Fort Lauderdale is world famous for its magnificent beaches, watersports, retail, and its canals and marina. Relaxing on the golden sands is a popular pastime, but there’s no shortage of alternatives.

Your Guide to Fort Lauderdale.

Situated in Broward County, on southern Florida’s Atlantic coast, Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beautiful beaches, excellent shopping and superb dining. Known as the ‘Venice of the USA’ the city is a dynamic destination offering many scenic waterways to explore and a bustling riverfront lined with cafes, shops and eateries. Take a stroll around Fort Lauderdale’s historical districts, savour a barefoot walk on the beach or take in the city’s mansions on a chartered river cruise. When you’re back on dry land, take a moment to explore downtown or make a beeline straight to Miami, where Ocean Drive and South Beach are among the famous sights to explore.

Exploring.

Fort Lauderdale’s waterways, its downtown, and coast offer plenty for visitors to see and explore. Hugh Taylor Birch State Park has direct beach access and two short nature trails for the keen walker. Bonnet House, a 1920-built property with sub-tropical gardens offers lush vegetation and resident monkeys, close to the International Swimming Hall of Fame. An outstanding Museum of Art can be found in the heart of the city while a river cruise, from Riverwalk, reveals the city’s private palatial mansions. Downtown is Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum, offering three historic buildings dating from the early 20th century.

Eating and drinking.

Fort Lauderdale has innumerable cafés and restaurants, from intimate waterside bistros and steakhouses to numerous seafood options. Cuisines such as Cuban and Mexican often represent excellent value while European restaurants are usually more expensive, however many offer a fixed-price menu. A walk along Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Riverwalk and downtown will reveal all manner of eateries, while food courts can be found within the city’s malls. American food is overwhelmingly represented and portion sizes can be mountainous. The city also boasts excellent seafood and fish restaurants - offering shellfish, oysters and locally caught Florida lobster.

Shopping.

Florida is famed for its shopping and Fort Lauderdale is no exception. Beach Place, just north of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, has a good mix of shops and eateries. Galleria Mall, to the south, has over 120 shops, including Saks Fifth Avenue. In downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard and the Riverfront are both worthy of a visit. Swap Shop, on W Sunrise Boulevard, is an interesting flea market with a food court complex. Florida’s second-biggest tourist attraction after Disney World, Sawgrass Mills Mall boasts more than 300 retailers, and is situated on the western outskirts of Greater Fort Lauderdale.

Beyond Fort Lauderdale.

Florida’s second largest city, Miami, can be reached from Fort Lauderdale by Tri-Rail. Must-sees include the Art Deco Historic District, with over 800 restored buildings, and a stroll along the city’s famous Ocean Drive. Elsewhere in the city Miami Seaquarium offers shows featuring dolphins, killer whales and sea lions. The 70-room Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is filled with antique treasures including furniture, and just a stone’s throw from the Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium. Closer to the cruise terminal, Fort Lauderdale Beach, part of Florida’s first designated Blue Wave Beach, is a three mile stretch of golden sands, a short taxi ride from Port Everglades.

Please be aware that the state of Florida has a 6% sales tax, which is added to the cost of many purchases and restaurant bills.

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory that was first settled by the English in the early 1600s.

The islands, shaped like a fishhook, became a key strategic outpost for two centuries. At the tip of their “barb,” the Royal Naval Dockyard was a powerful symbol of seafaring might. This huge complex officially closed as a military institution in 1951, and the restored Commissioner’s House is now filled with various nautical exhibits, while many of the old barracks and warehouse buildings now house local potters and ceramicists. It’s well worth a look around.

At the very opposite end of the “fishhook,” St. George waits to transport you back in time. The original capital of the islands is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed for being the “earliest English urban settlement in the New World.” At its heart lies King's Square, with the polished wooden 17th century stocks and the dusky pink town hall. Yet perhaps the real joy of the town is to wander the narrow alleys and cobbled lanes that have such evocative names as Silk Alley, Barber’s Lane Alley and Printer’s Alley, where the islands’ first newspaper hit the press.

