18 Most Beautiful Mediterranean Islands to Visit in 2024
Mediterranean islands have that specific entice. With pristine seashores, rich historic previous, and a great deal of seashore bars – what further may you want from a trip? You’ve already chosen accurately by narrowing your search to an island inside the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean space is gorgeous and filled with delicious meals and sights relationship once more to the normal world. However, these are the islands that you’re going to wish to placed on the excessive of your document.
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Prime Mediterranean Islands
On this info, we’ve picked our remaining strategies for the easiest Mediterranean islands to go to. Listed below are this 12 months’s excessive island journey places, with islands that features white sand seashores, Roman ruins, and even an brisk volcano or two.
1. Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is the largest Balearic island. And furthermore this dimension title, it’s merely one of many important widespread islands inside the Mediterranean for vacationers. Mallorca made its method onto our document for its golden seashores and nice vibe. You probably can drive throughout the island’s circumference in 5 to 6 hours.
The island has pine forests and beautiful construction like Santa Maria Cathedral. No matter having a nightlife hotspot inside the island’s capital, Palma, the island is family-friendly. Mallorca could be good on a funds, with a great deal of low-cost airways working widespread flights from essential European cities.
Points To Do In Mallorca
- Catch the traditional apply from Palma to Soller
A great wanting tram journey is a quintessential choice to journey in Mallorca. This traditional apply runs from Palma to Soller, passing orange groves and pine forests. E-book your tickets proper 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 prolonged, you’ll merely determine a smaller half for a a lot much less daring hike.
2. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a Greek paradise, and all people is conscious of it. Aside from blue-domed church buildings and glossy white buildings, Santorini has developed a standing as among the many many Greek islands’ most luxurious. It is merely one of many important widespread of the Mediterranean islands. Between its luxe ambiance, points to do, and iconic standing, we merely wanted to embody Santorini on our document.
Santorini itself was normal by a volcanic eruption. The eruption occurred a whole lot of years up to now however set out Santorini’s distinctive geographical format for a whole lot of years. The craggy stays of the volcanic rock decrease a stark distinction to Santorini’s shiny white buildings.
Points To Do In Santorini
Crimson Seaside is a ought to and (as you might have guessed) is a trademarked burnt crimson shade. It is excellent for a seashore day with a distinction.
Three Bells of Fira is a most suitable option amongst the blue-domed church buildings of Santorini. The Catholic Church is about above the ocean on a scenic clifftop.
Study Further About Planning a go to to Santorini:
3. Menorca, Spain
Menorca is the second largest Balearic island. The Spanish island is further lowkey than Mallorca or Ibiza. It lacks the hardcore partying and resorts – as a substitute well-known for sandy seashores and just a little little bit of peace and quiet. Whereas nonetheless on all an important flight routes, it presents a further tranquil experience. This prime quality really stood out to us, and it wanted to go onto our document.
Menorca is likely to be 50% sandy seashores and 50% pine forests. Nonetheless the capital Mahon has some cultural parts too. We suggest renting a vehicle and seashore hopping, then venturing into Mahon for meals and custom.
Points To Do In Menorca
Cala Algaiarens is a limiteless sandy seashore sheltered by cliffs and with calm waters excellent for swimming. There’s moreover a mountaineering path shut by for the adventurous.
- Parc Pure de s’Albufera des Grau
This nature reserve is fantastically explored by kayak or by snorkeling. The marshlands are a conservation area and peaceful for wildlife watching.
4. Corfu, Greece
Corfu is a serious island inside the Mediterranean. The Greek island is off the west coast of the attractive mainland. Every cruise strains and airways flock to Corfu – it’s a most well-liked spot amongst all. Busy and unapologetically a channel for passing vacationers, Corfu has a seamless movement of people. A easy restore to that, though, is visiting in shoulder seasons. In shoulder seasons, markets and sights are rather a lot quieter, and the spring or autumn salty breeze retains you cooler anyway.
