Whether you’re looking for an active holiday, a wellness break or a scenic journey this summer, the Mediterranean has the answer.
From Provence's fragrant lavender fields to Sicily's volcanic landscapes, Slovenia's sparkling lakes to Malta's medieval castles, read on for our pick of where to go this summer.
From Provence's fragrant lavender fields to Sicily's volcanic landscapes, Slovenia's sparkling lakes to Malta's medieval castles, read on for our pick of where to go this summer.
The Ionian Islands, Greece
Best for: island hopping, beautiful beaches
Much like the sirens of Greek myth, the Ionian islands are hard to resist. These islands are widely scattered off the western coast of mainland Greece, and the easiest to hop between are the major quartet: half-touristic, half-wild Zákynthos, sprawling Kefaloniá, tiny mythological Itháki, and quietly stunning Léfkáda.
Highlights here include the cinematic Shipwreck Bay of Zákynthos, Kefaloniá’s Myrtos Bay, famed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and the subterranean Melissani cave-lake with its amazing rock formations.
Much like the sirens of Greek myth, the Ionian islands are hard to resist. These islands are widely scattered off the western coast of mainland Greece, and the easiest to hop between are the major quartet: half-touristic, half-wild Zákynthos, sprawling Kefaloniá, tiny mythological Itháki, and quietly stunning Léfkáda.
Highlights here include the cinematic Shipwreck Bay of Zákynthos, Kefaloniá’s Myrtos Bay, famed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and the subterranean Melissani cave-lake with its amazing rock formations.
DK Top 10 Corfu and the Ionian Islands
View BookKvarner area of Croatia
Best for: waterfalls, family-friendly beaches
Stretching southeast of the Istrian peninsula, the Kvarner is a deep gulf scattered with some of Croatia’s most popular islands. The unspoilt leafy landscape of Lošinj is well known for its clear air and prides itself on wellness holidays, while a sunset walk along the luxurious white sand beaches of Rab promises romance.
Adventurers should head to Plitvice Lakes to traverse the snaking walkways and feel the cooling spray of thundering waterfalls. With its remarkable landscape, this national park is the jewel in Croatia’s crown.
Stretching southeast of the Istrian peninsula, the Kvarner is a deep gulf scattered with some of Croatia’s most popular islands. The unspoilt leafy landscape of Lošinj is well known for its clear air and prides itself on wellness holidays, while a sunset walk along the luxurious white sand beaches of Rab promises romance.
Adventurers should head to Plitvice Lakes to traverse the snaking walkways and feel the cooling spray of thundering waterfalls. With its remarkable landscape, this national park is the jewel in Croatia’s crown.
DK Croatia
View BookThe Slovenian Alps
Best for: outdoor activities, stunning lakes
Make the most of long, warm days during Slovenia’s summer and plan an active break in the Alps where majestic mountains are studded with jewel-like lakes and slashed by breathtaking river valleys.
The Julian Alps form the bulk of Slovenia’s mountain scenery, and are home to the picturesque Triglav National Park. Hiking 2,864 m (9,400 ft) to the summit of the park’s eponymous mountain is something of a rite of passage for Slovenes – so why not join them? Or head to Slovenia’s largest lake, the glacial Lake Bohinj, for a range of outdoor sports like paragliding, kayaking, horseback riding and stand up paddle boarding.
Make the most of long, warm days during Slovenia’s summer and plan an active break in the Alps where majestic mountains are studded with jewel-like lakes and slashed by breathtaking river valleys.
The Julian Alps form the bulk of Slovenia’s mountain scenery, and are home to the picturesque Triglav National Park. Hiking 2,864 m (9,400 ft) to the summit of the park’s eponymous mountain is something of a rite of passage for Slovenes – so why not join them? Or head to Slovenia’s largest lake, the glacial Lake Bohinj, for a range of outdoor sports like paragliding, kayaking, horseback riding and stand up paddle boarding.
DK Eyewitness Slovenia
View BookNortheast Sicily
Best for: seafood, volcanic landscapes
The northeast quadrant of Sicily offers an array of unique travel experiences. Here you will encounter a romantic volcanic archipelago, a coastal stretch of dreamy holiday resorts, bustling cities and pretty fishing hamlets, all set against the stunning backdrop of capricious Mount Etna.
