The best Mediterranean shore excursions for food lovers

Love food? Planning a Mediterranean cruise?

This guide will help you make the most of your time in port with the best food-focused shore excursions – so you can skip the guesswork and dive straight into the Mediterranean’s incredible flavors. Right from the moment you step ashore.

From fresh seafood in Barcelona to handmade pasta in Rome, these hand-picked excursions take the stress out of planning, ensuring you experience the region’s top culinary highlights without worrying about logistics.

👉 Want to skip straight to the best food excursions? Click here or see below to find our top picks!

Why book a shore excursion?

To make the most of your short time in port, a pre-booked shore excursion with a local guide is the easiest way to guarantee an unforgettable foodie adventure.

Plus, it doesn’t have to break the bank – many small-group tours offer great value for money while providing a more personal and immersive way to explore.

You’ll get:

✅ Stress-Free Travel – Transportation is included, so there’s no need to worry about navigating unfamiliar streets or making it back to the ship on time.
✅ Expert Local Guides – Gain insider knowledge, fascinating stories, and cultural insights that bring each destination’s cuisine to life.
✅ Access to Hidden Gems – Go beyond the typical tourist spots and discover authentic food experiences that are hard to find on your own.
✅ More Time to Enjoy – Let the experts handle the logistics so you can focus on what truly matters – savoring every bite, taking in the sights, and making unforgettable memories.

💡 Looking for a more flexible option? If you prefer to explore on your own, be sure to check local restaurant reviews, book a table in advance, and plan time for a wine or olive oil tasting. Just keep in mind that navigating a new city can be time-consuming, so a guided tour ensures you maximize your time ashore.

Top food lovers’ shore excursions in the Mediterranean

Each port in the Mediterranean offers its own distinct flavors and culinary traditions.

With a local expert leading the way, expect insider stories, authentic dishes, and visits to places that independent travelers often miss.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you book a tour – at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue sharing the best travel tips and recommendations.

Rome

Roman cuisine is about tradition, quality ingredients, and a deep respect for simple yet bold flavors. Meals are meant to be enjoyed in a bustling trattoria or a quiet local spot, always with a focus on good food and good company.

Starting your cruise from Rome? Check out our Cruise from Rome Guide, packed with tips on where to stay, what to see and do, and how to get to the cruise port in Civitavecchia.

Here are some of our favorites things when visiting Rome:

Classic pasta dishes – The classic pasta dish Cacio e Pepe is made with just pecorino cheese, black pepper, and perfectly cooked pasta. Or Carbonara, where eggs, pecorino, and guanciale create a rich, creamy sauce.

Campo de’ Fiori Market Stroll – Discover one of Rome’s most historic markets, where stalls overflow with cured meats, aged cheeses, crispy focaccia, and seasonal produce.

Authentic Roman Pizza – Roman-style pizza differs from Naples and has a thin, crispy crust. Whether topped with fresh mozzarella or seasonal vegetables, it’s a must-try.

Espresso & Gelato Experience – No meal in Rome is complete without a shot of strong Italian espresso and a scoop of handmade gelato. Finding a favourite flavour is easy. You’ll love everything from classic pistachio and Fior di latte to rich tiramisu and local Bacci.

Pasta-Making Class with a Local Chef – Learn the art of fresh pasta-making in a hands-on class and cook your creations the traditional way.

Find the Best Rome Food & Wine Excursions

Nice

The French Riviera is a food lover’s paradise, blending Provençal flavors, fresh seafood, and Mediterranean ingredients. Don’t miss the chance to try socca, a thin, crispy chickpea pancake that’s a local favorite.

Starting or ending your cruise in Nice or Villefranche? Our Cruise from Nice Guide has everything you need to know – where to stay, top things to do, and how to get to the port.

Here are some of the things we love most about visiting Nice:

Cours Saleya Market – Local cheeses, olives, seasonal produce, and regional wines.

Seafood & Mediterranean Specialties – Coastal cuisine here is all about fresh flavors with grilled fish, stuffed vegetables (petits farcis), and freshly prepared bouillabaisse, a rich Provençal seafood stew.

Pissaladière & Ratatouille – These two classics showcase the flavors of the French Riviera.

Pissaladière – A savory tart topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives, while ratatouille is a slow-cooked medley of flavourful summer vegetables.

Rosé & Riviera Wines – The Provence region produces some of the world’s best rosé wines.