Corfu Metropolis is the central hub of the island. However, resorts stud the entire circumference of the island, and constructive sand seashores are all through. Lease a vehicle and determine your excellent a part of the shoreline.
Points To Do In Corfu
This historic fort is historically fascinating and likewise wonderful for scenic views. Check out the displayed artifacts and allow numerous hours to find the grounds.
A distant seashore in a rocky space surrounded by lush greenery and forests – Porto Timoni Seaside speaks for itself. It’s an adventurous seashore day trip spot.
Planning to go to Corfu? Hold at Mon Repos Palace located strolling distance from Corfu Metropolis on the Mediterranean Sea.
5. Sicily, Italy
Sicily is the largest of all islands inside the Mediterranean. The Italian island sits off the west coast of the mainland and screams pure magnificence. It is also a dwelling and respiratory museum, with Roman and Greek ruins all over the place. Plus, there’s the thrill of Mount Etna, one of many important energetic volcanoes in Europe, on the island’s east coast. Sicily is attractive and thrilling. It’s a worthwhile combination if we ever did see one.
Points To Do in Sicily
This magnificent historic landmark is a limiteless archaeological web page lined in historic temples and an interesting museum.
- Take the cable vehicle up Mount Etna
Taking a cable vehicle as a lot as Mount Etna is among the many most enjoyable points to do in Sicily. You get dropped at a remaining a part of the mountaineering path and emerge on the volcano’s crater. There are moreover fairly a number of jeep excursions if you want a further distinctive route up.
6. Capri, Italy
Capri is an exceptional island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, widespread amongst luxurious seekers. It is laborious to not love its distinctive and glamorous attraction – whether or not or not you are on an opulent funds or not. The island has lovely seashores and a world-famous Blue Grotto, which shall be visited by boat. Its glamor, points to do, and seashores are what acquired us over.
Points To Do in Capri
The Blue Grotto is a gigantic blue lagoon in a set of sea caves. The sunshine shows, making the seawater extraordinarily blue (electrical blue at midday). You enter in a small fishing boat and should swim inside the shiny blue water. E-book your tickets proper right here.
- Chairlift up Mount Solaro
The Mount Solaro chairlift is a few minutes prolonged nevertheless gives you lovely views of the ocean and rock formations. There’s moreover a restaurant – the correct espresso stage.
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, however it’s larger acknowledged for digital dance music. Ibiza is among the many best islands for a celebration trip. And when you end up recovering from a night out, it has a great deal of gorgeous seashores and picturesque agricultural areas to find with wild herbs and citrus groves.
Points To Do in Ibiza
The golf tools in Ibiza are unmatched. Some, like Pacha, have been open since 1973 and are iconic of their very personal correct.
Even the biggest celebration trip has room for just a little little bit of historic previous. This hilltop landmark is a medieval fortification and is successfully worth a go to.
8. Hvar, Croatia
Hvar is the easiest celebration island in Croatia. The island thrives on all points party-style. By day, you’ll have the benefit of seashore occasions, boat journeys, and water sports activities actions. By night, the nightclubs whir into full movement. Off the coast of Break up, it is merely added to a trip on the mainland. It wiggled onto our document attributable to its infectious sense of nightlife and excellent location.
Points To Do in Hvar
It goes with out saying that it’s essential to celebration in Hvar. There are various selections, from seashore bars to boat journeys and nightclubs.
- Candlelight dinner in Humac
Humac is a deserted stone hamlet. It runs a deliciously atmospheric candlelit dinner experience inside the evening in a traditional setting.
9. Cyprus
Cyprus is the third largest island inside the Mediterranean. Formally a republic in its private correct, the picturesque island is filled with lovely seashores and vibrant nightlife. Whether or not or not you retain on the north coast or the south, you’ll experience Greek or Turkish custom. Most friends choose one in every of many various as a troublesome border is in the midst of the island. Nonetheless you might probably always combine the two in case you could have time.
