The Mediterranean coastline offers an unparalleled blend of stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant cultures, making it a prime destination for summer holidays. From the sun-soaked Greek islands to the glamorous French Riviera, this region boasts an array of experiences to suit every traveller’s taste. Whether you’re seeking picturesque villages, ancient ruins, or world-class cuisine, the Mediterranean has it all. Let’s explore some of the most captivating destinations that draw millions of visitors each year to bask in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.
Greek islands: cyclades vs dodecanese archipelagos
The Greek islands are synonymous with idyllic summer getaways, offering a perfect blend of crystal-clear waters, whitewashed villages, and ancient history. The Cyclades and Dodecanese archipelagos are two of the most popular island groups, each with its own unique charm and attractions.
Mykonos: chora’s windmills and little venice
Mykonos, a jewel of the Cyclades, is renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. The island’s main town, Chora, is a maze of narrow streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and traditional tavernas. The iconic windmills perched on the hill overlooking the town are a must-see, especially at sunset. Little Venice, with its colorful houses built right on the water’s edge, offers a romantic setting for dinner or drinks as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Santorini: oia sunsets and akrotiri archaeological site
Santorini, perhaps the most famous of the Greek islands, is known for its dramatic caldera views and stunning sunsets. The village of Oia, with its blue-domed churches and whitewashed buildings, provides the perfect backdrop for those Instagram-worthy vacation photos. For history enthusiasts, the Akrotiri Archaeological Site offers a fascinating glimpse into Minoan civilization, often referred to as the “Pompeii of the Aegean” due to its remarkable preservation.
Rhodes: medieval old town and lindos acropolis
Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, boasts a rich tapestry of history spanning millennia. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Rhodes is a medieval marvel, with its imposing stone walls, cobblestone streets, and the grand Palace of the Grand Masters. A short drive away, the ancient Acropolis of Lindos offers breathtaking views over the azure Mediterranean and the charming whitewashed village below.
Kos: hippocrates’ asclepeion and therma beach
Kos, another gem of the Dodecanese, is steeped in ancient Greek mythology and history. The island is famous as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. Visitors can explore the Asclepeion, an ancient healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. For those seeking relaxation, Therma Beach offers natural hot springs where you can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters while enjoying views of the Turkish coastline across the sea.
Spanish costas: from costa brava to costa del sol
Spain’s Mediterranean coast, known as the Spanish Costas, stretches for over 1,600 kilometers, offering a diverse range of holiday experiences. From the rugged beauty of Costa Brava in the north to the sun-soaked beaches of Costa del Sol in the south, each region has its own distinct character and attractions.
Costa brava: salvador dalí triangle and tossa de mar
The Costa Brava, or “Wild Coast,” is characterized by its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and picturesque fishing villages. Art lovers will delight in exploring the Salvador Dalí Triangle, which includes the surrealist artist’s birthplace in Figueres, his home in Portlligat, and the Gala Dalí Castle in Púbol. For a quintessential Costa Brava experience, visit Tossa de Mar, a charming town with a well-preserved medieval fortress overlooking a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay.
Costa dorada: PortAventura world and tarragona’s roman ruins
The Costa Dorada, or “Golden Coast,” is named for its long stretches of golden sand beaches. Families flock to PortAventura World, one of Europe’s largest theme parks, offering thrilling rides and attractions for all ages. History buffs will appreciate the ancient Roman ruins in Tarragona, including a well-preserved amphitheater overlooking the Mediterranean.
Costa blanca: benidorm’s levante beach and alicante’s castle of santa barbara
The Costa Blanca is home to some of Spain’s most popular holiday resorts. Benidorm, with its iconic skyline of high-rise hotels, offers lively entertainment and the bustling Levante Beach. For a taste of history, visit Alicante and climb to the Castle of Santa Barbara, perched atop Mount Benacantil, offering panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Costa del sol: marbella’s golden mile and málaga’s picasso museum
The Costa del Sol lives up to its name as the “Sun Coast,” boasting over 300 days of sunshine per year. Marbella is synonymous with luxury, with its Golden Mile lined with upscale resorts and exclusive beach clubs. In Málaga, Picasso’s birthplace, art enthusiasts can explore the Picasso Museum, housing a significant collection of the artist’s works.
Italian riviera and amalfi coast
Italy’s coastline offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Mediterranean, with the Italian Riviera and Amalfi Coast being particularly popular destinations. These regions combine stunning natural beauty with charming towns, delicious cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage.
Cinque terre: vernazza’s doria castle and manarola’s vineyard terraces
The Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, comprises five colorful fishing villages clinging to the rugged Ligurian coast. Vernazza, often considered the most picturesque of the five, is crowned by the Doria Castle, offering stunning views of the harbor below. In Manarola, take a stroll through the terraced vineyards that cascade down to the sea, producing the region’s famous sweet Sciacchetrà wine.
