Sunrise at Mediterranean Sea / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

1) Barcelona

Barcelona is the jewel in Spain’s Mediterranean crown. The capital of the country’s Catalonia region, the city blends cultural modernity and a traditional outlook seamlessly. Wandering the city streets, it is entirely possible to get lost in the meandering cobble-stoned avenues, before turning a corner and being presented with a piece of classic and iconic architecture from the city’s most famous son, Gaudi. This isn’t just a culture vulture’s city, however, as Barcelona has perfected the art of beach living. The city stretches right down to the sea, where lounging Spaniards spend their weekends lapping up the sun and sipping on sangria.

Barceloneta beach in Barcelona, Spain by Oh Barcelona

2) Sorrento and Capri

On Italy’s Mediterranean coast, the small, perfectly-formed town of Sorrento and the equally desirable island of Capri form the Mediterranean ideal. Set away from the metropolitan madness of nearby Naples, Sorrento and Capri provide oases of calm on the shores of the Mediterranean. From the streets of Sorrento, you can stare in wonder out over the Bay of Naples towards the awe-inspiring and slightly ominous sight of Mount Vesuvius and indulge fully in the Southern Italian lifestyle, which includes wine at lunchtime, an evening gelato, and plenty of people watching. Capri is an island idyll, with the famous Grotta Azzurra capping off its reputation as an ideal holiday destination. Feeling that you’re living the life of luxury isn’t hard in Capri; the place was made for it.

Capri, Italy by Francesco Sgroi

3) Cannes

There are plenty of famous names along the French Riviera, each one as attractive and appealing as the next; St Tropez, Nice, Montpellier, Antibes are just a few. But Cannes is the crème de la crème, with its reputation for famous faces, the film festival, and pampered lifestyles. There’s more to Cannes than chilled wine on the beachfront, however; with a long history of perfume-making, a visit to the town wouldn’t be complete without taking in the fragrant air of the Molinard parfumerie, which dates back to 1849.

Cannes, France by photophilde

4) Malta

Malta provides the perfect island escape in the Mediterranean. Away from it all, in its own little world, Malta typifies what is best about the Mediterranean. Long summers, a fascinating history, and a laid-back lifestyle have all combined to make this a most desirable holiday destination. The island is a cultural mix of North African, European, Arabian and Sicilian influences, making Malta a heady, atmospheric place to spend time. It also has a rich and fascinating history, with some of the oldest free-standing structures in Europe calling the island home, as well as the Ggantija Temples, which are thought to be the oldest known religious buildings, possibly in the world.

Malta by Jon Rawlinson

5) Corfu

One of Greece’s most famous islands, Corfu still has the languid, Mediterranean attitude that has made it so popular with holidaymakers for so long. Corfu is Greece’s garden, the greenest of the country’s many islands, and it has attracted many famous faces and literary homages in the past – not least of which are Homer’s The Odyssey and Shakespeare’s The Tempest. With its cypress trees, olive groves, and wild flowers in the spring, Corfu is a delightful Mediterranean paradise.

Corfu, Greece by Michael Gleave

The Mediterranean is a special place to visit whatever the time of year, and with its vast variety of towns, villages, islands, and cities, no two places are the same. There are plenty of Europe tours that focus on these wonderful destinations around the Mediterranean, and whichever one you pick, you can be sure that every single one remains beguiling, bewitching, and simply beautiful.

Written by Kat Kraetzer, a travel blogger who loves to visit Europe.

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This magnificent lagoon is one of the most beautiful places for scuba diving in the world and once you get there you certainly find out why. In good weather you can ask the local fishermen or use any boat service to take you through the tunnel where you can see the caves and dramatic cliffs, and two other natural attractions – The Azur Window and Fungus rock.

Azure Window is the famous natural rock arch, which towers majestically over the coast. The Maltese people call this, about a hundred meters long stone slab, which lies on two pillars, Tiega Zerga.

Another natural attraction is Fungus Rock – a cylindrical block of rock. Fungus Rock is currently uninhabited, but in the 17th century it was an extremely important site, because there is growing the specific mushroom with the Latin name Cynomorium coccineum, which have medicinal effects. The mushroom comes from North Africa, and this is the only place in Europe where such mushrooms grow. This can help in the treatment of stomach problems and hemorrhoids. It was used as an aphrodisiac and diminished bleeding. It has powerful disinfectant effects.

Knights of St. John guarded this rare mushroom very carefully, and who tried to steal it, was often sentenced to death. Between a rock and the mainland there were ropes and the mushrooms were transported to the mainland by cable cars. Coast guard tower Qawra was built on the island just to protect this site.