We love the cultural aspect of Cyprus and likewise its dimension. There are many causes to go to. And its crimson scorching local weather and celebration custom are merely cherries on excessive.
Points To Do in Cyprus
- Archeological Web site of Nea Paphos
These lovely Roman ruins attribute tombs, mosaics, and a fortress.
Ayia Napa is celebration central in Cyprus. There are tons of huge nightclubs with explicit entrance gives.
10. Zakynthos, Greece
Zakynthos (aka Zante) is taken into account one in every of Greece’s hottest islands. The island is revered by partiers and other people wanting a conventional Greek island escape. When you aren’t partying, there stands out as the dramatic Shipwreck Seaside to search out, plus white sand seashores and youngster turtles. It encapsulates all some great benefits of an outstanding Mediterranean island. Its extensive collection of actions is what impressed us. Study further about Zakynthos proper right here.
Points To Do in Zakynthos
Shipwreck Seaside is the long-lasting snapshot of the rusted shipwreck on the bottom of a limestone cliff. The constructive sand seashore is simply accessible by cruise and has characteristically shiny blue waters contrasting the white cliffs.
Who doesn’t want to come face-to-face with a sea turtle? Zante is the correct spot to snorkel with sea turtles or volunteer with youngster turtles in case you could have time.
11. Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese – the Greek islands off the coast of Turkey. This Mediterranean island is stuffed with historic previous and is heaven for anyone desirous to leap between historic ruins in between seashore days. Truly, its historic previous is what caught our eye (and UNESCO’s since its outdated metropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site). Rhodes moreover has a fascinating historic previous of occupation, and the Ottomans and Italians have put their stamp on its cultural make-up.
Points To Do in Rhodes
The towering columns of Lindos Acropolis rival that of even Athens’ Acropolis. Reaching the normal scene is a protracted stroll up a steep cliff.
- Palace of the Grand Grasp of the Knights of Rhodes
This palace was reconstructed in 1940 and is an exceptional landmark that speaks to Rhodes’ medieval and historic heritage.
12. Elba, Italy
Elba is a Mediterranean island off of Tuscany. It provides an azure window into dwelling on the Tuscan coast. Elba was Napoleon’s place of exile between 1814-15. No matter being a historic trip spot, Elba is a quiet place to embrace pure magnificence. Its pristine seashores are dreamy and set inside the Tuscan Archipelago Nationwide Park – which acquired us over.
Points To Do in Elba
This historic landmark dates once more to the thirteenth century and is a surprising place for views over the Mediterranean island.
This villa was owned by Napoleon Bonaparte, a specific declare to fame. Stop by to experience the remainder of dwelling historic previous.
13. Gozo, Malta
Gozo is a Maltese island and one in every of many least visited islands inside the Mediterranean. This Mediterranean island is laidback and stuffed with fishing villages and peaceful seashores. Some of us counsel spending as little as half a day proper right here. Nonetheless you’ll quickly have the benefit of each week or further if you want someplace to truly unplug. We’ve actually helpful it on account of it is so peaceful and excellent for these needing a break.
Points To Do in Gozo
Scuba diving in a scenic inland lagoon may very well be space of curiosity, nevertheless it is a gratifying train in Gozo. If in case you could have a PADI, do that dive web page.
This heritage web page incorporates two of the oldest free-standing constructions on the earth. The limestone temples date once more to the Neolithic interval and are extraordinarily well-preserved.
14. Milos, Greece
Milos is one different Mediterranean island with sheer white cliffs. Moreover it moreover has moonlike landscapes- which is why we’ve added it to this info. The volcanic island is situated off the east coast of Greece and has placing geographical choices. It has moreover constructed a strong standing as a celebration spot, considering it is thought of one in every of Greece’s lesser-known islands.
Points To Do in Milos
Sarakiniko is Milos’ lunar seashore. The seashore is roofed in limestone rock, and it’s extensively compared with strolling on the moon.
