Mediterranean islands have that particular attract. With pristine seashores, wealthy historical past, and loads of seashore bars – what extra may you need from a vacation? You’ve already chosen correctly by narrowing your search to an island within the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean area is beautiful and filled with scrumptious meals and points of interest courting again to the traditional world. Nonetheless, these are the islands that you’ll want to put on the prime of your record.
High Mediterranean Islands
On this information, we’ve picked our final suggestions for the very best Mediterranean islands to go to. Listed below are this 12 months’s prime island journey locations, with islands that includes white sand seashores, Roman ruins, and even an lively volcano or two.
1. Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is the most important Balearic island. And moreover this measurement title, it’s simply one of the vital in style islands within the Mediterranean for vacationers. Mallorca made its manner onto our record for its golden seashores and pleasant vibe. You may drive across the island’s circumference in 5 to six hours.
The island has pine forests and delightful structure like Santa Maria Cathedral. Regardless of having a nightlife hotspot within the island’s capital, Palma, the island is family-friendly. Mallorca can be good on a price range, with loads of low-cost airways working common flights from main European cities.
Issues To Do In Mallorca
- Catch the classic prepare from Palma to Soller
A lovely tram experience is a quintessential solution to journey in Mallorca. This classic prepare runs from Palma to Soller, passing orange groves and pine forests. E book your tickets right here.
- Hike Ruta de Pedra en Sec
Ruta de Pedra en Sec is a surprising cobbled mountain path that hugs the aspect of cliff faces and dramatic gorges. Whereas 170km lengthy, you may simply decide a smaller part for a much less formidable hike.
2. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a Greek paradise, and everybody is aware of it. Apart from blue-domed church buildings and vivid white buildings, Santorini has developed a repute as among the many Greek islands’ most luxurious. It’s simply one of the vital in style of the Mediterranean islands. Between its luxe environment, issues to do, and iconic standing, we simply needed to embrace Santorini on our record.
Santorini itself was shaped by a volcanic eruption. The eruption occurred 1000’s of years in the past but set out Santorini’s distinctive geographical structure for hundreds of years. The craggy stays of the volcanic rock lower a stark distinction to Santorini’s shiny white buildings.
Issues To Do In Santorini
Crimson Seaside is a should and (as you might have guessed) is a trademarked burnt pink coloration. It’s very best for a seashore day with a distinction.
Three Bells of Fira is a best choice amongst the blue-domed church buildings of Santorini. The Catholic Church is about above the ocean on a scenic clifftop.
Learn Extra About Planning a visit to Santorini:
3. Menorca, Spain
Menorca is the second largest Balearic island. The Spanish island is extra lowkey than Mallorca or Ibiza. It lacks the hardcore partying and resorts – as an alternative well-known for sandy seashores and a little bit of peace and quiet. Whereas nonetheless on all the most important flight routes, it gives a extra tranquil expertise. This high quality actually stood out to us, and it needed to go onto our record.
Menorca might be 50% sandy seashores and 50% pine forests. However the capital Mahon has some cultural parts too. We propose renting a automotive and seashore hopping, then venturing into Mahon for meals and tradition.
Issues To Do In Menorca
Cala Algaiarens is an unlimited sandy seashore sheltered by cliffs and with calm waters very best for swimming. There’s additionally a mountain climbing path close by for the adventurous.
- Parc Pure de s’Albufera des Grau
This nature reserve is fantastically explored by kayak or by snorkeling. The marshlands are a conservation space and peaceable for wildlife watching.
4. Corfu, Greece
Corfu is a major island within the Mediterranean. The Greek island is off the west coast of the gorgeous mainland. Each cruise traces and airways flock to Corfu – it’s a preferred spot amongst all. Busy and unapologetically a channel for passing vacationers, Corfu has a relentless motion of individuals. A straightforward repair to that, although, is visiting in shoulder seasons. In shoulder seasons, markets and points of interest are a lot quieter, and the spring or autumn salty breeze retains you cooler anyway.
