23 Best Places to Visit in the Mediterranean

The best places to visit in the Mediterranean feature incredible cultural treasures, idyllic landscapes, and some of the most well-known landmarks in Europe.

From exploring the ancient sites of Rome and Athens to discovering the fascinating culture of Barcelona and Ephesus, or unwinding in the Greek Islands, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca or Dubrovnik, the Mediterranean is one of the top destinations in the world to visit.

Here are some of the best Mediterranean destinations to experience on your next vacation.

Athens, Greece

Greece’s capital city is also the heart of ancient Greece. Exploring 5th century BC ruins like the Parthenon that sits atop the Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Zeus, and the Old Temple of Athena; the Roman ruins of Hadrian’s Library; and the white marble Panathenaic Stadium is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The ruins are the main attraction here, but they’re just one reason Athens is one of the best places in the Mediterranean to visit.

Stroll the cobblestone streets of Plaka, the city’s oldest neighborhood that sits in the shadow of the Acropolis. Go shopping in Athens and look for beautifully fashioned Byzantine jewelry, Greek wines, olive oil, and other local treasures while street musicians serenade you.

Savor traditional Greek cooking, like moussaka, pastitsio, grilled market-fresh fish, and homemade baklava at a family-owned taverna, then set off for Mount Lycabettus, the city’s highest point. Ride a funicular to the summit for a glorious, panoramic view of Athens and the surrounding sea.

Read: Three Days in Athens

Barcelona, Spain

History, beauty, and culture come together to make Barcelona a top Mediterranean destination.

Wander Las Ramblas, the landmark boulevard that runs through the city center. Walk on Joan Miro’s tiled street mural, then head down the boulevard to can’t-miss city sights including the Medieval Gothic Quarter’s small shops and art-filled churches.

Shop like a local at La Boqueria, the famous marketplace, grazing as you go on tortilla de patatas, croquetas, and a glass of cava, the local sparkling wine.

Tour Artigas Gardens, Casa Mila, Casa Vicens, the enchanting mosaic wonderland of Park Guell, and the spectacular and famously unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral, all works of Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona’s most famous architect.

Get your fill of museums: Barcelona has more than 55, showcasing the art of Picasso and Miro to contemporary culture, design, and even perfume. At night, stop in different tapas bars to enjoy some of the best food and wine in the city.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

When approaching Dubrovnik, Croatia’s capital, it’s easy to see why this walled medieval town has been the site for recent hit movies and an award-winning television series.

Majestic limestone fortresses, old city gates, a Jesuit staircase fit for a queen’s walk, cobblestoned streets, and spectacular sea views make it one of the best places to visit in the Mediterranean.

Stroll the Stradun, the city’s main pedestrian mall, to visit the Sponza Palace and the imposing Onofrio’s Fountain, then stop in the surrounding shops, cafes, and restaurants offering authentic Croatian food.

A walk on the ancient city wall is a must, as it’s among the most beautiful places in Croatia. The view of the clear blue Adriatic Sea, the island of Lokrum a short distance away, and the Minceta Fortress at its highest point are a few of the highlights.

For breathtaking coastal and sea views, ascend to the city’s highest point on a cable car ride, go kayaking along the city ramparts, visit the nearby resort town of Cavtat, or unwind on a sunbed along one of Dubrovnik’s beautiful beaches.

Florence, Italy

The Renaissance lives on in Florence through incredible art, architecture, and centuries of Italian tradition. Throughout the city, museums housing spectacular art and artifacts, palazzos, churches, and buildings show off their glorious history with pride.

Stroll piazzas leading to spectacular sights at every turn, like the impressive Duomo, the carved bronze doors of the Baptistry, the “outside” replica of David at the Palazzo Vecchio, the jewelry and leather shops spread across the Ponte Vecchio, and Michaelangelo’s magnificent sculpture of David inside the Galleria dell’Accademia.

Florence’s central location makes it easy to explore the bountiful countryside and try traditional Tuscan food, visit vineyards, taste local olive oil, and try a pasta-making class.

Pisa, home of the iconic leaning tower, cathedral, and baptistery, and the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just an hour away.

Ibiza, Spain

Situated in the sparkling blue Mediterranean off the coast of Spain, Ibiza is one of the quartet of the Balearic Islands. Snorkel or swim in secluded lagoons, then unwind on any one of the island’s 80 gorgeous golden sand beaches.

