The Mediterranean is renowned for its captivating beauty. Beyond the copious amount of sandy beaches and turquoise waters, the Med is home to charismatic towns and ancient ruins that promise stunning photos for you to look back on.

Known for its admirable way of life and enviable cuisine, it’s no wonder so many visitors head to this part of Europe every year. To enhance their trip, many people prefer sailing on Mediterranean cruises to experience the coastline from a new angle.

However you plan to experience the Mediterranea, there are plenty of picturesque destinations and countries waiting in the Mediterranean Basin.

sunset over santorini

Sunset over Santorini, beautiful, but difficult to get a clear picture without other tourists

Greek Islands

This is my personal favourite spot in the Med, where I’ve been going for nearly 30 years now. They can vary in size and how modern they are, based on tourism popularity. Greece is renowned for its sparkling waters and whitewashed buildings that hang to the coastline. The beaches aren’t always sand, but the sea is guaranteed to make you want to swim. And obviously the food is divine, especially the fresh seafood or meat charcoaled grilled in the Tavernas.

There are 227 inhabited islands, and as many as 6000 in total depending on the size qualification. They are grouped into the Ionian (main ones being Corfu, Zante, Kefalonia), Aegean Cyclades (Mykonos, Santorini) Aegean Dodecanese (Rhodes, Kos), North and Northeast Aegean (Lesbos, Samos), Sporades (Skiathos), and Crete. The Euboea, Argo-Saronic and Saronic have no airports, but are close to the mainland.

Embark on an unforgettable island hopping adventure in the Aegean Sea, starting with Santorini, where awe-inspiring sunsets paint the sky with striking hues. It can be expensive and busy, so it’s worth going in May which can still be amazing weather.

Continue your adventure to idyllic islands like Naxos, with its archaeological ruins and traditional villages, or Crete, the largest Greek island and home to the ancient monument the Palace of Knossos. Here, you can immerse yourself in the island’s mythology and natural beauty. Island hopping allows you to experience the diversity of the Aegean Sea, and the small cruises are a great way to get around.

There are many unspoilt options without airports too, allow you to step back in time. But even if you visit the popular tourist places on a package holiday there are day trips to soak up the beauty. The fishing villages of Fiskardo and Assos (Kefalonia) and Lindos (Rhodes) are some of many stunning places to visit to appreciate the culture and way of life as you sit in the many fish restaurants.

Dubrovnik in Croatia

Dubrovnik in Croatia

Croatia

One of Croatia’s jewels, Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s characterised by its imposing medieval walls that have served as a backdrop for countless movies and TV shows.  Hike the city walls for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea (an arm of the Mediterranean Sea), or explore the charming streets filled with cafes and shops.

Continue your adventure by heading further south to Hvar Island where a haven of lavender fields awaits. Ride a bike through the fragrant fields and visit nearby vineyards to enjoy the beauty of the island’s countryside. If you want to indulge in a spot of sea air, soak up the sun at one of many secluded beaches.

Croatia is a beautiful place to visit, it sits on the Adriatic Sea, on the opposite coast to Italy. I’m not sure it can still be called an up and coming tourist destination any more. It’s not as cheap as it once was, and the cuisine is not as famous as the others on this list (arguably for a reason).

Vernazza village. Cinque Terre National Park Italy

Vernazza village. Cinque Terre National Park

Cinque Terre, Italy

The colourful coastal villages of Cinque Terre create one of Italy’s most scenic stretches of coastline, and sits on the Ligurian Sea close to Florence. You can hike the trails that connect the five villages of Cinque Terre, each promising pastel-coloured houses clinging to the rugged cliffs. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) offers stunning coastal views, but there is also a frequent train service too.

Soak up views of the sparkling waters below and lose yourself in the calming atmosphere of these car-free villages, it really is a sight to behold and begging for exploration.

Monterosso al Mare is the largest of the Cinque Terre villages, known for its accessible sandy beaches and historical sites like the Convent of the Capuchin Friars, with artworks by Antoon Van Dyck and Luca Cambiaso.

Often considered the most picturesque, Vernazza (pictured) features colourful houses stacked along steep, narrow streets leading to a charming harbour. The round tower and remnants of old Genoese fortifications add historical depth. The village also celebrates the Feast of Santa Margherita on July 20th with fireworks and festivities.

Corniglia is perched high on a rocky promontory, offering a unique perspective of the coast. Visitors must climb over 300 steps to reach the village from the train station, but the views and the Gothic church of San Pietro make it worthwhile.

Known for its wine production, Manarola is a small yet enchanting village. The harbor and the Gothic church of the Natività di Maria Vergine are highlights. During December and January, the hillsides light up with one of Italy’s largest Christmas illuminations.

Riomaggiore is famed for its colourful houses and artistic inspiration. Key sites include the 14th-century church of San Giovanni Battista and the remnants of a 15th-century castle.

Pamukkale in turkey

Pamukkale is a natural wonder to be seen to be believed

Türkiye

When most people think of Turkey, most thing of the beach destinations. But there is so much more! Step back in time to Pamukkale, where cascading white travertine pools create the perfect photo opportunity. While you can’t bathe in the original travertines, you can take a dip in the mineral-rich waters of the artificial pools here.

At the coast, Antalya is a city with a charming old town and harbour. To make the most of the city, explore the historic Kaleici district with its narrow alleyways and Ottoman-era architecture.

Of course, the country has plenty of must-visit places and hidden gems; Kuyucak is known for its extensive lavender fields, Göynük is known for its Ottoman houses and historical sites, Safranbolu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with renowned for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture.

Datça in Muğla, is situated on a peninsula stretching into the Aegean Sea, famed for its pristine beaches with coves like Palamutbükü. Muradiye Waterfall, located near Lake Van, is an 18-meter high natural wonder often adorned with rainbows. In winter, the falls can freeze, creating a spectacular icy landscape.

La Seu the gothic medieval cathedral of Palma de Mallorca

La Seu, the gothic medieval cathedral of Palma de Mallorca

Spain

Found off the eastern and south-eastern coasts of Spain, the Balearic Islands is an archipelago known for its charming capital, Palma de Mallorca. Here, you can venture through winding streets lined with Gothic architecture and bustling cafes. Top off your trip by wandering through the serene Bellver Castle and enjoying panoramic views of the city and the bay.

Beyond Palma, other islands like Menorca boast picture-perfect beaches and hidden coves, while Formentera is a haven for relaxation with its tranquil atmosphere and secluded beaches. Spain is ideal in May to visit as an active tourist.

There are so many Mediterranean gems and things to do, that you can see why people spend whole summers visiting the region.