Eastern Mediterranean

Croatia has become a popular spot for tourism, especially nautical. An inevitable outcome given its astonishing azure waters and awe-inspiring nature parks. From northernmost Pazin and Rijeka to southernmost Dubrovnik, discover the Balkan side of the Mediterranean. Why not start with a tour of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, seen from the city walls? And when you are done admiring the pearl of the Adriatic (which is also King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, you cannot mistake those beautiful, towering walls and medieval architecture), why not delve into its streets to admire its stunning landmarks, such as Sponza Palace, which houses the National Archives; the Rector’s Palace, a Gothic-Renaissance building with fine ornamentation; the Saint Saviour Church or the Bell Tower.

This archipelago of the Aegean Sea sports about 220 islands, peaks of a submerged mountainous terrain (with the exception of the two volcanic islands of Milos and Santorini). And it shows on most of these islands: the island of Folegandros for instance has typical villages like Chora that are built right atop cliffsides, watch out for the drop! The island of Naxos also has beautiful landscapes, such as near the Emery mine or the imposing marble quarry. It also has inspiring history sites such as the Sanudo tower, the Fotodotis monastery, the Belonia tower or the Apollo Temple’s entrance.

This archipelago’s name literally means “twelve islands”. So, take your pick! In the south-eastern Aegean Sea, off the coasts of Crete and Turkey, these remote Greek islands however hold some of Greece and the world’s most prized heritage. Stop by the Acropolis of Rhodes, an island that once hosted one of the seven wonders of the ancient world: the Colossus. Do not miss its awe-inspiring and mostly intact Byzantine fortifications in the Medieval Old Town for a trip through time and history. But the island, the second most visited Greek destination, has more than its venerable vestiges to offer: take in the sights at the Rhodes harbour or the Kameiros Skala Dock, or climb its slopes to get a bird’s eye view of charming villages like Monolithos and its castle claimed by vegetation, Ialysos and its Filerimos Monastery, Archangelos and its Archangel Michael’s Orthodox church bell tower, Lindos and its Acropolis or Saint Paul’s Bay.

The Ionian Islands lie in western Greece, in the Ionian Sea. Traditionally called the Heptanese (“Seven Islands”, like the 12 in the Dodecanese), their Greek-Italian mixed heritage makes them unique. For instance, a lot of the villages on these islands do not sport the traditional blue and white of most Greek villages. Why not start your tour of the region near Kythira, which lies at a distance from the other islands in the Heptanese. From the majestic Kythira Castle in the mountains to the ruins of Paliochora, history buffs will be delighted. But if you are looking for more nature, sail on down to Avlemonas and dive in its azure waters. Or enjoy the more secluded Fonisa Waterfall in Mylopotamos. Or stroll in the streets of Chora, its capital.

Looking for a change of scenery? Embark on an amazing journey to the Turkish shoreline and visit some historical crossroads. Marmaris, Bordum, Izmir, Göcek… All these great ports will offer you some incredible landscapes and will leave you absolutely stunned. Bordered by the turquoise colour of the Mediterranean Sea, these east-meet-west ancient places look like true postal cards.