As one of the most stunning Spanish islands to visit, Ibiza is also the perfect place to enjoy leisurely bike rides to tranquil villages, where life revolves around a landmark church, a local bar and restaurant, and small, well-kept homes.

Pause to admire the area’s vineyards and try a glass or two of the young, fruity red wine accompanied by fried almonds, dried figs, bread, and sausage.

See flocks of pink flamingos gracing Las Salinas, Ibiza’s 2,000-year-old salt flats on the south side of the island. It’s one of the best places on the island to witness a spectacular sunset. Enjoy a cocktail of sangria made with cava (Spain’s sparkling white wine) before savoring a dinner of local seafood.

Read: Best Beaches in Ibiza

Kotor, Montenegro

The walled capital city of Montenegro is bound to captivate you with its dramatic natural beauty, coastal Italianate palaces along the Bay of Kotor, and Baroque and Romanesque churches with ornate interiors.

One of the best things to do in Kotor is to take a ride or a hike to the summit of Mount Lovcen on a long winding road with breathtaking views. Walk the old town’s cobbled streets lined with boutiques and cafes, go sea kayaking on Kotor Bay, or explore the city’s fortresses at Castelnuovo and Forte Mare.

Foodies will appreciate Kotor for its wines and prosciutto. Travel to nearby towns for tours of vineyards and smokehouses, and visit a 2,000-year-old olive tree, said to be the world’s oldest.

Ephesus, Turkey

Beautiful beaches of varied terrains, some of the most exciting excavated Roman ruins in the world, fresh cuisine, and family-friendly amusement parks make Kusadasi one of the best places to visit in the Mediterranean.

Explore the open-air museum that is Ephesus, marveling at the ruins of the Celsus Library that once held 12,000 scrolls; the Temple of Hadrian; The Grand Theatre; and the Arcadian Way, where Mark Antony and Cleopatra traveled.

Snorkel, dive or swim at popular beaches or secluded ones, and feel the warmth of the sun as you watch the waves lap the shore.

Watch the fine art of carpet weaving, pause for Turkish coffee and pastries at a sidewalk cafe, or enjoy Turkish food like meat or vegetable kabobs, pide (Turkish pizza), and the sweet, jelly-like squares of Turkish delight.

Rome, Italy

Rome, home to some of Italy’s most famous landmarks, is one of the best Mediterranean destinations to visit. Explore the Colosseum, the Catacombs, the Seven Hills, and the Roman Forum to get a glimpse of life in ancient Rome.

Amble down the Spanish Steps and walk cobblestoned streets to shop the fashion world’s best designers. Down every street, you’ll find artisan shops with leather goods, beautifully crafted gold jewelry, and fine foods like olive oils, balsamic vinegar, wine, and traditional and whimsical sizes, shapes, and colors of pasta.

Throw coins in the Trevi Fountain, and find your favorite flavor at a gelato shop. Enjoy a late dinner, Roman-style, and immerse yourself in “la dolce vita” vibe of the Eternal City.

Visit St. Peter’s Square and book a tour to discover Vatican art treasures, including the Sistine Chapel, where the view of Michaelangelo’s “Last Judgement” is simply awe-inspiring.

See Rome from a different perspective on a kayak trip down the Tiber River, passing under centuries-old viaducts. If you’re spending at least three days in Rome, you may also journey beyond the city out into the Etruscan countryside to farmhouses and groves for guided tastings of olive oils, cheeses, and wines.

Santorini, Greece

White-washed buildings and blue-domed churches perched on the cliff of a stunning caldera overlooking the Mediterranean Sea is the iconic view of the Greek island of Santorini.

Cloudless skies, multihued blue waters, and gorgeous white-sand beaches in Santorini complete the idyllic picture.

Explore Oia, a village tucked high into mountain cliffs, to get a feel for Greek island life. White-washed buildings seem stacked on top of each other as they fit neatly into the cliffs, and the residents are as warm and welcoming as the sun that seems to shine endlessly.

Visit the Maritime Museum for a glimpse into local seafaring history. Amble through the charming village streets, stopping at art galleries, artisan craft shops, and cafes. Watching the sunset from Oia while sipping ouzo (an anise-flavored aperitif) is a must.

