This is the continuation of our 16 Day Transatlantic Cruise to Spain. Part 1 explored Nassau, The Bahamas and the 8 sea days we traveled before arriving in Spain. This post covers our remaining 5 days on our cruise. We are visiting 5 ports around Spain over the next 5 days. This is more like a port-filled traditional cruise, rather than one with long days at sea. We are stopping in Cádiz, Malaga, Cartagena, Alicante and ending the cruise in Barcelona.
Cádiz
Cádiz, nestled in southern Spain, is a narrow strip of land surrounded almost entirely by water. It holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe. Its origins trace back to the Phoenicians, who established it around 1100 BC. Often referred to as the “Tacita de Plata” (Little Silver Cup), this coastal city is renowned for its grand, historic cathedral, its lively 11 day annual Carnival and its significance as the departure point for two of Christopher Columbus’s voyages.
After all those sea days, it is great to see these views from the ship as we arrived.
The port is located a short walk from town where we explored the city on our own. Walking is best: the old town is almost entirely pedestrian-friendly. You can pick up a free map with color-coded walking routes at the Tourist Office of Cádiz.
A few must see sights
We began our walk on a day full of sunshine, blue skies and a high of 66 degrees. It’s perfect weather.
We then headed to the food market and Cathedral. I loved the beautiful, narrow cobblestone lanes weaving through the old town.
Roman Theater Ruins
We walked underneath the ancient arch, Arco de la Rosa (1262), before arriving at the Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano). It was hidden away until discovery in 1980 during excavations. It is one of the world’s oldest and largest Roman theaters dating to the 1st-century BC. Entry is free, and you can explore an underground gallery during your visit.
Cadiz City Hall
We continued our walk and stopped by Cadiz City Hall (1699), because we needed a break for wine and lunch before heading back to the ship.
Malaga
Málaga isn’t just a beach town—it’s also one of the oldest cities in Europe, founded by the Phoenicians over 2,700 years ago. It’s the second-largest city in Andalusia. Today, it’s a lively hub where Roman ruins, Moorish fortresses, and contemporary art museums all exist side by side. It’s the birthplace of the legendary artist Pablo Picasso and his influence can still be felt throughout the city. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, you have a destination that’s hard to beat. Nestled along Spain’s famous Costa del Sol, Málaga is a city that combines ancient charm with a modern vibrancy. It’s often mentioned as one of Europe’s most underrated travel gems.
Spanning a significant portion of the city center, the old town is surprisingly compact, making it easily walkable. Exploring on foot is the only way to truly immerse yourself in its charm. This pedestrian-only area is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and picturesque pastel streets, leading to hidden plazas, renowned tapas bars, and historical marvels.
Top sites in Málaga
We arrived in port early this morning.
After sunrise, we walked from the port into old town, which took about 20 minutes from port. Along the way we saw a lighthouse, beach area and in the distance the 11th century fortress.
Incarnation Cathedral or Cathedral of Málaga
The history of this Roman Catholic cathedral is linked to the Great Mosque upon which builders constructed it. Its origins date back to 1487, though building began in 1528. It remains unfinished, as it is missing the top part of the main facade and the south tower is incomplete. Over time, it became nicknamed ‘La Manquita’ (one-armed lady).
Roman Theatre of Málaga
This Roman Theatre dates back to the 1st century BC and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Roman past. Rising above the ruins is the Alcazaba of Málaga, a beautifully preserved 11th century fortress and castle. We didn’t have the time today to climb up and wander through its courtyards, admire the intricate arches, or take in the sweeping views of the city below. Perhaps on our next visit.
Exploring old town
Today is Palm Sunday and crowds pack the old town. A number of cruise ships are in port. We loved spending our day wandering through the narrow alleyways admiring the architecture.
Plaza de la Merced
The Plaza de la Merced is a beautiful city square that served as a public market in the 15th century. It is also the site of Picasso’s birthplace (1881). A large funerary obelisk (1842) honors General José María Torrijos and 48 companions executed in 1831 for opposing the absolutist regime.
On our way back to the ship as we ended our day, we stopped for a delicious gelato and to admire the beautiful city hall building (1919).
Cartagena
We awoke with another beautiful sunrise over our next port—Cartagena. This town has history stacked on history (we’re talking over 2,000 years), a beautiful Mediterranean waterfront, and just enough tourists to keep things lively—without feeling too crowded. Honestly, it felt like one of those spots people should be talking about… but somehow aren’t. If your travels ever bring you this way, here are the top things you don’t want to miss in Cartagena.
The port is right in town so you can walk directly from the ship, cross the street and you’ve arrived.
Old Town
The architecture, cobblestone streets and alleyways are incredible through this charming town. We left the ship and immediately walked around the old town. First stop is the beautiful City Hall building and the pedestrian shopping street of Calle Mayor.
