Step aboard a majestic tall ship and cruise the Mediterranean like an ancient mariner. Discover wind-powered travel, historic ports, and an unforgettable sailing adventure steeped in history and charm.
Cruise the Mediterranean Like an Ancient Mariner—With Better Cocktails and a Comfier Bed
Step aboard a majestic tall ship and cruise the Mediterranean like an ancient mariner—only this time with fluffy towels, sunset cocktails, and a buffet you didn’t have to spear yourself. This isn’t just a Mediterranean tall ship cruise; it’s an unforgettable sailing adventure steeped in history, charm, and sea spray
There’s something almost cinematic about a tall ship slicing silently through the sapphire waters of the Mediterranean. No engine rumble—just the soft whoosh of ropes in winches and the rhythmic call of the crew as sails catch the wind. This is wind-powered travel at its most elegant.
From Athens to Malta: A Tall Ship Sailing Holiday to Remember
Following in the salted footsteps of ancient mariners, I cruised from Athens to Malta on Star Clipper’s Star Flyer, discovering rugged coastlines, hidden harbours, and sun-bleached villages tumbling down cliffs into glistening bays. It’s the kind of tall ship sailing holiday where you can hoist the sails like a salty old sea dog or sprawl in the bowsprit net, suspended above the dazzling Mediterranean like a hammock-loving dolphin
The journey began in Athens with its millennia-old history, from crumbling temples to bustling markets. From there, the small ship cruise wove through tucked-away ports in southern Greece and Sicily—places too petite for mega-liners but perfect for cultural deep dives.
What to Expect Onboard: Comfort, Cuisine, and Calm Seas
The Star Flyer offers all the charm of a classic tall ship with the comforts of a boutique hotel. The cabins are snug but stylish, the food surprisingly refined, and the daily rhythm a blissful blend of sailing adventure and lazy deck time. It’s a Mediterranean cruise where the vibe is barefoot luxury with a nautical twist.
Each port stop brought new wonders. I strolled along causeways, scaled ancient forts, wandered lanes lined with faded Baroque facades, and sipped espresso in lively piazzas. These shore excursions gave a rich insight into the local way of life—no touristy gloss, just authentic Mediterranean charm.
Tracing My Heritage Through the Islands of Malta
As the sails lowered for the final time, I stepped ashore in Malta and headed for Gozo, where I traced my roots to a quiet laneway—once home to my grandfather. It was a poetic end to a journey that had felt both adventurous and deeply personal. The tall ship cruise didn’t just show me the best of the Mediterranean—it anchored me to it.
I travelled on the Sicily and Greece Star Flyer route, which leaves from Athens, giving travellers the chance to explore this fascinating city before departure. Ancient Athens was the birthplace of democracy and the epicentre of Western civilisation. Modern Athens is filled with the remnants of this civilisation, which makes for fascinating viewing. The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple. There is just so much to see here.
The first port is Monemvasia, a preserved Byzantine fortified port on the Greek coastline. Once 60,000 strong, it is now home to just a few hundred. It looks like a massive rock from the sea, and it’s not until you land and walk the pathway to the castle entrance that the town inside the rocky ruins is revealed.
Still, in Greece, the next stop is Pilos a historically significant town with a castle amongst pine-covered hills. On to Syracuse in Sicily which was once the largest city in the world. There are plenty of medieval lanes, old-style cafes and a baroque piazza to explore. After a day at sea, the ship docks at Valletta, the capital of Malta. Valletta is a walled city established in the 1500s by the Roman Catholic order of the Knights of St John.
Sailing on Star Flyer
Star Flyer is a four-masted barquentine built as a cruise ship and operated by Star Clippers Ltd of Sweden. This luxury vessel is a sister ship to Star Clipper. This type of cruising offers an active holiday rather than an abundance of food, tempting buffets and relaxing lazy days. There are just three guest decks on this vessel that is considerably smaller than conventional cruise vessels, but there are no elevators and, Star Clippers but it’s easy to get your steps walking up and down the steps past the restaurant, cabins, library, bars and along the open-air teak decks.
One of the voyage highlights was a day on the water when the ship was sailing through the Ligurean Sea. The sea was so amazingly calm, just like a pond, and the day slightly overcast. The crew took those who wanted to see Star Flyer on the water out in one of the tenders. I took some amazing images of the ship and then the onboard crew climbed out along the bow mast and waved at us for the perfect Instagram shot. It was magic!
Down Below on a Tall Ship: Cabin Comforts and Practical Tips
My cabin, number 109, was an outside stateroom on the Commodore Deck, perfectly placed for a close-to-the-waterline view through a round porthole. It’s an experience that makes you feel like you’re part of the sea itself—ideal for a tall ship sailing holiday. The fixed double bed was tucked close to the wall, which meant access from only one side and the foot. Next time, I’d opt for a room on the Clipper Deck with dual access to the bed—plus, it’s wise to avoid cabins that open directly into the dining room (unless you enjoy waking up to bacon and chatter).
This Mediterranean tall ship cruise cabin was compact yet cleverly designed. There’s a surprising amount of storage space, a petite but chic marble ensuite, air conditioning (a must on balmy Mediterranean nights), a hairdryer, private safe, television, DVD player, and telephone. Star Flyer runs on a 110-volt electrical system, so bring a converter if you’re travelling with Australian appliances.
Getting there
Star Clippers have a wide selection of Star Flyer Western Mediterranean cruises available. Destinations include Spain, Morocco, Canary Islands, Croatia, and Cannes.
If your itinerary includes a stop in Malta, here’s a great place to stay in Valletta.
Disclaimer: Ed+bK travelled as a guest of Star Clipper