Savor a dinner of freshly caught fish, grilled simply and deliciously with olive oil and lemon, or one of the beloved Greek specialties like moussaka or pastitsio.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta, named Europe’s 2018 City of Culture, is the capital of Malta and a treasure trove of sites and activities.

From the old town’s massive City Gate to the Baroque and Modernist influences evident in buildings throughout the city, history abounds in Valletta.

Walk the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hagar Qim temple complex, one of the oldest freestanding structures on earth. See the Limestone Heritage, a quarry that’s now a citrus grove.

Visit the island’s stunning Blue Grotto and linger a while on some of the best beaches in Malta and the quaint fishing villages that dot the island’s rocky coast.

The citrus groves of Malta are the reason the island is famous for its limoncello, a refreshing lemon liqueur served cold in the island’s cafes and restaurants.

Bustling shops, vibrant restaurants serving local delicacies, and museums and art galleries featuring exhibits and artifacts about Malta’s history and culture are all worth the time to get to know this enchanting Mediterranean island.

Venice, Italy

There’s never a doubt that Venice, Italy’s northern city of canals, is always on the list of best Mediterranean destinations.

A gondola ride through those canals is the quintessential thing to do while in Venice, but the city is much more than just gondoliers and waterways.

Amble along narrow, scenic streets until you reach the expansive St. Mark’s Square, home to some of Venice’s top sights. Tour the 11th century St. Mark’s Basilica and head up to its roof for a bird’s-eye view of the city.

Perpendicular to St. Mark’s Square is Doge’s Palace, which once served as the residence of the doges (rulers) of Venice.

Cross the Bridge of Sighs, characterized by its white limestone exterior and ornate details. Legend has it that the Bridge of Sighs got its name because it once provided criminals with their last view of the outside world before being locked in the dungeon, which would result in a sigh from the prisoners.

Rhodes, Greece

The city, and indeed the whole island of Rhodes, situated close to Turkey, is all about medieval architecture, bustling bazaars, and dreamy beaches.

Begin by sauntering along the cobblestone lanes of Rhodes’ Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Stroll along Knights’ Street, or Odos Ippoton, and then check out the 14th-century Grand Master’s Palace, the former headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller.

Next, lose yourself in winding alleyways where you can sip a Greek coffee under bougainvillea-shaded balconies.

Rhodes also comes with miles of beautiful beaches, such as Prasonisi, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. Come summer, you can go to the Valley of the Butterflies, where hundreds of multi-hued Jersey tiger moths swirl about in a riot of color.

You’ll find plenty of authentic Greek flavors in Rhodes, too, with restaurants and street stalls serving grilled octopus, feta cheese, and honey-soaked pastries like baklava.

The Mandraki Harbor port district, a bustling hub of seafood taverns, nightlife, and restaurants, is another spot to visit and savor a glass of wine while watching the yachts gently sway in the marina.

Nice, France

Nice is one of the French Riviera’s most glamorous destinations, at its heart the seaside Promenade des Anglais, with pebbly beaches on one side and Belle Époque villas and hotels on the other.

The golden sun in Nice has attracted artists like Matisse and Chagall in the past, who both have museums in the city dedicated to their work.

One of the best things to do in Nice is to amble through Vieux Nice, where you’ll find narrow, diagonal streets, Provençal markets like Cours Saleya, gelato stores, and lively sidewalk cafés. You can also call on the area’s baroque churches, such as Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, featuring an eye-catching tiled dome.

Later, drop by a local eatery for Niçoise specialties, such as salade Niçoise, made with anchovies or tuna, or socca, a type of chickpea pancake.

After you’ve digested your meal, stroll up to the castle-less Castle Hill for a bird’s-eye view over Baie des Anges and the city’s red-tiled roofs.

Naples, Italy

In Naples, take in the National Archaeological Museum, or MANN, where you can see some of the artefacts recovered from neighboring Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The animated center, one of the largest and most architecturally diverse in Europe, features historic churches, such as the Gothic Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, as well as the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, with its Greek and Roman substratum and Gothic design.

Of course, you can’t visit Naples without trying its famous cuisine, as this is the city where pizza was born. A classic Margherita from an authentic pizzeria like Da Michele should be on your list of eateries to visit.

Mount Vesuvius, looming over the Bay of Naples, is hard to miss. If you have time for a detour, you can take a short train to Pompeii or Herculaneum, two ancient Roman cities that were buried in Vesuvius’ volcanic ash, or even opt for a hike to the crater.