French Pastry & Café Culture – Indulge in a flaky buttery croissant or pain au chocolat, best enjoyed with a rich espresso at a street-side café.

Find the Best Nice Food & Wine Excursions

Athens

Athens is a city where ancient history and incredible food go hand in hand. Centuries-old traditions and the best local ingredients are found in bustling markets and traditional tavernas.

Sailing from Athens? Our Cruise from Athens Guide covers where to stay, top attractions, and everything you need to reach the cruise port.

Here are some of the things we enjoy most when visiting Athens:

Varvakios Agora Market – Located in the heart of the city’s food scene, overflowing with fresh olives, local cheeses, fragrant herbs, and just-caught seafood – a true paradise for food lovers.

Greek Mezze & Souvlaki – Greek dining is all about sharing. Taste a selection of mezze (small plates) like tzatziki, fava dip, and grilled halloumi, followed by juicy souvlaki wrapped in warm pita with fresh tzatziki.

Olive Oil & Wine Tasting – Greece is known for its high-quality olive oil. Visit an olive farm or a local tasting room to sample peppery extra virgin olive oil alongside crisp Assyrtiko white wine or a bold Agiorgitiko red.

Baklava & Greek Coffee – End your meal with crispy, honey-soaked baklava paired with strong Greek coffee served in the traditional style – rich, thick, and brewed slowly over heat.

Foodie Walking Tour Through Plaka – Stroll through the charming Plaka district, where tavernas spill onto the cobbled streets. Stop for a plate of moussaka or grilled octopus, and enjoy the lively Athenian atmosphere.

Taste the best of Athens on a small-group shore excursion, where you’ll discover the flavors, traditions, and history of Greek cuisine.

Find the Best Athens Food & Wine Excursions

Valletta, Malta

Malta’s cuisine is a fusion of Mediterranean influences, blending Italian, Arabic, and British flavors. Discover Valletta’s rich food culture, from fresh seafood to savory pastries.

Cruising from Port Valletta? Our Port Valletta Guide has everything you need – where to stay, must-see attractions, and how to get to the cruise terminal.

Here are some of the things that make visiting Valletta so special:

Marsaxlokk Fish Market – For the freshest seafood, head to Marsaxlokk, Malta’s famous fishing village. The market is brimming with just-caught swordfish, octopus, and prawns, perfect for a classic Aljotta (Maltese fish soup).

Pastizzi & Savory Pastries – Malta’s most iconic snack, pastizzi, is a flaky, golden pastry filled with ricotta or spiced peas. Enjoy it fresh from a local bakery with a cup of strong Maltese tea.

Rabbit Stew & Local Specialties – Malta’s national dish is stuffat tal-Fenek (slow-cooked rabbit stew). Pair it with Hobz Biz-Zejt, a traditional bread topped with tomatoes, capers, olives, and tuna, for a true taste of the island.

Maltese Wine & Liqueur Tasting – Sample locally-produced wines, including robust reds made from Gellewza grapes and crisp whites from Girgentina vines.

For something unique, try Bajtra liqueur, a sweet prickly pear spirit.

Harborfront Dining with Mediterranean Views – Valletta’s Grand Harbour is the perfect setting for a meal. Enjoy a plate of grilled calamari, seafood risotto, or lampuki (Maltese dorado fish) while taking in breathtaking sea views.

Discover the authentic flavors of Malta on a small-group shore excursion that takes you from Valletta’s central food market to family-run eateries and scenic coastal dining spots.

Find the Best Valletta Food & Wine Excursions

Barcelona

Barcelona’s food scene is a vibrant mix of traditional Catalan flavors and modern culinary creativity. From bustling markets to tucked-away wine bars, there’s a deep appreciation for high-quality ingredients and bold, uncomplicated flavors.

Departing from Barcelona? Our Cruise from Barcelona Guide has all the details – where to stay, what to see, and how to get to the cruise port.

Here are some of the things we love experiencing in Barcelona:

La Boqueria Market – One of Europe’s most famous markets, La Boqueria is overflowing with Iberian ham, Manchego cheese, fresh seafood, and colourful seasonal fruits. Grab a cone of Jamon Ibérico and fresh juice to start your day.

Tapas & Pintxos – Experience the social side of Spanish dining with a selection of small plates. Try patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with spicy sauce), pan con tomate (toasted bread with tomato and olive oil), and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp).

