Ready to take a trip to the Mediterranean but don’t know where to start? With 22 countries, it can be hard to narrow it down. So, here are our five favorite places to visit in the Mediterranean.

1. Spain

What’s a trip through the Med without a stop in Spain? Beaches and bar hopping, or art and architecture, Spain has it all.

Visit Sagrada Familia and marvel at the tallest church in the world. Antoni Gaudí started designing the cathedral in 1883 and was greatly inspired by natural creations. You can see this in the church pillars designed to mimic tree trunks and the vast amount of natural light cascading across the cathedral floors. Cathedrals, not your thing? Try visiting the Ruins of Empuries in Costa Brava and experience the ancient Greek and Roman port city near the Gulf of Roses instead. See the Roman mosaic floors in the agora near the beautiful beach of Sant Margo De Emupries or the Visigoth sarcophagi found near the harbor area.

If you prefer scenic beaches, try taking the quiet path through Santa Cristina down to the beach. Protected from the winds, Santa Cristina beach boasts calm waters and is a fantastic hideaway for families. Need something a little more picturesque? Visit any of the coastal footpaths in Costa Brava. The paths are bordered by beaches, coasts, and cliffs on one side and pine forest mountains on the other. You’ll be sure to find a spot that takes your breath away.

As far as food and drink goes, we recommend taking a trip through San Sebastián. From humble food stalls to three-star Michelin restaurants, San Sebastián is the ultimate foodie destination for those seeking authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

2. France

France is a must on your tour through the Mediterranean. Stop in the French Riviera or take a trip over to Corsica; either way, you’ll find plenty of variety in food, art, and history.

Stroll around the Bay of Angels or lounge at one of Nice’s several Jazz clubs.
F. Scott Fitzgerald found both an inspiration and an escape here, and we can see why. The architecture alone tells of France’s rich history. Take a trip to La Belle Époque and let the majestic boulevards take you back to the optimism that bloomed between the Franco-Prussia War and World War One.

Looking for some sun and sand? Corsica is the place to be. Boasting itself as the sunniest place in France AND having the cleanest beaches, this island has it all. Mountains and coastlines, sailing and horseback riding, Corsica is your must-visit beach destination in France. Great weather means great wine, and with Corsica’s mix of French and Italian food, you’re sure to please your palate. Something of a history nerd? Take some time out of sunbathing and visit the Ancestral home of Napoleon Bonaparte.

3. Italy

Can you really visit the Mediterranean and not stop in Italy? We don’t think so. Hot springs or hot air balloon? Scuba diving or paragliding? A trip to Italy can be as adventurous or relaxing as you desire.

While it’s nigh impossible not to recommend Italy in its entirety, we can’t get enough of Tuscany. Dubbed the Cradle of the Renaissance, Florence boasts art and history in a way no other destination can quite capture. Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Botticelli… need I go on?

If you’re a wine connoisseur (like us), you are in the right place. Tuscany wine regions and subregions offer a variety of grapes and traditions. So if a wine tour isn’t already on your list, it is now. Pair it with the delicious yet unpretentious diet of local Italian food (tomatoes, bread, pork, and pasta), and you’ll be tempted to never leave.
Miles of pristine beaches grace the island of Sardinia. With its quiet villages and blue-green seas, cruise on over to this Italian island for a more relaxing trip. You know what goes great with all that wine? Cheese! With more goats than people, Sardinia is the perfect way to experience Italy without all the bustle of the mainland crowds. Visit Castillo della Fava for a 360-degree view of the countryside and live out your royal fantasy (we won’t judge, we’re pretty sure the goats won’t either).

4. Greece

Next up is Greece! It can be difficult not to spend all your time island-hopping around the Mediterranean, but we’ll do our best to help narrow down some of the best Grecian islands we think you should visit. Santorini makes almost every travel list for Greece; with its white and blue architecture, active party life, and food scene, it’s easy to see why! But we don’t want to send you where everyone else is already going.

So instead…

Try Lefkada! This lesser-known Greek island is lush with life but way fewer people. Take a boat or scooter out to visit this island’s crystal clear turquoise waters. Keep in mind, because this island is off the beaten path, you may find the beaches have fewer bars and restaurants, but you can easily take the bridge back to the mainland after relaxing in a quiet cove.

Further south lay the Island of Crete. The fifth largest Greek island is rich with history, from the mythical legend of a fierce Minotaur to the Neolithic ruins of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Any Greek mythology nerd will get lost in the labyrinth, Crete. When you’re done geeking out over ancient history, check out the Renaissance mansions preserved in Rethymno old town or the pink beaches of Elafonisi.

If you’re more interested in the mainland, Thessaloniki is an absolute must for its food scene. It is considered the culinary capital, and it’s easy to see why. Influenced by Eastern and Western cultures, markets and casual eateries all have their own take on local specialties and favorite dishes.

5. Montenegro

Good things come in small packages. That’s certainly how we think of Montenegro. With its picturesque landscape and charming villages, Montenegro’s smaller size just means you get to experience everything this Mediterranean country has to offer.

While everywhere else on this list has beaches galore, Montenegro is well known for its stunning hikes through its more mountainous regions. Don’t worry, though; there are still plenty of beaches to enjoy. The Bay of Kotor is exquisite and even includes a charming bay town to complete the idyllic scene, but don’t stop there. Yachting is a popular attraction in Montenegro and a great way to find hidden coves and secret beaches.

If you’ve been looking for diverse, strong, spicy grilled meats, look no further. While the standard Mediterranean diet is still present, along with freshly caught seafood, Montenegro is rich in Balkan cuisine and influence.