Embark on a Mediterranean cruise to treat your taste buds in Italy, stroll around ancient towns in Greece and soak up the sun along Croatia’s stunning coastline.
Set sail on a dream vacation to the best places to visit in the Mediterranean. This region offers some of Europe’s most classic cultural landmarks — alongside some of its best weather to boot. Pick one of the best Mediterranean cruises and stroll along the ancient cobblestones of Florence in Italy or Dubrovnik in Croatia. Tour some of the architectural masterpieces, like the Palace of Knossos on Crete, the Roman amphitheater in Pula, and Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica. Take in the stunning, volcanic island of Santorini with its blue and whitewashed towns or sip a glass of wine on Italy’s Amalfi Coast with its pastel-colored houses built into steep-sloping cliffs.
MEMORABLE MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES
Some of the best Mediterranean cruises offer you the opportunity to explore the charming, ancient harbors of Italy, Greece and Croatia. Visit some ancient monuments like temples and amphitheaters, or medieval palaces and cathedrals. Head to the sun-drenched golden beaches and take a refreshing dip in the clear blue sea.
POSTCARD PERFECT COASTS
Some of the best places to visit in the Mediterranean include the island of Santorini in Greece, Italy’s Amalfi Coast and the town of Dubrovnik in the south of Croatia. Wander around the ancient cobblestone streets, sunbathe on the magnificent beaches or go on a sea kayaking adventure.
PAELLA POWER
Featuring tender seafood and savory sausage stir-fried with savory saffron rice, paella’s claim to fame is simplicity. In one bite of this dish, you can taste all of the flavors that have made Spain’s signature dish famous around the world.
EYES ON THE PIES
Meat pies filled with lamb, veal or sometimes pork are called kreatopita, and they are cooked with wine and tomatoes, garlic, cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a medley of flavors. There’s also a variety called pastitsio that combines pasta and meat.
TANTALIZING TENTACLES
Squid ink has become a global food coloring sensation, but the trend started in Croatia. The black color of crni rizot (black risotto) is only the beginning of its appeal, thanks to the tender, juicy octopus tentacles that rest atop its bed of arborio rice.
SCOOP IT UP
Gelato is not just “Italian ice cream.” It uses more milk and fewer eggs (zero, in fact) than ice cream, but that’s just the start of why it’s essential to Italian dining. Try classic flavors like rich stracciatella (milk flavor with chocolate shavings) and fruity amarena, which tastes like cherries.
FLEX YOUR MUSSELS
Your choices are endless when it comes to fresh seafood prepared according to local tradition. Try a simple shrimp and pasta dish, or go wild with octapodi kokkinisto, octopus in tomato sauce.
Stroll around Italy’s enchanting small alleys, gracious palaces and photogenic squares. See Rome’s impressive Colosseum and the rest of Italy’s breathtaking capital. Marvel at the colorful buildings in Venice during a gondola ride through the canals and visit Florence’s extraordinary Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Next, enjoy the best of Italy’s cuisine, and wash it down with some tasty wine from a nearby vineyard, or follow it up with a delicious gelati (ice cream).
Cruise to Greece’s idyllic islands and watch the sunrise over the Aegean. Explore the Old Town of Corfu or Crete, or travel even further back in time to see the ancient Acropolis of Athens or the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina. After that, relax on the world-class beaches or go snorkeling to explore what lies beneath the warm, crystal-clear waters. Before you leave, drink a frappé iced coffee or ouzo, an anise-flavored aperitif, and sample some regional culinary highlights.
Pristine turquoise waters and white pebble beaches welcome you to this small picturesque country. Go offboard to Split to visit a number of its 1,200 stunning islands, like Korcula, Hvar or Mljet, or explore Diocletian’s imposing palace. Then it’s time to sample some of Croatia’s mouth-watering seafood dishes. Join a wine tasting tour if you can, and don’t miss a trip to the cascading waterfalls, forests and bright lakes of Krka or Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Be amazed by Santorini with its dramatic volcanic scenery and charming dark blue and white villages. Relax on the remarkable Red Beach and look out over the Aegean Sea in a cozy taverna.
Visit the ravishingly colorful resorts on the Italian Amalfi Coast. Gaze out at Mount Vesuvius on the cliff village of Sorrento, admire Positano’s pastel houses and the mountainous island of Capri.
A walk along the tops of the city walls is one of the highlights of visiting this gem. Hop on a ferry to close by Lokrum with its monastery, or go kayaking. Finish the day with a cool drink in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
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The best time to visit the region is Spring (May–June) or Autumn (September–October), when the weather is mild — the heat peaks in July and August.
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If you’re planning to visit one of the well-known museums or other attractions that require a ticket, buy your ticket online in advance to save time.
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Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, and Montenegro all use the euro; the other countries use different currencies.
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Carry a dictionary with you, or update the “Translate” app on your phone. Even in the major cities and ports of Spain and Portugal, English isn’t widely spoken.
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Olive orchards often offer tours and tastings, so grab the chance to try it fresh from the tree.
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Santorini is known for one-day yacht tours that give you a unique view of the island and its neighbors.