Cannes, France

You’re probably aware of the glitzy, star-packed movie festival in Cannes, but there’s more to indulge in here than celebrity and cinema.

Once you arrive, head to the palm-tree-lined Boulevard de la Croisette, a seaside promenade featuring luxury stores and legendary hotels, such as the Belle Époque Majestic Barrière, with its Art Deco designs.

Beaches in Cannes exude glamor, too. Opt for lounge chairs at private beach clubs or stretch out on one of the city’s public beaches, such as Plage du Midi, for free.

Also, carve out some time to see the old town of Le Suquet, where narrow streets, which are a delight to explore, wind between stone houses.

For seafood, make your way to Forville Market, where locals shop for fresh catches, veggies, bread, and more. You can also take a ferry to the nearby Lérins Islands, where you can experience pine forest trails or visit the fifth-century monastery on Île Saint-Honorat.

If you love history, you’ll also enjoy the Musée de la Castre, an 11th-century castle built by monks on Suquet Hill, which offers beautiful views.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma, the capital of Mallorca, dishes out a mix of fine ocean vistas and urban culture and is one of the most popular Mediterranean destinations. The city’s central point is the spectacular La Seu Cathedral, a Catalan gothic masterpiece that dominates the harbor’s skyline and also features an extraordinary rose window.

Behind the cathedral, the old town spreads out in a labyrinth of slender streets lined with courtyard patios, boutiques, and cozy tapas bars.

Set aside some time to visit the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, a former Moorish stronghold, and the Arab Baths, to learn more about the island’s complex past. Rent a bike and cycle the city’s coastal path, or take a catamaran trip to check out the island from the sea. For culture, visit the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, housed within the old city walls.

If you want to get out of the town for a spell, hop aboard the vintage Ferrocarril de Sóller wooden train to Sóller, chugging through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, past scenic orange trees and olive groves.

Cala Major and Playa de Palma beaches are ideal for soaking up a bit of sun. A drive of an hour or less from Palma will bring you to aquamarine coves, like Caló des Moro, or Es Trenc beach, both of which feature soft, white sand.

Messina, Italy

Messina, in northeastern Sicily, is more than a transit stop for exploring the rest of the island.

Once you arrive, you will come across one of the largest cathedrals in Sicily, Messina’s Duomo—rebuilt multiple times due to earthquakes and conflict—which features a superb astronomical clock that operates at midday every day in the Piazza Duomo.

Check out views over the narrow Strait of Messina, where the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas meet, visit the Regional Museum of Messina, which contains paintings by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina, and stroll along the seafront for a passeggiata people-watching tour.

Messina is also a good jumping-off point for visits to Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, located about an hour and a half outside the city.

Málaga, Spain

When you arrive in Málaga, begin your tour at the Alcazaba, an 11th-century Moorish fortress with exquisite gardens.

Nearby, you’ll find the ruins of a Roman theater and high above, the Moorish Gibralfaro Castle, from which you can take in the harbor and Mediterranean below.

In the center, you’ll encounter the Picasso Museum, dedicated to the town’s most famous son, as well as the Carmen Thyssen Museum, with a generous collection of 19th-century Andalusian art on display.

The bustling Old Town of Malaga is a pleasure to roam around. Cobblestone streets, enticing tapas restaurants, and grand plazas like Plaza de la Merced fill the area around La Manquita Cathedral, nicknamed the “one-armed lady,” notable for its unfinished bell tower.

Stroll along the waterfront at Muelle Uno, a modern promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and street exhibitions. If you want to relax by the sea, Playa de la Malagueta offers easy beach access right from the city. Otherwise, head east toward less crowded locales, such as Playa Peñón del Cuervo.

Areas near Málaga that you might want to visit include Ronda, with its striking gorge and famous bullring, or the “white town” of Mijas, with art galleries and mountain views.

Limassol, Cyprus

Limassol has a little of everything: a beachy vibe, ancient ruins, and fine cuisine. Richard the Lionheart, while on the Third Crusade, may have even married his queen, Berengaria of Navarre, here in the 12th century.

Limassol Castle, located in the center of the old city, houses the Cyprus Medieval Museum, which was established in the late 1980s. The castle area has a maze of streets lined with inviting tavernas, small art galleries, and craft boutiques.

