The Mediterranean is known for its warm climate, crystal-clear sea and sandy beaches, making it the perfect holiday destination for many.
However, busy crowds in Santorini, Ibiza, or Corfu can sometimes be a little overwhelming for those looking to sit back and relax whilst on holiday.
With that being said, travel experts at Iglu Cruise have revealed five lesser-known Mediterranean destinations to visit on your next holiday.
- Kotor, Montenegro
Nestled among the mountains, Kotor provides the setting for a picturesque holiday. A walk around Old Town Budva will take you past timeless architecture, while San Giovanni Castle has the best photo opportunities.
Kotor is not just for relaxing and scenic strolls though, with Aquapark Budva providing a fun-filled day for all the family. Don’t forget to stop by the many charming eateries in between for an authentic taste of Kotor cuisine too.
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St Tryphon’s Cathedral
After being restored numerous times following earthquakes, St Tryphon’s Cathedral continues to represent the expertise of Roman architecture. With many stunning artefacts and decorations, this cathedral is well worth exploring.
Lovćen National Park
A short drive from Kotor, Lovćen National Park is home to imposing mountains including the spectacular Mount Lovćen which stands an impressive 1,749 metres high. With no shortage of outdoor adventures to discover, visitors will particularly love quad biking and zip lining.
San Giovanni Castle
After climbing 1,350 stairs to 1,200 metres you’ll find this impressive fortress built between the 9th and 19th centuries. With Byzantine and Venetian roots, this structure is beautifully preserved and teeming with fascinating history to discover.
- Ravenna, Italy
In Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region sits the historic city of Ravenna. It is well-known for the vibrant mosaics that cover many of its key structures, including the cross-shaped Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, the sixth-century Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, and the octagonal Basilica di San Vitale.
The beautiful city also has some of the most exquisite coastlines in Italy. Marina di Ravenna, the oldest seaside resort on this part of the coast, is a haven of white sand beaches and some of the best seafood restaurants in the area.
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Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo
In Ravenna, Italy, there is a basilica church called the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. Theodoric the Great, the Ostrogothic ruler, built it as his royal chapel in the first half of the sixth century and it was originally consecrated to “Christ the Redeemer” in 504 AD.
Basilica di San Vitale
Italy’s Ravenna is home to the Basilica of San Vitale, which houses Christian Byzantine art and architecture. Dating back to the sixth century, it’s one of eight Ravenna buildings that have been included as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ravenna Art Museum
This museum is one of the hubs of the city’s cultural life, hosting festivals, exhibits, and collections of both modern and ancient art. It is housed in a 16th-century monastery in the Public Gardens and is responsible for resuming cultural and recreational activities in addition to significant conservation and research projects.
- Rijeka, Croatia
As the third largest city in Croatia, Rijeka is a hidden gem of historical heritage, Austrian architecture and trendy galleries, cafés and restaurants. You can spend time exploring the city on foot to admire the classic buildings and venturing into museums before relaxing with a coffee.
The city’s beaches are also some of the best in Croatia. Sablićevo and Preluk beach boasts crystal clear waters which are ideal for snorkelling, with many restaurants and beach bars just a few minutes away.
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Tsrat Castle
On a hill overlooking the city sits the 13th-century fortress, Tsrat Castle. There are regular concerts, theatre performances and shows throughout summer, while the former dungeon houses occasional exhibits. Visitors can also enjoy a coffee at the café.
Rijeka Cathedral
The unusually shaped 18th-century Rijeka Cathedral features Baroque and Gothic influences in its architecture. Admire the beautiful chapels, stained glasswork, pillars and altar, as well as a crucifix said to have started bleeding after being hit by a stone.
The Korzo
Holding the heart of Rijeka is Korzo, the main promenade of the city. Whether you’re looking for a laidback café to enjoy a coffee, in search of souvenir shops or looking for authentic seafood dining, you’ll find it all in Korzo, as well as museums just a short walk away.
- Katakolon, Greece
With sparkling turquoise waters, numerous traditional tavernas and the warmth of a friendly, local community, Katakolon is the perfect place to explore on foot in the sunshine, where you’ll find museums, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops, as well as horse-drawn carriage rides.
This beautiful, sleepy town is the perfect place to unwind away from the crowds and enjoy some peace in one of the lesser-known but equally beautiful corners of mainland Greece.
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Archaeological Site of Olympia
Featuring excavations from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine Era, this huge site provides an impressive insight into the history of Ancient Greece. You’ll find sites such as the Ancient Stadium where the Olympic Games were held, the Temple of Hera, and the Temple of Zeus.
Archimedes’ Museum
This fantastic free museum is dedicated to the physicist, engineer, inventor and astronomer, Archimedes of Syracuse. Home to just some of his inventions and reconstructions, it’s well worth a visit, especially for those curious about his expert creations.
The Temple of Zeus
The beautiful ruins of The Temple of Zeus are a major historical site. Despite it being destroyed, it still is a fantastic portal to the past giving you a major insight into the gods of old.
- Catania, Sicily
Catania is a beautiful Italian city located on the eastern side of Sicily on the slopes of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. It was founded between 729 and 728 BC by the Greeks of Chalcis and, like the other major Sicilian cities, it was subjected to the domination of different populations because of its strategic position on the sea.
With fine architecture, rich history and plenty of attractions to explore, this destination is perfect for those looking for a jam-packed adventure all whilst enjoying fine Italian cuisine and drinks.
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Mount Etna
Mount Etna is the highest active volcanic complex in Europe; the most recent measurements have revealed a height of 3,326 metres above sea level. Its historical eruptions have changed the surrounding landscape over the centuries.
Monastero dei Benedettini
The ecclesiastical complex of San Nicolò “la Rena” consists of a Benedictine monastery and a church of the same name. The first structure dates back to the 12th century and owes its name to the volcanic sand that characterises the surrounding area.
Teatro Massimo Bellini
The Massimo Bellini Theatre was built in the 19th century. It was inaugurated on May 31, 1890, with the Norma opera by the Catania composer Vincenzo Bellini. The hall has a horseshoe-shaped structure with four tiers of boxes and a gallery.
