18 Most Stunning 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 might you need from a vacation? You’ve already chosen correctly by narrowing your search to an island within the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean area is beautiful and full of scrumptious meals and sights courting again to the traditional world. Nonetheless, these are the islands that you’ll want to put on the prime of your checklist.

High Mediterranean Islands

On this information, we’ve picked our final suggestions for one of the best Mediterranean islands to go to. Listed below are this yr’s prime island journey locations, with islands that includes white sand seashores, Roman ruins, and even an lively volcano or two.

1. Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is the most important Balearic island. And apart from this dimension title, it’s simply one of the fashionable islands within the Mediterranean for vacationers. Mallorca made its approach onto our checklist for its golden seashores and pleasant vibe. You may 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 be sensible on a funds, with loads of low-cost airways working common flights from main European cities.

Issues To Do In Mallorca

• Catch the classic prepare from Palma to Soller

A phenomenal tram journey is a quintessential method to journey in Mallorca. This classic prepare 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 decide a smaller part for a much less formidable hike.

2. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a Greek paradise, and everybody is aware of it. Except for blue-domed church buildings and vivid white buildings, Santorini has developed a status as among the many Greek islands’ most luxurious. It’s simply one of the fashionable of the Mediterranean islands. Between its luxe environment, issues to do, and iconic standing, we simply needed to embody Santorini on our checklist.

Santorini itself was fashioned by a volcanic eruption. The eruption occurred hundreds of years in the past but set out Santorini’s distinctive geographical format for hundreds of years. The craggy stays of the volcanic rock reduce a stark distinction to Santorini’s shiny white buildings.

Issues To Do In Santorini

Purple Seaside is a should and (as you could have guessed) is a trademarked burnt pink shade. It’s excellent 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 main flight routes, it gives a extra tranquil expertise. This high quality actually stood out to us, and it needed to go onto our checklist.

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 enormous sandy seashore sheltered by cliffs and with calm waters excellent for swimming. There’s additionally a 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 attractive mainland. Each cruise traces and airways flock to Corfu – it’s a well-liked spot amongst all. Busy and unapologetically a channel for passing vacationers, Corfu has a continuing motion of individuals. A straightforward repair to that, although, is visiting in shoulder seasons. In shoulder seasons, markets and sights are a lot quieter, and the spring or autumn salty breeze retains you cooler anyway.

Corfu City is the central hub of the island. Nonetheless, resorts stud all the circumference of the island, and tremendous sand seashores are throughout. Hire a automotive and decide your excellent part of the shoreline.

Issues To Do In Corfu

This historic fort is traditionally fascinating and likewise excellent for scenic views. Try the displayed artifacts and permit a number of hours to discover the grounds.

A distant seashore in a rocky area surrounded by lush greenery and forests – Porto Timoni Seaside 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 dwelling and respiration museum, with Roman and Greek ruins all over the place. Plus, there’s the joys of Mount Etna, one of the lively volcanoes in Europe, on the island’s east coast. Sicily is gorgeous and thrilling. It’s a profitable mixture if we ever did see one.

Issues To Do in Sicily

This magnificent historic landmark is an enormous archaeological web site lined in historic temples and an attractive museum.

• Take the cable automotive up Mount Etna

Taking a cable automotive as much as Mount Etna is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Sicily. You get dropped at a closing part of the climbing path and emerge on the volcano’s crater. There are additionally quite a few jeep excursions if you need a extra distinctive route up.

6. Capri, Italy

Capri is a stupendous island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, fashionable amongst luxurious seekers. It’s arduous to not love its unique and glamorous attraction – whether or not you’re on a luxurious funds or not. The island has beautiful seashores and a world-famous Blue Grotto, which could be visited by boat. Its glamor, issues to do, and seashores are what received 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 might swim within the vivid 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 beautiful views of the ocean and rock formations. There’s additionally a restaurant – the right 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 identified for digital dance music. Ibiza is without doubt one of the finest islands for a celebration vacation. And if 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 largest get together 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 one of the best get together island in Croatia. The island thrives on all issues party-style. By day, you may take pleasure in seashore events, boat journeys, and water sports activities. By evening, 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 checklist due to its infectious sense of nightlife and excellent location.

Issues To Do in Hvar

It goes with out saying that it’s best to get together 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 may all the time mix the 2 when 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 get together tradition are simply cherries on prime.

Issues To Do in Cyprus

• Archeological Website of Nea Paphos

These beautiful Roman ruins function tombs, mosaics, and a fortress.

Ayia Napa is get together central in Cyprus. There are tons of giant nightclubs with particular entrance offers.

10. Zakynthos, Greece

Zakynthos (aka Zante) is one in all 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 Seaside 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 Seaside is the enduring snapshot of the rusted shipwreck on the backside of a limestone cliff. The tremendous sand seashore is barely accessible by cruise and has characteristically vivid blue waters contrasting the white cliffs.

Who doesn’t wish to come face-to-face with a sea turtle? Zante is the right spot to snorkel with sea turtles or volunteer with child turtles when 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 actual fact, its historical past is what caught our eye (and UNESCO’s since its outdated city is a UNESCO World Heritage Website). Rhodes additionally has a captivating 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 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 a stupendous landmark that speaks to Rhodes’ medieval and historic heritage.

12. Elba, Italy

Elba is a Mediterranean island off of Tuscany. It supplies an azure window into dwelling 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 received 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 dwelling 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 folks suggest spending as little as half a day right here. However you’ll shortly take pleasure in per week or extra if you need someplace to actually unplug. We’ve beneficial it as a result of it’s so peaceable and excellent for these needing a break.

Issues To Do in Gozo

Scuba diving in a scenic inland lagoon may be area of interest, however it’s a enjoyable exercise in Gozo. When you’ve got a PADI, take a look at this dive web site.

This heritage web site accommodates two of the oldest free-standing constructions on the earth. 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 putting geographical options. It has additionally constructed a powerful status as a celebration spot, contemplating it’s one in all 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 beautiful. 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. Neglect the crowds and main vacationer sights. 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 research, Folegandros is a Mediterranean island in your bucket checklist. It may be small, but it surely packs a punch, which galvanized us.

Issues To Do in Folegandros

This church is situated 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 Seaside 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 guide or paddle.

16. Lefkada, Greece

Lefkada is a stupendous Mediterranean island within the Ionian Sea. Technically, it’s related 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 beautiful Greek islands. The limestone cliffs are like Zante’s Shipwreck Seaside – simply minus the crowds.

Issues To Do in Lefkada

This seashore is backed by towering limestone cliffs and vivid blue waters. It is without doubt one of the finest blue water seashores in Greece and is certainly 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 beautiful 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 had been impressed by its lesser-visited location and the mix of Berber, Arab, African, and Jewish cultures. Djerba is an actual cultural hotspot with sights like fishing ports and handicraft markets.

Issues To Do in Djerba

• Horseback using throughout sand dunes

Horseback using is an exhilarating exercise in Djerba. Must you possess nerves of metal, it’s among the finest 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. However 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 often is the largest of the Cyclades islands within the Mediterranean. Nonetheless, 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 beautiful. 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 stupendous Outdated 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 folks watch.

Kite browsing is a random addition. Nonetheless, kite browsing is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Naxos. Laguna and Mikri Vigla have one of the best 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 can be a wonderful vacation vacation spot. Every island has its personal distinct character. The Mediterranean islands are a full spectrum of various vacation varieties and experiences. Hopefully, you have got now received a pair in thoughts.

On the lookout for extra inspiration concerning the Mediterranean islands and area? Try our information on the finest Mediterranean dishes to strive whenever 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 a beautiful time in your beautiful island of alternative.