18 Most Beautiful Mediterranean Islands to Visit 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 properly by narrowing your search to an island in the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean area is gorgeous and filled with scrumptious meals and points of interest relationship again to the traditional world. However, these are the islands that you want to put on the high of your listing.

Top Mediterranean Islands

In this information, we’ve picked our final suggestions for the perfect Mediterranean islands to go to. Here are this yr’s high 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 moreover this measurement title, it’s simply one of the crucial standard islands in the Mediterranean for vacationers. Mallorca made its method onto our listing for its golden seashores and pleasant vibe. You may drive across the island’s circumference in 5 to 6 hours.

The island has pine forests and exquisite structure like Santa Maria Cathedral. Despite having a nightlife hotspot in the island’s capital, Palma, the island is family-friendly. Mallorca can be sensible on a finances, with loads of low-cost airways operating common flights from main European cities.

Things To Do In Mallorca

Catch the classic prepare from Palma to Soller

A gorgeous tram experience is a quintessential method to journey in Mallorca. This classic prepare runs from Palma to Soller, passing orange groves and pine forests. Book your tickets right here.

Hike Ruta de Pedra en Sec

Ruta de Pedra en Sec is a shocking cobbled mountain path that hugs the aspect of cliff faces and dramatic gorges. While 170km lengthy, you possibly can simply decide a smaller part for a much less bold hike.

2. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a Greek paradise, and everybody is aware of it. Aside from blue-domed church buildings and vibrant white buildings, Santorini has developed a fame as among the many Greek islands’ most luxurious. It is definitely one of the crucial standard of the Mediterranean islands. Between its luxe ambiance, issues to do, and iconic standing, we simply had to embody Santorini on our listing.

Santorini itself was shaped 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 lower a stark distinction to Santorini’s shiny white buildings.

Things To Do In Santorini

Red Beach is a should and (as you might have guessed) is a trademarked burnt pink colour. It is right 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 ready above the ocean on a scenic clifftop.

Read More 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. While nonetheless on all the main flight routes, it provides a extra tranquil expertise. This high quality actually stood out to us, and it had to go onto our listing.

Menorca might be 50% sandy seashores and 50% pine forests. But the capital Mahon has some cultural parts too. We counsel renting a automobile and seashore hopping, then venturing into Mahon for meals and tradition.

Things 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 mountain climbing path close by for the adventurous.

Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau

This nature reserve is fantastically 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 in the Mediterranean. The Greek island is off the west coast of the attractive mainland. Both 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 relentless motion of individuals. An simple 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 Town is the central hub of the island. However, resorts stud your entire circumference of the island, and fantastic sand seashores are throughout. Rent a automobile and decide your excellent part of the shoreline.

Things To Do In Corfu

This historic fort is traditionally fascinating and likewise good for scenic views. Check out 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 Beach speaks for itself. It’s an adventurous seashore day vacation spot.

5. Sicily, Italy

Sicily is the most important of all islands in the Mediterranean. The Italian island sits off the west coast of the mainland and screams pure magnificence. It can be a residing and respiratory museum, with Roman and Greek ruins all over the place. Plus, there’s the joys of Mount Etna, one of the crucial 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.

Things To Do in Sicily

This magnificent historic landmark is an enormous archaeological website coated in historic temples and an attractive museum.

Take the cable automobile up Mount Etna

Taking a cable automobile up to Mount Etna is likely one of the most fun issues to do in Sicily. You get dropped at a remaining part of the mountain 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 an exquisite island in Italy’s Bay of Naples, standard amongst luxurious seekers. It is difficult not to love its unique and glamorous attraction – whether or not you might be on a luxurious finances or not. The island has gorgeous seashores and a world-famous Blue Grotto, which will be visited by boat. Its glamor, issues to do, and seashores are what received us over.

Things To Do in Capri

The Blue Grotto is a large blue lagoon in a set of sea caves. The mild displays, making the seawater extremely blue (electrical blue at noon). You enter in a small fishing boat and might swim in the intense blue water. Book your tickets right here.

Chairlift up Mount Solaro

The Mount Solaro chairlift is a couple of minutes lengthy however offers 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 is a historic addition to the Balearic islands with Sixteenth-century partitions, but it’s higher identified for digital dance music. Ibiza is likely one of the greatest islands for a celebration vacation. And when you’re recovering from an evening out, it has loads of stunning seashores and picturesque agricultural areas to discover with wild herbs and citrus groves.

Things To Do in Ibiza

The golf equipment in Ibiza are unequalled. 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 the perfect get together island in Croatia. The island thrives on all issues party-style. By day, you possibly can get pleasure from seashore events, boat journeys, and water sports activities. By evening, the nightclubs whir into full motion. Off the coast of Split, it’s simply added to a vacation on the mainland. It wiggled onto our listing due to its infectious sense of nightlife and excellent location.

Things To Do in Hvar

It goes with out saying that it is best to get together in Hvar. There are loads of 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 in the night in a standard setting.

9. Cyprus

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. Officially a republic in its personal proper, the picturesque island is filled with attractive seashores and vibrant nightlife. Whether 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 center of the island. But you possibly can all the time mix the 2 you probably have time.

We love the cultural facet of Cyprus and likewise its measurement. There are many causes to go to. And its pink sizzling climate and get together tradition are simply cherries on high.