Linger over long lunches of grilled swordfish and pasta alla norma in Catania, enjoy awe-inspiring views in the perfectly preserved town of Taormina or cool off in the azure waters surrounding the mythic Aeolian islands, which promise spectacular swimming.
The northeast quadrant of Sicily offers an array of unique travel experiences. Here you will encounter a romantic volcanic archipelago, a coastal stretch of dreamy holiday resorts, bustling cities and pretty fishing hamlets, all set against the stunning backdrop of capricious Mount Etna.
Linger over long lunches of grilled swordfish and pasta alla norma in Catania, enjoy awe-inspiring views in the perfectly preserved town of Taormina or cool off in the azure waters surrounding the mythic Aeolian islands, which promise spectacular swimming.
DK Sicily
View BookSardinia, Italy
Best for: surfing, scenic journeys
With a favourable position in the Mediterranean allowing for up to 300 days of suitable waves, Sardinia is a mecca for surfers. Its untamed coastline offers heavenly slips of soft sand and sparkling turquoise bays.
There are plenty of reasons to stray beyond the coast, too. Enjoy the stunning countryside on a wistful train through steep hillsides and timeless villages.If you prefer to adventure by car, you’re in luck: Sardinia is a haven for motorists with roads which meander around mountain tops and weave through forested valleys.
With a favourable position in the Mediterranean allowing for up to 300 days of suitable waves, Sardinia is a mecca for surfers. Its untamed coastline offers heavenly slips of soft sand and sparkling turquoise bays.
There are plenty of reasons to stray beyond the coast, too. Enjoy the stunning countryside on a wistful train through steep hillsides and timeless villages.If you prefer to adventure by car, you’re in luck: Sardinia is a haven for motorists with roads which meander around mountain tops and weave through forested valleys.
DK Sardinia
View BookMalta
Best for: history
Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta packs an extraordinary amount into three compact, easily visited islands – sight rich Malta, restful Gozo and tiny Comino. The sun shines 300 days a year and the sea is warm from early summer to late autumn. But it isn’t just about sun and sea: Malta boasts 7,000 years of history, culture and architecture.
Take Malta’s delightful little capital, Valletta, for example. Founded by the Knights of St John in 1566, it towers dramatically over the Grand Harbour. Many of the Knights’ buildings have survived along with their art, including St John’s Co-Cathedral, which features perhaps Europe’s most dazzling baroque interior.
Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta packs an extraordinary amount into three compact, easily visited islands – sight rich Malta, restful Gozo and tiny Comino. The sun shines 300 days a year and the sea is warm from early summer to late autumn. But it isn’t just about sun and sea: Malta boasts 7,000 years of history, culture and architecture.
Take Malta’s delightful little capital, Valletta, for example. Founded by the Knights of St John in 1566, it towers dramatically over the Grand Harbour. Many of the Knights’ buildings have survived along with their art, including St John’s Co-Cathedral, which features perhaps Europe’s most dazzling baroque interior.
DK Top 10 Malta and Gozo
View BookProvence and the Côte d'Azur, France
Best for: celebrity spotting, Instagram-worthy scenery
During the height of summer, the landscape of Provence is peppered with fields of purple lavender and the air is heavy with its sweet perfume, while the superyachts docked in upmarket marinas testify that the Côte d'Azur is still the world’s most glamorous coastline.
You’ll pay a hefty premium to be pampered in the private beach clubs around Cannes, St-Tropez, or Antibes, but you don’t have to look far for stunning caves and bays where there’s no entry charge. With its pure white sand and sparkling blue sea, Plage de Notre-Dame on Porquerolles would not look out of place on Caribbean shores. And if you’re looking to find a patch of sand all of your own, the stretch of coastline between Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer to Plage de Beauduc is the emptiest.
During the height of summer, the landscape of Provence is peppered with fields of purple lavender and the air is heavy with its sweet perfume, while the superyachts docked in upmarket marinas testify that the Côte d'Azur is still the world’s most glamorous coastline.
You’ll pay a hefty premium to be pampered in the private beach clubs around Cannes, St-Tropez, or Antibes, but you don’t have to look far for stunning caves and bays where there’s no entry charge. With its pure white sand and sparkling blue sea, Plage de Notre-Dame on Porquerolles would not look out of place on Caribbean shores. And if you’re looking to find a patch of sand all of your own, the stretch of coastline between Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer to Plage de Beauduc is the emptiest.
