The Mediterranean Sea is a jewel in Europe. A near-landlocked sea at the seat of Western culture, this ancient body of water has seen the comings and goings of myriad empires – and continues to be the cradle of incredible destinations today, with thanks both to the illustrious past of its neighbouring countries and to their vibrant present.
There’s a lot to love about the Med, and a lot of it is rightfully well-loved. From the golden sands of southern France to the azure seas of Sicily, the Mediterranean region is a blessing for holiday potential – albeit with a new costly sting in the tail. What, then, of the lesser-known Mediterranean locales? What follows are some of the Med’s best-kept secrets, from Grecian gems to medieval masterpieces and beyond.
Kotor, Montenegro – A Medieval Treasure by the Bay
We’re starting strong with a Mediterranean country that doesn’t often top summer getaway lists: Montenegro, a Balkan nation east of Italy with some stunning surprises up its sleeve. Arguably the best of these surprises is the Bay of Kotor, a shielded nook-within-a-nook harbour town that also harbours some utterly astounding views. Historic urban structures meet sheer limestone escarpments, and we haven’t even begun to talk about the waters. Mediterranean cruise holidays will often take this bay in as part of their route, and disembarking to make the most of it will not disappoint.
Hydra, Greece – Car-Free Tranquillity Near Athens
From Montenegro, we’ll travel southwards – to somewhere perhaps a little more familiar to the regular holidaymaker. Greece has its own fair share of major draws, from the islands of Kos and Santorini to the mainland majesty of Thessaloniki or Athens. Not far from Athens, you’ll find one of the better-kept secrets of mainland Greece, in the idyllic form of Hydra.
Hydra is a small island off of Greece’s south-eastern mainland archipelago, due south of Athens between the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs. This quiet island is the place to be for quietude and creativity, being a small, car-free and generally low-population resort destination with everything you could hope for in a Greek getaway – only a little more sotto voce.
Alghero, Sardinia – Authentic Sardinian Charm
From the Aegean to the Tyrrhenian, we move now to Sardinia – the humungous island west of Italy, and easily one of the most attractive destinations for rural west-Mediterranean meditation. This is Alghero, a coastal city on the island’s north-western tip, and a city that smashes Italian sensibilities together with gothic Catalan influence. This cultural mishmash also, of course, boasts a brilliant beach, which you’ll find more full with locals than with tourists.
Matera, Italy – Ancient Caves and Hidden History
It’s impossible to talk Med without talking Italy itself, this archipelagic stiletto-boot being the holiday nation against which all others are invariably measured. While others preoccupy themselves with the trappings of Rome or Venice, instead go to Matera – a beautiful city with ancient foundations and even more ancient cave dwellings to explore in your free time.