Roman Theatre Ruins
Workers serendipitously discovered the Roman Theatre of Cartagena in 1990 while demolishing buildings in Cartagena’s historic center. Builders had concealed this 1st-century BC monument for centuries beneath the Old Cathedral of Santa María la Vieja, and researchers identified it as approximately 2,000 years old. The theatre can seat 7,000 spectators, and authorities restored it and opened it to the public in 2008.. We didn’t expect it to be this impressive. The scale, the restoration, the way it just appears right in the middle of town… it’s one of those “wow” moments you don’t forget.
Castillo de la Concepción
This castle is a medieval 13th-14th century fortress located on the highest city hill, built upon Roman and Moorish ruins. If you want the best view in town, this is it. You can hike up—or take the glass elevator like we did—and once you’re at the top, you get a full panoramic view of the city, the port, and the coastline. Totally worth it!
Cartagena Churches
We quickly stopped into a couple of churches on our walk. The first is The Basilica Of Charity. It began construction on its current building in 1890. The site originally served as a hospital chapel founded in 1693.
The second church we visited is The Military Church of Santo Domingo, situated on Calle Mayor, derives its military honor from the worship offered by marine officers of Cartagena. The remains of the old convent, established in 1580, are still standing. The Royal Decree of 1835 closed the convent as part of the broader suppression of religious houses. Authorities then sold part of the convent to private individuals, leaving only the church, which they later named the Military Church of Santo Domingo.
After our tour of Cartagena, it is now time for lunch, wine and, when in Spain, Paella! Cartagena is one of the easiest cruise ports we’ve ever visited. You step off the ship and you’re already there. No rush, no chaos—just history, views, and a relaxed coastal vibe.
Alicante
It’s now our 4th port in 4 days and we are a bit tired averaging 5-6 miles per day of walking while touring these beautiful cities. This is our final port before we reach our destination of Barcelona where we’ll disembark. Here is our first look at Alicante. The pier at the port is quite long. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from the ship to the promenade on the border of town. However there is a shuttle available if you don’t prefer to walk to old town like we did. Once at the promenade, the entire center of town is walkable.
Some places just feel easy the moment you arrive—and Alicante is one of them. Palm-lined promenades, a castle watching over the city, beaches you can walk to from downtown… it’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying. We came expecting a quick coastal stop—and ended up wishing we had more time.
Central Market
Designed in 1915, Alicante Central Market contains 292 stalls of meat, cheese, vegetables, fruit and many other products to stock up your picnic basket or kitchen. What amazing and fresh from the farm produce!
A peek at two churches
We briefly stopped at two churches on our city walk. The first is the Co-Cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Bari finished in 1662 and dedicated to the city’s patron saint. Unfortunately, it is closed to visitors today as we arrived during mass so we couldn’t get inside.
The second church we visited is the Basilica of St. Mary. The oldest church in Alicante, built on the ruins of an old mosque constructed in the 13th century. It underwent reconstruction after a devastating fire in the 15th century. It displayed a number of processional floats to be utilized during Easter. Absolutely stunning.
Views around old town
We enjoyed another beautiful day in a city full of charm and character.
We are now headed back to the ship for our final night on the cruise. But first, we stopped on the seashore for a couple last photos. You can see Santa Bárbara Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in Alicante, at the top of the hill. Its origins date back to the Muslim period (9th century). It was captured by Prince Alfonso of Castile on December 4, 1248, the feast day of Saint Barbara (hence the name). It has endured wars, bombardments, and restorations before opening to the public in 1963.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 15 days since we left Galveston. However, we’re ready for our next adventure.
Final thoughts about a transatlantic cruise and what it’s really like
In Part 1 of this post, I mentioned the pros and cons of taking a transatlantic cruise. There’s just something special about slowing down long enough to truly enjoy the journey — and our transatlantic cruise reminded us of that in the best possible way. As Cajun Explorers, we’re always chasing new horizons, but this time, the horizon seemed endless. There were no alarms, no tight schedules, and no rush to be anywhere. Just the gentle rhythm of the sea, a salty breeze, and plenty of time to breathe.
One of our favorite parts of the crossing was the pace. Sea days stretched out like a gift, giving us time to linger over morning coffee, wander the ship, swap stories with fellow travelers, and watch sunsets melt into the ocean. We found joy in the simple things — live music drifting across the deck, long dinners filled with laughter, and afternoons spent doing absolutely nothing (and loving it).
And let’s be honest — there’s something downright magical about crossing an entire ocean. Waking up each morning knowing you’re somewhere in the middle of that big blue expanse makes the world feel both vast and connected at the same time. It’s the kind of journey that reminds you why travel matters — not just for the destinations, but for the moments in between.
By the time we reached the other side, we didn’t just feel like we had traveled — we felt like we’d truly experienced the journey. And for us, that’s what exploring is all about. So, bottom line we’d do this again in a heartbeat and recommend it to everyone.
See you soon in Barcelona!
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