Summer is just around the corner and another year many will choose a Mediterranean island as their vacation spot. Both for those who want to soak up the culture and history of a new destination, and for those who want to enjoy a few days of relaxation by the sea, the Mediterranean is always a success. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which island best suits your needs and requirements. To help anyone who isn’t sure where to travel this summer, Musement, the destination activity booking platform, has identified 30 beautiful islands to enjoy a summer vacation. Do you want to know the top 10? Take note!
1. Sicily, Italy (score: 100/100).
The beautiful Italian island tops the list thanks to the perfect combination of culture, history, natural beauty, good weather and of course dream beaches. Of all the islands analysed, Sicily has received the best score in both the “things to do” category and the “World Heritage” category, making it an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy a few days at the beach while discovering new cultural sights.
2. Crete, Greece (score: 87.50/100).
Crete is the undisputed leader when it comes to Blue Flag beaches, but it also ranks among the top spots in the “things to do” category. Therefore, like Sicily, it is one of the most complete destinations, ideal for both beach lovers and those who prefer to visit monuments and cultural attractions. History buffs will enjoy the archaeological sites of the Minoan civilization such as the Palace of Knossos, while for those who prefer an active holiday, hiking trails in the Samaria Gorge are always a good option.
3. Cyprus (score: 82.18/100).
Cyprus is not only the second island with the most Blue Flag beaches, but also boasts an enviable water temperature, reaching 26 degrees in summer. One of the most famous beaches is Petra tou Romiou, popularly known as “the rock of Aphrodite”, because according to legend, this is where the famous goddess of Greek mythology was born. Paphos and Limassol are two excellent places to discover the archaeological, historical and natural wealth of Cyprus.
4. Sardinia, Italy (score: 61.08/100).
There is no doubt that the beaches are one of Sardinia’s greatest attractions and there are even those who say that the island’s sea has nothing to envy in the Caribbean. La Pelosa, the spectacular beach in the Gulf of Asinara, is a good example of this. On the other hand, to discover the most glamorous side, you have to go to Costa Smeralda, where every year numerous Italian personalities and celebrities spend the summer. It is also essential to take the time to discover interesting historical places, such as the site of the Nuragic civilization Su Nuraxi di Barumini, and the charms of Cagliari, the capital of the island.
5. Rhodes, Greece (score: 55.66/100).
The largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago is in fifth place, thanks in part to the huge number of Blue Flag beaches, the good water temperature and the many hours of sunshine in summer. One of the most popular attractions is the medieval city of Rhodes, declared a World Heritage Site in 1988. The Palace of the Grand Masters, the Great Hospital and the Street of the Knights are a real gem.
6. Mallorca, Spain (score: 39.97/100).
The highest ranked Spanish island is Mallorca, ranked number 6. The key to its success is again the combination of sights and spectacular beaches. The wide variety of activities available on the largest of the Balearic Islands makes it a very popular destination for all types of travelers. With wonders of nature such as the Cuevas del Drach or the Sierra de Tramontana; towns full of charm such as Alcudia, Valldemossa or Sóller; high-quality beaches such as Cala Ferrera or Es Ribells; and endless recreational opportunities for families such as Marineland or Aqualand Waterpark, it is not surprising that Mallorca triumphs inside and outside Spain.
7. Malta (score: 36.15/100).
Malta is considered by many to be one of the best places in the Mediterranean for diving, as it has crystal clear waters, a vast marine ecosystem and, if that weren’t enough, numerous sunken ships from World War II. Those who prefer a quieter plan can choose to relax on the beach, although it is ideal to spend a day visiting at least two of the main cities: Valletta and Mdina.
8. Kefalonia, Greece (score: 30.78/100).
The beach of Myrtos in itself is more than enough reason to travel to Kefalonia. This semi-circular paradise of 800 meters of white sand, sheltered by limestone cliffs and pine forests, has always been on the lists of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, and for good reason! But the truth is that the largest of the Ionian Islands has many other attractions. The Enos National Park, which is perfect for walking, the beautiful villages such as Fiskardo or Assos, or the spectacular Melissani Cave are just a few of its many charms.
9. Djerba, Tunisia (score: 30.38/100).
Djerba, also known as “the island of dreams”, is one of the most popular destinations in Tunisia. A true paradise that inspired Homer himself, as it was here that the sailors who accompanied Ulysses in The Odyssey forgot about the world after trying one of the local delicacies: the lotus. Today, many travelers choose it as a holiday destination, attracted by both its ancient beauty and fine sandy beaches. Of all the islands analysed, Djerba is also one of the cheapest.
10. Zante, Greece (score: 30.20/100).
If the jewel in the crown in Kefalonia is Myrtos Beach, in Zante it is Navagio Beach, one of the most photographed spots on the island, famous among other things for the remains of the shipwreck on the coast. Apart from the beaches, the “Levante Flower”, as the Venetians called it, is also known for its lively nightlife and wide range of cultural activities. Among the most notable sights are the monasteries of Anafonitria and Panagia Skopiotissa, the Venetian Castle of Bohali and the church of Agios Dionysios, patron saint of Zante.
Source: Marie Claire
