1. Málaga | Spain
Founded in the 8th century by the Phoenicians, Málaga is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is sprawling with cultural landmarks from Roman, Arab, Christian times, and more. Climbing up the monte Gibralfaro will lead to the Alcazaba, a magnificent Moor palace adjacent to a Roman theatre. Málaga is also the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, the acclaimed painter. You’ll find a museum dedicated to his work here, the Museo Picasso Málaga.
Among other activities, one can enjoy Holy Week, where those who partake head to the streets with drums and trumpets following those holding large religious statues. If you’re into music, witness live Flamenco shows during the Feria de Málaga in August, live music, bullfights, tapas and sweet wine flood the streets for this enormous event.
The Málaga film festival is the 3rd most important event in the city. It is Spain’s biggest festival dedicated to its own film scene.
2. Ibiza | Spain
Ten times the size of Manhattan, this Spanish island is known for its nightlife and electronic music scene. Ibiza was founded by the Phoenicians in 654 BC, taken over by the Greeks and finally the Moors before being taken by Spain. It’s no surprise Ibiza is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site making it one of the most interesting cities in the Mediterranean.
Ibiza surrounded by more than 100 miles of coastline and around 50 beaches, makes it a favorite among young tourists during the summer months. The main tourist attractions are the dance clubs. World-renowned DJs use Ibiza to promote their newest tracks ranging from Techno, Trance, and House music genres of electronic music. The club season typically starts from June with the opening of Space and DC10 and closes in October. Other notable clubs are Pacha, Amnesia, Eden, and Underground.
Café del Mar is a popular bar destination for tourists to watch the sun set on the beach and where party-goers generally go before hitting the clubs.
3. Monte Carlo | Monaco
Located on the illustrious French Riviera, Monte Carlo is Monaco’s jewel. It is the area that houses the famous Monte Carlo Casino, a gambling and entertainment institution. Interestingly enough, Monaco citizens are not allowed to enter the gaming rooms of the casino; identification being checked at the doors.
Monte Carlo can be called the Vegas of Europe for its luxury and gambling. It hosts world championship boxing bouts, the European Poker Tour Grand Final, the World Backgammon Championship. It has also hosted fashion shows and other large-scale events. The most notable event is the Circuit de Monaco, the Formula One Grand Prix.
Monaco is a playground for the wealthy, the most expensive real estate in the world is found here.
4. Marseille | France
The arts are a staple in Marseille. With 24 museums, 42 theatres, 12 beautiful beaches down theCôte d’Azur, it makes Marseille a Mediterranean hotspot for those looking to bask in all its French glory. This city appeals to the inner dilettante in all of us. With attractions such as the Opéra Municpal, La Grande Comedie, or Le Merlan all ranging in areas of opera, theatre, dance, and cinema to name a few.
Outside of the arts, trips to the various ports, such as the Vieux Port and bays with views of the Mediterranean can be seen throughout Marseille. Calanque du Sugiton, a marvelous cove to sail a boat or take a dip in the water.
5. Portofino, Genoa | Italy
Located in Genoa, on the Italian Riviera, this small scenic fishing village is regarded as the most beautiful seaport on the Mediterranean. Replicas of this port have been created in Tokyo DisneySea resort and Universal Orlando resort, among others.
Noteable sites are Il Cristo degli Abissi, or Christ of the Abyss; an eerily majestic bronze statue of Jesus Christ standing at about 8.2 feet tall. It is submerged under water and reached through SCUBA gear. Castello Brown, a castle converted into a museum is found above the harbor in Portofino. The castle dates back to the 15th Century and was used against the English during Napoleon’s reign.
Aside from the historical sites, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants are found on the small streets that make up Portofino making for an intimate setting and one of the coveted cities in the Mediterranean to visit.
6. Positano, Salerno | Italy
A striking resort and port off the Amalfi Coast, Positano exudes the calmness of the Mediterranean. There are many churches and cathedrals to explore, the main attraction being the church of Santa Maria Assunta housed by a dome of Italian Renaissance art and home to a 13th century Byzantine sculpture of a black Madonna.
There are plenty of taverns and cafes along this village to explore. The scenic views of one such as Al Marincanto is enough to make you wish you lived in Positano permanently.
7. Santorini | Greece
Sapphire waters surround Santorini, the island itself adorned with white-washed homes; this being the distinguishable look of the Cyclades Islands. When in Santorini, don’t be so quick to rush indoors; hike to Skaros Rock or Oia to witness its famed, romantic sunset. The black sanded, Perissa beach offers a calm outing accompanied by restaurants and cafes in the vicinity.
One can stay outdoors and watch a movie at CineKamari for a night filled with drinks. For the museum buff, the Museum of Prehistoric Thera is where you’ll learn about the history of the island. Regardless of which path you take on this island, Santorini allows for one of the most breathtaking vistas that cities in the Mediterranean can offer.
8. Mykonos | Greece
Known as the Island of the Winds, this island is said to have sunshine for about 300 days out of the year; rain coming down between February and March. This makes tourism a huge factor on this picturesque region of Greece. Mykonos has plenty of gorgeous beaches such as Agios Sostis, Panormos, and Elia. The ones facing north are for the more secluded preference while those in the south are for the active adventurer equipped with jet skiing, wind surfing, and parasailing.
If you’re looking for more of a cultural retreat, check out the archeological site of Delos for a look into the past. The Armenistis Lighthouse and the windmills of Kato Milli are also huge town favorites in the area.
Matoyianni Street is the touristy main street for restaurants, cafes, bars, and purchasing artisanal gifts.
9. Dubrovnik | Croatia
This gorgeous walled city is looking into the past. The city itself looks like a scene out of the Renaissance. Head to the Old Town to view the ancient architecture.
Outside the walls at the offshore island of Mljet, one can head to the beach and explore the many coves in the area.
10. Malta
Malta is the melting pot of the Mediterranean. With a rich history of occupation from all parts of Europe and the Arab world, today we have a unique country flourishing through tourism. Around 1.2 million flock to Malta every year to wallow in the culture.
To get a taste of Malta head to Mdina, the ancient capital, Old City. It’s an ancient walled city than can be toured by a guide. St. John’s Co-Cathedral is another for a look into Malta’s past. It is a Baroque-style monument and one of the main attractions.
These cities in the Mediterranean offer some of the most picturesque views in the world. Whether you enjoy the vistas, the waters, the food, or culture; they’ll without a doubt leave a lasting impression on your mind.
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