If you are planning your next European getaway, the Mediterranean should be high on your list. The coast offers turquoise waters, warm weather, incredible food, and a relaxed pace of life that is hard to resist. After visiting these destinations myself, I can confidently say they each offer something unforgettable. Here are five Mediterranean cities that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
1. Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre was one of the most breathtaking places I have ever explored. These five coastal villages sit along the Ligurian Sea and each one feels like a postcard brought to life. While I only visited on a day trip, I could have spent so much longer there. I spent the perfect day navigating through the maze of houses, shopping at the local boutiques, and putting my feet in the crystal blue water to cool off. The pastel houses stacked on the cliffs and the golden sunsets make Cinque Terre feel almost unreal. If you love coastal scenery, hiking, and incredible Italian food, these villages are your dream destination.
2. Deiá, Spain
When I visited Deiá in Mallorca, I immediately understood why so many artists call the town home. The stone buildings, mountain views, and calm energy make it a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of other cities in Mallorca. I wandered through small art galleries, hiked down to Cala Deiá for a swim, and grabbed a delicious ice cream to end the perfect sunny day. Deiá is ideal for travelers who want a quiet, scenic, and luxurious Mediterranean retreat.
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Walking through Dubrovnik felt like stepping back in time. The medieval Old Town is wrapped in massive stone walls that offer incredible views of the sea and mountains. I spent hours galavanting through the narrow alleyways, stopping for gelato, and taking photos of the terracotta rooftops. Outside of the Old Town, I was able to catch many sunsets on the beautiful pebble beaches. Dubrovnik is perfect if you want history, beaches, and coastal adventure all in one place.
4. Nice, France
Nice is one of the cities that surprised me the most. It has the elegance and liveliness of the French Riviera, but there are also options for a more relaxed getaway. I loved waking up for sunrise to see the pale blue water and walking along the Promenade des Anglais in the morning. Nice is a city that is best experienced through food with the perfect mix of French and Italian cuisine, and I enjoyed filling up on everything from pasta to crepes. Nice is the essence of the Mediterranean: effortlessly laid back and lively at the same time.
5. Valencia, Spain
Valencia was a destination that instantly became one of my favorites. The contrast between the futuristic architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences and the magic of the Old Town was a welcome surprise. I biked through the Turia Gardens, relaxed on the wide sandy beaches, and tasted authentic paella in the place where it was originally created. The sunny weather and the smell of oranges throughout the city made it easy to fall in love. It is one of the most underrated Mediterranean cities and absolutely worth visiting.
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