighbourhoods, 300+ days of sunshine per year, and steep hills that reward with stunning views over colourful rooftops, it’s easy to see why Lisbon is a top choice for a city break. Even better, the Portuguese capital is just a 10-minute walk from the cruise port.

Admire stunning World Heritage sites like Torre de Belem and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos; marvel at the Phoenician, Roman, and Moor architectural influences; or ride the famous yellow trams through the historic centre. You can also browse trendy boutiques and souvenir shops, and sample Portugal’s culinary delights like salted cod, grilled sardines, and the iconic custard egg tarts: pastel de nata.

12. Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao, Spain

With its unique cultural traditions, distinct language, stunning landscapes, and tantalising cuisine, the Basque region is one of Spain’s most distinct areas – and its largest city, Bilbao, has much to offer. Once an industrial powerhouse, Bilbao has completely transformed into a compact, walkable city that revels in its reputation for modern art and fantastic food.

Bilbao’s charming Old Town blends Michelin-starred restaurants with lively pintxos bars in a vibrant fusion of tradition and modernity, while surrounding lush forests and rugged mountains reveal a different side of Spain. The grand Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry and housing works by Jeff Koons and Andy Warhol, is also the city’s most famous must-see attraction!

Final thoughts…

Cruising is a magical and relaxing way to experience some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. And with various no-fly cruise options available, it’s entirely possible to enjoy the holiday of your dreams without the hassle of a busy airport.

ROL Cruise is the UK’s number one independent cruise specialist and offers holidays with the award-winning premium cruise line, Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity travels to some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, and their impressive fleet of ships – fitted with everything from swanky bars to world-class restaurants, ocean-view pools, and extensive entertainment programmes – means holiday mode begins the moment you step on board.

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What are your holiday plans for the year ahead? Which of these destinations takes your fancy the most? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Francesca Williams

Francesca Williams is a senior lifestyle writer at Rest Less. She joined Rest Less in early 2021 after achieving a first-class degree in History at the University of Sheffield and qualifying as an NCTJ Gold Standard Journalist. Francesca is a qualified Level 3 Personal Trainer and writes across a range of lifestyle topics, specialising in health. In her spare time, Francesca likes to keep herself busy going to the gym, dancing, spending time with friends and family, and getting involved with her local church.

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