The Mediterranean region has long captured the hearts of travelers, offering a mesmerizing blend of sun-kissed coastlines, rich cultural heritage and enchanting island vacations. With a plethora of charming islands dotting its azure waters, the Mediterranean offers a dream destination for every wanderer.
From the idyllic white sand beaches and thrilling watersports to historic ruins and delectable cuisine, there’s something for everyone to explore. Let’s dive into nine of the best Mediterranean islands that deserve a spot on your bucket list. Pack your bags and prepare for a journey through the best islands this enchanting region offers - courtesy of our partners at Windstar.
With its iconic blue-domed churches and white buildings perched on cliffs overlooking the caldera, Santorini is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque islands in the Mediterranean. It’s renowned for its stunning sunsets, volcanic beaches and ancient ruins, making it a dream destination for every traveler. Let’s look at some of Santorini’s best features.
You’ll definitely want to explore the sunny shores of Santorini:
If you’re going to Santorini, be sure to make a journey to these two places:
The Greeks are known for their exquisite food — here are two of our favorite treats:
Enjoy a sunset cruise on a traditional wooden boat to witness the island’s beauty bathed in golden hues.
Corsica, known as the “Isle of Beauty,” captivates with its rugged mountains, pristine white sand beaches and charming coastal towns. Corsica is a part of France, but some visitors assume it is part of Italy because of its closeness to Sardinia. The island’s natural splendor offers outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers a playground.
Don’t miss out on these two stunning white-sand beaches:
Make sure to stop by these places in Corsica:
Even though Corsica is in France, it is richly influenced by Italian culture. Here are two unique Corsican dishes:
Hike the challenging but rewarding GR20, one of Europe’s most famous long-distance trails, to see Corsica’s rugged beauty.
Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, lures travelers with its pristine beaches, rugged landscapes and ancient ruins. Known for its turquoise waters, impressive granite cliffs and unique cultural heritage, Sardinia offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical treasures.
Let’s take a look at two of the best beaches in Sardinia:
Sardinia is filled with stunning sites to see. Here are two of the top-rated places to explore:
Italians are known for their flavorful dishes, made with passion and heart. Tickle your taste buds with these two favorites:
Sail to the Maddalena Archipelago: Discover this protected marine park’s breathtaking islands and crystalline waters, ideal for snorkeling and exploring hidden coves.
Corfu, known as Kerkyra, is a captivating Greek island in the Ionian Sea. With its lush green hills, olive groves and pristine beaches, Corfu boasts a diverse and picturesque landscape. Its charming capital, Corfu Town — also a UNESCO World Heritage Site — beckons visitors with its Venetian-inspired architecture, narrow streets and vibrant atmosphere.
The island’s history comes to life through landmarks like the Achilleion Palace, while its coastline offers an array of beautiful beaches, including Paleokastritsa Beach and Glyfada Beach. Corfu’s culinary delights and warm hospitality make it a Mediterranean destination to be noticed.
Corfu has some of the best beaches in Greece. Take a look at these two gems:
Full of history and life, Corfu boasts some very unique sites. Here are two of the most popular places to visit:
Corfiot food boosts Greek food to a higher level. Here are the top-rated dishes to try:
Take a boat tour to the stunning Paxos and Antipaxos islands, known for their turquoise waters and sea caves.
Argostoli, the capital of the picturesque island of Kefalonia, welcomes visitors with its charming waterfront, quaint squares and vibrant markets. The island’s natural beauty, with its rugged cliffs, lush valleys and crystal-clear waters, makes it a haven for nature lovers and adventurers.
Argostoli offers some of the most breathtaking beach sights, from yellow sand to mountainous surroundings. Be sure to venture to these two shorelines:
Argostoli is a bustling and thriving place and has two very exceptional places not to pass by:
If you love Greek food, be sure to try these two dishes:
Observe the loggerhead sea turtles at Koutavos Lagoon, a protected area that serves as their natural habitat.
Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira Island — a city in Portugal — captivates visitors with its stunning natural scenery, historic charm and delightful gardens. Set against impressive mountains, the city perfectly blends cultural experiences and outdoor adventures.
If you want to experience beaches that stray from the white sand and crystal clear waters, Funchal offers some exciting places to visit. These two beaches are favorites among visitors:
Here are two contrasting and beautiful places not to miss in Funchal:
Most people are familiar with the spicy flavors of Portuguese dishes, and even though they are famous all around the world, these two dishes are must-try while visiting Funchal:
Take a cable car ride to Monte and enjoy a thrilling toboggan ride back down to the city, a Madeiran tradition.
Patmos, a sacred and serene island in the Aegean Sea, is known as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean.” With its spiritual significance and tranquil ambiance, Patmos attracts pilgrims and travelers seeking a peaceful escape.
Patmos is a quiet Mediterranean island to visit. With that in mind, here are two of the most beautiful beaches on the island:
While in Patmos, make sure to stop at these sites:
Taste these dishes during your stay in Patmos:
Watch the sunrise from the top of Mount Profitis Ilias, the highest point on the island, to see panoramic views of Patmos and the surrounding islands.
The Canary Islands, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, enchant with their diverse landscapes, mild climate and unique flora and fauna. Each of the eight islands offers a distinct character and a wide range of visitor activities.
The Canary Islands are very popular, and you can truly escape reality when visiting. Be sure to venture to these two famous beaches:
Each island has majestic sites to see with mind-blowing landscapes to explore. Here are two of our top selections:
Canarian food is simple and delicious. The Canary Islands offer a fusion of Spanish cuisine and North African dishes. Let’s take a look at two of the tastiest treats to try:
The Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is one of the best places in the world for astronomical observations.
Palma, the vibrant capital of Mallorca, is a cosmopolitan city with a rich history, splendid architecture and a lively waterfront. The city blends modernity with tradition, offering a delightful mix of cultural experiences and leisure activities.
Picture stretches of yellow glistening beaches and light blue waters. Palma is a fun and exciting place to visit and especially to enjoy these two beaches:
With Palma being a dynamic place full of energy, it’s great to take some time to visit serene settings like the two listed below:
Palma offers fresh local recipes and an array of ingredients. Local restaurants love to take a unique spin on traditional dishes, and the two listed below are extremely popular among visitors and locals alike:
Explore the charming Old Town of Palma to see a labyrinth of cobbled streets, historic buildings and quaint squares.
The Mediterranean is a treasure trove of idyllic islands, each offering a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, history or delicious cuisine, these Mediterranean islands are sure to captivate your heart and leave you with cherished memories to last a lifetime.