Portofino: castello brown and christ of the abyss
Portofino, a glamorous fishing village turned celebrity hotspot, is the epitome of Italian Riviera chic. Visit Castello Brown, a 16th-century fortress with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the harbor. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to see the underwater statue of Christ of the Abyss in the nearby bay of San Fruttuoso.
Amalfi: cathedral of Sant’Andrea and valle delle ferriere
The town of Amalfi, which gives its name to the entire coast, is a delightful mix of medieval architecture and seaside charm. The Cathedral of Sant’Andrea, with its striking Arab-Norman facade, dominates the town’s main square. For a refreshing escape from the summer heat, hike through the Valle delle Ferriere nature reserve, home to stunning waterfalls and lush vegetation.
Positano: spiaggia grande and path of the gods hike
Positano, with its pastel-colored houses tumbling down to the sea, is the jewel of the Amalfi Coast. Relax on Spiaggia Grande, the town’s main beach, or embark on the challenging but rewarding Path of the Gods hike. This ancient trail offers breathtaking views of the coastline and connects Positano with the quiet village of Nocelle.
French riviera: côte d’azur glamour
The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, has long been a playground for the rich and famous, offering a blend of Mediterranean beauty and sophisticated luxury. From glamorous beach resorts to charming hilltop villages, the region caters to all tastes.
Nice: promenade des anglais and musée matisse
Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, is a vibrant city that combines urban sophistication with beach resort charm. Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, lined with palm trees and elegant Belle Époque buildings. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Musée Matisse, housing an extensive collection of works by the renowned French artist who called Nice home for many years.
Cannes: la croisette and île Sainte-Marguerite
Cannes, famous for its international film festival, exudes glamour and luxury. Take a walk along La Croisette, the city’s palm-lined promenade, dotted with high-end boutiques and luxurious hotels. For a peaceful retreat, take a short boat ride to Île Sainte-Marguerite, where you can explore the fort that once imprisoned the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask.
Saint-tropez: pampelonne beach and citadel of Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez, once a quiet fishing village, is now synonymous with celebrity and luxury. Pampelonne Beach, with its exclusive beach clubs, is the place to see and be seen. For a taste of the town’s history, visit the 16th-century Citadel of Saint-Tropez, which houses a maritime museum and offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
Croatian dalmatian coast
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast has emerged as one of the Mediterranean’s most popular destinations in recent years, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, historic cities, and over a thousand islands. The region offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Dubrovnik: city walls walk and lokrum island
Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is famous for its well-preserved medieval walls and limestone streets. Walking the city walls offers stunning views of the Old Town’s terracotta roofs and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. For a peaceful escape, take a short boat ride to Lokrum Island, a nature reserve home to botanical gardens and peacocks.
Split: diocletian’s palace and marjan forest park
Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, is centered around the remarkable Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world. For a breath of fresh air, hike or cycle through Marjan Forest Park, a green oasis offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding islands.
Hvar: st. stephen’s square and pakleni islands
Hvar, known as the sunniest island in Croatia, combines medieval charm with a vibrant nightlife scene. Explore St. Stephen’s Square, the heart of Hvar Town, dominated by the Renaissance-era cathedral. For a day of island-hopping and secluded beaches, take a boat tour of the nearby Pakleni Islands.
Turkish riviera: turquoise coast wonders
The Turkish Riviera, also known as the Turquoise Coast, offers a unique blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and modern beach resorts. This region is perfect for those seeking a mix of cultural exploration and seaside relaxation.
Antalya: kaleiçi old town and düden waterfalls
Antalya, the largest city on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, boasts a beautifully preserved old town, Kaleiçi, with its narrow winding streets and Ottoman-era houses. Just outside the city, the Düden Waterfalls offer a spectacular sight as they cascade directly into the Mediterranean Sea.
Fethiye: ölüdeniz blue lagoon and butterfly valley
Fethiye is home to one of Turkey’s most photographed beaches, the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz. This sheltered cove of turquoise water is perfect for swimming and paragliding. Nearby, the secluded Butterfly Valley, accessible only by boat or a challenging hike, offers a pristine beach surrounded by steep cliffs.
Bodrum: castle of st. peter and underwater archaeology museum
Bodrum, with its twin bays and imposing Crusader castle, is a favorite among Turkish and international visitors alike. The Castle of St. Peter houses the fascinating Underwater Archaeology Museum, showcasing treasures recovered from ancient shipwrecks found along the Turkish coast.
The Mediterranean coast offers an unparalleled variety of experiences, from the sun-drenched beaches of the Greek islands to the historical wonders of the Turkish Riviera. Each destination has its own unique charm and attractions, ensuring that every traveller can find their perfect summer holiday spot.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, exploration of ancient ruins, or indulgence in world-class cuisine, the Mediterranean has something to offer. From the glamorous French Riviera to the rugged beauty of the Croatian coast, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable summer memories. As you plan your Mediterranean adventure, remember that each region has its own peak tourist seasons, so consider visiting during shoulder seasons for a more relaxed experience without compromising on the beautiful weather and warm sea temperatures that make the Mediterranean such a beloved summer destination.
