Mediterranean islands have that particular attract. With pristine seashores, wealthy historical past, and loads of seashore bars – what extra might you need from a vacation? You’ve already chosen properly by narrowing your search to an island in the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean area is gorgeous and filled with scrumptious meals and sights relationship again to the traditional world. However, these are the islands that you want to put on the high of your checklist.
Top Mediterranean Islands
In this information, we’ve picked our final suggestions for the very best Mediterranean islands to go to. Here are this 12 months’s high island journey locations, with islands that includes white sand seashores, Roman ruins, and even an energetic volcano or two.
1. Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is the most important Balearic island. And in addition to this measurement title, it’s simply one of the standard islands in the Mediterranean for vacationers. Mallorca made its approach onto our checklist for its golden seashores and pleasant vibe. You might drive across the island’s circumference in 5 to 6 hours.
The island has pine forests and delightful structure like Santa Maria Cathedral. Despite having a nightlife hotspot in the island’s capital, Palma, the island is family-friendly. Mallorca can also be sensible on a price range, with loads of low-cost airways working common flights from main European cities.
Things To Do In Mallorca
Catch the classic practice from Palma to Soller
An exquisite tram trip is a quintessential approach to journey in Mallorca. This classic practice runs from Palma to Soller, passing orange groves and pine forests. 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 facet of cliff faces and dramatic gorges. While 170km lengthy, you may simply decide a smaller part for a much less bold hike.
2. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a Greek paradise, and everybody is aware of it. Aside from blue-domed church buildings and vibrant white buildings, Santorini has developed a fame as among the many Greek islands’ most luxurious. It is definitely one of the standard of the Mediterranean islands. Between its luxe environment, issues to do, and iconic standing, we simply had to embody Santorini on our checklist.
Santorini itself was fashioned by a volcanic eruption. The eruption occurred hundreds of years in the past but set out Santorini’s distinctive geographical format for hundreds of years. The craggy stays of the volcanic rock minimize a stark distinction to Santorini’s shiny white buildings.
Things To Do In Santorini
Red Beach is a should and (as you will have guessed) is a trademarked burnt crimson colour. It is right 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.
Read More 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 a substitute well-known for sandy seashores and a little bit of peace and quiet. While nonetheless on all the most important flight routes, it presents a extra tranquil expertise. This high quality actually stood out to us, and it had to go onto our checklist.
Menorca might be 50% sandy seashores and 50% pine forests. But the capital Mahon has some cultural components too. We recommend renting a automotive and seashore hopping, then venturing into Mahon for meals and tradition.
Things To Do In Menorca
Cala Algaiarens is an enormous sandy seashore sheltered by cliffs and with calm waters perfect for swimming. There’s additionally a climbing path close by for the adventurous.
Parc Natural 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 in the Mediterranean. The Greek island is off the west coast of the attractive mainland. Both cruise traces and airways flock to Corfu – it’s a well-liked spot amongst all. Busy and unapologetically a channel for passing vacationers, Corfu has a continuing motion of individuals. An straightforward repair to that, although, is visiting in shoulder seasons. In shoulder seasons, markets and sights are a lot quieter, and the spring or autumn salty breeze retains you cooler anyway.
Corfu Town is the central hub of the island. However, resorts stud the complete circumference of the island, and fantastic sand seashores are throughout. Rent a automotive and decide your perfect part of the shoreline.
Things To Do In Corfu
This historic fort is traditionally fascinating and likewise good for scenic views. Check out the displayed artifacts and permit a number of hours to discover the grounds.
A distant seashore in a rocky area surrounded by lush greenery and forests – Porto Timoni Beach speaks for itself. It’s an adventurous seashore day vacation spot.
5. Sicily, Italy
Sicily is the most important of all islands in the Mediterranean. The Italian island sits off the west coast of the mainland and screams pure magnificence. It can also be a residing and respiratory museum, with Roman and Greek ruins in all places. Plus, there’s the joys of Mount Etna, one of the energetic 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.
Things To Do in Sicily
This magnificent historic landmark is an enormous archaeological website lined in historic temples and an interesting museum.
Take the cable automotive up Mount Etna
Taking a cable automotive up to Mount Etna is without doubt one of the most fun issues to do in Sicily. You get dropped at a last part of the climbing path and emerge on the volcano’s crater. There are additionally a lot of jeep excursions in order for you a extra distinctive route up.
6. Capri, Italy
Capri is a gorgeous island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, standard amongst luxurious seekers. It is difficult not to love its unique and glamorous enchantment – whether or not you’re on a luxurious price range or not. The island has gorgeous seashores and a world-famous Blue Grotto, which will be visited by boat. Its glamor, issues to do, and seashores are what received us over.
Things To Do in Capri
The Blue Grotto is a large blue lagoon in a group of sea caves. The gentle displays, making the seawater extremely blue (electrical blue at noon). You enter in a small fishing boat and might swim in the brilliant blue water. Book your tickets right here.
Chairlift up Mount Solaro
The Mount Solaro chairlift is a couple of minutes lengthy however offers you gorgeous 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 is a historic addition to the Balearic islands with Sixteenth-century partitions, but it’s higher recognized for digital dance music. Ibiza is without doubt one of the greatest islands for a celebration vacation. And if you end up recovering from an evening out, it has loads of stunning seashores and picturesque agricultural areas to discover with wild herbs and citrus groves.
Things 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 largest celebration vacation has room for a little bit of historical past. This hilltop landmark is a medieval fortification and is nicely price 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 get pleasure from seashore events, boat journeys, and water sports activities. By evening, the nightclubs whir into full motion. Off the coast of Split, it’s simply added to a vacation on the mainland. It wiggled onto our checklist due to its infectious sense of nightlife and perfect location.
