With its seemingly endless sunny days, warm weather, and glorious beaches, the Mediterranean easily captures the hearts of those who visit the region.
Many glorious nations surround the Mediterranean Sea including Spain, Italy, Croatia, France, Cyprus, Greece, and Malta.
Whether you’re into exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites or simply want to dine on delicious cuisine, the Mediterranean offers something for everyone. It is here where many ancient civilisations thrived, their ancient settlements and ruins still visible to this day.
Amongst them are charming, photogenic towns and villages filled with welcoming locals. All of this is set to a backdrop of endless natural wonders including some of the world’s most beautiful seas and seaside cliffs.
Whether you are dreaming of taking a cruise or land based journey through the Mediterranean this year, we have selected six Mediterranean destinations you need to see. Pack your bathers and sunscreen, secure your comprehensive travel insurance, and get ready to experience one of the world’s most premier travel destinations.
Malta
It may be one of the world’s smallest countries, but Malta offers an abundance of attractions and activities for visitors.
This archipelago nation lies in the heart of the Mediterranean and has been inhabited for roughly 8,000 years. Malta is the largest island of the archipelago and home to the fascinating fortified city of Mdina. Other popular islands to visit include Gozo and Comino.
The nation is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, incredible diving spots, prehistoric temples including the underground Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, beautiful beaches, and all kinds of outdoor recreation.
This year-round holiday destination averages 300 sunny day per year, allowing you to enjoy its many Blue Flag certified beaches and natural swimming holes like Comino's Blue Lagoon any season.
You may also recognise many landscapes in Malta due to the fact the islands have been used as filming locations for Game of Thrones and Russell Crowe’s blockbuster Gladiator.
Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and one of the largest in the Mediterranean.
Once home to ancient Minoans, there are a number of significant archaeological sites to explore. One such site is the Palace of Knossos, which is said to be one of Europe’s oldest cities and the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete.
Another worthwhile site to explore is the Arkadi Monastery with its ancient Venetian carvings. In addition to the charming old towns such as Chania and Rethymno, Crete also offers an abundance of natural attractions.
The island is home to Samaria Gorge National Park and the largest natural palm forest found in Europe. You may also want to walk to the pink sand beaches of Elafonisi or check out one of the UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Dubrovnik
Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s top cities that tourists flock to.
The UNESCO World Heritage listed fortified city is famous for its defensive stone walls known as The Walls of Dubrovnik which surround the city. It is considered to be one of the finest fortification systems of the Middle Ages.
Dubrovnik is where A-list celebrities come to holiday and for good reason. Its prime location on the Adriatic Sea allows you to easily visit a number of beautiful islands by ferry and boat.
Escape to the beautiful gardens of Lokrum or stay in Dubrovnik and take the scenic cable car to the summit of Mount Srdi for glorious views of the offshore Elaphite Islands and Old Town below.
Like Malta, Dubrovnik has been used as a film location for many scenes shown in Game of Thrones and a number of tours are offered to explore the many film locations in detail. Alternatively, you can opt for a sea kayaking tour to discover secluded beaches far from the crowds.
Mallorca
The largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca is usually drenched in sunshine and abounds with natural beauty.
Hike through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Serra de Tramuntana mountain range or check out the stunning natural landscapes of Mondragó Natural Park or Albufera Natural Park.
The island is home to one of the most scenic drives in the world, known as The Road to Sa Calobra, and offers the chance to take a journey on the charming wooden train of Palma.
Palma de Mallorca on the south coast is the largest city on the island and where you’ll find the impressive Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma or simply La Seu.
The city also boasts a lovely harbourside promenade, large marina, and numerous beaches. One of the island’s most impressive sites is the Drach Caves and their subterranean lakes.
The series of four caves that reach depths of 25 metres and a length of 4 kilometres can be experienced by taking a guided tour that culminates in a classical music concert being performed in a boat on the underground lake. Mallorca is also where the great Spanish Surrealist painter Joan Miró called home.
Bay of Kotor
Less than a 2-hour drive or bus ride from Dubrovnik but in a whole new country is the Bay of Kotor.
Located in south-western Montenegro along the Adriatic Sea, this winding bay that extends roughly 20 kilometres is home to a number of well-preserved medieval towns filled with old ruins, palaces, and places of worship.
The deep fjord-like bay is surrounded by glorious mountains and forests. Highlights of the Bay of Kotor include the artificial island that houses the Roman Catholic Church known as Our Lady of the Rocks.
Head to the Fortress of St. John high above the Old Town of Kotor for incredible panoramic views of the bay before exploring the preserved palaces of Perast. Other nearby charming towns to visit along he bay include Risan, Tivat, and Prčanj. Montenegro may be Europe's youngest nation, but it’s packed with fascinating historical sites.
Amalfi Coast
The southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula is home to a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline that is lined in sheer cliffs and gorgeous villages.
This may be where the elite come to play, but you too can follow in their footsteps and maybe even rub shoulders with a few celebrities. Like a scene out of a James Bond movie, the entire Amalfi Coast is glamorous with its vibrantly coloured architecture, shimmering blue seas, and luxury yachts.
You’ll find Michelin-star restaurants, high-end shopping, lavish beach clubs, and more sun-drenched beaches than you can count. Many cultures have left their mark on the coast including the Greeks, and Romans.
Explore towns like Praiano, Positano, and Amalfi, the last-mentioned being the largest along the coast. Elevated views from the seaside cliffs provide stunning views over the Tyrrhenian Sea, tempting you to charter a boat to nearby islands or the famous Emerald Grotto.
On land, walk through picturesque alleys and citrus and olive groves. Despite not being part of the Amalfi Coast, the coastal town of Sorrento makes a perfect base for exploring the region and can be reached by taking a scenic train from Naples.