- Boat journey to the ocean caves
Milos’ sea caves are lovely. 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. Overlook the crowds and essential vacationer sights. This Mediterranean island is someplace to unwind. The miniature ‘capital’ (picture a small metropolis) is filled with white-washed buildings. It clings fantastically to the blue waters of the shoreline. With some medieval historic previous to investigate, Folegandros is a Mediterranean island in your bucket document. It may very well be small, however it packs a punch, which impressed us.
Points To Do in Folegandros
This church is located on a dry mountaintop with an iconic zigzagging white stairway to the best. It is a scenic pilgrimage to make, notably at daybreak or sunset.
Livadi Seaside is a tiny pebbled cove that matches Folegandros’ miniature aesthetic. It has a small-world feeling and an excellent spot to sit down down with a information or paddle.
16. Lefkada, Greece
Lefkada is an exceptional Mediterranean island inside the Ionian Sea. Technically, it is associated to the Greek mainland, nevertheless solely by a manmade causeway. So for the sake of this info (and Lefkada’s dramatic cliffs and blue waters), we wanted to embody it. It is accessible from mainland Greece and is among the many most lovely Greek islands. The limestone cliffs are like Zante’s Shipwreck Seaside – merely minus the crowds.
Points To Do in Lefkada
This seashore is backed by towering limestone cliffs and glossy blue waters. It’s among the many best blue water seashores in Greece and is definitely photo-worthy.
Lefkada is filled with custom and quiet villages. The Faneromeni Monastery is just one occasion of this. It is situated scenically on the facet of a mountain with ornate furnishings and delightful 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 a great deal of influences from North Africa. Djerba has gorgeous seashores and is the southernmost island in our info. We’ve been impressed by its lesser-visited location and the combination of Berber, Arab, African, and Jewish cultures. Djerba is an precise cultural hotspot with sights like fishing ports and handicraft markets.
Points To Do in Djerba
- Horseback driving all through sand dunes
Horseback driving is an exhilarating train in Djerba. Do you need to possess nerves of metallic, it’s among the many greatest strategies to know this Mediterranean island. The prolonged stretch of desert and sand dunes is dream worthy for galloping. And the desert panorama is a singular break from watersports and blue waters.
Guellala Museum is filled with historic pottery exhibits and art work exhibitions. However it has one different draw, too – its assertion tower at sunset. It is a good place for custom and an excellent viewpoint to finish.
18. Naxos, Greece
Naxos would be the largest of the Cyclades islands inside the Mediterranean. However, dimension doesn’t correlate with recognition proper right here; Naxos isn’t the popular of the Greek islands. We do not know why on account of it is lovely. It’s turquoise bays and golden sand do make it a sought-after seashore trip spot for these inside the know. And its capital, Chora, is a picturesque historic base stuffed with iconic white cube-shaped houses. For us, the seashores and laidback vibe are essential selling components.
Points To Do in Naxos
Naxos has an outstanding Outdated Metropolis with houses resembling tiny sugar cubes. The white-washed buildings are pretty to walk between, and there are various al fresco espresso retailers with seating to of us watch.
Kite shopping is a random addition. However, kite shopping is among the many best points to do in Naxos. Laguna and Mikri Vigla have the easiest kite shopping seashores.
Why Should You Go to The Islands of the Mediterranean?
Whether or not or not you choose a Spanish island or a Greek island, the largest island or smallest island, the Mediterranean will in all probability be an outstanding trip trip spot. Each island has its private distinct character. The Mediterranean islands are a full spectrum of assorted trip varieties and experiences. Hopefully, you have now purchased a pair in ideas.
Looking for further inspiration in regards to the Mediterranean islands and space? Check out our info on the best Mediterranean dishes to attempt when you go to. And if Hvar notably caught your eye, Croatia has a great deal of completely different gorgeous islands to see shut by. In some other case, have an beautiful time in your lovely island of different.