10 Mediterranean Destinations You Can't Miss

The Mediterranean is most people’s first choice when planning a holiday, and justifiably so. Golden beaches, scorching sunshine and a variety of cities, resorts and landscapes to suit all tastes - it is the ultimate summer destination.

Although there are endless places to discover and explore in this diverse area of Europe, here are 10 you can't miss.  

1. Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Packed into a fairly small area, this Mediterranean region of France has a number of interesting towns and cities to explore. Inland you’ll find the fairy-tale, fortified city of Carcassonne along with the elegant city of Montpellier. Heading towards the coast, make a stop in Perpignan (the third largest city in Catalonia) and the picturesque port-town of Collioure with its intriguing blend of French and Spanish culture.  What’s more, Languedoc-Roussillon is the world’s biggest wine region. Enough said?

The beautiful town of Collioure

 

2. Cadiz, Spain

Unjustifiably ignored by the masses, Cadiz is one of Andalucia’s (if not Spain’s) most beautiful cities (and provinces). From its main beach you can enjoy dramatic views of the city’s colourful buildings and its yellow-domed cathedral. Lose yourself in the narrow, cobbled streets where you can enjoy some seafood tapas and soak up its history.

The yellow-domed Cadiz Cathedral

 

3. Cinque Terre, Italy

The Italian Riviera’s ‘Five Lands’ (and more literally, ‘five villages’) of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore tumble into the Med from the cliffs of Liguria. If you like amazing Italian food, a laid back way of life and pebbled beaches, you’ll be more than happy to stroll around these pretty terracotta villages.

Vernazza - one of the villages that make up Cinque Terre.

 

4. Majorca, Spain

The Balearics (Majorca in particular) have always been a firm favourite for tourists seeking some intense summer sunshine because of its coastline. There are large beach resorts such as Alcudia and Palma Nova and traditional fishing villages such as the Cal Figuera, however if you venture inland you’ll also discover beautiful countryside, rolling vineyards and peaceful olive groves.

Majorca's crystal clear waters are irresistible.

 

5. Dubrovnik, Croatia

This walled city is a labyrinth of marbled streets and baroque architecture. There are plenty of gorgeous beaches and islands to explore if you decide to venture outside the city walls and you can take a cable car up the mountains and admire the electric blue waters and idyllic scenery.

Explore the medieval city of Dubrovnik.

 

6. Corsica, France

Having avoided over-development compared to many other Mediterranean islands, Corsica still retains a sense of individuality. The island has some of the best beaches in Europe and dizzyingly beautiful scenery. Despite officially being part of France, Corsican culture is fiercely unique with locals clinging to their mantra: "Always conquered, never subdued".

Bonifacio - one of Corsica's many beautiful towns.

 

7. The Algarve, Portugal

300 days of sunshine a year. Good food. Friendly locals. Golden beaches enclosed by rugged limestone rocks. Yeah it may be where your great aunt and uncle go golfing every year but Portugal’s southern coast is exceptionally stunning and full of hidden gems. Rent a car and explore the many white-washed villages and fishing towns.

The Algarve has many hidden beaches waiting to be discovered.

 

8. Adriatic Coast – Montenegro

Montenegro’s beaches make it one of the fastest growing travel destinations in Europe. Visit the walled city of Kotor or climb to the nearby fortification for amazing views of the town and marina. Alternatively go further along the coast and spend a day at the beach admiring the beautiful Sveti Stefan, a former fishing village that has been transformed into a luxury resort.

The picturesque Bay of Kotor.

9. Crete, Greece

Crete’s 1000km of coast-line make Greece’s largest island a hugely popular place to visit – and rightly so. It is an incredibly diverse island with fine beaches and incredible mountain ranges. The cities of Hania and Rethymo have charming Venetian architecture and outside the capital (Iraklio) you’ll find the ruins of the Minoan palace of Knossos.

Relax and enjoy Crete's laid back lifestyle.

 

10. Ionian Coast, Albania

What may appear as a surprising choice for many, given its reputation as an unwelcoming country during its Communist era, will make sense once you have explored Albania’s unspoiled coastline along the Ionian shore. Turquoise sea and a dramatic, mountainous landscape makes the coastal drive between the towns of Vlorë and Sarandë a must as along the way there are many beautiful beaches such as Dhermi, Himara, and Ksamili.

Albania has some of the best, undiscovered beaches in Europe.