Corfu City is the central hub of the island. Nonetheless, resorts stud the complete circumference of the island, and positive sand seashores are throughout. Lease a automotive and decide your very best part of the shoreline.
Issues To Do In Corfu
This historical fort is traditionally fascinating and in addition good for scenic views. Take a look at the displayed artifacts and permit just a few hours to discover the grounds.
A distant seashore in a rocky area surrounded by lush greenery and forests – Porto Timoni Seaside speaks for itself. It’s an adventurous seashore day vacation spot.
5. Sicily, Italy
Sicily is the most important of all islands within the Mediterranean. The Italian island sits off the west coast of the mainland and screams pure magnificence. Additionally it is a residing and respiratory museum, with Roman and Greek ruins in every single place. Plus, there’s the fun of Mount Etna, one of the vital lively volcanoes in Europe, on the island’s east coast. Sicily is gorgeous and thrilling. It’s a successful mixture if we ever did see one.
Issues To Do in Sicily
This magnificent historic landmark is an unlimited archaeological website lined in historical temples and an attractive museum.
- Take the cable automotive up Mount Etna
Taking a cable automotive as much as Mount Etna is likely one of the most fun issues to do in Sicily. You get dropped at a ultimate part of the mountain climbing path and emerge on the volcano’s crater. There are additionally quite a few jeep excursions in order for you a extra distinctive route up.
6. Capri, Italy
Capri is a good looking island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, in style amongst luxurious seekers. It’s laborious to not love its unique and glamorous attraction – whether or not you might be on a luxurious price range or not. The island has beautiful seashores and a world-famous Blue Grotto, which will be visited by boat. Its glamor, issues to do, and seashores are what gained us over.
Issues To Do in Capri
The Blue Grotto is an enormous blue lagoon in a group of sea caves. The sunshine displays, making the seawater extremely blue (electrical blue at noon). You enter in a small fishing boat and might swim within the vivid blue water. E book your tickets right here.
- Chairlift up Mount Solaro
The Mount Solaro chairlift is a couple of minutes lengthy however provides you beautiful views of the ocean and rock formations. There’s additionally a restaurant – the proper espresso level.
7. Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza is a Mediterranean island with a celebration scene. It’s a historic addition to the Balearic islands with Sixteenth-century partitions, but it’s higher recognized for digital dance music. Ibiza is likely one of the greatest islands for a celebration vacation. And when you’re recovering from an evening out, it has loads of lovely seashores and picturesque agricultural areas to discover with wild herbs and citrus groves.
Issues To Do in Ibiza
The golf equipment in Ibiza are unmatched. Some, like Pacha, have been open since 1973 and are iconic in their very own proper.
Even the most important celebration vacation has room for a little bit of historical past. This hilltop landmark is a medieval fortification and is properly value a go to.
8. Hvar, Croatia
Hvar is the very best celebration island in Croatia. The island thrives on all issues party-style. By day, you may take pleasure in seashore events, boat journeys, and water sports activities. By night time, the nightclubs whir into full motion. Off the coast of Break up, it’s simply added to a vacation on the mainland. It wiggled onto our record due to its infectious sense of nightlife and very best location.
Issues To Do in Hvar
It goes with out saying that it’s best to celebration in Hvar. There are many choices, from seashore bars to boat journeys and nightclubs.
- Candlelight dinner in Humac
Humac is a abandoned stone hamlet. It runs a deliciously atmospheric candlelit dinner expertise within the night in a standard setting.
9. Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island within the Mediterranean. Formally a republic in its personal proper, the picturesque island is filled with attractive seashores and vibrant nightlife. Whether or not you keep on the north coast or the south, you’ll expertise Greek or Turkish tradition. Most guests select one of many different as a tough border is in the midst of the island. However you may at all times mix the 2 you probably have time.
We love the cultural facet of Cyprus and in addition its measurement. There are many causes to go to. And its pink sizzling climate and celebration tradition are simply cherries on prime.
