Mediterranean Hot Spots

 
When you close your eyes and picture the Mediterranean, many images come to mind of crystal blue waters, idyllic beaches, delicious food, and well-preserved history. It’s no surprise, then, that the Mediterranean continues to be a much sought-after vacation destination year after year. With so much to offer for the education and history-minded, the sit-back-and-relax vacationer, and everything in between, we wanted to kick off the New Year with a focus on a few hot spots in the beautiful Mediterranean!
For the Mediterranean traveler looking for it all, Majorca in Spain is a great bet. The largest of the Balearic Islands, it is home to everything from beautiful, sandy beaches, mountainous terrain great for trekking, jaw-dropping gothic and baroque architecture, savory Spanish dishes, plentiful shopping and nightlife, and basically anything else you could think to do on your vacation! To avoid the crowds and higher prices of July and August, consider planning your Majorca getaway between May and June or September and October.
Another large, well-known, and breathtakingly beautiful island located smack-dab in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea is Crete, the largest island in Greece and fifth largest in the Mediterranean. With regions that vary from the White Mountains of Chania on the west to the palm tree forest of Vai on the east, and the picturesque beaches, archaeological wonders, delectable gastronomy, and outstanding Cretan hospitality throughout, Crete covers the bases for an extraordinary visit.
And what Mediterranean hot spot list would be complete without Nice? The capital of the French Riviera, and popularly associated with the wealthy and elite, Nice's location, year-round sunshine, and endless diversions solidify its place among the best the Mediterranean has to offer. Stroll along the legendary Promenade des Anglais and enjoy the sunset, or take in the panoramic view at the Parc du Château. History buffs can have their fill at Vieux Nice, a town that has scarcely changed since the 1700s, and is known for its quaint markets, small food shops, and boutiques. For the budget-minded, the best times to minimize travel costs are between September and October or mid-March to April.
With a history as long and rich as that of Malta's, who wouldn't want to visit this fascinating archipelago to see what all the fuss is about? Dating back to 3500 BC, and documented home to some of the most advanced civilizations on the planet, it's hard not to be captivated by the historical remnants that populate nearly every square foot of Malta. With so much to discover, walking tours might be the best way to make the most of your time there, but leave plenty of time to simply relax and take in the azure waters of this majestic locale.
And our final destination for this month's hot spots is the island of Capri. Nested between Mount Tiberio to the east and Mount Solaro to the west, it boasts some of the most verdant flora in all of Italy, with lush vegetation that persists even through the cold season. The town proper is a shopper's haven, teeming with designer labels and expensive boutiques, but the more scenic-minded get their money's worth at Grotta Azzurra, the famous blue-lit cave, the Bay of Naples, the Gardens of Augustus, or Villa Jovis, where you can see the ruins of Emperor Tiberius's palace. Historically desirable for artists, writers, royalty, and revolutionaries alike, Capri remains a shining example of the appeal of the Mediterranean.
These are only a few examples of the many beautiful and enriching destinations available to those that set their eyes to the deep blue seas of the Mediterranean. With so many intoxicating possibilities for where to go and what to do, you can breathe easy while your Cruise Planners Travel Advisor plans a trip that will take your breath away.