The Mediterranean is such a beautiful place, full of extraordinary destinations. Some of them are party-oriented, some are meant for couples and some for families. Anyone can find their perfect spot among these places. However, most destinations in Mediterranean are overcrowded with people year-round and they always have busy beaches and attractions.
However, there are also small & uniquely special, but somewhat forgotten destinations that have beautiful things to see, great cuisine and incredible beaches. There are tourists that visit these off-the-beaten path spots, but there are not as many tourists as the top destinations and you can enjoy the experience of authentic culture and nature as well as the genuine people of those destinations.
So, the next time you decide to take a vacation, why don’t you think about some of the less known destinations? Here are some of the options:
Evia, Greece
Evia is an island and the name of it is pronounced as Effia. People who live there often call it Evvia or Euboia too. This might be one of the reasons why so little people know about it. It’s a popular destination for people from Greece but it’s not as popular for the rest of the world. Other Grecian destinations take the spotlight as Evia stays behind, still very authentic in its nature and culture. Evia is Greece’s second largest island. It’s full of hot springs, archaeological findings and many other great things. The cuisine is amazing and will make your taste buds dance with joy. There are many places you can visit places like Karababa Castle, Dragon House or St. John the Russian. There are many great springs like Healing Thermal Springs of Edipsos and so on. “There are great beaches like Kalamos, Chiliadou, Pefki and so on. You should also check out the diving center and witness some of the most beautiful underwater sights. There are hundreds of small villages and relaxation options so enjoy your time in this secluded Greek paradise,” says Tilia Marsol, travel agent at Next Coursework and Australia2Write.
Haifa, Israel
Haifa is a big city – third largest in Israel, in fact. However, it’s often overlooked because Israel in general isn’t considered a big Mediterranean destination in the same way people see France, Greece, Italy or Spain. But, it has a coastal location and it’s close to the Mountains so it offers a wide variety of activities both for people who love the beach and adventures. The food is also delicious and one of the main reasons this destination should find its way to your bucket list. Some of the must-visits are Baha’i Gardens and Golden Dome. These places are in care of volunteers and they look amazing. You can enjoy your day at the beach, book a tour or go to the Madatech museum. There is a national park nearby for everyone who loves hiking or biking. You can eat street foods which tastes amazing. If you like beaches, Dado Beach might be your best choice of great views at azure blue water and alluring sandy beaches.
Tarifa, Spain
“If you like water sports and adventures, this destination might be the perfect choice for you. It’s located in Spain, at the very southern tip and you can almost reach Africa from there,” says Selena Mendoza, tour guide at 1Day2Write and BritStudent.
This destination is a great place for everyone who likes surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and so on. It’s not so popular among tourists because of the other famous Spanish destinations stealing the spotlight but a new wave of tourists that are more willing to explore off the beaten track are finding it mesmerising. It has a relaxed and laid back atmosphere where you would feel right at home. You can get various adventure lessons and enjoy the beaches like Playa De Bolonia. You can also relax on a barbecue at Asador El Caseron. There are also diving options that can allow you to see the beautiful waters and seaworld near Tarifa. You can take a submarine or get a diving certification. If you like history, head out to just outside of town to see some amazing ruins.
Corsica, France
Corsica may be famous for Napoleon but it’s mostly managed to avoid the impact of tourism, especially when you compare it to other islands. So, it’s quite an underrated destination in the Mediterranean that you can enjoy. It’s best in August when it’s still very warm and the little crowd that does visit it clears out. It has amazing beaches and plenty of places and sights to have an adventure like hiking or biking. You can visit Calanche Cliffs, which is one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean with red cliffs that overlook clear blue waters. You can take a longer hike as well or visit Plage du Petit Sperone, Plage d’Arone and so on. There are plenty of great options. You can go diving, skydiving, biking, take boat tours and do much more on this beautiful island. You can relax in coffee shops and cafes as well and meet some new people.
Aeolian Islands, Italy
This is a small group of volcanic islands which are located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, near Sicily. They might be slightly more popular now during the summer but they are still quite underrated and not so many people visit them. These islands are the busiest in July and August but get calmer during other times of the year. So, you can enjoy the beauty without all of the people around. You can go kayaking, boating, scuba diving and so on. Your options are pretty much endless. One of the most popular islands is the Volcano Island because you can climb on a real volcano there and have a mud bath, swim in volcanic bubbles and so on. There is great food here and beautiful beaches surrounded by jaw-dropping green mountains and mesmerizing blue water. For a more affordable option, go to the Lipari island which is just as beautiful but more quiet and relaxed. The island of Stromboli has an active volcano and black sand beaches.
Conclusion
Sometimes going off the beaten path is the best thing that can happen to you. There are many wonderful destinations on the Mediterranean and you should explore them. Sticking to just one location is okay for a while, but you can’t experience it fully without immersing yourself better with authentic and beautiful underappreciated places.