2024 Travel Guide to the Mediterranean

by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Mon January 15, 2024

The Mediterranean has long been a region of ancient history, incredible cultures and delicious cuisines. The countries surrounding the sea from which the region gets its name offers diverse opportunities for exploration, for every type of travel style.

No two destinations are alike: from Tunisia’s Roman ruins to France’s star-studded French Riviera to Barcelona’s medieval city center, the Mediterranean presents a multicultural selection of destinations all bearing an interconnected history with one another, but somehow still remain completely unique to themselves.

Best Destinations in the Mediterranean

When planning a trip to the Mediterranean, the hardest question will not be where to visit: it’ll be where not to visit. The region, home to Spain, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece (the time-honored heavyweight champions of the region’s tourism industry), is one of the most bucket-listed regions of the world, and for good reason.

Yet there are also some lesser-known gems along the Mediterranean: coastal destinations in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and Türkiye are becoming more popular among travelers wanting to shy away from crowds of tourists or just visit a new side of the wine-dark sea. On the northern side of the sea, countries like Montenegro and Albania are hidden gems for American travelers, as are many of the lesser-known Mediterranean isles.

For travelers who find it hard to choose just one, cruising makes for a great first-time trip to the region. They can visit several ports in numerous destinations on a single cruise, and make a list of their favorites to visit the next time they visit.

Best Attractions in the Mediterranean

Why do travelers love visiting the Mediterranean? It’s often considered the birthplace of Western civilization, home to ancient Greece and Rome, and travelers flock to Athens’ Parthenon and Rome’s Colosseum in droves to see that history firsthand. From Spain to France and all the way to Türkiye and Tunisia, the evidence of these cultures remains for us to view.

Other attractions include France’s glittering French Riviera, Spain and Italy’s gastronomic delights and Greece’s glittering isles, to name only a few. Many travelers love the Mediterranean climate, often warmer and milder than northern Europe, and enjoy spending at least a day or two on the beach during their trip.

Must See 2024 Events in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean world saw the first Olympics held in ancient Greece, and today, we can enjoy the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, held in Paris and across greater France this summer. It’s the world’s most highly anticipated sporting event of the year.

There’s also no lack of cultural and religious festivals held across the Mediterranean countries all year long, from numerous Easter celebrations, like Barcelona’s Semana Santa, to Christmas markets and festivities.

Best Places for Families in the Mediterranean

When considering family trips in the Mediterranean, there are more destinations that are perfect for multi-generational groups than there are not. With that being said, some destinations, such as the high-energy Spanish island of Ibiza, known for its party scene, might not be as great for travelers with children.

Yet cruises and single-country trips to destinations across the region are suitable for families of all ages and generations. Slower trips to a single country or destination might be easier for families with smaller children, as there is less transiting necessary. Florence, the French Riviera, Mallorca and the coast of Croatia are all great destinations for families.

Best Places for Couples in the Mediterranean

Romance comes alive in the Mediterranean, from Rome to Venice to Marseilles and beyond. As a region known for its bucket-list destinations, the destinations are often considered great honeymoon destinations.

Couples often choose destinations across the Greek Isles, the south of France and Italy as honeymoon or romantic destinations. We’re loving the less popular regions of Albania and Croatia, too.

Best Places for Group Travel in the Mediterranean

Groups, whether they be extended family trips or groups of friends, find incredible opportunities for exploration and connection in the Med.

Groups in the Mediterranean take tours along some of the incredible paths of saints like the Apostle Paul and visit the places, such as Ephesus, that feature in Biblical history. Or they visit Tuscany and get hands-on cooking demonstrations of some of their favorite foods. Groups also take cruises to visit more destinations on their bucket list and enjoy a seamless travel experience. No matter what, a group tour experience, a cruise or a dedicated travel advisor offer less work for group leaders and a more seamless travel experience.

Best Places for Solo Travel in the Mediterranean

Travelers can travel solo fairly safely in destinations across the Mediterranean. While we always encourage caution and preparedness to every solo traveler regardless of destination, destinations like Nice in France or the Spanish island of Mallorca offer safe destinations for travelers on their own.

If safety is a large concern, consider taking a group tour for solo travelers, or research your chosen destination’s safety ratings and prepare accordingly.

Best Mediterranean Foodie Destinations

When considering the culinary cultures of the countries that comprise the Mediterranean, there is literally no place that isn’t an incredible foodie destination. Seafood is on full display here, from octopus to mussels and more, and it takes an adventurous eater to enjoy some of the ocean’s freshest meals.

Yet even for pickier eaters, the Med offers great adventures for the taste buds. Italy is a great destination for American travelers who are picky eaters, though those with gluten intolerances might find it hard to enjoy the world-famous pasta and pizza that have become so synonymous with traveling to Italy.

Travelers with intolerances or allergies to foods should research the cuisines of the destinations they are visiting to ensure they will be able to enjoy them without too much worry.

Meanwhile: the wine! The Mediterranean is also known for its wine-growing, from France to Italy and beyond. Take a chance to save a sip of locally grown wine wherever you might find yourself the next time you go.

Best Places for Adventure Travel

Hiking through Anatolia, sailing in the Greek Isles, mountain climbing and skiing in the Italian Alps. All of these are only a few of the adventure travel experiences available for travelers in the Mediterranean.

Our recommendations for the best adventure travel destinations in the region is based upon the type of adventure activities you want to experience: if you love water-based adventures, coastal or island destinations such as Sardinia, the Greek Isles or Croatia are perfect for you. If you love more mountainous adventures, Türkiye and Italy are better options.

Best Places for Sports Enthusiasts

The Mediterranean has a long history of inspiring intrepid travelers to sail. Like, a really long history. Think Homer’s Odyssey. With that in mind, people who love to sail and boat will find no lack of opportunities to do so in the destinations they choose, as long as they’re by the coast.

Other sports include soccer, which is incredibly popular in Spain especially, but can also be enjoyed in Croatia and throughout the rest of the region.

Additionally, car lovers will enjoy visiting Monaco for its Grand Prix Historique 2024, a unique event that is sure to excite all car and adrenaline enthusiasts.

Unique to the Med

The Mediterranean is a unique destination: all of these countries, cultures and histories collide simply because of the sea between them. Ancient history comes alive in the cultures, the gastronomy, the ruins and the art that inhabit these places.

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