6 Best Places to Visit in the Mediterranean

The capital of Greece, Athens, is a reservoir of European history that delights casual travelers, family explorers, honeymooners, and history buffs. No matter where you wander to uncover Athens’ historic treasures, you will have a view of the towering columns of the Acropolis perched above the city on a lofty rocky outcrop.

You can delve into the myths and Ancient Greek legacies as you explore the complex, before you admire modern artworks at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, meander the old roads of Monastiraki or Plaka, and savor traditional Greek cooking at family-owned tavernas beneath Mount Lycabettus.

Highlights of Athens: The Acropolis • Acropolis Museum • National Archaeology Museum • Plaka • Ancient Agora

Learn more: Athens & Santorini Vacation Packages

History, natural beauty, and diverse cultures clash in the modern Mediterranean metropolitan of Barcelona.

The Catalonian capital boasts a medieval Gothic quarter adjacent to the bustling boulevard of Las Ramblas, contemporary museums around the corner from emblematic artworks of the greatest painters, and the surreal architectural marvels curated and envisioned by master architect Antoni Gaudi.

Explore Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, and Park Guell, before you fine dine at Michelin-starred restaurants or eat local in vibrant food markets in historic plazas.

Highlights of Barcelona: Sagrada Familia • Park Guell • Casa Mila • Las Ramblas • Picasso Museum

Learn more: Barcelona Vacation Packages

The walled medieval city of Dubrovnik, fronting the Adriatic Sea, is a vision of history most notably recognized as the backdrop of award-winning television shows, namely Game of Thrones. Limestone fortresses stand behind old city gates, royal staircases climb coastal hills, and the sounds of fountains sing nearby quaint cafés and eateries.

You can walk the ancient city wall, wander the archaic Old Town, and kayak between the crumbling ramparts to capture new perspectives of the storied city. At sunset, make yourself comfortable on sunbeds on gorgeous beaches and clink cocktail glasses with your loved ones.

Highlights of Dubrovnik: The Old City Walls • Stradun • Dubrovnik Cathedral • Loggia Square • Fort Lovrijenac

Learn more: Dubrovnik Vacation Packages

Italy’s magnificent stretch of Mediterranean coastline spans from the town of Positano to Vietri Sul Mare. These are two of several colorful and charming resort towns nestled on the craggy white embankments overlooking the Amalfi Coast’s azure sea.

Small streets hiding humble eateries, blue-domed churches ringing bells in the afternoon, and landscaped gardens covering the coastal interior treat visitors to some sensational days in the Mediterranean. You can hike gentle trails climbing the headlands, tuck into traditional Italian seafood dishes, and sail the seas during sunset to absorb the Amalfi’s arresting atmosphere.

Highlights of the Amalfi Coast: Positano • Grotta dello Smeraldo • Ravello • Villa Rufolo • Vallone delle Ferriere

Learn more: Amalfi Coast Vacation Packages

Hvar, the second Croatian destination to make our list, is an island of stunning proportions that presents some of Europe’s most cinematic seascapes. The seas that circle the island’s sparkling shores are crystal clear and Hvar welcomes the sunniest days in Europe.

A stop in Hvar is as relaxing as it is breathtaking, giving you a chance to embrace Mediterranean bliss at an unhurried pace. Many come for the scrumptious food and sumptuous wines, while others prefer to spend their days lapping up the entertaining water sports at beautiful beaches. Either way, a stay in Hvar will complete your Croatian getaway in the Mediterranean.

Highlights of Hvar: St. Stephen's Cathedral • St. Stephen's Square • Franciscan Monastery • Venetian Loggia and Clock Tower • Spanjola Fortress

Learn more: Dubrovnik, Hvar & Split Vacation Packages

The rugged coastline of Mallorca is a ravishing place in which to escape the busyness of Ibiza. Mediterranean vacations to Mallorca reward travelers with experiences in old Roman and Moorish citadels that fringe stretches of white sand.

Caves and coves provide plenty to explore, observation points on the hills share unrivaled spectacles of the Balearic Sea, and a vibrant nightlife gives party-goers a festive reason to stop over at Spain’s Balearic Islands. Exquisite seafood dishes often constitute breakfast, lunch, and dinner for visitors salivating at the thought of devouring the Mediterranean’s catches of the day.

Highlights of Mallorca: Catedral de Mallorca • Alcúdia • Puerto Portals • Real Cartuja de Valldemossa • Port de Sóller

Mediterranean destinations are known for their scrumptious seafood, picturesque coastlines, emerald countrysides, and historical landmarks, all of which you can discover on sample itineraries from our Mediterranean vacation packages.

When planning your trip to these six best places in the region, you can browse our Mediterranean travel guide to learn more about those you visit and the things to do during your travels.