While there’s much history to ponder, you may simply decide to wander the waterfront and browse the boutiques of Hamilton.

Saying that, many of the attractions in Bermuda are natural. You’ll no doubt want to see the famous pink sands for yourself, and perhaps even bask on wonderfully named beaches like Elbow Bay and Horseshoe Bay. The Bermuda Railway Trail is an invitation to explore on two wheels along a route looking out onto the Atlantic as you pass through exotic plants and flowers. It’s even beautiful underground, at least in the Crystal Caves, a beautiful subterranean world of lakes, stalactites and stalagmites.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, one of the oldest cast iron lighthouses in the world, both challenges you with 185 steps then rewards you are sweeping views over the ocean. Although you may prefer being out on the water. In which case, boarding a glass-bottomed boat offers a glimpse into the brightly hued marine world that thrives around the coral. How about relaxing on a catamaran as you sightsee your way to a secluded swimming spot? Or paddle your way around the rocky shoreline by kayak, keeping an eye out for the birds and marine life.

But for the thin strip connecting it to the mainland to its south, Cadiz is an island of history and architecture that impresses at every turn through the streets of this charming ancient port.

You will find a complex warren of streets, bustling bars and pretty beaches; it is difficult to know what to do or where to go first. Packed with historic sites, monuments and an excellent museum of art and archaeology, Cadiz is a draw for history buffs and those attracted by the arts.

To begin with, consider a visit to the Catedral de Cadiz, an elegant, baroque-neoclassical, yellow-domed cathedral. Admire the view from the Campo del Sur as the sun goes down to see a breathtaking array of colors. Outside the cathedral, you will find the sizeable Casa del Obispo museum. It is on the site of 1,640 square yards of excavated ruins, and helps to bring to life the colorful history of Cadiz.

Cadiz is home to one of Spain’s most famous carnivals – Los Carnavales. Roaring on for two weeks, this carnival is distinctive due to its celebration of the clever, the witty and the irreverent. Rehearsals and contests are held throughout the year, meaning that in Cadiz, the carnival feels omnipresent.

When you are ready to relax after all that heat, head to one of Cadiz’s many beautiful beaches. Try Playa de la Victoria, a spacious beach with a happy and relaxed vibe and easy transport links. It is just over half a mile south of the Puerta de Tierra and stretches 2.5 miles along the peninsula. Whether you want to sit back and enjoy the weather or try your hand at some water sports, you can do it all here.

You may also want to visit La Caleta- this pretty beach is sandwiched between two castles; Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de San Sebastian. It is not difficult to see why this beach is one of the most photographed in the city, and the picturesque cove also attracts many small fishing boats at sunset. Make sure to pick up some seafood by the beach, as it is some of the best in Spain.

The history of this Spanish city is fascinating and complex. La Pepa, Spain’s first liberal constitution was signed here in 1812. It went through plenty of turbulent times, too: in 1587, England’s Sir Francis Drake raided the harbor and “singed the King of Spain’s beard,” delaying the Spanish Armada. The city came under siege again in 1596, when Anglo-Dutch attackers burnt the city to the ground.

Fortunately, Cadiz’s fortunes changed in the 18th century, when it saw 75% of Spanish trade with the Americas. Because of this, Cadiz grew into one of the richest and most cosmopolitan and diverse cities in Spain, producing the country’s first progressive and liberal middle class.

Barcelona port guide.

Providing the perfect way to soak up the many sights and sounds of Barcelona life, a cruise will allow you to explore the city’s abundance of exciting attractions, exquisite examples of Spanish cuisine including mouth-watering tapas, and many historic landmarks. And, as the sun goes down, the city truly comes alive, with an array of restaurants, bars, clubs and entertainment venues.

Here’s our guide to everything you need to know about this magnificent city. 

Top landmarks and sights in Barcelona.

Barcelona is bursting with tourist attractions, museums, iconic landmarks, parks, and other attractions. It’s safe to say there’s plenty to do and see.  

Whether you spend your days exploring Sagrada Familia, the holy cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí and Barcelona’s number one attraction, visit the iconic FC Barcelona Camp Nou stadium, or soak up the bustling streets of Las Ramblas, you’re sure to leave with fond memories. 

