The Mediterranean is a mixing pot of culture, taste and entertainment. For those looking for a short break the region has something for any budget or taste. For those interested in the party scene Hvar, Croatia is worth a looking; Relaxation is available in the less obvious beach destination such as Montenegro; for food hounds Puglia, Italy and Istanbul awaits.
RELAXATION
The Santorini caldera, Greece acts as a springboard to explore one of Greece’s hippest isles. From here the volcanic walls of the island jut out into the Mediterranean. Elsewhere, the floor of the hot springs is covered in mud, which can be spread thick over your body to indulge in a DIY spa treatment.
The volcanic island of Ischia off the Italian coast of Naples is less popular than its glamorous counterpart Capri, but it features a stunning natural phenomenon in the form of bubbling hot springs. Some regulars even bring vegetables and fish to boil in the hotter springs, which gives a whole other meaning to eating al fresco.
Sandwiched between Bosnia and Albania on the Adriatic Sea, lies Montenegro, one of Europe’s less obvious beach-holiday destinations, and far cheaper than neighbouring Croatia. Take a short walk around the promenade away from the touristy Budva area to find a hidden beach.
FAMILY
In Sardinia, North West of the Italian isle lies the quiet fishing town of Alghero. Here you will find unspoilt beaches, the most notable being Le Bombarde. A treat for kids is to explore the magical castles and grottos dotted around the nearby countryside.
Maximise Gozo’s reams of coastline with some kid-friendly adventures, think rock climbing and sea kayaking. The clear waters off neighbouring Malta and Comino are ideal for snorkelling, diving or a relaxing day out on a boat.
As the largest of the Ionian Islands, Kefalonia, Greece has had it time of fame being the setting for the Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Families will love the beaches and sea kayaking at Lassi.
ADVENTURE
Les Gets, France is one of the our choice destinations for adventure breaks, from cross-country biking and road racing, snowboarding and skiing (with black runs aplenty), this is the Alps adventure location du jur. Stunning vistas accompany the hub of activity.
Forget the horrors of a foam-party past: Spain’s sun-bleached southern coast of Costa Blanca is a great area for scrambling up craggy rock faces. The stretch from Valencia to Alicante has a good mix of short routes and some sea cliffs to climb too.
For the walkers, hikers and bird watchers North Cyprus is your destination, the Kyrenia Mountains boast a rugged 143-mile tail dotted with some 280 species of birds.
PARTYING
The idea of avoiding teenagers charged up on cocktails in Kavos has ramped up the appeal of its slightly more upmarket cousin Ibiza. Still the last work in the sun-drenched European party haunts, the white isle is always opening new party spots, but for old school vibe, hit Cafe del Mar for a sun-upper.
If Hvar, Croatia is good enough for Prince Harry, it’s good enough for those looking for hidden gems in the Mediterranean. The isle of Hvar boasts white sand, pink sunsets and a banging beach party scene. Kick off the party at Carpe Diem bar then watch the sunrise with a dose of electronic at Veneranda; set on the grounds of an old monastery.
The joy of strutting around St. Tropez is that you could end up scoffing blinis and drinking Moet aboard one of the world’s billionaire yacht. Otherwise, you could just chill out on a four-poster tepee at Nikki Beach, sip a lemonade for 20 euro a pop at VIP Room or wander around dressed all in white, and hope you might run into a Soviet oligarch.
FOOD
Exploring Istanbul’s markets is essential for food hounds, but for those who don’t know their cumin from their coriander it’s as confusing as Ryanair’s pricing policy. Enrol at one of the cookery schools – try Cooking Alaturka, and take a walk around the local markets to seek out produce, then cook up traditional Anatolian dishes in rustic kitchens.
Puglia produces almost half of Italy’s olive oil, wine is plentiful and there are heavy harvest of durum wheat (used to make pasta and bread). There’s also fruit, lamb, almonds and seafood. Pugliese cuisine is Italian soul-food; rustic, home-grown and a glutton’s ruin.
In Valencia, every restaurateur will smugly tell you where to stick your tapas; it’s paella that this Spanish city is famous for and its traditional Valencian paella, made from rabbit and chicken. Sample from atop a high stool at any bar in the old town.