How to Plan a Trip to the Mediterranean: Frequently Asked Questions

There are 22 countries considered part of the Mediterranean region. The one commonality all share is that they border the Mediterranean Sea. This and the greater region cover more than 965,250 square miles to include countries like:

• Portugal
• Spain
• France
• Italy
• Slovenia
• Croatia
• Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Montenegro
• Albania
• Greece
• Turkey
• Syria
• Lebanon
• Israel
• Palestine
• Egypt
• Libya
• Tunisia
• Algeria
• Morocco
• Malta
• Cyprus

The best time to visit the Mediterranean is between May and June, and again from September to October. These months represent spring and fall respectively, boasting warm weather and fewer crowds than in summer.

The peak summer months of July and August are hot and overcrowded. While travelers can expect great weather at this time, outdoor activities may be canceled if temperatures rise over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Crowded beach days can also become overwhelming and distract from the splendors of the Mediterranean seascape.

Learn more: Our Best Mediterranean Vacations

The Mediterranean is huge and can cover a lot of experiences, places, and cultures, but two weeks in the Mediterranean can give you the best opportunity to explore. Whether discovering the Iberian Peninsula, touring a single country, or island hopping around different archipelagoes, a two-week Mediterranean vacation can take you from Greek ruins to French romance, Spanish passion to Portuguese wine, or other exciting combinations.

We typically advise that travelers book trips three months in advance. That said, booking five to six months in advance will give you a better chance of securing ideal accommodation during busy travel seasons.

To enjoy a stress-free and successful Mediterranean vacation travelers should plan ahead of time. Summer vacations in the Mediterranean are popular and planning will help you navigate the crowds and expensive rates. Booking well in advance will ensure you get the best deals possible for your chosen itinerary.

Planning considered, your Zicasso travel specialist will be readily available to help arrange a sensational last-minute vacation in the Mediterranean.

Learn more: Mediterranean Travel Guide

The Mediterranean is a dream of beaches and rolling hills, palm trees and exotic islands, but beyond these expectations are culturally immersive places to visit and experience life. Our list of the best destinations includes:

• Athens, Greece
• Barcelona, Spain
• Dubrovnik, Croatia
• The Amalfi Coast, Italy
• Hvar, Croatia

You can learn more about what makes each unique and exciting with our more detailed information on the best places to visit in the Mediterranean.

In consultation with our travel specialists, we provide you with the best travel recommendations for the destinations that you visit in the Mediterranean. Depending on your chosen destinations and the goals of your trip, the following list shares our suggestions for top things to do in the Mediterranean.

• Retreat to the resort towns and soak up the sunshine, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and partake in thrilling water sports
• Fine dine at award-winning restaurants and tuck into regional delicacies at traditional family-run eateries
• Visit iconic museums and art galleries, such as the Louvre and Prado museums, to see evocative works envisioned by the greatest artists of all time
• Tour Antoni Gaudi’s architectural marvels in Barcelona
• Catch cable cars or hike to lookout points that share surreal scenic views of the cities, landscapes, and seasides
• Wander the Old Town of Dubrovnik to absorb the historic atmosphere that sweeps the archaic limestone fortress city
• Set sail for the Greek islands and spend time exploring the unique cultural flavor of these pristine beach destinations
• Trace back the origins of the ancient Roman Empire on tours of the ruins, colosseums, sculptures, churches, and cathedrals of the bygone era
• Discover Ancient Greece and the legends and myths of the old world during tours of the Acropolis, Temple of Poseidon, and more

The Mediterranean is famous for its beaches, with countries hosting impressive coastlines touching crystal-clear waters. With long mainland shores and hidden island bays, the Mediterranean can bring the dream of a beach getaway to life. A number of the most enticing beaches to visit in the Mediterranean include:

• Red Beach, Santorini
• Spiaggia Grande, Amalfi Coast
• Bogatell, Barcelona
• Banje Beach, Dubrovnik
• Praia da Marinha, Algarve
• Kaputaş Beach, Lycian Coast
• Almaza Beach, Almaza Bay

Find new coastlines with extravagant ambiance or unforgettable beauty when visiting the region by exploring our more detailed list of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean is safe for travelers. Crime is low in many Mediterranean countries and travelers can feel comfortable walking around town day and night.

Popular tourist areas are vulnerable to petty theft like pickpocketing, but instances are rare and major towns are protected by law enforcement.

Be sure to stay vigilant in crowded areas. English is widely spoken, making communication in larger cities much easier.

Travelers can use any international airport in major Mediterranean countries to arrive in and depart from the region. National airports give travelers easy access from one city to another. The main Mediterranean airports to consider for your vacation are:

• El Prat Airport, Barcelona
• Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, Athens
• Humberto Delgado Airport, Lisbon
• Barajas Airport, Madrid
• Malpensa Airport, Milan
• Orly Airport, Paris
• Roissy Airport, Paris
• Fiumicino International Airport, Rome

You can plan for your next trip through Zicasso. Use our Mediterranean vacations for inspiration by favoriting the itineraries that speak to you.

Pick specific tours, cities that capture your imagination, or culinary experiences that speak to a childhood dream. Whether connecting to an entire day or a single excursion, you can use an itinerary as the foundation from which you customize your Mediterranean tour.

To start planning your trip with Zicasso, fill out a trip request to provide an idea of the places you would like to go, the ideal length of your trip, your group size, and traveler ages.

You can offer suggestions or comments on your travel style and then set your budget. Our Travel Care team will contact you shortly after. They will match you with a top travel specialist who will work with you to plan a stress-free tour that exceeds your expectations.

Our Mediterranean travel specialists share insider tips on trips for beginners or can make your return trip to the Mediterranean memorable with an understanding of unique experiences across the region.

Learn more: How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps • How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

The Mediterranean invites travelers to embrace the sun-washed shores of picturesque islands, explore the cultural landmarks of modern European metropolitans, and enjoy the culinary delights of stunning seaside and country towns.

Seek inspiration for your vacation with sample itineraries from our Mediterranean vacation packages or browse our Mediterranean travel guide for more information on how to plan the perfect trip.