Seaside towns are always delightful and full of attractions, both in summer and in winter. Those that play host to the busiest ports have that extra something: the weight of history, which often goes back centuries, and the ability to modernise continuously as a result of the constant exchange of cultures. It is no coincidence that these cities in fact are home to the most diverse communities, creating a truly international atmosphere. Hence the desire to present five of them in Europe, which have many aspects in common but which also differ greatly from one another.
Trieste, scent of an empire
Beautiful and cultured, it is the most cosmopolitan city in Italy. You can breathe in its glorious Hapsburg past which turned it into “the little Vienna on the sea” and in the cross-contamination of languages, peoples and religions that characterise it; you can perceive its Mitteleuropean and Mediterranean soul. The heart of the city is the most beautiful and symbolic of its squares, today dedicated to the unification of Italy.
The palazzos overlooking it are a perfect synthesis of the history of Trieste. The most spectacular side of the square is the one facing the sea, onto which the Molo Audace pier stretches for more than 200 metres. From here, a visitor's gaze roams beyond Piazza Unità and opens onto monumental buildings, on the Greek Orthodox Church of San Nicolò, on the Grand Canal, the centre of what once was the town commissioned by Maria Teresa of Austria and whose churches testify to the happy coexistence of different cults.
It is always worth making it all the way to Miramare, the romantic castle of Maximilian and Charlotte of Hapsburg. Trieste is also the city of coffee, since the 18th Century; the port is still the most important in the Mediterranean for the coffee trade. But coffee here also goes hand in hand with literature: it offers a large number of delightful ‘literary cafés', historical places packed with retro charm, still frequented by intellectuals and students to this day. For a taste of the local fish cuisine, one definite venue remains Al Bagatto: a small and elegant restaurant in the city centre.
The heart of the Mediterranean, Marseilles
Romantic, multi-ethnic, cosmopolitan and somewhat chaotic: Marseilles is a veritable gem of the South of France, constantly changing style, thanks to the involvement of great designers. It is France's Mediterranean gateway, connected by fast motorways on all sides. The Vieux Port constitutes the essence of the city, a symbolic place packed with fishing boats and luxury yachts, typical cafés and famous restaurants. This is where the famous fish market is held every morning, where visitors can breathe in the real popular atmosphere.
From above, the city is dominated by the cathedral of Marseilles, in Neo-Byzantine style. The le Panier district, in the heart of the historic city centre, is the most characteristic neighbourhood of all: a colourful place brimming with the history of Marseilles: old houses and buildings, artists' and potters' workshops, crowded bars and restaurants. Don't forget that to admire some of the most suggestive parts of the city, you can walk along la Corniche which is the name given to the long panoramic road that runs alongside the sea.
Food in the South of France has a strong affinity with Ligurian cuisine, but it is more intense and rich in aromas. To try it, there is nothing better than to take a seat at Péron, right along the Corniche. Amazing views and great dishes based on the catch of the day.
Cádiz, in the footsteps of Columbus
Cádiz is a pretty coastal town perched on a promontory on the Atlantic: it is located in Andalusia, its capital Seville located 120 km away. The headquarters of the Spanish Navy is the port, which during the 16th Century became an important departure point for exploration and trade: Christopher Columbus left here for his second journey to America.
Cádiz boasts over 100 watchtowers, including the famous Tavira Tower, used to spot ships, and the 18th Century cathedral, built in front of the sea. The old district is famous for its picturesque charm due to the many noble buildings (such as the Casa del Almirante and Casa de las Cadenas), featuring Moorish architecture, and the maze of streets dating back to the Middle Ages that open onto small squares dotted with bars and restaurants.
It is also the most lively shopping area, full of small shops where you will find the best Andalusian wines, sherry, ceramics, small items of furniture and the best handicrafts. The centre of its lively nightlife stretches between Plaza San Francisco, Plaza de Espana and Plaza de Mina as well as the area around Playa de la Victoria.
As in the whole of Spain, you will truly be spoiled for choice when it comes to picking somewhere to try some tapas, or you can up your game and sit in a restaurant such as Codigo de Barra, where the Andalusian food, and particularly the seafood, is truly a taste sensation.
Hamburg, lively by day and by night
With 108 km of docks, Hamburg is not only Germany's biggest port but it also boasts the special feature of not directly facing the sea, which is 100 km away. The city stretches along the river Elbe, with its large estuaries, in the far North of Germany, but is easily accessible via the A7.
It is experiencing a fruitful moment with the redevelopment of a part of the port structures, with very modern projects often at the hand of great architects. The city's great history can be felt throughout the old warehouse district where goods were once stored, declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 2015. Some warehouses now house extraordinary museums, coffee factories and welcoming little restaurants.
Popular attractions include the Hamburg Dungeon and the Miniatur Wunderland, while prestigious museums such as the Bucerius Kunst Forum, the Deichtorhallen, the Kunsthalle, the Kunstverein Hamburg and the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg are located along the Kunstmeile or the Art Mile.
There is also a “Mile of Sin,” in other words the Reeperbahn, which offers sex shops, theatres staging erotic shows, cabarets, themed museums and strip clubs. It is located in the heart of St. Pauli, a famous district where street art and music reign: The Beatles also lived there before they became famous.
Eating well has never been a problem in Hamburg, with its many typical eateries and starred restaurants: it makes sense to treat yourself to a bite at Lakeside, a delightful restaurant on the seventh floor of a building. It provides great views and creative cuisine.
The history of the Navy in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is located on the coast of Hampshire, 120 km south of London. For the most part, it stands on Portsea Island, making it the only large city in Britain that is built entirely on an island. It is a famous port with a long maritime tradition, both civil and sporting – it is the largest sailing centre in England – and military: you'll fully understand this when you visit the famous Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which houses famous vessels such as HMS Victory (Admiral Nelson's ship) or the Mary Rose (King Henry VIII's unfortunate flagship).
