Are you tired of rain and clouds? Do you need a break from the busy routine? When everything seems boring, it is time to put on the wanderer’s boots. If there’s a place richer in scenic destinations than the Mediterranean, it has yet to be discovered. The cradle of European history has been known for thousands of years as heaven on earth. With so many great destinations, it can be hard to decide where to go first. Here are some of our advantages.
The Luxurious French Riviera
Is there anywhere in the world that feels more decadent and opulent than the French Riviera? The Côte d’Azur, a world-famous stretch of shoreline in southeastern France (and let’s not forget Monaco), has been a playground for the rich and famous for many years. No wonder, really. Stars all flock there in the spring for the legendary annual Cannes Film Festival, then stay for a glamorous cruise vacation. Luxury, however, is not all that the Riviera has to offer. Beautiful beaches stretch along the coast, and if you stray inland from the coast you can enjoy dreamlike lavender fields and historical olive groves. And, if there’s one thing the French are famous for, it is turning food into a religious experience. Cheese, wine, olives, sun-drenched tomatoes and the freshest seafood lend themselves to the world’s most revered cuisines.
Kingdom of Spain
Spanish has long been a synonym for passion and fun. The coast offers everything you could imagine, and more. The standout obviously is Barcelona. One of the most interesting cities in the world, Barcelona is most famous for the unique yet charming architectural marvel of Antoni Gaudí. The Sagrada Familia Church, La Pedrera building and Park Güell are only a few of the unique and interesting sites to see in this coastal city. Equally beautiful locations also await outside major cities. The entire coast is a rich tapestry of wild landscapes, romantic villages, delicious cuisine and the passion of flamenco. In short, Spain is all about the nice life. The people here have turned the joy and love of life into an art form. With so much to see and do, a cruise ship vacation to Spain might just be the best option. That way, you will not miss the splendor of the Balearic Islands – the endless parties of Ibiza, the serenity of Menorca and the chic Mallorca.
The Striking Amalfi Coast, Italy
Amalfi, a lovely patch of coast in Southern Italy is a treasure trove of incredible nature UNESCO has placed it on the World Heritage List, for its extraordinary physical beauty and natural variety. The beauty of this region is full of contrast and drama. Rugged mountains crash into foaming waves, between thick forests and the rich scent of pine and lemon. Among these magical realms, high above the cliffs and speckled along the coast, are charming cities. Positano’s medieval port is a favourite getaway for celebrities. Sophisticated Ravello, hidden high in the hills has historically been a favourite haven for writers, artists and musicians, such as Wagner and Virginia Woolf. The best place to start your coastal exploration is Sorrento, the gateway to Amalfi. The city on a cliff above the Bay of Naples offers world-class diving and fishing, colourful narrow streets and a relaxed, Italian vibe.
Sapphire Adriatic Sea
With its many islands, the Adriatic coast is quickly becoming probably the most popular Mediterranean destinations. Croatia and Montenegro sit side by side along a rugged mountain coast. The area is indebted to its amazing stone towns and cities for its rich history, which have served as playgrounds for the Republic of Venice. The waters of the Adriatic are otherworldly, striking blue, and the beaches, pebbly and sandy, are numerous. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, make sure to visit Dubrovnik, but do not be surprised if you think you have seen it before. This city is so charming, that it could be considered the King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.
It’s impossible to visit the Med without falling in love. If you cannot decide where to go first, otherwise you do not want to visit just one place, you should consider exploring the Mediterranean. It makes sense when you realize that it has everything you could ask for. Beautiful beach? Inspect. Gourmet food? Inspect. Interesting historical and cultural sites? Inspect. Friendly people? Inspect. Heaven, certainly.
