2023 Travel Guide to the Mediterranean

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 5:00 PM ET, Tue January 31, 2023

The Best of the Mediterranean

1/13 The Mediterranean is poised to remain a highly sought-after region among travelers from all over the world in 2023. This splendid setting combines some of the best destinations spanning multiple continents, stunning coastlines and beaches, an ideal climate and a diversity of cultural offerings. Adventure seekers, history buffs, nature lovers, foodies and travelers in search of new experiences can't go wrong with a Mediterranean vacation this year. Let this helpful guide be your inspiration.

Best Destinations

2/13 Travelers have an array of exceptional choices when it comes to targeting remarkable destinations throughout the Mediterranean but there are certainly a handful of places that stand out, including emerging locales like Dubrovnik, Croatia, a charming city by the Adriatic Sea that transports visitors back in time with its well-preserved centuries-old buildings. Meanwhile, few destinations can compete with Santorini, Greece when it comes to breathtaking scenery as its whitewashed houses and rugged landscape have become synonymous with this part of the world. Malta's capital city, Valletta, is another phenomenal landing spot for visitors to the Mediterranean who can learn about the country's fascinating history while enjoying its plentiful sunshine in areas like the waterfront promenade.

Best Attractions

3/13 The Mediterranean is loaded with spectacular attractions ideal for travelers of all interests, from sensational islands such as Mallorca, Gozo and Sardinia to iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Acropolis of Athens. Truly unique attractions also include the Popeye Village and the mesmerizing Blue Hole in Malta. These attractions provide the perfect mix of history, culture and nature and certainly provide lasting memories for those who take the time to visit.

Must See 2023 Events

4/13 The Principality of Monaco on the French Riviera will be one of the Mediterranean's hottest destinations for marquee events this year, hosting the annual Monte-Carlo Masters men's tennis tournament in April and Formula One's Monaco Grand Prix in late May. Meanwhile, the Spanish island of Ibiza will come alive for a slew of music festivals and vibrant events throughout 2023. The Cannes Film Festival also returns to the French Riviera in May.

Malta also features an impressive lineup of events this year, including a variety of music and arts festivals like the Ritmu Festival (June 9-10) and Malta Jazz Festival (July 10-15) and festive celebrations such as Il-Karnival ta' Malta (February 17-21) and EuroPride Valletta 2023 (September 7-17).

Best Places for Families

5/13 Families will absolutely love islands like Corfu, Sardinia and Mallorca offering plenty of gorgeous white-sand beaches ideal for kids and adults alike. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of nearby family-friendly attractions and activities such as national parks, aquariums and even theme and water parks. Places like Neptune's Grotto and the Palm Aquarium are ideal places for families traveling with kids to learn and have fun all at the same time.

Best Places for Couples

6/13 Couples seeking a romantic locale to celebrate their time spent together in the Mediterranean should consider destinations such as the aforementioned Santorini, Greece and Italian gems like Capri and Palermo in addition to the laid-back Spanish island of Formentera where visitors will be just a brief ferry ride away from the party haven of Ibiza. These paradisiacal places invite couples to live life at a slower pace while providing plenty of exciting sightseeing opportunities and much-needed moments of isolation and serenity.

Best Places for Group Travel

7/13 Groups in search of fun and adventure in the Mediterranean this year might consider Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast, where they can chip in on a spectacular villa, find romance in one of the coastline's charming seaside towns and villages or simply set up shop on an amazing cliffside beach. Of course, places such as Ibiza and Mykonos also stand out for their lively beach clubs and ability to put on a party with the help of top-tier DJs and artists from all over the world. The Greek island of Crete also has something for everyone, whether its splendid nature and scenery, incredible cuisine or rich history and culture.

Best Places for Solo Travel

8/13 Solo travelers can go at their own pace in places like Nice along the French Riviera. This destination is highlighted by beautiful beaches, charming streets and remarkable museums. Paphos, Cyprus is another excellent destination for visitors touring the Mediterranean alone as they can check off bucket-list sites, including several tied to the cult of goddess Aphrodite. Istanbul, Turkey also provides unique experiences for solo travelers eyeing a city steeped in history and culture. Visitors arriving alone can also book guided tours led by local experts to ensure that they don't miss any of Istanbul's top sites and attractions.

Best Foodie Destinations

9/13 Foodies are in for a treat in the Mediterranean as a plethora of destinations stand out for their delectable cuisine, one of which is Naples, Italy. Renowned for producing some of the best pizza on the planet, this city is not to be missed. Neapolitan ragu and buffalo mozzarella are among the other traditional foods found here sure to have your taste buds dancing. Barcelona, Spain is another foodie paradise, offering a wide range of delicious tapas and mouthwateringly fresh paella, while the islands of Greece will wow visitors with an endless array of satisfying cheeses and world-class seafood like steamed mussels and the freshest fish of the day.

Best Places for Adventure Travel

10/13 The Mediterranean is well-equipped to appeal to adventure seekers. The region's abundance of islands and coastlines are ideal for popular water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding and more. For memorable hiking and climbing experiences, there's the French island of Corsica. Meanwhile, experienced hikers may consider a challenging trek through the Atlas Mountains of Morocco in North Africa. Below the surface, visitors can dive to explore ancient ruins off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. The massive nation of Turkey is another adventure destination where travelers can enjoy horseback riding tours of otherworldly landscapes such as Cappadocia.

Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts

11/13 Passionate sports fans visiting the Mediterranean will want to set their sights on places like Monaco and Mallorca where they can experience world-class soccer (football) as well as visit the stomping grounds of men's tennis legend Rafael Nadal. The Monte Carlo Masters and Monaco Grand Prix held each spring are also reasons for travelers to explore the principality. In addition to more traditional sports such as football, tennis and racing, this region of the world offers incredible access to water sports ranging from jet ski adventures to paddle boarding and so much more.

Unique to the Mediterranean

12/13 The Mediterranean is one of the world's most biodiverse regions, boasting a remarkably high rate of endemism and showcasing wildlife and natural environments that can't be found anywhere else on Earth. According to the United Nations, the Mediterranean is home to more than 17,000 marine species, including 4 to 18 percent of the world's known marine species. Plus, between 20 and 30 percent of species are endemic, marking the highest rate of endemism globally.

Safety Index Check-In

13/13 Travelers will be pleased to know that the Mediterranean is among the world's safest regions with coveted countries such as Cyprus, Greece and Malta, among others, receiving Level 1 travel advisories from the U.S. State Department this winter. For the most part, travelers can exercise normal precautions in this part of the world in 2023.

Unparalleled history and culture, beautiful beaches, gorgeous weather and one-of-a-kind experiences combine to make this region a can't-miss in 2023.

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