The Most Beautiful Mediterranean Islands for the Ultimate Escape
From Capri to Crete, here’s where to kick back.
Some of the world's dreamiest islands are located in the Mediterranean Sea. This massive 2,500-mile sea, bounded by Europe, north Africa, and southwestern Asia, even includes smaller seas, such as the Aegean and the Tyrrhenian. Some of the hallmarks of Mediterranean islands include beaches, rocky coastlines, ancient attractions, and cobbled old towns filled with shops, bars, and cafes. If you're thinking of planning a trip, consider kicking back in some of these Mediterranean islands.
Majorca — Spain
The largest of Spain's Balearic Islands (which also includes party-loving Ibiza), Majorca is the quintessential Mediterranean island. In addition to swimming in sun-kissed beaches, you can hike in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, tour the gothic-style cathedral, and drink and dine in Palma's old town.
More: The Most Beautiful Islands in the World — How Many Have You Visited?
Sardinia — Italy
Famous for its dazzling coastline, Sardinia is a no-brainer when it comes to a laid-back Mediterranean island getaway. One of the top resort areas is the Costa Smeralda, home to Grande Pevero and Capriccioli beaches. The island also has caves, cliffs, and amazing local cuisine — this is Italy, after all.
Crete — Greece
On Crete, the largest Greek island, spend your days strolling around the harbor town of Chania, touring the Palace of Knossos, discovering Minoan artifacts in the Heraklion Archeological Museum, and swimming in Balos Lagoon, named one of the Top 35 Beaches in Greece/Greek Islands by Fodor's.
Sicily — Italy
Sicily, which looks like it's getting kicked by the "boot" of Italy on maps, is finally getting some respect and, according to Forbes, the Med's largest island is very much an up-and-coming destination. Palermo spent the last year as Italy's Capital of Culture and elsewhere you'll find Greek temples, the charming hill town of Taormina, and the still-active Mount Etna volcano.
Ibiza — Spain
With all-night bars and night clubs hosting foam parties, this Balearic island, off the coast of Spain, certainly lives up to is reputation as one of the world's biggest party islands. But Ibiza also boasts gorgeous turquoise beaches, an old town complete with cobbled streets, and the imposing Ibiza Castle.
Gozo Island — Malta
Malta, the sun-drenched island chain in the middle of the Mediterranean, is home to Gozo, a sleepy island populated with farmers and fisherman. Top attractions include the Ggantija temple ruins, the crescent-shaped red-sand beach at Ramla Bay on the northern coast, and the Ta'Dbiegi Crafts Village.
Capri — Italy
The Roman emperor Tiberius was so transfixed by the beauty of Capri, off the coast of Naples, that he transferred his imperial household here in A.D. 27. It's still as stunning today, with sea caves, such as the beautiful Blue Grotto, limestone cliffs, and olive groves — not to mention chic cafes and designer shops.
Jill is the former travel editor at BestProducts.com, showing her expertise on everything from the Best Rooftop Bars in NYC to the 30 Most Beautiful Cities in the World; the NYC native has previously worked at Travel & Leisure and has written articles for The New York Times, InStyle, Huffington Post, and Fodors. Recent trips have included the Bahamas and Natchez, and Patagonia and Vietnam are high on the bucket list. Though she’ll deny it, she is kind of obsessed with buying refrigerator magnets from the places she visits.
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