Dotted throughout some of the most stunning waters on earth are
the islands of the Mediterranean Sea. Turquoise waters, warm sunny
beaches, and beautiful people with rich cultures defined by the sea are
what make these islands so special. There are numerous nations with
stunning beaches that attract sun worshiping people from all around but
here are some of the great islands where you can get away and enjoy the
sun, surf, seafood, and history of quintessential Mediterranean.
Sardinia, Italy
Off the coast of Italy is the island of Sardinia. This island has been inhabited for thousands of years and has one of the most unique ancient cultures that still exist especially if you venture away from the crystal clear waters to the inland villages. This island will probably have more appeal to explorers who appreciate nature as opposed to a rocking nightlife. Although the adventurers you will have all day long in some of the clearest ocean water you will find anywhere and you will not be longing to stay up until the early morning hours.
The most beautiful beaches are to the north and northeast each with waters so clear you'll wonder whether you are looking at a pool or an ocean. You can access the island by either plane or ferry but the easiest way to get around would be to either hire a car or rent one and it will give you a chance to explore the ancient people and ruins that lie farther inland. Sailing and most other watersports are readily available especially at the popular resorts. There is horseback riding as well, which has long been an important part of the culture here on Sardinia.
Crete, Greece
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is not only has a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate one would expect, but also a fantastically warm and hospitable people as well. Stunning coastlines and beautiful beaches are met by rocky and rugged mountains inland giving the island a dramatic landscape. It has been inhabited by ancient Greeks for thousands of years and many of the cultures that have called this island home have left behind their remnants giving visitors so much to do and see while still enjoying a great beach vacation.
Here you can find a rich nightlife in certain areas such as Malia, Agios Nikolaos along with quiet, charming fishing villages such as Chersonissos or Hora Sfakion and everything in between. Many towns were built hundreds or more years ago right on the cliffs overlooking the sea making for a truly stunning place to explore to just find a great café and watch the sun go down over a glass of wine. Aside from the beaches there are great smaller coastal inlets to explore so heading out on a boat is well worth the money. The same goes for renting a car to allow you to explore many of the archeological ruins that abound here.
Corsica, France
This island off the southeastern coast of France is one of the largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It too has the sandy beaches that are met by inland mountains that are so often seen in Mediterranean islands. There are large vineyards here as well giving a perfect chance for a romantic wine tour before or after hitting the water. Walking tours of the island are also very popular with the GR 20 taking more than 2 weeks to complete but giving you an unparalleled chance to enjoy every inch of the island.
The beaches offer all of the great water activities you could want and being a popular tourist destination there is a wide range of hotels and resorts to choose from. Whether can be hit or miss with frequent summer rainstorms that can cause a lot of traffic headaches. Heading away from the tourist hotspots though and into the mountain villages is by far a worthwhile experience and much of the food brings together the best of both French and Italian cuisine. In the winter, you can even ski in the mountain areas.
Ibiza, Spain
Part of the Balearic Islands and belonging to Spain is the island of Ibiza. Ibiza has a lot of natural wonders including many endemic species that are found nowhere else on earth. From birds to lizards to sea life, the natural beauty of Ibiza is legendary. Ibiza has a unique culture so your trip will be made that much more memorable by taking the time to explore the rich heritage such as taking in a performance of the traditional dance on the island. The great beaches offer sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and much more in the warm clear waters.
There is also a lot of history to explore here as well aside from the beautiful ecology. There are also ancient ruins of the civilizations gone by but have made their mark on the island's people and culture. During peak seasons it can become crowded in the heavily tourist areas but it makes for a great and lively nightlife as well.
Sardinia, Italy
Off the coast of Italy is the island of Sardinia. This island has been inhabited for thousands of years and has one of the most unique ancient cultures that still exist especially if you venture away from the crystal clear waters to the inland villages. This island will probably have more appeal to explorers who appreciate nature as opposed to a rocking nightlife. Although the adventurers you will have all day long in some of the clearest ocean water you will find anywhere and you will not be longing to stay up until the early morning hours.
The most beautiful beaches are to the north and northeast each with waters so clear you'll wonder whether you are looking at a pool or an ocean. You can access the island by either plane or ferry but the easiest way to get around would be to either hire a car or rent one and it will give you a chance to explore the ancient people and ruins that lie farther inland. Sailing and most other watersports are readily available especially at the popular resorts. There is horseback riding as well, which has long been an important part of the culture here on Sardinia.
Crete, Greece
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is not only has a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate one would expect, but also a fantastically warm and hospitable people as well. Stunning coastlines and beautiful beaches are met by rocky and rugged mountains inland giving the island a dramatic landscape. It has been inhabited by ancient Greeks for thousands of years and many of the cultures that have called this island home have left behind their remnants giving visitors so much to do and see while still enjoying a great beach vacation.
Here you can find a rich nightlife in certain areas such as Malia, Agios Nikolaos along with quiet, charming fishing villages such as Chersonissos or Hora Sfakion and everything in between. Many towns were built hundreds or more years ago right on the cliffs overlooking the sea making for a truly stunning place to explore to just find a great café and watch the sun go down over a glass of wine. Aside from the beaches there are great smaller coastal inlets to explore so heading out on a boat is well worth the money. The same goes for renting a car to allow you to explore many of the archeological ruins that abound here.
Corsica, France
This island off the southeastern coast of France is one of the largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It too has the sandy beaches that are met by inland mountains that are so often seen in Mediterranean islands. There are large vineyards here as well giving a perfect chance for a romantic wine tour before or after hitting the water. Walking tours of the island are also very popular with the GR 20 taking more than 2 weeks to complete but giving you an unparalleled chance to enjoy every inch of the island.
The beaches offer all of the great water activities you could want and being a popular tourist destination there is a wide range of hotels and resorts to choose from. Whether can be hit or miss with frequent summer rainstorms that can cause a lot of traffic headaches. Heading away from the tourist hotspots though and into the mountain villages is by far a worthwhile experience and much of the food brings together the best of both French and Italian cuisine. In the winter, you can even ski in the mountain areas.
Ibiza, Spain
Part of the Balearic Islands and belonging to Spain is the island of Ibiza. Ibiza has a lot of natural wonders including many endemic species that are found nowhere else on earth. From birds to lizards to sea life, the natural beauty of Ibiza is legendary. Ibiza has a unique culture so your trip will be made that much more memorable by taking the time to explore the rich heritage such as taking in a performance of the traditional dance on the island. The great beaches offer sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and much more in the warm clear waters.
There is also a lot of history to explore here as well aside from the beautiful ecology. There are also ancient ruins of the civilizations gone by but have made their mark on the island's people and culture. During peak seasons it can become crowded in the heavily tourist areas but it makes for a great and lively nightlife as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment