The Mediterranean is a perfect destination for anyone seeking seaside bliss. There are hundreds of port cities along the Mediterranean Sea, and each of them has distinct features to offer. Some are known for their ancient infrastructure; others are known for etiquettes and glamour.
While there are many, many ports to go to, there are a few which offer the best of everything. In this article, we will talk about the most spectacular ports along the Mediterranean sea that you should definitely visit.
So, let us take a deep dive into seven Mediterranean ports you should certainly visit:
1. Santorini
Santorini is a Greek beauty with impeccable blue water and spotless white sands. During summers, the islands are hugely crowded with tourists so you should plan well ahead.
The island is famous for its black pebble beaches which are located close to the quiet Kamari village. Then there is Firostefani which is reachable on foot and allows tourists to view the island’s volcano and ethereal sunsets.
Santorini is home to Akrotiri, which is a 3000-year old Minoan settlement which has been preserved with the help of volcanic ash.
2. Tel Aviv
The coastal city of Tel Aviv is a strange but pleasant concoction of history and modern-day advancements. It is among the most cosmopolitan cities in the Mediterranean that offer everything in great abundance.
The city is home to Jaffa, which among the oldest ports across the globe; a famous flea market; Zodiac Alleys lined up with art galleries and shops.
You will find some of the world’s best cuisines in Tel Aviv, with famous eateries such as Tapas AhadHa’am and Herbert Samuel at your service.
As far as beaches are concerned, the city offers superb nightlife to those who love beach parties. The Namal area which is located near the seaport is one of the most active areas in the city.
3. Antalya
Antalya is a famous coastal city in Turkey, which is famously called the Turkish Riviera. It is host to millions of visitors every year, and most of them come on package vacations.
The oldest town of Antalya is called Kaleici, and the Duden waterfalls located just outside the city is an amazing place to be. There is the Butterfly Valley which will immediately give you an aesthetic arrest. Here in the Valley, you get to see more than 60 different species of butterflies.
4. Valletta
Valletta is a harbor city of Malta which is influenced greatly by the 16th-century architecture, making it one of the marvelous port cities in the world.
Valletta is well-connected with other Maltese cities, especially the older city of Mdina. You can travel to the beaches of Gozo and enjoy a great time there. There in Gozo, the famed Azure Window once stood and added to the Maltese charm.
5. Malaga
Charting at number five on our list, Malaga is the biggest city in Andalusia. The city is particularly famous for being the birthplace of the legendary Pablo Picasso, and thus, you will find a number of grand art galleries exhibiting his works. If you are Pablo’s fan, you must come to this city.
The city’s artistic history is remarkable and so are its beaches. The most famous beach in the city is La Malagueta which becomes heavily crowded during the summertime.
The best part of this city is that it is closely connected with major destinations nearby, so you would not have to shell out too much on conveyance.
6. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is Croatia’s pearl and it becomes especially popular during summertime.
The central attraction of this city is the walled city that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tourists are welcomed to traverse through the labyrinthine streets of the city as long as they want, but it is advisable you cover the distance on foot.
The city is blessed with a warm climate, making swimming ideal, but you should be wary of the pointy sea urchins.
The city gets lively during the summertime when the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is organized which runs for the months of July and August. The festival features several theatre and music performances all across the city—so you will never run short of entertainment.
7. Trieste
Trieste is an Italian entry in the list. The city is situated along the north-eastern coastline and offers a rich blend of Italian and Eastern European feels. In comparison to other famous attractions such as Venice, Trieste is very calm and quiet.
The city is gifted with long but beautiful canals that may not be as grand as Venice’s, but have the luster no less.
The CittaVecchia is one of the most spectacular towns of Trieste, characterized by ancient infrastructure, narrow streets, and piazzas.
If you love spending your time away in cafes, the city has plenty to offer. PasticceriaPirona is one of the most popular cafes in the city and is particularly known for being a favorite of the author, James Joyce.