DK Provence and the Cote d'Azur
View BookValencia, Spain
Best for: variety, nightlife
World-class museums, superlative restaurants and trendy neighbourhoods embellished with street art – Valencia offers something for everyone. La Lonja de la Seda, with its twisting pillars, is an incredible example of Gothic architecture, and no visit to the city would be complete without a trip to the astonishing ultra-modern Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
When you’re ready to relax, some of Europe's best beaches are only a metro ride away. Looking to let your hair down? Valencia is renowned for its nightlife – picture sipping cocktails on palm shaded terraces and dancing until the sun rises over the Mediterranean.
World-class museums, superlative restaurants and trendy neighbourhoods embellished with street art – Valencia offers something for everyone. La Lonja de la Seda, with its twisting pillars, is an incredible example of Gothic architecture, and no visit to the city would be complete without a trip to the astonishing ultra-modern Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
When you’re ready to relax, some of Europe's best beaches are only a metro ride away. Looking to let your hair down? Valencia is renowned for its nightlife – picture sipping cocktails on palm shaded terraces and dancing until the sun rises over the Mediterranean.
DK Top 10 Valencia
View BookSeville, Spain
Best for: architecture, tapas
One of the world’s most romantic cities, Seville is a bewitching labyrinth of geranium-filled streets and orange-scented plazas. From glitzy Gothic cathedrals to striking modern marvels, this enchanting city is home to an embarrassment of historic and architectural treasures. Drink in the sights at Parque Maria Luisisa and Metropol Parasol (dubbed “the Mushrooms” by locals).
Walking the city is the best way to enjoy its spectrum of architectural styles – and the best way to work up an appetite. Thankfully, as the ancestral home of tapas, Seville is bound to impress foodies. After dark, head to the flamenco tablaos for a night of dancing.
One of the world’s most romantic cities, Seville is a bewitching labyrinth of geranium-filled streets and orange-scented plazas. From glitzy Gothic cathedrals to striking modern marvels, this enchanting city is home to an embarrassment of historic and architectural treasures. Drink in the sights at Parque Maria Luisisa and Metropol Parasol (dubbed “the Mushrooms” by locals).
Walking the city is the best way to enjoy its spectrum of architectural styles – and the best way to work up an appetite. Thankfully, as the ancestral home of tapas, Seville is bound to impress foodies. After dark, head to the flamenco tablaos for a night of dancing.
DK Seville and Andalucia
View BookMorocco’s Mediterranean Coast
Best for: screen-worthy landscapes, chic cities
Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the ancient port of Tangier is the oldest continually inhabited city in Morocco. Wander the winding streets of its ancient medina, pausing to admire minaret topped mosques and tranquil courts decorated with mosaics. You’re likely to experience deja-vu here: Tangier has featured in such blockbusters as Inception (2010) and Spectre (2015).
When you’ve had your fill of the city, rent a car and head out along the coast to a string of glitzy resorts and quiet fishing towns. Cities like the charming whitewashed Tetouan and Chefchaouen, with its tangle of blue-painted streets tumbling between two peaks, are not to be missed.
Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the ancient port of Tangier is the oldest continually inhabited city in Morocco. Wander the winding streets of its ancient medina, pausing to admire minaret topped mosques and tranquil courts decorated with mosaics. You’re likely to experience deja-vu here: Tangier has featured in such blockbusters as Inception (2010) and Spectre (2015).
When you’ve had your fill of the city, rent a car and head out along the coast to a string of glitzy resorts and quiet fishing towns. Cities like the charming whitewashed Tetouan and Chefchaouen, with its tangle of blue-painted streets tumbling between two peaks, are not to be missed.
DK Morocco
View BookRead next
The best places to see cherry blossoms around the world
Brief yet breathtaking, cherry blossom season heralds spring like nothing else. Here are the best places around the world to experience this fleeting spectacle.
The 5 best trips to take in Europe in April
With springtime sweeping across the continent in a riot of color, April is a spectacular time to travel in Europe. Whether you want to experience two seasons in one cruise in Norway or the natural theatre of springtime in the Netherlands, read on to discover the best destinations in Europe to visit in April.