Between the Inland sea and Azure window there is a small chapel of St. Anne which was built in 1963 on the original site of the old church. If you continue further to the south along the coast, you find the Crocodile Rock.

During the years there were too many tourists coming to see Dwerja Inland Sea in Malta which contributed to the degradation of this place and left an impact on the environment.
However this site is really unique and probably doesn’t have a competitor in Europe.

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The city’s history dates back to somewhere in the 200 BC, when it was strategically advantageous area at an altitude of 185 meters above sea level, inhabited by the Romans. They built massive walls around the settlement and built a city named Melita. Later also the palace, where they placed the headquarters of the government.

In 870 Mdina was occupied with the Arabs and was divided into two parts. The central part was surrounded by walls and deep moat, and was renamed Medina, which in Arabic means “city”. The remaining part called Rabat, which is now an independent city, or more like a suburb of Mdina. Due to the walls, Medina was not able to expand further, therefore, it remained almost unchanged. After leaving of the Arabs its name was changed to the original one – Mdina, and even today has the character, who in the 16th and 17 Century imprint Maltese nobles, which I later withdrew from the island.

In 1571 Valletta became the capital of Malta and Mdina was further often referred to as the Citta Vecchia (Old City). This name comes from the Middle Ages, when this place was home to many aristocrats and their descendants from Norman countries, Spain and Sicily. Many people at that time left the city, but most aristocratic families still lived in their residences. This made it possible to maintain their homes still in its original beauty. Most of the buildings in Mdina dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. The paradox is that most younger baroque monuments were destroyed by an earthquake in the 1693.

Today Mdina is a traditional city with only less than 400 permanent residents. The town is called “Silent” or “Silent City”. It is caused by the fact that it is forbidden to enter the city walls by any motor vehicle. The city is ideal for walking and relaxing. Mdina is, with the city of Rabat, very attractive place, especially for the history lovers. You can walk through the ancient streets or enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Malta from the city walls.

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Mosta Dome, Malta by Väsk

Mosta is a peaceful city where you should spend at least few days of your holidays. Although it’s far away of the sea, this “lack” is replaced by the great number of monuments, the city look, nice atmosphere, many restaurants, shopping and entertainment centres. Mosta can be regarded as a quiet place, perfect for relaxing. On the streets you meet mainly Maltese, therefore the life here is not adapted to the hectic tourist style. Mosta is famous for a popular Beer Festival, which is regularly organized each summer. On the streets you can hear modern music and see the people dancing and the whole atmosphere is really unforgettable.

The symbol of Mosta is monumental parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady known as Mosta Dome or simply Rotunda. It is the work of George Grognet de Vasse – the Maltese architect of French origin, who was inspired by the Roman Pantheon. The building is clearly visible from almost all parts of the island. It is the fourth largest dome in Europe and the third largest unsupported dome in the World.

Construction of Mosta Dome on main square began in 1833 and was completed about forty years later. The building was associated with many problems – perhaps the biggest problem and the most hated by the people was its circular ground plan, because the church looked like a pagan or a mosque. Mosta Dome began to be built as a shell over the older church, which was during the construction normally in operation until 1860. Another problem was lack of funding, therefore cupola was established without scaffolding.

At the entrance to the Mosta Dome you will be amazed of richly decorated interior. Ceiling is very similar, and similarly impressive as in the Roman Pantheon. Very beautiful is especially the main altar and paintings by renowned Maltese painter Giuseppe Cali.

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Blue Lagoon, Comino island, Malta by Martin Lopatka

You can choose from two small, sandy beaches with excellent swimming and a stunning lagoon of brilliant turquoise blue water. During the summer this island is overcrowded with day-trippers.

Comino is suitable and also recommended to everyone who loves the sun, sea and water sports. Here you can really enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving and windsurfing. The waters are crystal clear with safe swimming even for the youngest children.

To get to Comino, use one of two ferries from Mgarr (Gozo) or from Cirkewwa (Malta) or any other Chartered Yachts from other parts of the island.

Casal Qala, Gozo, Malta by Martin Lopatka

If you would like to stay on the island and spend here a few days, you will be left with nothing other than use the services of a luxury 4-star Comino Hotel, which is the only accommodation option on the island apart from the small campsite with a basic washing facilities. Its disadvantage is that it is opened only in summer, during the peak tourist season. It was built on a beautiful bay with a sandy beach and offers a variety of sports activities, including swimming pool. The hotel also has several bungalows, about 10 minutes away. Hotel provides windsurfing school during the day, or you can enjoy evening barbecues and dancing in hotel.

