5 Truly Laid-Back Mediterranean Destinations With Smaller Crowds For 2025

Aerial View Of Folegandros, Greece

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Ahhh, the Mediterranean 😌.

That historic sea bordering a number of the most lovely locations on this planet: the sun-drenched Costa Del Sol in Spain, France’s turquoise Côte d’Azur, Italy’s idyllic Cinque Terre, the whitewashed Santorini and neighboring Cycladic islands in Greece…

The record is countless, and it may simply take up a complete web page.

Aerial View Of Folegandros, GreeceAerial View Of Folegandros, Greece

In case you’re planning on crossing the pond this yr, significantly over summer time, the ‘Med’ is more likely to be on the high of your wishlist, however the place to go now that all the most well-known spots are crumbling below the burden of mass tourism, and anticipating even bigger crowds in 2025?

Despair not: we’re right here to assist.

Listed here are 5 really laid-back Mediterranean gems but to be spoiled that supply balmy temps, cultural sights, and, in some circumstances, less expensive costs:

5. Folegandros, Greece

Panoramic View Of A Beach In Folegandros, GreecePanoramic View Of A Beach In Folegandros, Greece

Santorini would be the worst place to go when you’re eager on a stress-free vacay, what with the lengthy traces of individuals ready to take the right image at the very same spot and the booked-out eating places, however there is a silver lining solely 40 nautical miles northwest:

Largely ignored by island-hoppers and retaining a lot of that unique character, with a restricted variety of lodges and no huge cruise liners, Folegandros is the quintessential Greek island escape, with a floor space of solely 12.4 sq. miles and packed with Cycladic attraction.

Chora In Folegandros, GreeceChora In Folegandros, Greece

Its compact capital (Chora) bestrides a rugged hill, with a signature Church of Panagia standing proudly on the highest peak. Each climbing path appears to result in breathtaking viewpoints, and there are blanche townscapes, seashores, and secret coves galore, with out the Instagrammers.

In sum, Folegandros is every little thing you could possibly hope for when you worth exclusivity and authenticity––for sure, there usually are not that many lodges on the island, however the few that there are cost just prices ($83-95), and your dinners on the superb To Zimaraki will come low-cost as properly.

4. Brindisi, Italy

Aerial View Of Brindisi Port In ItalyAerial View Of Brindisi Port In Italy

The Italian Adriatic could also be finest identified for the floating city of Venice and the resort-lined Rimini, however additional south, on the heel of the Italian boot, lies Brindisi, a less-famous various sometimes skipped by vacationers.

A port metropolis courting again over two millennia, it’s dominated by a red-stone Aragonese Citadel, perched on the harbor’s entrance, whereas the Previous City is a maze of pastel edifices, Roman ruins, and family-owned trattorias serving contemporary seafood and pasta.

Brindisi Castle In ItalyBrindisi Castle In Italy

A brief 29-minute drive from Brindisi, Lido Morelli is a postcardy white-sand seaside hugged by teal waters that may make you consider the Caribbean, and a good shorter 20 minutes away, Lido Specchiolla is an uncrowded sandy strip excellent for unwinding after an extended day of exploring.

In search of an genuine restaurant to strive native pugliana meals? Do not forget so as to add La Locanda del Porto to your bucket record: not solely does it provide breathtaking views of Brindisi’s busy port, it in all probability serves one of the best swordfish spaghetti on the town!

3. Himarë, Albania

A Sandy Beach Full Of Parasols In Himare, A Coastal Resort Town In The Albanian Riviera, On The Mediterranean Sea, Albania, South Eastern EuropeA Sandy Beach Full Of Parasols In Himare, A Coastal Resort Town In The Albanian Riviera, On The Mediterranean Sea, Albania, South Eastern Europe

Albania might not be everybody’s first choose for a Mediterranean getaway when it is within the neighborhood of Italy, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, and the like, however you should not discard it as an choice so shortly when it’s house to a beautiful Himarë:

A conglomeration of small villages lining the Ionian Sea, one of many most underrated subdivisions of the Med, and backed by the imposing Ceraunian Mountains, it oozes Previous World attract with its Albanian-Greek heritage, historic settlements perched atop cliffs, and ruined castles.

Dhermi, Albania in the sunsetDhermi, Albania in the sunset

Essentially the most photogenic spot within the space is undoubtedly Dhërmi, a sleepy Greek-majority city that includes whitewashed homes and a blue-dome church, although you should not bypass the effective, pearly-sand Gjipe Seashore nor a paradisiacal Palasë, with its gin-colored seas and a plethora of eating choices.

While we’re at it, we must always in all probability point out the Albanian Riviera is among the many most cost-effective seaside locations in Europe, with meals in native eating places costing as little as $10, and renovated, trendy beachfront villas beginning at $57 (Hercules Sea View).

2. Korčula, Croatia

Aerial View Of The Island Municipality Of Korcula, Off The Dalmatian Coast Of Croatia, On The Adriatic Sea, South Eastern Europe, Balkan PeninsulaAerial View Of The Island Municipality Of Korcula, Off The Dalmatian Coast Of Croatia, On The Adriatic Sea, South Eastern Europe, Balkan Peninsula

If the surging crowds in Dubrovnik and the staggeringly excessive costs in Cut up have made these no-go zones for you in 2025, how about escaping to a distant island off the Croatian coast, far-off from all of the mainland mess?

At 29 miles lengthy and roughly 5 miles vast, Korčula could be tiny, however it’s stuffed with wonders, from Marco Polo’s Home (rumor has it the legendary explorer hails from this island, not Venice) to the half-moon-shaped Pupnatska Luka, a serene bay edged by a crystal-clear Adriatic.

Korcula In CroatiaKorcula In Croatia

Different sights on the island embody Korčula City, a walled coastal settlement, and Korčula’s largest, crisscrossed with cobbled lanes and dotted with centuries-old homes, and the fishing village of Vela Luka, the island’s foodie hotspot:

Konoba Bata is one in every of Vela Luka’s strongest gives––attempting their Dalmatian prosciutto and selfmade paški cheese is a should––and do not underestimate the ability of Croatian gelato, stated to rival Italy’s (you may at all times swing by Diana Gelato on the waterfront and be the decide of that).

1. Porto-Vecchio, France

Aerial View Of Porto-Vecchio, Corsica, FranceAerial View Of Porto-Vecchio, Corsica, France

hidden treasure of Corsica, an already seriously overlooked Mediterranean island belonging to France, Porto-Vecchio is one other a kind of Instagrammable harbor-side cities traversed with slender streets and topped with a medieval citadel.

The primary sq., Place de la République, is flanked by memento retailers, French bistros, and Italian-style osterie––in case you did not know, that of the neighboring nation closely influences Corsican tradition––and the buzzing marina is stuffed with eye-catching yachts.

Palombaggia Beach In Corsica, FrancePalombaggia Beach In Corsica, France

Guests should not miss out on exploring the magnificent Genoese citadel sitting on a hill overlooking Porto-Vecchio or taking a time without work to chill out on the gorgeous Palombaggia Seashore, the place an alabaster shore meets seas of the brightest blue.

Final however not least, you would be stunned at how really reasonably priced it may be in comparison with different locations within the South of France: Hotel Alcyon has single rooms for $89, or you could possibly keep as an alternative on the 3-star Hôtel Le Mistral, solely a 6-minute stroll from the middle of city, for $79-a-night.

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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.



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