If your dream vacation involves slow mornings, sparkling sea views, and long, lingering meals, the Mediterranean delivers in every way. These towns and islands are built for unwinding—whether you’re sipping wine on a terrace or floating in clear turquoise water. No rush, no crowds, just the easy rhythm of a perfect escape.
Capri, Italy
Located in the Bay of Naples, Capri is a little over four hours from Rome. You have to get to Naples first and then enjoy the romantic ferry ride to the island or Capri. Once you’ve arrived, you may find it difficult to peel your eyes off the beauty around you to stare into your partner’s eyes! The views of crystal blue Mediterranean waters are breathtaking from every direction. The super-narrow winding streets seem strategically planned to keep you close to your partner.
Santorini, Greece
One of the Cyclades islands, Santorini’s distinctive beauty has been captured on film and in paintings. Its submerged caldera, towering cliffs, whitewashed buildings and romantic beaches rejuvenate your senses and put you in the mood for love.Don’t miss the quaint town of Imerovigli, whose famed sunset is named ‘the balcony to the Aegean’. Check out the interesting layout of homes arranged amphitheatrically around the caldera, pretty churches and the remains of a Venetian Castle.
Formentera, Spain
The fourth-largest Balearic island is the solemn cousin of carefree, party-loving Ibiza. It is not as flashy, though. Its beaches are calmer and lovelier, with their smooth white sands and dazzling blue waters. The crowds are more hippy than hip. To experience the idyllic island at its finest, visit the Migjorn, Llevant and Illetes beaches, whose waters are some of the most pleasant and refreshing in the Mediterranean.
Rab, Croatia
Located just off the northern Croatian coast, Rab is a 22-kilometer long island that has earned a reputation as a romantic summer getaway. Rab is the greenest of all islands on the Kvarner Gulf. Its location below the windows of a classical music school rents the air with beautiful sounds. For mind-boggling views of the island, walk up to Kamenjak – the highest point on the island – where you can also enjoy the local cuisine and drinks.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
The beautiful and historic seaside town of Dubrovnik, Croatia, is both charming and compelling, standing as a medieval fortress town on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. I guarantee – even if you’ve been all over Europe – you’ve never seen anything quite like Dubrovnik. It’s one of the world’s most magnificent walled cities, overlooking the calm blue sea. Expect stunning views at every turn.
Split, Croatia
With some of the most dramatic views, history, and culture in Croatia, Split is a fantastic destination for a long, relaxing vacation, or a short city break. One of the best ways to really immerse yourself in Croatia is to not only spend time in Split, but also take advantage of all best day trips from Split. Within a short distance from Split, there are natural wonders, caves, waterfalls, islands, and cities both inside and outside of Croatia to discover. You’ll quickly find that you need more than a few days to see it all.
Mallorca, Spain
Majorca, Spain, is a major holiday destination for Europeans. It’s an island well known for its calm waters and perfect beaches for magical holiday. The island might be small, but there are many choices of where to stay in Majorca, so we’ve put together a guide to help you choose. This is a beautiful beach destination with gorgeous white sand and crystal water. It draws large crowds of partiers to some parts of the island, but other parts are very laid back and romantic.
Cyprus
Cyprus is a country that has always intrigued me with its subtropical Mediterranean climate, gorgeous beaches, incredibly long and complex history, and – yes – even plenty of good wine! It’s a small country, but it’s also the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean (behind Sicily and Sardinia), so be prepared to find some really incredible things to keep you busy when you visit.
Malta
Many travelers agree that the entirety of Malta is like an open air museum that houses a bewildering number of monuments, marine sanctuaries, caves, beaches, churches, and restaurants. When planning a trip to Malta, be sure to get away from the ordinary and visit these underrated sites in Malta. Yes, it is easy to say that the Maltese archipelago is truly a paradise for travellers of all walks of life and preferences.
Montenegro
Montenegro is a small country in the Balkan peninsula, known for its beautiful medieval cities and pink-sand beaches. The coast of this stunning country is washed by the Adriatic Sea, while the inland is filled with mountains and covered with forests. Montenegro will not only charm you with its old architecture and beautiful scenery, but the food and the people will make you feel at home anywhere you go. If you haven’t yet explored Montenegro, we want to share with you a few of our favorite places to visit.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.