Six incredible short walks from cruise ship ports

Need to work off your buffet breakfast? Here are six scenic walks straight off cruise ships that offer two hours of exercise – or a slower-paced day of sightseeing.

Cadiz, Spain

Olvera is considered the gateway of white towns in Cadiz.Credit: iStock

Most passengers in Cadiz cram into coaches for long lurches across Andalusia, but you’ve reason to spend the day in this history-dense port, from which early Spanish expeditions left for the Americas. Seaside promenades start just beyond the cruise terminal and loop around the peninsula old town past fortifications, pocket-sized gardens and slivers of beach. The Mediterranean’s shimmer is reflected in golden light on limestone churches and mansions. On the return – it’s five kilometres all up – cut through the elegant if weather-beaten 18th-century town centre and reward yourself with a cool drink in a sunny plaza. See cadizturismo.com

Tauranga, New Zealand

Mount Maunganui view from Moturiki Island, New Zealand.Credit: iStock

As your ship sails through the narrow entrance to Tauranga’s hidden harbour you’ll spot Mount Maunganui on a headland ringed by a sea-hugging track beneath wind-bent trees. You’ll reach it on a short walk along the shoreline from the cruise dock, and the six kilometres return are magnificently scenic all the way. To increase your workout, hit the heart-banging trail to the volcanic plug’s summit rather than sticking to its base, then plunge down the far side and recover along sumptuous Maunganui Beach before cutting back through town back to your cruise ship. See bayofplentynz.com

Vancouver, Canada

Stanley Park, Vancouver.Credit: iStock

The entire seawall promenade around peninsula Stanley Park, the largest urban park in North America, is one of Vancouver’s great outdoor attractions and runs for 10 kilometres; add another three return along the pleasant waterfront from the cruise terminal. Most visitors rent bikes. You could, however, confine yourself to walking the eastern section, with its striking totem poles and terrific harbour outlooks towards snowy mountains, then cut back through the forested middle of Stanley Park to take in outstanding Vancouver Aquarium and impressive cedar and Douglas fir trees. You might even spot a bald eagle. See destinationvancouver.com

Monaco

Old town and Prince Palace, Monaco.Credit: iStock

Monaco is two square kilometres in size, so the keen could walk it all. You’ll hit many scenic highlights though on a five-kilometre return amble from the cruise quay, made easier on an initial lift ride that hauls you from harbour up to old town. A cliff-hugging path takes you between petite manicured parks and the Mediterranean, with several diversions along the way, including the excellent Oceanographic Museum, cathedral and (a slight detour) princely palace. In due course, you get panoramic views of Fontvieille harbour. No downside to taking the same route back for another dose of glamour. See visitmonaco.com

Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong skyline at sunset.Credit: iStock

If your ship docks at Ocean Terminal, step off and head around the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront for a short, flat walk (four kilometres return) that however delivers a big urban bang. You’ll pass some of the city’s best vantage points for views over Victoria Harbour towards the skyscrapers and background hills of Central, particularly along the bridge-like (and strikingly sculpted) Avenue of Stars, which commemorates movie actors. Throngs of camera-posing visitors make for great people-watching opportunities. The Hong Kong Museum of Art or Hong Kong Space Museum might detain you along the way. See discoverhongkong.com

Skagway, US

Mendenhall Glacier near Skagway Alaska.Credit: iStock

One of Alaska’s busiest cruise ports sees most people stampede straight into the gold-rush-era town with its wooden shopfronts and Wild West saloons. You can, though, get away from the crowds on a trail system that starts close to the harbour. The Lower Dewey Lake Trail (five kilometres return) is rocky and needs good shoes but, as you scramble upwards, the reward is views over the town and harbour. Those up for a challenge can add on the challenging upper trail (another four kilometres) to find a waterfall, two lakes and a backing of snow peaks. See skagway.com