18 Most Lovely Mediterranean Islands to Go to in 2023
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 gorgeous and full of scrumptious meals and points of interest courting again to the traditional world. Nevertheless, these are the islands that it would be best to put on the prime of your listing.
Prime Mediterranean Islands
On this information, we’ve picked our final suggestions for the perfect Mediterranean islands to go to. Listed here are this yr’s prime 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 moreover this dimension title, it’s simply probably the most widespread islands within the Mediterranean for vacationers. Mallorca made its approach onto our listing for its golden seashores and pleasant vibe. You could possibly 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 also be sensible on a finances, with loads of low-cost airways working common flights from main European cities.
Issues To Do In Mallorca
- Catch the classic practice from Palma to Soller
An exquisite tram experience is a quintessential approach to journey in Mallorca. This classic practice 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 facet of cliff faces and dramatic gorges. Whereas 170km lengthy, you may simply choose a smaller part for a much less bold hike.
2. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a Greek paradise, and everybody is aware of it. Apart from blue-domed church buildings and vibrant white buildings, Santorini has developed a fame as among the many Greek islands’ most luxurious. It’s simply probably the most widespread of the Mediterranean islands. Between its luxe ambiance, issues to do, and iconic standing, we simply needed to embody Santorini on our listing.
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 format for hundreds of years. The craggy stays of the volcanic rock minimize a stark distinction to Santorini’s shiny white buildings.
Issues To Do In Santorini
Crimson Seashore is a should and (as you could have guessed) is a trademarked burnt pink coloration. It’s supreme 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 foremost flight routes, it presents a extra tranquil expertise. This high quality actually stood out to us, and it needed to go onto our listing.
Menorca might be 50% sandy seashores and 50% pine forests. However the capital Mahon has some cultural parts too. We recommend 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 supreme 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 superbly 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 strains and airways flock to Corfu – it’s a well-liked 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. Nevertheless, resorts stud your entire circumference of the island, and tremendous sand seashores are throughout. Hire a automotive and choose your supreme part of the shoreline.
Issues To Do In Corfu
This historic fort is traditionally fascinating and likewise 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 Seashore 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. It is usually a residing and respiratory museum, with Roman and Greek ruins in every single place. Plus, there’s the fun of Mount Etna, probably the most 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.
Issues To Do in Sicily
This magnificent historic landmark is an unlimited archaeological website lined in historic temples and a fascinating museum.
- Take the cable automotive up Mount Etna
Taking a cable automotive as much as Mount Etna is without doubt 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 a lot of jeep excursions if you’d like a extra distinctive route up.
6. Capri, Italy
Capri is a wonderful island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, widespread amongst luxurious seekers. It’s exhausting to not love its unique and glamorous enchantment – whether or not you’re on a luxurious finances or not. The island has gorgeous seashores and a world-famous Blue Grotto, which might 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 set of sea caves. The sunshine displays, making the seawater extremely blue (electrical blue at noon). You enter in a small fishing boat and may swim within the vibrant 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 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’s 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 when you find yourself 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 price a go to.
8. Hvar, Croatia
Hvar is the perfect 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 night time, the nightclubs whir into full motion. Off the coast of Cut up, it’s simply added to a vacation on the mainland. It wiggled onto our listing due to its infectious sense of nightlife and supreme location.
Issues To Do in Hvar
It goes with out saying that you must 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 beautiful 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 possibly can at all times mix the 2 in case you have time.
We love the cultural facet of Cyprus and likewise its dimension. There are various 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 gorgeous Roman ruins function tombs, mosaics, and a fortress.
Ayia Napa is celebration central in Cyprus. There are tons of giant nightclubs with particular entrance offers.
10. Zakynthos, Greece
Zakynthos (aka Zante) is certainly one of Greece’s hottest islands. The island is revered by partiers and people wanting a traditional Greek island escape. Once you aren’t partying, there’s the dramatic Shipwreck Seashore to find, plus white sand seashores and child turtles. It encapsulates all the advantages of a superb Mediterranean island. Its big selection of actions is what impressed us. Learn extra about Zakynthos right here.
Issues To Do in Zakynthos
Shipwreck Seashore is the long-lasting snapshot of the rusted shipwreck on the backside of a limestone cliff. The tremendous sand seashore is simply accessible by cruise and has characteristically vibrant 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 in case 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 full of historical past and is heaven for anybody wanting to leap between historic ruins in between seashore days. In truth, 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 an enchanting 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 an extended stroll up a steep cliff.
- Palace of the Grand Grasp of the Knights of Rhodes
This palace was reconstructed in 1940 and is a wonderful 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. 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 get pleasure from every week or extra if you’d like someplace to essentially unplug. We’ve really useful it as a result of it’s so peaceable and supreme for these needing a break.
Issues To Do in Gozo
Scuba diving in a scenic inland lagoon could be area of interest, however it’s a enjoyable exercise in Gozo. In case you have a PADI, take a look at this dive website.
This heritage website incorporates two of the oldest free-standing buildings on the planet. 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 placing geographical options. It has additionally constructed a formidable fame as a celebration spot, contemplating it’s certainly one of 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 extensively in comparison with 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 superbly 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 superbly to the blue waters of the shoreline. With some medieval historical past to analyze, Folegandros is a Mediterranean island in your bucket listing. It could be small, nevertheless it packs a punch, which inspired 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 Seashore 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 e book or paddle.
16. Lefkada, Greece
Lefkada is a wonderful Mediterranean island within the Ionian Sea. Technically, it’s linked 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 embody it. It’s accessible from mainland Greece and is without doubt one of the most lovely Greek islands. The limestone cliffs are like Zante’s Shipwreck Seashore – simply minus the crowds.
Issues 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 filled with tradition and quiet villages. The Faneromeni Monastery is only one instance of this. It’s 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 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 driving throughout sand dunes
Horseback driving 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. Nevertheless it has one other draw, too – its commentary tower at sundown. It’s a sensible place for tradition and a very good viewpoint to complete.
18. Naxos, Greece
Naxos could be the largest of the Cyclades islands within the Mediterranean. Nevertheless, dimension doesn’t correlate with reputation right here; Naxos isn’t the most well-liked of the Greek islands. We don’t 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 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 wonderful Previous City with homes resembling tiny sugar cubes. The white-washed buildings are fairly to stroll between, and there are many al fresco espresso retailers with seating to individuals watch.
Kite browsing is a random addition. Nevertheless, kite browsing is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Naxos. Laguna and Mikri Vigla have the perfect 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 will probably be a superb 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’ve now obtained a pair in thoughts.
On the lookout for extra inspiration in regards to the Mediterranean islands and area? Take a look at our information on the greatest Mediterranean dishes to attempt while 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 an exquisite time in your beautiful island of alternative.