13 Underrated Places in the Mediterranean To Add to Your Bucket List

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.

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13 Underrated Places in the Mediterranean To Add to Your Bucket List

Porto, Portugal 1/5

Sibenik, Croatia 2/5

Milos, Greece 3/5

Haifa, Israel 4/5

Small Towns Across the Globe Cassis France

Cassis, France 5/5

Results

Porto, Portugal

2 5

Sibenik, Croatia

2 5

Milos, Greece

2 5

Haifa, Israel

2 5

Cassis, France

2 5

Table of Contents

Porto, Portugal

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.

Take a Sunset Cruise on the Douro River: One of the best ways to experience Porto’s beauty is from the water. A traditional rabelo boat ride offers stunning views of the city’s colorful buildings and famous bridges, especially at sunset.
Try a Francesinha at a Local Café: This hearty Portuguese sandwich, layered with ham, sausage, steak, and melted cheese, is a must-try dish in Porto. For an authentic experience, head to Café Santiago or Bufete Fase—both are local favorites!

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.

Explore St. Michael’s Fortress for the Best Views: Climb up to St. Michael’s Fortress for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the charming old town. During summer, check the schedule for live concerts held in the open-air theater.
Take a Day Trip to Krka National Park: Just a short drive from Šibenik, Krka National Park is famous for its stunning waterfalls and scenic walking trails. Unlike Plitvice Lakes, you can swim near Skradinski Buk, the park’s most famous cascade!

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.

Visit Sarakiniko Beach for a Lunar-Like Experience: This famous beach features white volcanic rock formations that create a surreal, moon-like landscape. It’s best visited early in the morning or at sunset to avoid crowds and capture stunning photos.
Take a Boat Tour to Explore Hidden Coves: Many of Milos’ most beautiful spots, like Kleftiko and Sykia Cave, are only accessible by boat. A sailing tour lets you swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel in sea caves, and discover hidden beaches.

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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Explore the Calanques by Boat or Hike: The Calanques National Park is a must-see, featuring breathtaking limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. You can either hike the trails for stunning viewpoints or take a boat tour to access hidden coves and beaches.
Try the Local White Wine: Cassis is known for its excellent white wines, which pair perfectly with fresh seafood. Visit a local winery, such as Domaine du Paternel or Clos Sainte Magdeleine, to taste the region’s unique, refreshing wines.

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.

Visit the Bahá’í Gardens Early or Late in the Day: The Bahá’í Gardens are Haifa’s most famous attraction, offering breathtaking terraces and city views. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon helps you avoid crowds and enjoy the gardens in softer lighting for stunning photos.
Use the Carmelit Subway to Explore the City: Haifa is built on steep hills, so walking everywhere can be exhausting. The Carmelit subway, one of the shortest metro systems in the world, is a cheap and efficient way to travel between the city’s lower and upper sections, saving time and energy.

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.

Explore the Medina with a Local Guide: The old medina is a maze of narrow alleyways filled with shops, cafés, and historic sites. Hiring a local guide will help you navigate more easily, learn about the city’s history, and avoid common tourist scams.
Try Mint Tea at a Traditional Café: Moroccan mint tea is a must-try in Tangier. Head to a traditional café like Café Hafa, which overlooks the sea, and enjoy a relaxing moment while taking in stunning ocean views.

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!

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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.

Climb Torre Tavira for the Best Views: While the North Tower of the cathedral offers great city views, Torre Tavira provides an even more unique experience. It features a camera obscura that projects real-time panoramic views of Cádiz onto a screen—an interactive way to see the city from above.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Mercado Central: For a taste of authentic Cádiz, visit Mercado Central, the city’s bustling market. Try local specialties like tortillitas de camarones (shrimp fritters) or freshly grilled seafood from one of the many stalls.

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.

Try the Local Specialty, Tielle Sétoise: This delicious spicy octopus pie is a must-try dish in Sète. It’s a local delicacy influenced by Italian cuisine and can be found in bakeries and seafood restaurants across the city.
Take a Boat Tour Through the Canals: Known as the “Venice of Languedoc,” Sète’s canals offer a unique way to explore the city. Hop on a guided boat tour to see the colorful houses, fishing boats, and lively waterfront from a different perspective.

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!

Try the Famous Red Onion Gelato: Tropea’s sweet and mild red onions are a regional specialty, and locals have even turned them into a unique gelato flavor. It might sound unusual, but it’s a must-try for adventurous food lovers!
Visit in September for Fewer Crowds and Warm Weather: While summer is peak season, September offers warm temperatures, quieter beaches, and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect time to explore without the crowds.

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.

Take a Day Trip to Butrint National Park Early in the Morning: This UNESCO site is best explored before the crowds and midday heat set in. Arriving early gives you a peaceful experience while wandering through ancient Greek, Roman, and Ottoman ruins.
Visit in Late Spring or Early Fall for the Best Experience: July and August can be overcrowded, but May, June, and September offer warm weather, fewer tourists, and better prices for accommodations and activities.

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!

Explore Underground Naples (Napoli Sotterranea): Beneath the bustling streets lies a fascinating network of tunnels, ancient aqueducts, and even a buried Roman theater. A guided tour offers a unique perspective on Naples’ history away from the crowds.
Use Public Transport and Walk as Much as Possible: Naples’ traffic can be chaotic, and parking is limited. The metro, buses, and walking are the best ways to navigate the city’s historic streets and coastal views.

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.

Visit Olympos for a Step Back in Time: This remote mountain village preserves traditional Greek culture, with locals wearing handmade clothing and baking bread in wood-fired ovens. It’s a must-see for an authentic Greek experience.
Rent a Car to Explore Hidden Beaches: Karpathos has many secluded beaches, like Apella and Kyra Panagia, that are best reached by car. Public transport is limited, so having your own vehicle will let you discover the island’s untouched beauty at your own pace.

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.

Try the Local Wines at Family-Owned Vineyards: Bozcaada is famous for its winemaking, and many small, family-run wineries offer tastings of unique local varieties like Kuntra and Karalahna. Visit in September for the annual grape harvest festival.
Explore the Island by Bike or Scooter: Bozcaada is small enough to explore on two wheels, making it easy to reach secluded beaches, windmills, and scenic coastal roads while avoiding traffic and parking hassles.