Things To Do in Hvar
It goes with out saying that it is best to celebration in Hvar. There are loads of 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 in the night in a conventional setting.
9. Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Officially a republic in its personal proper, the picturesque island is stuffed with attractive seashores and vibrant nightlife. Whether 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 center of the island. But you could possibly all the time mix the 2 when you have time.
We love the cultural facet of Cyprus and likewise its measurement. There are many causes to go to. And its crimson sizzling climate and celebration tradition are simply cherries on high.
Things To Do in Cyprus
Archeological Site of Nea Paphos
These gorgeous Roman ruins function 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 among Greece’s hottest islands. The island is revered by partiers and people wanting a basic Greek island escape. When you aren’t partying, there’s the dramatic Shipwreck Beach to uncover, 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. Read extra about Zakynthos right here.
Things To Do in Zakynthos
Shipwreck Beach is the long-lasting snapshot of the rusted shipwreck on the backside of a limestone cliff. The fantastic sand seashore is simply accessible by cruise and has characteristically vibrant blue waters contrasting the white cliffs.
Who doesn’t need to come face-to-face with a sea turtle? Zante is the proper spot to snorkel with sea turtles or volunteer with child turtles when you 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 soar between historic ruins in between seashore days. In reality, its historical past is what caught our eye (and UNESCO’s since its previous city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Rhodes additionally has an enchanting historical past of occupation, and the Ottomans and Italians have put their stamp on its cultural make-up.
Things 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 Master of the Knights of Rhodes
This palace was reconstructed in 1940 and is a gorgeous landmark that speaks to Rhodes’ medieval and historic 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. Despite being a historic vacation spot, Elba is a quiet place to embrace pure magnificence. Its pristine seashores are dreamy and set in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park – which received us over.
Things 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. Stop by to expertise the rest of residing historical past.
13. Gozo, Malta
Gozo is a Maltese island and one of many least visited islands in the Mediterranean. This Mediterranean island is laidback and filled with fishing villages and peaceable seashores. Some individuals advocate spending as little as half a day right here. But you’ll rapidly get pleasure from per week or extra in order for you someplace to actually unplug. We’ve beneficial it as a result of it’s so peaceable and perfect for these needing a break.
Things To Do in Gozo
Scuba diving in a scenic inland lagoon is perhaps area of interest, however it’s a enjoyable exercise in Gozo. If you’ve got a PADI, take a look at this dive website.
This heritage website accommodates two of the oldest free-standing constructions in the world. 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. Except 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 placing geographical options. It has additionally constructed a powerful fame as a celebration spot, contemplating it’s one among Greece’s lesser-known islands.
Things To Do in Milos
Sarakiniko is Milos’ lunar seashore. The seashore is roofed in limestone rock, and it’s extensively in contrast to strolling on the moon.
Boat journey to the ocean caves
Milos’ sea caves are gorgeous. 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. Forget the crowds and main vacationer sights. This Mediterranean island is someplace to unwind. The miniature ‘capital’ (image a small city) is stuffed with white-washed buildings. It clings fantastically to the blue waters of the shoreline. With some medieval historical past to examine, Folegandros is a Mediterranean island to your bucket checklist. It is perhaps small, however it packs a punch, which inspired us.
Things To Do in Folegandros
This church is positioned on a dry mountaintop with an iconic zigzagging white stairway to the highest. It is a scenic pilgrimage to make, particularly at dawn or sundown.
Livadi Beach is a tiny pebbled cove that fits Folegandros’ miniature aesthetic. It has a small-world feeling and a very good spot to sit with a e book or paddle.
16. Lefkada, Greece
Lefkada is a gorgeous Mediterranean island in 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 had to embody it. It is accessible from mainland Greece and is without doubt one of the most beautiful Greek islands. The limestone cliffs are like Zante’s Shipwreck Beach – simply minus the crowds.
Things To Do in Lefkada
This seashore is backed by towering limestone cliffs and vibrant blue waters. It is without doubt one of the greatest blue water seashores in Greece and is unquestionably photo-worthy.
Lefkada is stuffed with tradition and quiet villages. The Faneromeni Monastery is only one instance of this. It is located scenically on the facet of a mountain with ornate furnishings and gorgeous 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 stunning 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 sights like fishing ports and handicraft markets.
Things To Do in Djerba
Horseback using throughout sand dunes
Horseback using is an exhilarating exercise in Djerba. Should you possess nerves of metal, it’s among the best methods to recognize 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 stuffed with historic pottery shows and artwork exhibitions. But it has one other draw, too – its remark tower at sundown. It is an excellent place for tradition and a very good viewpoint to end.
18. Naxos, Greece
Naxos often is the largest of the Cyclades islands in the Mediterranean. However, measurement doesn’t correlate with recognition right here; Naxos isn’t the most well-liked of the Greek islands. We do not know why as a result of it’s gorgeous. It’s turquoise bays and golden sand do make it a sought-after seashore vacation spot for these in 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.
Things To Do in Naxos
Naxos has a gorgeous Old Town 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. However, kite browsing is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Naxos. Laguna and Mikri Vigla have the very best kite browsing seashores.
Why Should You Visit The Islands of the Mediterranean?
Whether you select a Spanish island or a Greek island, the most important island or smallest island, the Mediterranean might be a wonderful vacation vacation spot. Each island has its personal distinct character. The Mediterranean islands are a full spectrum of various vacation sorts and experiences. Hopefully, you’ve got now acquired a pair in thoughts.
Looking for extra inspiration in regards to the Mediterranean islands and area? Check out our information on the greatest Mediterranean dishes to attempt if you go to. And if Hvar notably caught your eye, Croatia has loads of different stunning islands to see close by. Otherwise, have an exquisite time in your attractive island of alternative.