From secret coves to celebrated coastal hotspots, get ready to set off on an unforgettable journey through some of the most beautiful Mediterranean destinations
What is the best Mediterranean country to visit this summer? With its crystal-clear waters, time-worn history, and a cuisine that lingers in the memory long after the journey ends, the Mediterranean remains one of the world’s most irresistible escapes.
Whether you’re drifting between the golden beaches of Portugal, tracing the footsteps of ancient philosophers among the ruins of Greece, or surrendering to the effortless glamour of the Italian coastal towns, the Mediterranean invites you to slow down, savour its beauty, and slip into its rhythm of life, one that moves with the tides and celebrates the art of living well.
Here, we’ve gathered ten of the best Mediterranean destinations to visit this summer, sun-kissed hotspots that deserve a place on your European bucket list and promise the kind of memories that stay with you long after summer fades.
Mellieha, Malta
This packet of Mediterranean islands (Malta, Gozo, Comino) are surrounded by the clear blue water (it’s a top spot for diving) and filled with historic towns and villages. Whilst they’re mere pocket sized islands, the blue lagoon in Comino and the megalithic ruins in Ġgantija will make you feel like you’re discovering a new world. Mellieha has one of the biggest beaches in the country, and offers great amenities including watersports, food and drink kiosks and parking. Thanks to the islands' modest size, getting around down't take long, so you can stay anywhere on the island and enjoy a day out on the beach.
Where to stay
Accommodation options cover everything from luxury five-star resorts to limestone-walled converted pallazzos. We love the db Seabank Resort + Spa for it's close proximity to Mellieha Beach, expansive spa and generous pool (just in case you're having a really lazy day).
How to get there
Fly into Luqa Airport, just seven kilometres out of Valletta. It takes 30 minutes to reach Mellieha from the airport by taxi. Want to explore the island? It’s best done by rental car.
2. Kos, Greece
The island of Kos is one of Greece’s most charming. It has beaches laden with all sorts of fun stuff, like windsurfing on Mastichari Beach, and waterfront bars at Lambi Mylos Beach, as well as quiet sheltered coves you can only get to by boat. Kos Town is very much the heart of the island action and a great place to unwind, but if you’re there, make time for historical sights like Asklepieion – an unusual early medical centre dedicated to the Greek god of health. Find 19 more beautiful Greek Islands, with our guide to the best of Greece’s archipelago.
Where to stay in Kos Town
Families will love The Peridis Family Resort for many reasons: it’s in Kos Town, has three swimming pools and even a free kids’ club. Couples should check in to the adults-only, boutique offering of OKU Kos, whose stylish wellness-inspired design makes for a blissfully zen few days. Consider renting a car to explore more of the local area.
How to get there
Kos has its own airport which you can fly to from the UK in under five hours.
3. Oludeniz, Turkey
If you’ve leafed through a brochure for Turkish beach resorts, then the chances are you’ll have already seen a photograph of Oludeniz’s starched white sand, most probably on the front cover. You could easily laze away your whole holiday here, although you’d miss all the paragliding — Oludeniz is ideal for first timers looking for a serious thrill. Several companies run tandem glides, including Easy Riders and Pegas Paragliding.
Where to stay in Oludeniz
Belchehan Deluxe Hotel has a main outdoor swimming pool, as well as a children’s pool, for those too relaxed to make the short stroll to that beach. For something a bit more intimate, try Kassandra Boutique Hotel for a clean, serene stay, but with access to endless excursions.
How to get there
Lying southwest of Antalya, the closest airport to Oludeniz is Dalaman and from here, you can grab a taxi or hire a car from the airport to make the hour-long journey on to the resort.
4. Costa Smeralda, Italy
The Italian island of Sardinia is the Mediterranean idyll writ large – all impossibly blue seas and perfect sandy beaches. For couples looking to splash out a bit and do Sardinia in style, the most exclusive part of the island is the Costa Smeralda (note: Costa Smeralda is not technically a geographic area but the name for a stretch of residences set between Pitrizza and Rena Bianca beach). Share sandy stretches with the Jet Set Lot, and spy on millionaire super yachts cruising these chic waters. Excellent restaurants abound (well, this is Italy), and the top of the bill for an intimate dinner is Da Giovannino, with its beautiful harbour setting, surrounded by pink blossoms.
Where to stay in Costa Smeralda
The Grand Hotel Smeralda Beach boasts its own private beach, a brace of restaurants and watersports to suit everyone from lazy sailing to fast-paced motor boats. Whichever property you pick, be sure to stay north of Olbia, since traffic getting into town from the south can ruin those well-earned holiday vibes.
How to get there
Fly to Olbia — the airport is only a 30-minute drive from the resorts of Costa Smeralda. Alternatively, make it a road trip and fly into Alghero or Cagliari for a two-to-three-hour scenic drive.
5. Palma de Mallorca, Spain
With a Gaudi-designed cathedral and a buzzy La Rambla, you'd be forgiven for confusing Mallorca's capital city Palma with Barcelona. Like Spain's popular second city, Palma offers the opportunity to pose with the yacht set, explore chic shops and shaded plazas and get lost in an old town littered with kooky bars. However, Palma does all of this on a slower, quieter and smaller scale, offering many of Spain’s best bits rolled into one, on a pleasingly manageable scale.
Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca?
The Saratoga is centrally located and comes with an attic swimming pool boasting sweeping views of the city and a restaurant with live jazz nights. To dine beneath arched alcoves and enjoy private balconies, check into the Hotel Basilica, which is less than a kilometre from beach hotspot Playa Ca'n Pere Antoni.
How to get there?
Fly to Majorca’s airport and drive or taxi the last eight kilometres of the journey to Palma city.
6. Albufeira, Portugal
Of the multitude of Algarve resorts, Albufeira is the one that tempts families, couples and party animals alike. The old fishing village centre is great for families by day and by night becomes a magnet for couples looking for a candlelit dinner. Then there’s the legendary ‘Strip’ with its cheap drink promotions, but Albufeira is a respectful Mediterranean party destination and has crucially set its most rowdy spots away from the centre to keep the noise down. There are some 25 beaches along this coastline, both in the resort centre and outside of the town in both directions. They cater for all tastes here, including — rather unexpectedly — bird-watchers at Praia de Salgados. Head west to this lagoon wetland to spot purple herons, whiskered terns and waxbills, amongst others.
Where to stay in Albufeira?
There are endless resort options in Albufeira offering multiple restaurants, expansive pools and beach views, but the Vila Gale Cerro Alagoa is one of the best, providing easy access to both town and the beaches.
How to get there?
Faro is the nearest airport to Albufeira. Simply hop in your rental car and head straight to Albufeira.
7. Zante (Zakynthos), Greece
Zante, perhaps better known for its nightlife, has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Navagio beach makes perfect drone material, and you can find Xigia, Gerakas and Shipwreck beach if you rent your own boat, too. Getting in the water here is a real treat. Take a kayak and tour the mesmerising Keri Caves, enjoy a boat tour of Turtle Island (a protected area for nesting turtles) or simply appreciate the ocean's other-worldly colours from a locale taverna at sunset.
Where to stay in Zante
The best beaches in Zante are in Vasilikos, and Argassi, located 10 minutes away, is a great place to stay with restaurants and amenities nearby. If you fancy the premium all-inclusive experience, treat yourself to Domes Aulūs Zante. If you’re here to enjoy the best nightlife in Zante, stay in Laganas. Cheeky Tikis is open till the early hours.
How to get there
Zante has its own airport. You can reach most major resorts like Laganas, Argassi or Kalamaki in just 15 minutes by cab or rental car from the airport.
8. Sicily, Italy
If ruins, volcanoes and mountains, topped with pasta, gelato and copious amounts of sunshine sounds like your thing, Sicily is your ticket. Mount Etna is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and this is one of the best regions for hiking in the Mediterranean. The best time to visit Sicily is in the later seasons too, as it’s still warm enough to swim in October and November. The cities of Catania and Palermo offer castles, cathedrals and Aperol spritzes aplenty.
Where to stay in Sicily
The capital, Palermo, is perfect for city breaks, but if you’re looking for a secret Mediterranean destination check out these hillside apartments in Taormina. You’re within day tripping distance of Etna, the beaches and Catania.
How to get there
Fly into Sicily directly. Catania Fontanarossa Airport is the closest airport to Mount Etna and Catania. There are numerous affordable car rental options available here.
9. Korčula, Croatia
It says it all that although legendary explorer Marco Polo toured the globe, he chose to return to his native Korčula. This Dalmatian island is a gem, sporting a mini-Dubrovnik in the postcard perfect capital of Korčula Town, but also a collection of top Mediterranean beaches. The island has its very own wine too — you won’t find the super dry grk anywhere else. Handy, as it goes perfectly with the bountiful local seafood — try the waterside Mimi’s Bistro at Tara’s Lodge (seasonal opening) for a rotating menu of fresh fish caught on the day.
Where to stay in Korcula
The Lesic Dimitri Palace is the best place to bed down on the island, a plush bolthole that reclines in the picturesque historic district of Korčula Town. Families should opt for the well-equipped Aminess Younique Bellevue Hotel, which has separate adults and kids pools, tennis courts and paddle boards and kayaks on demand.
How to get there
Fly to Dubrovnik and take the ferry from Dubrovnik harbour for the scenic 2-hour sea journey to Korcula. Rent a vehicle to have complete independence and take in more of the local beauty.
10. Corsica, France
Affectionately named ‘the little mongrel — a French island basking in the Italian sun’ by Balzac, there’s a lot to be said for this Mediterranean hybrid off the south coast of France. Corsica is wonderfully wild compared to other islands in the region. The red-rock cliffs of Calanques de Piana and Scandola clash nicely with the azure waters and skies you’ll get year round on Corsica. And as Sardinia is just a stone’s throw, you could always extend the holiday a little.
Where to stay in Corsica
La Signoria is one of those Corsica hotels you have to check off your bucket list. The views of the red rocks and ocean are everywhere you look, and guests rave about the ambiance and service.
How to get there
Luckily, Corsica has four airports. Sud Corse is in the south, and Bastia is in the north. To reach La Signoria, fly into Bastia, and drive or catch a transfer down to Calvi.
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