Other top sights include Parc de Montjuïc and the Magic Fountain, Palau de la Música Catalana, and the Boqueria Market. And, if you’re looking to immerse yourself in some contemporary art and street art, make sure that you head to The MACBA, Barcelona’s cutting-edge contemporary art museum. This museum is one of the most well-regarded institutions of its kind in the whole of Europe

Barcelona culture and history.

Barcelona is a fascinating place. The city’s culture stems from 2000 years of history, which can still be seen throughout the city today. Barcelona is also a bilingual city where Catalan and Spanish are both official languages and widely spoken. 

Natives are incredibly proud of their regional identity, culture and language, so you can expect to enjoy a fascinating insight into the city’s history and traditions. The winding streets, busy event calendar, and the beautiful buildings enchant visitors from all corners of the world. And, when it comes to music and festivals, there’s always something to celebrate in Barcelona, with processions, parades, festivals and parties being part and parcel of everyday life in the city. 

As well as traditional street parties, there’s also a plethora of famous rock and dance festivals that take place every year, including Sonar Festival, Primavera Sound and Cruilla.

Eating and drinking in Barcelona.

Barcelona’s cruise port is home to some incredible restaurants and eateries where you can sample traditional Spanish dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking to tuck into your favorite tapas on a stunning sun-drenched terrace, sample a traditional Spanish menu in beautiful surroundings, or people-watch in the sunshine with a refreshing drink, there’s a huge choice of eateries, many of which are no more than an 11-minute walk from the port. You will also find lots of cafes selling a delicious collection of ice cream – perfect for cooling down after a busy day exploring. 

Shopping in Barcelona. 

Barcelona is a fantastic shopping destination. In the city’s shopping streets, you’ll find everything from designer shops and boutiques, to popular high street shops, such as Mango and Zara. The Portal de l’Àngel, just off Placa de Catalunya, is where you will find shops selling exclusive brands, or head to Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol for designer boutiques and handicraft shops. And if you’re looking for well-known designer brands such as Gianni Versace and Gucci, make sure you visit Avinguda Diagonal.

La Ramla is the place to be if you’re on the hunt for souvenirs, bookshops, flower stalls and cowboy boots. Corbeto's Boots, is a western shop with more than 60 years of history, and is renowned for its fabulous cowboy boots and western accessories. Of course, like any Spanish city, the markets in Barcelona are the most authentic way to go shopping, including Boqueria Market.

Transport in Barcelona. 

Barcelona has some fantastic transport links, making it easy to travel in and around the city, as well to and from Barcelona Port. 

Reliable transport links in the area include the Metro, FGC and Tram, which all provide a quick and easy way to explore the city. There’s also a fleet of over 1,000 fully adapted buses that serve all areas of Barcelona, as well as plenty of taxis should you need one. 

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add a new and exciting dimension to your Barcelona travels, you can always choose to hop on a bike and discover the city this way.

Barcelona port facilities.

Barcelona is one of Europe’s leading tourist destinations for both local and international visitors. As a result, the port is perfectly equipped to accommodate the needs of the city’s many visitors, all year round. 

Positioned to service cruise traffic for both Barcelona and the region of Catalonia, the port operates five public cruise terminals and has increased cruise passenger traffic to become the largest cruise port in Europe. It’s also the fourth largest in the world! 

The port’s facilities include well-equipped terminals, security forces and the very best health and safety processes. 

Top tips for visiting Barcelona. 

Before any trip to Barcelona, remember to familiarize yourself with the things that you should and shouldn’t be doing in the area. Here are just some of them:

• Be sensitive to the politics of both Barcelona and Catalina
  
• Book your La Sagrada Familia ticket before your trip
• Use the multi-day metro cards to save on transport
• Watch your purse – although Barcelona is a safe city, the area is notorious for pickpockets
• The Picasso Museum and the Barcelona City History Museum are both free on Sunday afternoons and evenings

The best time to visit Barcelona is definitely during the summer months.