Outside the city, a short drive west, is Kourion, one of the island’s most impressive archaeological sites. The Greco-Roman theatre here hosts performances during the summer. Nearby, you’ll find the Sanctuary of Apollo Hylates, which shouldn’t be missed either.

There are sandy Cyprus beaches within reach of the city, including Lady’s Mile and Governor’s Beach, backed by stark white cliffs, as well as trips into the green Troodos Mountains and the island’s vineyards.

Valencia, Spain

If you want to experience both modernity and traditional culture, head to Valencia, well-known for its City of Arts and Sciences—a futuristic complex of buildings that includes an interactive science museum, an IMAX dome theater, and the Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium.

The Old Town of Valencia, on the other hand, is packed with medieval, gothic, romanesque, and baroque architecture.

Climb the Miguelete bell tower, finished in the 15th century, for stellar city views, or go inside the UNESCO Valencian Gothic Silk Exchange, also from the 15th century, which was once a merchants’ guild hall.

Valencia is one of the greenest cities in the Mediterranean thanks to the Turia Garden, a former riverbed that has been turned into an urban park. This tree-lined route stretches for miles through the center, making it ideal for biking and strolling.

For lunch, sample some paella, from the region where it was born, perhaps at a restaurant in the La Malvarrosa beach area. Valencia also has a thriving arts scene, featuring art galleries, street art, and cool bars in the El Carmen district.

Within about an hour by car, you can visit Albufera Natural Park, a network of rice fields and lagoons that can be traversed by flat-bottomed boat.

Mdina, Malta

The small, walled city of Mdina, on the island of Malta, is one of the most unusual Mediterranean destinations you’re likely to visit during your time in the region.

This “Silent City” is a hilltop town that was Malta’s capital, earning its current nickname because, after the capital was moved to Valletta, most of its inhabitants also left.

The medieval atmosphere here is shaped by the town’s limestone streets, aristocratic houses, and handsome courtyards. Most cars are banned from Mdina, making it the perfect place to hear your footsteps echo in the streets.

The rebuilt St. Paul’s Cathedral is a must-see, thanks to its baroque majesty. While wandering, keep an eye out for the big wooden gallariji balconies, carved door knockers, and endless views of the surrounding countryside and sea.

To learn more about the city’s past, visit the Mdina Dungeons or the National Museum of Natural History. Stop by a café and enjoy a pastizzi, a cheesy or pea-filled flaky pastry, or a traditional Maltese coffee.

A short walk beyond the city walls lies Mdina’s neighbor, Rabat, where you’ll find the catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha, a network of underground chapels and tombs that are also worth exploring.

Split, Croatia

Split is a lovely, living modern city where you can also get lost in antiquity. At the heart of the town stands Diocletian’s Palace, a colossal Roman complex, archaeological site, neighborhood, and shopping district, all rolled into one.

Climb to the top of the Cathedral of St. Domnius, check out the bell tower, walk around the Palace’s Peristyle courtyard, filled with Roman columns, and then explore the city’s underground cellars.

Just outside of Split’s Old Town is the Riva promenade, where you can have a coffee or a fruit or honey brandy, including šljivovica, or medica, and watch the constant stream of ferries, yachts, and fishing vessels coming and going.

Hike to the top of Marjan Hill for views of the coastline and surrounding islands, or visit Bačvice Beach, an excellent spot for swimming, with shallow, warm water.

Split is also a starting point for day trips to the Dalmatian islands. Brač, Hvar, and Vis are all a reasonably short ferry ride away. Zlatni Rat Beach, shaped like an extended V-shaped tongue, on Brač, should not be missed either.

In an hour or less by road, you’re in medieval Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Romanesque churches and Venetian palaces, which makes for an outstanding day trip.

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos is one of the best places to visit in the Mediterranean for nightclubs, designer shopping, and anything-goes beaches.

That being said, this Greek island has plenty more to offer. The main town of Chora, also known as Mykonos Town, is filled with labyrinthine streets, boutiques, gelaterias, and tavernas, as well as pretty whitewashed churches with blue domes.

Something else you don’t want to miss are the celebrated Venetian hilltop windmills, as well as Chora’s Little Venice quarter, where colorful houses overhang the sea.

In the daytime, Mykonos transforms into a beach lover’s heaven. Whether you’re after lively venues with music and cocktails, like Paradise Beach, or quieter shores, like Agios Sostis or Fokos, the Aegean is never far away.

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