Winter in the Mediterranean sunshine
Why visit the Mediterranean in winter?
Winter is one of the most beautiful seasons for exploring the Mediterranean, offering a more intimate setting where mild temperatures, rich heritage and the tranquillity of the ports of call can be enjoyed to the full, making every moment feel truly privileged.
10 cruises
From
Málaga (Spain)
To
Athens (Greece)
9 nightsaboard the shipLe Lapérouse
Next departure
From
Valletta (Malta)
To
Málaga (Spain)
9 nightsaboard the shipLe Dumont d'Urville
Next departure
From
Athens (Greece)
To
Istanbul (Turkey)
7 nightsaboard the shipLe Lapérouse
Next departures
From
Athens (Greece)
To
Alexandria (Egypt)
7 nightsaboard the shipLe Lapérouse
Next departure
From
Alexandria (Egypt)
To
Athens (Greece)
7 nightsaboard the shipLe Lapérouse
Next departure
From
Athens (Greece)
To
Alexandria (Egypt)
7 nightsaboard the shipLe Lapérouse
Next departure
From
Alexandria (Egypt)
To
Athens (Greece)
7 nightsaboard the shipLe Lapérouse
Next departure
From
Athens (Greece)
To
Valletta (Malta)
7 nightsaboard the shipLe Lapérouse
Next departure
From
Valletta (Malta)
To
Málaga (Spain)
8 nightsaboard the shipLe Lapérouse
Next departure
From
Málaga (Spain)
To
Leixões - Porto (Portugal)
6 nightsaboard the shipLe Lapérouse
Next departure
*Price displayed is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available. The price includes the Ponant Bonus discount.
Where to travel in the Mediterranean in winter
From Greece and Turkey to Italy, Portugal, Malta and Egypt, enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate from the water. Legendary sites, picturesque villages and photogenic landscapes come together to create a captivating mosaic.
Aegean Sea, Peloponnese and Crete
Sicily, Puglia and Valletta
Turkey, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco
Spain and Portugal
Frequently asked questions about our winter cruises in the Mediterranean
One of the distinctive features of PONANT EXPLORATIONS is its themed cruises, covering music and dance, art and literature, luxury and fine craftsmanship, gastronomy and wine, wellbeing and sport, history and geopolitics, and more. On winter cruises in the Mediterranean, meet artists, expert speakers with in-depth knowledge of your destination and prestigious guest speakers on board. You can view all the themed cruises in the Mediterranean.
Most major museums and ancient sites across the Mediterranean remain open in winter. However, opening hours are adjusted to reflect lower visitor numbers and shorter daylight hours. The PONANT EXPLORATIONS teams arrange visits in advance in conjunction with local organisations to ensure that the excursions offered are accessible and available.
Although daytime air temperatures are usually mild in the Mediterranean in winter, the sea gradually becomes cooler. In November, sea temperatures range from 18°C to 24°C, depending on the region, making for pleasant swimming conditions. In December and January, only the eastern Mediterranean coasts — Egypt, Cyprus and southern Turkey — remain suitable for sea swimming, with water temperatures of around 20°C. In the western Mediterranean — France, Spain, Italy and Greece — sea temperatures average 15°C. Please note that every ship has a heated outdoor seawater pool available all year round.
Winter is the ideal season for walking and hiking! Temperatures are mild and trails are less busy than during the high season. As much of the vegetation remains green year-round, the landscape stays wonderfully lush. The best viewpoints are free from the crowds, making for an exceptional experience. On selected ports of call during PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruises in the Mediterranean, hikes suited to different levels of ability are available.
Winter is citrus season in the Mediterranean: oranges, mandarins, lemons, bergamot oranges, citrons and grapefruit are all at their peak. Fresh dates can be enjoyed in Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt. In France and Italy, truffles delight food lovers. And then there is new-season olive oil, pressed from the latest harvest, particularly in Greece — a delight to be enjoyed to your heart’s content, drizzled over a piece of fresh bread!
The chefs on board PONANT EXPLORATIONS ships showcase all these local Mediterranean specialities.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS winter cruises in the Mediterranean are Timeless cruises. One excursion per day, per person, is included, and expert speakers with in-depth knowledge of the regions visited are on board to enhance your understanding of the destination. If you wish to explore further, optional excursions are also available at an additional cost, depending on the port of call. The programme of all excursions, both included and optional, is available before departure.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS winter cruises in the Mediterranean do not offer the Kid Explorers Club.