The Mediterranean is a wonderfully diverse region of countries with unique cultures and history, nestled in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. With mild winters and hot summers, fantastic resorts await you whether you want to relax on a beautiful beach or immerse yourself in the region’s rich history and culture. Here are some of the best places that should be on your bucket list:
For the best views of this stunning ancient city, a must-visit attraction is the Srd Hill Cable Car. Atop this hill, you’ll also find the Imperial Fortress built in the early 1800s. On a clear day, you can see up to 37 miles away, all the way across the city and to the glittering expanse of the Adriatic Sea.
There are some wonders of the ancient world that you simply have to see and this Roman amphitheater is one of them. It is the biggest amphitheater ever built and the most visited site in Italy. Spend the day exploring the romantic city of Rome before heading to see the Colosseum beautifully lit up at night.
At the heart of the 16th century Renaissance, Florence in Italy is home to the Uffizi Gallery, a world-renowned gallery of huge significance. The gallery displays works by many greats such as da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rembrandt. Housed in a grand palace, this is stunning Italian culture at its very best.
This Catholic basilica stands proud over Marseilles and is the most recognised symbol of the town. If you can manage the climb, the views are spectacular but if not, you can catch a little tourist train that will deliver you there too. You’ll be rewarded with views over the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.
Spain’s Moorish history is revealed in this magnificent royal palace in Seville. The Alcazar is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the 1300s. There was nothing ‘dark’ about the ‘dark ages’ when it came to building this impressive structure though as its architecture is light and incredibly beautiful. It remains in use by the Spanish Royal family when they visit Seville and tours are available.
An absolute must-see is the ancient temple of Parthenon in Athens, dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena. It started to be built around 447 BC and is the most important surviving classical Greek building. A symbol of the birth of Western civilization and democracy, the Parthenon is one of the world’s greatest monuments.
We include the whole island in this recommendation as Menorca is a slice of heaven on Earth. The whole island is a UNESCO biosphere thanks to its incredible variety of habitats. This small island is home to caves, ravines, dunes, wetlands, beaches and isles with hundreds of species of animals and birds living there. Habitation is small on the island so it has been able to conserve huge amounts of its natural landscapes.
For the most amazing blue waters you’ve ever witnessed, travel to Oludeniz. Lagoons flow into sea-greens, all surrounded by soft, white sands. Adventure sports are popular here and the best views can be experienced by paragliding from Babadag mountain. Rafting, horse-riding, kayaking, hiking or parasailing – whatever you fancy, you can do it in a Turkish paradise.
Here you’ll see staggering stalactite formations in many colors and variations with tours ending in floating violin concert on the largest underground lake in Europe. Simply breath-taking, a visit to these cool caves and boat trip is highly recommended.
A top spot for scuba-diving enthusiasts, Gozo also offers rugged landscapes and picturesque rural trails. With impressive vistas, laid-back vibe and the gorgeous waters of the Blue Lagoon, a visit to Gozo is a must. You’ll discover beautiful, quiet beaches and be sure to get some snaps of The Azure Window, a lovely rocky archway framing the sea neat Dweja Bay.
Infamous for tragedy but archeologically fascinating, the once bustling Roman town of Pompeii was covered in ash in 79 AD from an erupting Mount Vesuvius. Incredibly well-preserved, visitors can freely explore the ruins, giving a fascinating glimpse into ancient living.
You can’t help but smile here as the resort basks in 300 days of sunshine a year! With stunning beach life, traditional white-washed buildings, fantastic food and the shady pine trees of the Troodos Mountains, you’ll fall in love with Cyprus. See Aphrodite’s Rock at sunset, the amphitheater at Kourion and enjoy fabulous seafood cuisine in the shadow of a medieval castle!