Issues To Do in Cyprus
- Archeological Web site of Nea Paphos
These beautiful Roman ruins characteristic tombs, mosaics, and a fortress.
Ayia Napa is celebration central in Cyprus. There are tons of big nightclubs with particular entrance offers.
10. Zakynthos, Greece
Zakynthos (aka Zante) is one in all Greece’s hottest islands. The island is revered by partiers and people wanting a basic Greek island escape. Once you aren’t partying, there’s the dramatic Shipwreck Seaside to find, plus white sand seashores and child turtles. It encapsulates all the advantages of a superb Mediterranean island. Its wide selection of actions is what impressed us. Learn extra about Zakynthos right here.
Issues To Do in Zakynthos
Shipwreck Seaside is the long-lasting snapshot of the rusted shipwreck on the backside of a limestone cliff. The positive sand seashore is solely accessible by cruise and has characteristically vivid blue waters contrasting the white cliffs.
Who doesn’t wish to come face-to-face with a sea turtle? Zante is the proper spot to snorkel with sea turtles or volunteer with child turtles you probably have time.
11. Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is the most important of the Dodecanese – the Greek islands off the coast of Turkey. This Mediterranean island is filled with historical past and is heaven for anybody wanting to leap between historical ruins in between seashore days. Actually, its historical past is what caught our eye (and UNESCO’s since its previous city is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site). Rhodes additionally has a captivating historical past of occupation, and the Ottomans and Italians have put their stamp on its cultural make-up.
Issues To Do in Rhodes
The towering columns of Lindos Acropolis rival that of even Athens’ Acropolis. Reaching the traditional scene is a protracted stroll up a steep cliff.
- Palace of the Grand Grasp of the Knights of Rhodes
This palace was reconstructed in 1940 and is a good looking landmark that speaks to Rhodes’ medieval and historical heritage.
12. Elba, Italy
Elba is a Mediterranean island off of Tuscany. It gives an azure window into residing on the Tuscan coast. Elba was Napoleon’s place of exile between 1814-15. Regardless of being a historic vacation spot, Elba is a quiet place to embrace pure magnificence. Its pristine seashores are dreamy and set within the Tuscan Archipelago Nationwide Park – which gained us over.
Issues To Do in Elba
This historic landmark dates again to the thirteenth century and is a surprising place for views over the Mediterranean island.
This villa was owned by Napoleon Bonaparte, a particular declare to fame. Cease by to expertise the rest of residing historical past.
13. Gozo, Malta
Gozo is a Maltese island and one of many least visited islands within the Mediterranean. This Mediterranean island is laidback and filled with fishing villages and peaceable seashores. Some individuals suggest spending as little as half a day right here. However you’ll rapidly take pleasure in every week or extra in order for you someplace to actually unplug. We’ve really useful it as a result of it’s so peaceable and very best for these needing a break.
Issues To Do in Gozo
Scuba diving in a scenic inland lagoon is likely to be area of interest, however it’s a enjoyable exercise in Gozo. You probably have a PADI, take a look at this dive website.
This heritage website incorporates two of the oldest free-standing buildings on the earth. The limestone temples date again to the Neolithic period and are extremely well-preserved.
14. Milos, Greece
Milos is one other Mediterranean island with sheer white cliffs. Besides it additionally has moonlike landscapes- which is why we’ve added it to this information. The volcanic island is located off the east coast of Greece and has hanging geographical options. It has additionally constructed a formidable repute as a celebration spot, contemplating it’s one in all Greece’s lesser-known islands.
Issues To Do in Milos
Sarakiniko is Milos’ lunar seashore. The seashore is roofed in limestone rock, and it’s broadly in comparison with strolling on the moon.
- Boat journey to the ocean caves
Milos’ sea caves are beautiful. The white limestone caves are solely accessible by boat and distinction fantastically with the blue waters.
