When deciding where to go for your holiday in Europe, the same places probably spring to mind. Wouldn't it be nice to try somewhere new this year? Seek some early spring sunshine in a sparkling Mediterranean destination that you've yet to really get to know? We have a range of Mediterranean holidays that promise to show you the very best of the region with expert local guides, while still giving you the chance to do your own thing and take it all in at your own pace. Read on for our list of inspiring Mediterranean destinations - a guide on where to go, what to do and what to see on your next holiday.
Where to go on holiday in the Mediterranean
1. Spain
The Mediterranean coast of Spain promises endless sunshine, stunning beaches and a mix of lively cities and charming coastal towns.
- Costa del Sol: More than just sun-drenched beaches, the Costa del Sol is rich in culture and history. Whitewashed Nerja charms with its clifftop Balcón de Europa and sea views, while nearby Granada is home to the magnificent Alhambra, one of Spain's most celebrated landmarks.
- Costa Brava: This dramatic stretch of north-eastern Spanish coast combines rugged scenery, crystal-clear waters and characterful seaside towns across around 200 km of coastline. There's plenty to explore inland too, with Barcelona just a short trip away offering Gaudí masterpieces, the bustling Las Ramblas and the historic Gothic Quarter, while the medieval city of Girona and the mountaintop monastery of Montserrat are well worth adding to your itinerary.
- Mallorca: As the largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is hard not to love, with beautiful beaches, charming villages and a rich culture that rewards those who take the time to explore. Palma is a great place to start, with the imposing Gothic cathedral La Seu at its heart and an old town full of narrow streets and inviting cafes. One experience not to be missed is the historic train journey to Sóller, which winds through the Serra de Tramuntana mountains and fragrant orange groves before a vintage tram carries you down to the pretty harbour village of Port de Sóller.
2. Croatia
The Mediterranean coastline in Croatia is a sun‑soaked treasure, blending historic cities, charming villages and sparkling Adriatic islands.
- Dubrovnik: Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik is a city of stunning medieval walls, marble streets and panoramic sea views. Wander the Old Town to see Pile Gate, the cathedral and charming squares, then take a boat to the nearby Elaphiti Islands or lush Lokrum for a peaceful escape.
- Istrian Coast: Pula is perhaps the best known town on the Istrian Peninsula, famous for its remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. The peninsula has plenty more to offer too: Rovinj is a picturesque fishing town of cobbled streets and colourful harbour-front buildings, Poreč is home to the stunning sixth-century Euphrasian Basilica, and the hilltop medieval town of Motovun offers breathtaking views over the Istrian countryside.
- Dalmatian Coast: This sun-drenched stretch of Adriatic coastline is where history and island life come together beautifully. Explore the Roman Diocletian's Palace in Split, Šibenik's UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St James and the medieval streets of Trogir, then island-hop to Hvar or Zlarin for secluded coves and crystal-clear waters.
3. Cannes & the Cote a'Azur, France
The French Riviera is one of the most iconic regions in France, and Cannes makes a wonderful base for exploring the Côte d'Azur.
- Nice: The colourful Old Town, the bustling Cours Saleya market and the elegant Promenade des Anglais are among the finest sights on the Riviera.
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence: A beautifully preserved medieval village that has long attracted artists, with narrow streets and sweeping views over the Provençal countryside.
- Grasse: The world's perfume capital, where centuries-old perfumeries still produce fragrances using traditional techniques and locally grown flowers.
- Monaco: The legendary Casino, the Prince's Palace and the glamour of Monte Carlo make this one of the most iconic destinations on the Mediterranean.
4. Cyprus
Cyprus is an island that rewards those who look beyond the beach. Steeped in history and mythology, and the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, it has a remarkable amount to offer. Limassol makes a wonderful base for exploring the island,
- Paphos: One of the island's most important archaeological regions, home to the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite and the extraordinary mosaic floors of the Houses of Dionysus.
- Nicosia: The only divided capital city in the world, where the ancient Venetian walls, St John's Cathedral and the Archaeological Museum sit alongside the fascinating experience of crossing into the Turkish north.
- Omodos: A traditional village in the heart of Cyprus's wine country, with a historic monastery and local wine cellars offering tastings of the island's finest vintages.
- Curium: A spectacular Greco-Roman archaeological park perched above the Mediterranean, with a clifftop theatre that ranks among the most dramatic ancient sites in the region
5. Slovenia
Slovenia is one of Europe's most underrated destinations, a small, green and endlessly rewarding country tucked between Italy and Croatia. The charming resort town of Portorož on the Slovenian coast make a great base, with plenty to see and do in the surrounding region:
- Lake Bled: Slovenia's most iconic sight, where a glacial blue lake surrounds a picture-perfect island church, with the Julian Alps as a backdrop. A boat trip out to Bled Island is simply not to be missed.
- Ljubljana: A charming capital city with a relaxed, walkable old town, a lively riverbank lined with cafes and bars, and a hilltop castle watching over it all.
- Postojna Caves: One of the most impressive cave systems in the world, with 24km of underground passages, tunnels and halls explored by a unique cave railway.