For a Basque twist, head to a pintxos bar, where bite-sized snacks are served on skewers.

Paella by the Beach – Barcelona’s seaside location makes it one of the best places to try authentic seafood paella, bursting with mussels, prawns, and saffron-infused rice.

Enjoy it with a chilled glass of Cava, Spain’s sparkling wine.

Churros & Hot Chocolate – Indulge your sweet tooth with crispy churros dipped in thick, velvety hot chocolate. A classic Spanish treat that’s perfect any time of day.

Vermouth & Wine Culture – Barcelona has a thriving vermouth culture, with locals enjoying this aromatic, slightly bitter aperitif before meals.

Pair it with local cheeses, olives, and marinated anchovies for the ultimate tapas experience.

Savor the best of Barcelona’s culinary scene on a small-group shore excursion, from hidden tapas bars to beachfront paella restaurants.

Find the Best Barcelona Food & Wine Excursions

Naples

Naples is the soul of Italian cuisine, where simple ingredients create some of the most beloved dishes in the world. The city’s food is bold, unpretentious, and deeply tied to tradition, with recipes passed down through generations.

Starting your cruise from Naples? Our Cruise from Naples Guide covers where to stay, what to see, and the best way to reach the port.

Here’s what makes visiting Naples so unforgettable for us:

Neapolitan Pizza – No visit to Naples is complete without trying authentic Neapolitan pizza, known to many as Pizzana.

Made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a perfectly blistered crust, it’s a masterpiece of simplicity.

Street Food at Pignasecca Market – Naples has one of Italy’s best street food scenes, and Pignasecca Market is the place to experience it.

Try cuoppo di mare, a paper cone filled with crispy fried seafood, or arancini, deep-fried rice balls stuffed with ragu and cheese.

Pasta Perfection – Naples is home to some of Italy’s most famous pasta dishes, like Spaghetti alle Vongole (clams in white wine sauce) and Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, baked with tomatoes and mozzarella.

Sfogliatella & Espresso – Sweet lovers can’t miss sfogliatella, a crispy, layered pastry filled with sweet ricotta and citrus zest.

Enjoy it like a true Neapolitan – with a strong shot of espresso at a standing café counter.

Limoncello & Coastal Flavors – Just outside Naples, the Amalfi Coast is famous for its lemons and limoncello.

This sweet, zesty liqueur is the perfect way to end a meal, especially when paired with fresh seafood and handmade pasta.

Join a small-group shore excursion and dive into the bold, unforgettable flavors of Naples, from street food to seaside trattorias.

Find the best Naples Food & Wine Excursions

Lisbon

Lisbon’s food scene is a delicious blend of fresh seafood, rich pastries, and bold wines, shaped by Portugal’s maritime history and cultural influences.

Sailing from Lisbon? Our Cruise from Lisbon Guide has everything you need – where to stay, top attractions, and how to get to the cruise port.

Here’s what makes exploring Lisbon so special for us:

Time Out Market – A must-visit, offering specialties like grilled sardines, octopus rice, and bacalhau à brás (salted cod with eggs and potatoes), all prepared by some of the city’s best chefs.

Pastéis de Nata & Coffee Tasting – No visit to Lisbon is complete without trying its most iconic treat: the creamy, caramelized pastéis de nata (custard tart).

Try it with bold Portuguese coffee for the perfect morning indulgence.

Port Wine & Ginjinha Tasting – Visit historic wine cellars and sample Portugal’s world-famous Port wines and Ginjinha, the country’s beloved cherry liqueur.

Traditional Fado Dinner Experience – Dine at an authentic Fado restaurant, where you’ll enjoy local delicacies like Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato (garlic clams) and Bifana (spiced pork sandwich).

Foodie Walking Tour Through Alfama – Stroll through the streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district. Stop at family-run tascas (small taverns) for plates of petiscos (Portuguese tapas), cheese, and charcuterie.

Ready to Taste Lisbon? Join a small-group shore excursion and savor every bite!

Find the Best Lisbon Food & Wine Excursions

Add a foodie adventure to your cruise

There’s no better way to dive into a destination than through its food. A well-chosen foodie shore excursion adds a great memory to your cruise vacation.

Before you book, double-check the excursion length and meeting details to ensure a smooth fit with your itinerary.

Ready to make your next cruise unforgettable? Start planning your ultimate foodie cruise – book the best shore excursions today!