In spring the island is covered with flowering herbs, so this time is probably the best for a visit. But be careful, collecting flowers or minerals is strictly prohibited on the island.

Comino has a slightly undulating surface, its highest point is Comino Mayor that reaches an altitude of 75 meters above sea level. The most popular beaches where you can enjoy the sun and lazing by the water are St Nicolas Bay or Santa Maria Bay.

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Floriana has beautiful parks and squares and boasting the representative buildings occupied by the government ministry. But it is more appropriate for the serious history lovers, since it lacks a lively bustle streets of Valletta.

The main entrance to the fortifications of Valletta is City Gate, just behind that is the Republic Street, which stretches across the peninsula to its furthest end, to Fort St. Elmo, which is now a military museum. On the Republic Street there are major historical sights, most shops and the only two cafes in the city. Beautiful churches and palaces are in contrast with the military look of the city. Rising and falling streets are lined with houses that are decorated with beautiful bay windows and balconies.

What to see in Valletta?
When you go to Valletta, you should not miss its sights that are definitely worth seeing. Among the most interesting of them is one of the oldest buildings in town – Grandmaster’s Palace from 16th century. Today it houses the Maltese parliament, president and museum. Today it houses the Maltese parliament, president’s office and museum.

Another major attraction is fortification Fort St. Elmo, that played an important role in defending the island. It is now home to a voluntary army and a location of the National War Museum. St. James Cavalier is the strongest fortification of Valletta, now there is a cultural center with a cinema, theater and concert hall.

Memorial to victims of the second World War II we can see in the Lower Barracca Gardens. Another baroque building is the Co-Cathedral of St John, which dates from 1573 – 1578. Discreet Manoel Theatre building dates from 1732 and is the cultural heart of the island. One of the dominant features of Valletta is a the Church of Our Lady of Mount Caramel. This church was founded in 1573. The Upper Barracca Gardens offers a beautiful view of Grand Harbour, the marina and the “Three Cities” on the opposite shore of the Gulf.

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Blue Grotto, Malta by Chris Brown

Those who travel to the Blue Grotto will also be able to see Filfla, which is a small island inhabited by numerous types of exotic lizards. There is no doubt that these sea caves are a very popular travel destination for tourists who like to go scuba diving or just want to admire the breathtaking beauty and idyllic scenery that the Blue Grotto has to offer.

In this area there are a number of amazing sights to see, including the tall cliffs which tower above the Mediterranean Sea, the waves below hitting against them. The unique emerald lighting and exotic landscape of this entire area is what draws so many people to it year after year. Late in the day it is not uncommon to see visitors swimming in the caves, as well as traffic jams of rowboats just outside the grotto.

It is also considered as being one of the most picturesque places in all of Malta so if your next way is waving through Malta do not leave this place unexplored.

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Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is a Mediterranean nation, which for centuries was influenced by Roman, Arab and British culture. We can find a large minority of foreigners, most of which are represented by the British. Most inhabitants live on Malta‘s main island in the cities. Almost all the people belong to the Roman Catholic Church. On the island there are over 360 churches and at every step you can meet monks or nuns. Catholicism plays an important part of Maltese life.

The most important source of income in Malta is tourism, which also employs a third of the population. Malta and nearby islands to visit for over a million tourists a year. Tourism is therefore 35% of the gross domestic product. Malta has no own sources of raw materials, and is dependent on imports. Agriculture is concentrated on the island of Gozo, where we find more greenery and better conditions for growing wheat, barley, potatoes, legumes, vegetables, citrus fruit and grapes. In the summer season, vegetables need to be imported, because there is a very dry climate. Industrial production is focused on engineering products, electronics, shipbuilding and ship repair and textiles.

Malta is known for its numerous and well-preserved monuments from the times of megalithic culture. This leads to the assertion that this developed culture lived on the island already between 4000 to 2500 BC. Then the island had many different cultures: the Phoenicians, Carthage, Rome, Byzantium, Arabs, Normans, kings of Castile, Johannes and Napoleon. During the world wars, Malta became an important base for the British forces in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, became a republic in 1974 and in 2004 became a member of the European Union.

The Maltese archipelago acts on the map as the small grains in the Mediterranean Sea, and yet form an important bridge between Europe and Africa. The Maltese archipelago is essentially a remnant of the connection between Sicily and North Africa coast, which was aborted in the late Tertiary. Malta is only 90 km away from Sicily and 200 km from Tunisia.

The islands are almost without vegetation, but Malta is interesting anyway. Indeed, the mythical Odysseus reportedly stuck here for seven long years. It is a paradise for divers and water sports enthusiasts, history and art lovers and you can enjoy here good food, drink and social life as well.

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