A Mediterranean vacation instantly reminds us of beautiful beaches, deluxe cruises and wonderful food, of which, every single one is true. Nonetheless, it can get a little confusing while trying to decide which places to put first on the list. After all, there are so many locations to visit and things to see in the Mediterranean belt that it would be impossible to cover even a quarter of them within the span of one vacation. To help make that choice a little easier, here are seven of the top Mediterranean islands that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Cyprus
The island nation of Cyprus sees a footfall of 2 – 3 million people every year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Europe. In addition to the wonderful weather that never becomes too hot or too cold for comfort and a history that’s rich with both Turkish and Greek influences, the super friendly locals will actually be delighted to see you!
Sicily
It would be impossible to mention the Mediterranean without talking about the largest island on it. Not just the largest island, Sicily is also widely considered to be one of the most culturally and historically rich islands in the Mediterranean belt. Visit Monreale and Cefalu cathedrals, and the Palatine Chapel to see the magnificent Golden Mosaics of the 12 th Century, or wonder in amazement at the ruins of the ancient Greek cities of Syracuse and Agrigento among many others.
Mykonos
For the last sixty years or so, Mykonos has been the go-to island for beaches, seafood and party lovers from all around the world and nothing has really changed. If you are travelling in a group, the villa Mykonos experience is one that you just have to try. These Mykonos Luxury Villas add a new dimension to the holiday experience here, as each of the villas available from BlueVillas are built with a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean Sea and every luxury that one can expect from such a place. Once you have
settled down though, we recommend getting to know at least some of the numerous bars and clubs spread all across the town and even on the beaches.
Zakynthos
This Greek island is a bit on the more expensive side, but it’s worth it if you know how to make the best of your money. It is likely that you will have the best moments on Zakynthos while you are on the gorgeous Vasilikos peninsula in the south-east, where the land is protected for saving the endangered loggerhead turtles. Head over to the west and the mountains may surprise you with their stunning vistas. Zakynthos is a beautiful natural paradise, and even though things can get a bit expensive, if you want to see the natural splendour of the Mediterranean, this would be the place to visit.
Crete
The largest Greek island has some of the best trekking routes in all of Europe, so if you like walking on trails set on the backdrop of snow-capped mountain peaks and gorgeous beaches, you can’t afford to miss the geographically diverse island of Crete. Be careful while choosing the trekking routes though, because some of them like the Samaria Gorge trail can get quite brutal for amateurs. Visit Crete before June to avoid the heat if trekking is on your mind, although it can get quite cold on some parts of the
island post October.
Menorca
When you are looking to lay back and relax for a few days while in the Mediterranean, Menorca in Spain is the perfect island. The green forests and the turquoise waters will soothe your mind and body as you swim, hike and explore the island’s many beaches, trails and archaeological treasures. Do visit the Torre d’en Galmes in Alaior and witness the remnants of multiple eras across thousands of years gone by.
Ibiza
One of the most famous islands in all of Europe, Ibiza is the place where celebs often end up. The clubs, DJs, celebrities and resorts are what Ibiza is famous for to most people, but did you know that there are also walking trails, isolated inlets, tiny villages and seldom explored forests there? It’s an island that can cater to both sides of a traveller and you don’t even have to choose.
This list has not been put together in any particular order, so if you prefer one over the other, you are probably not wrong! It all depends on what you are looking for and what appeals to you the most.
Nonetheless, no one can go wrong with any of them, given that all the of the islands on this list offer some of the best experiences that the Mediterranean has to offer to its visitors.
‘Contributed Post’