Things To Do in Cyprus

Archeological Site of Nea Paphos

These gorgeous Roman ruins characteristic tombs, mosaics, and a fortress.

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

10. Zakynthos, Greece

Zakynthos (aka Zante) is one in every of Greece’s hottest islands. The island is revered by partiers and people wanting a traditional Greek island escape. When you aren’t partying, there may be the dramatic Shipwreck Beach to uncover, plus white sand seashores and child turtles. It encapsulates all the advantages of an excellent Mediterranean island. Its wide selection of actions is what impressed us. Read extra about Zakynthos right here.

Things To Do in Zakynthos

Shipwreck Beach is the enduring snapshot of the rusted shipwreck on the backside of a limestone cliff. The fantastic sand seashore is just accessible by cruise and has characteristically vibrant blue waters contrasting the white cliffs.

Who doesn’t need to come face-to-face with a sea turtle? Zante is the proper spot to snorkel with sea turtles or volunteer with child turtles you probably 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 filled with historical past and is heaven for anybody wanting to bounce between historic ruins in between seashore days. In truth, its historical past is what caught our eye (and UNESCO’s since its outdated city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Rhodes additionally has an enchanting historical past of occupation, and the Ottomans and Italians have put their stamp on its cultural make-up.

Things 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 Master of the Knights of Rhodes

This palace was reconstructed in 1940 and is an exquisite landmark that speaks to Rhodes’ medieval and historic heritage.

12. Elba, Italy

Elba is a Mediterranean island off of Tuscany. It offers an azure window into residing on the Tuscan coast. Elba was Napoleon’s place of exile between 1814-15. Despite being a historic vacation spot, Elba is a quiet place to embrace pure magnificence. Its pristine seashores are dreamy and set in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park – which received us over.

Things To Do in Elba

This historic landmark dates again to the thirteenth century and is a shocking place for views over the Mediterranean island.

This villa was owned by Napoleon Bonaparte, a particular declare to fame. Stop by to expertise the rest of residing historical past.

13. Gozo, Malta

Gozo is a Maltese island and one of many least visited islands in the Mediterranean. This Mediterranean island is laidback and filled with fishing villages and peaceable seashores. Some folks advocate spending as little as half a day right here. But you’ll rapidly get pleasure from every week or extra if you need someplace to actually unplug. We’ve really helpful it as a result of it’s so peaceable and excellent for these needing a break.

Things To Do in Gozo

Scuba diving in a scenic inland lagoon is likely to be area of interest, however it’s a enjoyable exercise in Gozo. If you’ve got a PADI, try this dive website.

This heritage website comprises two of the oldest free-standing constructions in the world. 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. Except 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 hanging geographical options. It has additionally constructed a formidable fame as a celebration spot, contemplating it’s one in every of Greece’s lesser-known islands.

Things To Do in Milos

Sarakiniko is Milos’ lunar seashore. The seashore is roofed in limestone rock, and it’s broadly in contrast to 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 fantastically with the blue waters.

15. Folegandros, Greece

Folegandros is a tiny Greek island. Forget 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 fantastically to the blue waters of the shoreline. With some medieval historical past to examine, Folegandros is a Mediterranean island in your bucket listing. It is likely to be small, however it packs a punch, which galvanized us.

Things To Do in Folegandros

This church is positioned on a dry mountaintop with an iconic zigzagging white stairway to the highest. It is a scenic pilgrimage to make, particularly at dawn or sundown.

Livadi Beach is a tiny pebbled cove that fits Folegandros’ miniature aesthetic. It has a small-world feeling and a very good spot to sit with a e-book or paddle.

16. Lefkada, Greece

Lefkada is an exquisite Mediterranean island in 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 had to embody it. It is accessible from mainland Greece and is likely one of the most lovely Greek islands. The limestone cliffs are like Zante’s Shipwreck Beach – simply minus the crowds.

Things To Do in Lefkada

This seashore is backed by towering limestone cliffs and vibrant blue waters. It is likely one of the greatest 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 is located scenically on the aspect 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 stunning 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.

Things To Do in Djerba

Horseback driving throughout sand dunes

Horseback driving is an exhilarating exercise in Djerba. Should you possess nerves of metal, it’s among the best methods to recognize 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. But it has one other draw, too – its commentary tower at sundown. It is an excellent place for tradition and a very good viewpoint to end.

18. Naxos, Greece

Naxos stands out as the largest of the Cyclades islands in the Mediterranean. However, measurement doesn’t correlate with recognition right here; Naxos isn’t the preferred 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 in 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.

Things To Do in Naxos

Naxos has an exquisite Old Town with homes resembling tiny sugar cubes. The white-washed buildings are fairly to stroll between, and there are many al fresco espresso outlets with seating to folks watch.

Kite browsing is a random addition. However, kite browsing is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Naxos. Laguna and Mikri Vigla have the perfect kite browsing seashores.

Why Should You Visit The Islands of the Mediterranean?

Whether 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. Each island has its personal distinct persona. The Mediterranean islands are a full spectrum of various vacation sorts and experiences. Hopefully, you’ve got now bought a pair in thoughts.

Looking for extra inspiration concerning the Mediterranean islands and area? Check out our information on the greatest Mediterranean dishes to attempt once you go to. And if Hvar significantly caught your eye, Croatia has loads of different stunning islands to see close by. Otherwise, have an exquisite time in your attractive island of selection.