15. Folegandros, Greece
Folegandros is a tiny Greek island. Overlook the crowds and main vacationer points of interest. This Mediterranean island is someplace to unwind. The miniature ‘capital’ (image a small city) is filled with white-washed buildings. It clings fantastically to the blue waters of the shoreline. With some medieval historical past to research, Folegandros is a Mediterranean island on your bucket record. It is likely to be small, nevertheless it packs a punch, which galvanized us.
Issues To Do in Folegandros
This church is positioned on a dry mountaintop with an iconic zigzagging white stairway to the highest. It’s a scenic pilgrimage to make, particularly at dawn or sundown.
Livadi Seaside is a tiny pebbled cove that fits Folegandros’ miniature aesthetic. It has a small-world feeling and a very good spot to sit down with a ebook or paddle.
16. Lefkada, Greece
Lefkada is a good looking Mediterranean island within the Ionian Sea. Technically, it’s related to the Greek mainland, however solely by a artifical causeway. So for the sake of this information (and Lefkada’s dramatic cliffs and blue waters), we needed to embrace it. It’s accessible from mainland Greece and is likely one of the most lovely Greek islands. The limestone cliffs are like Zante’s Shipwreck Seaside – simply minus the crowds.
Issues To Do in Lefkada
This seashore is backed by towering limestone cliffs and vivid blue waters. It is likely one of the greatest blue water seashores in Greece and is unquestionably photo-worthy.
Lefkada is filled with tradition and quiet villages. The Faneromeni Monastery is only one instance of this. It’s located scenically on the aspect of a mountain with ornate furnishings and beautiful views.
17. Djerba, Tunisia
Djerba is booming with pure magnificence and a dramatic desert panorama. The island is off the north coast of Tunisia and has loads of influences from North Africa. Djerba has lovely seashores and is the southernmost island in our information. We have been impressed by its lesser-visited location and the mix of Berber, Arab, African, and Jewish cultures. Djerba is an actual cultural hotspot with points of interest like fishing ports and handicraft markets.
Issues To Do in Djerba
- Horseback using throughout sand dunes
Horseback using is an exhilarating exercise in Djerba. Must you possess nerves of metal, it’s the most effective methods to understand this Mediterranean island. The lengthy stretch of desert and sand dunes is dream worthy for galloping. And the desert panorama is a novel break from watersports and blue waters.
Guellala Museum is filled with historic pottery shows and artwork exhibitions. But it surely has one other draw, too – its statement tower at sundown. It’s a good place for tradition and a very good viewpoint to complete.
18. Naxos, Greece
Naxos would be the largest of the Cyclades islands within the Mediterranean. Nonetheless, measurement doesn’t correlate with recognition right here; Naxos isn’t the most well-liked of the Greek islands. We don’t know why as a result of it’s beautiful. It’s turquoise bays and golden sand do make it a sought-after seashore vacation spot for these within the know. And its capital, Chora, is a picturesque historic base filled with iconic white cube-shaped homes. For us, the seashores and laidback vibe are main promoting factors.
Issues To Do in Naxos
Naxos has a good looking Previous City with homes resembling tiny sugar cubes. The white-washed buildings are fairly to stroll between, and there are many al fresco espresso outlets with seating to individuals watch.
Kite browsing is a random addition. Nonetheless, kite browsing is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Naxos. Laguna and Mikri Vigla have the very best kite browsing seashores.
Why Ought to You Go to The Islands of the Mediterranean?
Whether or not you select a Spanish island or a Greek island, the most important island or smallest island, the Mediterranean can be a wonderful vacation vacation spot. Every island has its personal distinct persona. The Mediterranean islands are a full spectrum of various vacation varieties and experiences. Hopefully, you will have now received a pair in thoughts.
In search of extra inspiration concerning the Mediterranean islands and area? Take a look at our information on the greatest Mediterranean dishes to attempt once you go to. And if Hvar notably caught your eye, Croatia has loads of different lovely islands to see close by. In any other case, have a beautiful time in your attractive island of selection.