- Predjama Castle: A remarkable Renaissance castle built into a cliff face, just a short trip from Postojna and one of the most striking sights in Slovenia.
- Trieste: Just across the Italian border, this elegant port city rewards a day trip with its grand piazzas, historic coffeehouses and fascinating literary heritage as the city James Joyce called home for nearly 16 years.
6. Greece
Greece,, the land where civilisation began, is full of treasures from ancient cities to sun‑kissed islands. Its history, landscapes and sparkling waters make it a timeless destination.
- Athens: One of the world’s oldest cities, Athens is home to some of the most significant ancient sites in the world, including the hilltop Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Erechtheion Temple. The Panathinaikos Stadium, the National Archaeological Museum and the atmospheric Plaka district are all well worth exploring too.
- Crete: The largest of the Greek islands, with a remarkable range of history and scenery. The bustling capital Heraklion, the Minoan palace at Knossos and the Venetian harbours of Chania and Rethymno are among its most memorable sights.
- Corfu: An island of real charm, with Venetian fortresses, a beautiful pastel-coloured old town and some of the most scenic coastline in the Mediterranean.
- Greek Islands and Aegean Sea Cruise: A wonderful way to take in the best of the islands, from Santorini's famous caldera views to Mykonos' iconic windmills, all while enjoying the sparkling waters of the Aegean.
7. Sicily
Goethe said that Sicily was “the key to Italy” – and a visit here will quickly prove his point. The largest island in the Mediterranean and one of Italy's most captivating destinations, with volcanic landscapes, ancient ruins and a rich cultural heritage shaped by centuries of Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman influence.
- Taormina: Perched dramatically on a clifftop above the sea, this colourful town is home to one of the finest Greco-Roman theatres in the world, with breathtaking views of Mount Etna as a backdrop.
- Mount Etna: Europe's largest and most active volcano dominates the skyline of eastern Sicily. A visit to the summit rewards with sweeping panoramic views over the coast and countryside.
- Syracuse: One of the great cities of the ancient world, with a remarkable archaeological park containing a Greek theatre, a Roman amphitheatre and the fascinating limestone cave known as the Ear of Dionysus.
- Palermo: Sicily's vibrant capital, where the colourful Ballarò market, the impressive Norman Palace and the stunning Palermo Cathedral reflect the island's extraordinary mix of civilisations and influences.
- The Aeolian Islands: A UNESCO World Heritage-listed archipelago of volcanic islands just off Sicily's northern coast, best explored by boat, taking in the striking landscapes of Lipari and Vulcano.
8. Malta
It’s hard to believe that a place as small as Malta could be packed with so much to see and do, but a holiday to these glittering Mediterranean islands appeals to all sorts of tastes.
- Valletta: Malta's vibrant capital is full of historic treasures, from the ornate St John's Co-Cathedral, with its Caravaggio masterpieces and marble inlaid floors, to the sweeping views over the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barracca Gardens.
- Mdina: Known as the Silent City, this beautifully preserved medieval walled town in the heart of Malta is rich in architecture and atmosphere, with narrow shady streets and some stunning panoramic views.
- The Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea sit around the Grand Harbour and offer a fascinating glimpse into Malta's maritime past, best explored on a traditional harbour boat cruise.
- Gozo: A slower-paced island with a charm all of its own, home to the prehistoric Ggantija Temples, the medieval capital Victoria and the dramatic fjord-like bay at Dwejra.
9. Montenegro
Montenegro is one of the Adriatic's most rewarding destinations, a small but strikingly beautiful country of sandy beaches, forest-cloaked mountains and centuries-old towns with influences ranging from Venetian to Ottoman.
- Budva: A beautifully preserved medieval walled town with ancient Catholic and Orthodox churches, a striking Citadel fortress and some of the finest beaches on the Adriatic coast.
- Kotor: A UNESCO World Heritage Site sitting at the edge of a dramatic fjord-like bay, best arrived at by boat, with impressive Venetian-era fortifications and a charming old town to explore on foot.
- Cetinje: The old royal capital of Montenegro, where King Nikola's Palace and the Monastery of Saint Peter offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's history.
- Njegusi: A traditional mountain village and birthplace of the Petrović dynasty, reached via the spectacular Serpentine Mountain Road and worth a stop for local food and scenery alone.
10. Sardinia, Italy
A holiday to Sardinia offers a Mediterranean paradise with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and rugged landscapes.
- Costa Smeralda: One of the most celebrated stretches of coastline in the Mediterranean, with pristine white sand beaches and some of the clearest waters you'll find anywhere in Europe.
- Castelsardo: A picturesque medieval town perched on a rocky promontory, with narrow cobblestone streets, a historic castle and sweeping views over the sea.
- Sassari: Sardinia's second city, with an impressive cathedral, lively markets and a rich cultural heritage that makes it well worth an afternoon's exploration.
- Bosa: A charming riverside town of colourful painted houses, best explored on foot, with the ancient Castello Malaspina watching over it all from the hilltop above.
Ready to discover the best Mediterranean destinations?
These ten Mediterranean destinations offer a diverse range of experiences, from historical sites and cultural attractions to stunning natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, you're sure to find the perfect holiday spot in the Mediterranean.
