With its crystal clear waters, rich history, and mouth-watering cuisine, the Mediterranean is a dream destination for many travelers. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun on a Spanish beach, explore the ancient ruins of Greece, or indulge in a luxury getaway on the French Riviera, the Mediterranean has something for everyone.
This group of Mediterranean islands (Malta, Gozo, Comino) surrounded by clear blue waters (which is the best place for diving) is still relatively undiscovered. Although they're just pocket-sized islands, the blue lagoons of Comino and the megalithic ruins of Mnadella will make you feel like you're discovering a new world.
Kos is one of the most fascinating islands in Greece. Its beaches are filled with all sorts of interesting things, like windsurfing at Mastichari Beach, beachside bars at Lambi Mylos Beach, and a quiet and sheltered bay that you can only reach by boat. Kos Town is the center of the island's activities and a great place to relax, but if you're there, make time to visit historical sites such as the Asklepieion.
Boer is one of the small destinations that you can reach from Split in the middle of the Croatian Dalmatian coast. Every summer, this area gets hot (literally and metaphorically), but Bol is still quiet compared to the city centers of Hvar and Split. It's hard not to relax when you see the Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), a patch of yellow sand on the south coast of Bol, perfect for parking a towel on. If you want a nightlife, you can take the ferry to Hvar, where you can hop between seaside bars, small clubs, and island parties.
If you've flipped through the brochures of Turkish beach resorts, chances are you've seen the ** of Oludeniz's starched white sand, most likely on the cover. You can easily spend your entire holiday here, although you'll miss out on all the paragliding – Oludeniz is ideal for beginners looking for real thrills.
Italian Sardinia is an idyllic expanse of the Mediterranean – all with its incredible blue sea and perfect sandy beaches. For couples who want to spend a little money and do Sardinia in style, the most exclusive part of the island is the Costa Smeralda. Share the beach with Jet Set Lot and spy on millionaire superyachts cruising in these chic waters. Great restaurants abound (well, it's Italian), and the first bill for an intimate dinner is da giovannino, with a beautiful harbour setting surrounded by pink flowers.
This quiet Balearic Islands are rich in Mediterranean charm and are just a four-hour drive from the UK. Take a photo with a yacht in the capital city of Palma and see the chic shops, shady squares, and trendy old town bars. Don't miss Gaudí's epic cathedral and tree-lined Las Ramblas, a city that blends many of Spain's best into one delightful Mediterranean destination.
If you prefer muggy temperatures, the island nation of Cyprus hiss during the summer months, with an average daytime temperature of 33°C (91°F) (.)It is best avoided in July and August). Cyprus as a whole is a popular Mediterranean resort, but Paphos is usually a good choice as it caters to a wide range of tastes. Of course, there are plenty of sandy beaches, as well as some historical attractions that have made Paphos a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including impressive Roman mosaics and mysterious tombs of kings. And you don't need to look for delicious appetizers, feasts, and decent Mediterranean nightlife, either. Try Mandra T**Ern, a traditional Cypriot restaurant located in a converted family home behind the church of Theoskepasti.
Savvy Italians know that the cleanest waters of the Mediterranean are located on the east coast of their famous geographical boots. The Adriatic Riviera is a must-see, so head to this bustling mainland resort. The beach is manicured and gives way to the warm sea, backed by Rimini itself, a city with wide squares, Roman temples and the marble Tiberius Bridge.
The restaurants are top-notch, but since Rimini caters to so many locals, budget-conscious fans can also enjoy delicious street food on the go at cafes such as Piada e Cassoni da Ciana e Monda (via don bosco) for less than five times the **.
Among the many resorts in the Algarve, Albufeira is one that attracts families, couples and party animals. The old fishing village centre is perfect for families during the day and attracts couples looking for a candlelit dinner at night. Then there's the legendary "Boulevard", where there are cheap drinks** activities, but Albufeira is a respectable Mediterranean party destination and, crucially, it sets the noisiest spots away from the city centre to keep the noise down. There are about 25 beaches along this coastline, both in the resort center and in both directions outside the town. They cater to all tastes here, including – rather unexpectedly – the birdwatchers of Praia de Salgados. Head west to this lagoon wetland to see purple herons, bearded terns and waxbills.
Nice is the main hub of the French Riviera, both as a city and as a holiday destination. The pebble beach will take some getting used to for some, but if you must have sand, there are plenty of other beaches in town – try the Marina Beaulie, a 25-minute ride on bus 81. It's France, and there are plenty of high-quality restaurants that serve delicious food, and since there's a lot of competition for your cash, it's also affordable – you can have a decent lunch at a Nice café for around £5-15.
Zante is perhaps best known for its nightlife, with the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. N**agio Beach is the perfect drone material, and if you also rent your own boat, you can also find Xigia, Gerakas and Shipwreck beaches.
If ruins, volcanoes, and mountains, topped with pasta, ice cream, and plenty of sunshine sound like your dish, then Sicily is your ticket. Mount Etna is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and is one of the best areas for hiking in the Mediterranean. The best time to visit Sicily is also in the later period, as it is still warm enough in October and November to swim. Cities such as Catania and Palermo have a large number of castles, cathedrals and aperol sprays.
Join the Spanish royal family and savvy Spaniards and enjoy a break at the Mar Menor, the saltwater lagoon inlet of mainland Spain. La Manga is both a lagoon resort and a sandbar and has a reputation among golfers for its excellent local courses. Due to the high salinity of the local water, lazy swimmers can easily float around, and families will appreciate the mild, shallow water. The Mediterranean Sea is located on the other side of the sandbar.
Although the legendary explorer Marco Polo traveled the world, he chose to return to his hometown of Korčula. This Dalmatian island is a gem with a mini Dubrovnik in the postcard-perfect capital town of Korčula, but also a collection of top beaches in the Mediterranean. The island also has its own wine – you won't find a super dry GRK anywhere else. Convenient as it pairs perfectly with the abundance of local seafood – try the tara'S Lodge's waterside mimi'S bistro, a rotating menu of fresh fish caught that day.
Affectionately called it "– a French island bathed in the Italian sun", Balzac has a lot to say about this Mediterranean hybrid off the south coast of France. Compared to other islands in the Mediterranean, Corsica is very wild. The red rock cliffs of Calanques de Piana and Scandola complement the azure waters and skies that you see in Corsica all year round. Since Sardinia is just a stone's throw away, you can always extend your vacation a little.