Europe's Atlantic coast is a rugged, wild side of Europe where a landscape of rocky outcrops and craggy cliffs has made the sanctuary of safe harbours all-important. Historic cities have thrived as centres of trade and commerce with hillside neighbourhoods, imposing forts, palaces and markets all tinged with a hardened edge of authenticity born from the untamed winter weather. These are the best Atlantic coast cruises to book now for this year and next.
Seabourn
Part of 'The Collection' aboard Seabourn Venture, operated as a classic cruise, this itinerary departs Lisbon on 30th April 2025 and includes an overnight call in Bordeaux with an evening at Château Smith Haut-Lafitte for a private dinner amidst the vine-covered hills joined by engaging and passionate winemakers.
Other calls on the journey to Dublin include Hendaye, very close to Biarritz where the Pyrenees come down to meet the Atlantic, and Gijon, nestled along Spain's rugged Asturian coast, with its inviting promenade lined with charming cafés and offering sweeping views.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
On the 21st July this year Seven Seas Voyager departs Belfast on a superb value 15-night sailing to Barcelona. In addition to time in Dublin and Waterford there are two nights in Bordeaux and from Saint-Jean-De-Luz you can visit Biarritz, tucked in France's Côte Basque and home to the esteemed Hotel du Palais, a former summer palace of Napoleon III.
Then journey on to Tangier and Melilla, an autonomous Spanish city on the Moroccan coast that boasts a staggering architectural heritage including a wellpreserved Citadel. Finally, enjoy Spanish calls at Alicante and Palma de Mallorca before finishing in Barcelona.
Silversea
In September next year, Silver Dawn sails conveniently from Southampton to Lisbon on a 12-night voyage that calls first at Saint Malo, the walled city which grew rich off the back of maritime trade and its plundering corsairs, a seafaring heritage that is still proudly on display today. It is also a short distance from the famous medieval abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey perched on an exposed rocky islet in the midst of vast sandbanks. Other highlights include time to explore around Bordeaux (two nights), Lisbon (one night) and Gijon (a late departure).
There are also calls at Bilbao, a dynamic cultural hub in Spain's Basque Country, home to the striking Guggenheim Museum and a gastronomic scene boasting Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional pintxos bars; and Porto, with its dramatic setting on the steep banks of the river Douro, gateway to the spectacular Douro valley where the city's famous port wine is produced.
Windstar
On 30th August 2024 Star Legend sails from Dublin to Lisbon on a culinary journey of France, Spain, and Portugal. After visiting Saint Malo, discover Lorient, an important fishing harbour and port on the Brittany coast, once home to the French East India Company and an excellent region for fresh seafood.
Then following a night in Bordeaux discover El Ferrol. Perched on an estuary and reached by passing the twin castles of San Felipe and La Palma, it was home to the Spanish navy in the 17th century; from here you can make your own pilgrimage to the nearby UNESCO site of Santiago de Compostela.
SeaDream
In 2026 the tiny 122-guest SeaDream II embarks on a series of Northern European sailings including the 5th September Dublin departure that calls at Fishguard, St Mary's on the Isles of Scilly, Fowey, Douarnenez, Belle Île and ends with an overnight call in Bordeaux.
The beautiful Belle-Île-en-Mer is a particular highlight, the largest of Brittany's islands. The wild coastal landscapes inspired some of Monet's most famous paintings and it has plenty of secluded beaches and coastal paths that are ideal for hiking and cycling.
