13 Underrated Places in the Mediterranean To Add to Your Bucket List
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Do you want to visit the Mediterranean but find less well-known places to spend your vacation? Then you are in the right place! Here are some underrated places in the Mediterranean that won’t disappoint.
Porto, Portugal
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Porto, Portugal, is known around the world for its port wine. It is the second largest city in Portugal, and the historic city center was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. As large as Porto is, tourists often overlook it in favor of Lisbon. Porto is well worth a visit, with lots of history to explore, fun shops, and delicious restaurants.
Read also: Unmissable Things to Do in Lisbon
Sibenik, Croatia
Sibenik, Croatia, is a beautiful medieval city with many things for visitors to see and do. In the city center, you will find a fantastic tapestry of narrow streets and winding steps surrounded by churches and city squares. Make sure to visit the Cathedral of St. James; it took 100 years to build, and 70 faces are peering back at you! If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will recognize it as the Iron Bank of Bravos. There are national parks, forests, forts, and monasteries to see, as well as gourmet local cuisine.
Read also: Most Charming Small Towns in Europe
Milos, Greece
Milos is a volcanic island, the southernmost island in the Cyclades. The island is called the “island of colors” for its diversely colored beaches. They range from black to pebbles, and their crystal clear water can be pale blue or vibrant green. The people here are amiable, and the food is fantastic.
Read also: Famous Landmarks in Greece
Cassis, France
Cassis is a small fishing village in southern France, about 45 minutes outside Marseilles. A visit to the port should be high on your list of things to see and do here with its pastel-painted buildings, sitting under a medieval chateau, the Chateau de Cassis. There are beautiful beaches and quiet but colorful back streets to wander. The locals are friendly, and you can’t beat the charm of this quaint village.
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Read also: Top Things to Do in Cassis
Haifa, Israel
Haifa, Israel, is the third largest city in Israel, but it is often overlooked as a Mediterranean destination. There is a lot of history to discover here, as well as beautiful beaches and gardens, such as the Bahai Gardens at the Golden Dome. You can go hiking or cycling in Mount Carmel National Park, which has beautiful views everywhere. While you are there, don’t miss the delicious street food sold by vendors for Mediterranean favorites like baklava and shawarma.
Read also: Iconic Places Around the Globe
Tangier, Morocco
Tangier, Morocco, is where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, and the culture here is a fantastic blend of Spain, Portugal, France, and North Africa. There are beautiful beaches for your enjoyment, but you will also find a lot of history here. Make sure to visit the old medina, which features endless narrow paths between the buildings where you can get lost and explore. You can ride a camel, visit a market, and, of course, enjoy all of the delicious cuisine the cafes have to offer.
Read also: Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
Cadiz, Spain
Cadiz is one of the oldest cities in Western Europe, and it was founded by the Phoenicians more than 3000 years ago. As you might imagine, the historical charm here is off the charts!
Make sure to visit the stone walls, forts, and the cathedral, and take a trip to the top of the North Tower for spectacular views of the city. The people here are friendly, and there is no shortage of cafes, shops, and street performers to entertain you.
Read also: How to Spend Two Weeks in Spain and Portugal
Sete, France
Sete, France, is home to gorgeous white sand beaches, but that’s not all it offers. You will also find a historical city center with canals and city squares, a port, a promenade, beaches, and the Saint Louis Lighthouse. It is well worth climbing the 120 steps for the view! There are multiple museums and two theaters that are worth a visit. Don’t forget the fresh seafood and one-of-a-kind delicacies at the local restaurants and cafes.
Read also: Most Romantic Getaways in Europe
Tropea, Italy
Tropea, Italy, also known as the pearl of the Mediterranean, is located on the east coast of Calabria. The white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters are reason enough to visit, but you’ll find even more reasons once you arrive. This old city was built on cliffs so that the views will be amazing. Tropea is famous for its red onions, so expect to find many in the cuisine here. Walk around Old Towne and visit the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola di Tropea. It was built in the 11th century!
Read also: Top European Cities for a Spring Getaway
Ksamil, Albania
Ksamil, Albania, is a Mediterranean treasure that few people know about. It has the beautiful white sandy beaches and calm seas you might expect, but there is more to see and do here. You must visit Butrint National Park, a UNESCO Heritage site where archaeological ruins from the Greeks, Romans, and Ottoman Empire are safely protected in nature across the sprawling park. You can also visit the Blue Eye, a natural spring with Emerald Green water for a swim, or take a paddle boarding tour of the island.
Read also: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Naples, Italy
Naples, Italy, is often left behind for other Mediterranean vacation destinations, but don’t miss out on it. A trip to Naples allows you to visit Pompei, the ancient city destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. There are also museums, churches, and seven different castles that you can explore. Of course, you must dine on some of the best pizza in Italy, the Neapolitan pizza!
Read also: Unmissable Things To Do in Rome
Karpathos, Greece
Karpathos, Greece, is an island with fantastic beaches, mountains, and more! You can take a boat tour of the island, snorkel, scuba dive, or simply tan on the beach. Take a trip back in time and visit the ancient city of Olympus, founded in the 7th century AD. You will have the opportunity to see how people dressed, cooked, and lived hundreds of years ago here. You might also enjoy hiking in the mountains (with a guide), visiting one of the many churches, or trying your hand at windsurfing.
Read also: Best Greek Island Beaches
Bozcaada, Turkey
Bozcaada, Turkey, is an island off the west coast of Turkey. The island has yet to be particularly popular with tourists, so you can explore and relax without throngs of people. It is home to many vineyards, as grapes grow well here, so wine tasting should be on your list of activities during your stay. You can also visit hidden beaches, stroll down cobblestone paths, shop at the local markets, or see the stunning Bozcaada castle.
Read also: Most Charming Small Towns in Europe
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