5 unique holiday destinations in the Mediterranean basin to wow you
12 July 2015, published by LITTLEROCK.com.mt
Summer time, for many people, spells out holiday time, even if it may mean just a quick break from the routine. If you are fed up of the usual London, Paris and Rome and looking for a really unusual summer vacation that is not too far flung across the planet - allowing for even a short 5-day break - why not try one of these unique destinations? They are practically on our doorstep, yet so different from Malta to feel far flung into another reality.
Corsica, FRANCE
Corsica may not immediately appeal to the Maltese tourist, appearing at first to be too close an island neighbour to offer anything remarkably different. But the island is actually very distinct in every sense imaginable.
Corsica, FRANCE
Corsica may not immediately appeal to the Maltese tourist, appearing at first to be too close an island neighbour to offer anything remarkably different. But the island is actually very distinct in every sense imaginable.
Porto. Photo: Flickr / Mathulak Flickr
Mountains make up 2/3 of the island, making the rest of it rather lush and green as a result. The beaches are gorgeous and, just like Malta, the island's unique history has given it a particular character of its own and its culture is rife with tradition. Porto (pictured above) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Mountains make up 2/3 of the island, making the rest of it rather lush and green as a result. The beaches are gorgeous and, just like Malta, the island's unique history has given it a particular character of its own and its culture is rife with tradition. Porto (pictured above) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bonifacio. Photo: Flickr / Digo
Although located near to Italy, Corisca is one of the 27 regions of France. It goes to follow that fine wine, cheese and food make Corsica an ideal gourmet break for those who like to enjoy the best things in life. It is also ideal for those who like diving, water sports, nature, hiking, history and culture all rolled into one destination.
Cinque Terre, ITALY
The fabled Cinque Terre, or Five Lands, on the north-west coast of Italy actually comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, which form part of the Cinque Terre National Park. Each of these 5 colourful villages is perched on incredibly scenic cliff sides, each village unique in its own way; a 1-2 day visit to all of the 5 villages offers a more complete experience.
Although located near to Italy, Corisca is one of the 27 regions of France. It goes to follow that fine wine, cheese and food make Corsica an ideal gourmet break for those who like to enjoy the best things in life. It is also ideal for those who like diving, water sports, nature, hiking, history and culture all rolled into one destination.
Cinque Terre, ITALY
The fabled Cinque Terre, or Five Lands, on the north-west coast of Italy actually comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, which form part of the Cinque Terre National Park. Each of these 5 colourful villages is perched on incredibly scenic cliff sides, each village unique in its own way; a 1-2 day visit to all of the 5 villages offers a more complete experience.
Riomaggiore. Photo: Flickr / Elia Locardi
A marvellous natural oasis, the Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features overhanging cliffs along a long stretch of coast, with pretty bays and small beaches; thousands of kilometers of dry-stone walls enclosing vine terraces - the preferred crop of today's local farmers; characteristic rural buildings, medieval quarters and sanctuaries, some of which bursting with colour; and panoramic trails crossing the slopes overlooking the sea.
A marvellous natural oasis, the Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It features overhanging cliffs along a long stretch of coast, with pretty bays and small beaches; thousands of kilometers of dry-stone walls enclosing vine terraces - the preferred crop of today's local farmers; characteristic rural buildings, medieval quarters and sanctuaries, some of which bursting with colour; and panoramic trails crossing the slopes overlooking the sea.
Vernazza. Photo: Flickr / Elia Locardi
Take the time to immerse yourself in the character of the villages, and to explore the surrounding land and sea - water sports and fishing is usually an option. Naturally, here you can also appreciate the best of local Ligurian wines, as well as the fresh catch of fish by local fishermen to ensure all your senses are satisified.
Dubrovnik, CROATIA
Lesser known with the Maltese is this self-proclaimed "Pearl of the Adriatic": Dubrovnik - one of Croatia's most visited destinations. "Forget Zagreb," a local will tell you, "Dubrovnik is Croatia's capital of charm and culture!"
Take the time to immerse yourself in the character of the villages, and to explore the surrounding land and sea - water sports and fishing is usually an option. Naturally, here you can also appreciate the best of local Ligurian wines, as well as the fresh catch of fish by local fishermen to ensure all your senses are satisified.
Dubrovnik, CROATIA
Lesser known with the Maltese is this self-proclaimed "Pearl of the Adriatic": Dubrovnik - one of Croatia's most visited destinations. "Forget Zagreb," a local will tell you, "Dubrovnik is Croatia's capital of charm and culture!"
Photo: Flickr / vulture labs
The imposing Lovrijenac fortress, imposing bastions, sea of terracotta-colored rooftops and dramatic cliff top location are just a few of the highlights of Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed Old Town; its shimmering marble streets, grand baroque churches and magnificent 16th century Sponza Palace are just a few more. For the best views, catch the cable car to the peak of nearby Mount Srd or take a scenic walk along the City Walls.
The imposing Lovrijenac fortress, imposing bastions, sea of terracotta-colored rooftops and dramatic cliff top location are just a few of the highlights of Dubrovnik's UNESCO-listed Old Town; its shimmering marble streets, grand baroque churches and magnificent 16th century Sponza Palace are just a few more. For the best views, catch the cable car to the peak of nearby Mount Srd or take a scenic walk along the City Walls.
Photo: Flickr / Rob Kroenert
Dubrovnic is a historic city of culture, and is ideal for people who enjoy cultural events including exhibitions, concerts and plays; particularly prominent is the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July-Aug), with its musical and theatrical performances taking place in numerous open-air venues, and the Dubrovnik International Wine and Jazz Festival (Sep).
Santorini, GREECE
Oh the Greek islands! While the media is rife with news about Greece's economic crisis, the fabled Greek islands remain just as beautiful and interesting a destination as they ever were.
Dubrovnic is a historic city of culture, and is ideal for people who enjoy cultural events including exhibitions, concerts and plays; particularly prominent is the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (July-Aug), with its musical and theatrical performances taking place in numerous open-air venues, and the Dubrovnik International Wine and Jazz Festival (Sep).
Santorini, GREECE
Oh the Greek islands! While the media is rife with news about Greece's economic crisis, the fabled Greek islands remain just as beautiful and interesting a destination as they ever were.
Photo: Flickr / Yoann JEZEQUEL
While Greece’s problems have added an unexpected kink that requires some additional thought and planning for the traveller, there is no need to avoid the destination altogether - in fact, continuing tourism will help alleviate Greece's financial crisis. However, there are some precautions to take, particularly when it comes to managing your money: for example, rely on cash and Visa Cards, but not on ATMs.
While Greece’s problems have added an unexpected kink that requires some additional thought and planning for the traveller, there is no need to avoid the destination altogether - in fact, continuing tourism will help alleviate Greece's financial crisis. However, there are some precautions to take, particularly when it comes to managing your money: for example, rely on cash and Visa Cards, but not on ATMs.
Photo: Flickr / Yoann JEZEQUEL
Santorini’s archipelago consists of 5 islands: Thera, Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palea and Nea Kameni, a group of volcanic islands located far south in the Aegean Sea. These islands offer stunning natural beauty, beautiful white-washed cities and an intriguing history, including a close tie with the Phoenicians. Good weather, food, wine, beaches, boat excursions, hiking, archeological sites and museums are just a few things you might expect of a vacation in Santorini.
Cappadocia, TURKEY
Another UNESCO World Heritage site is the Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia. This is the only destination in our selection that is not directly located on the coast, but it is so unique that it simply deserves a place here.
Santorini’s archipelago consists of 5 islands: Thera, Thirasia, Aspronisi, Palea and Nea Kameni, a group of volcanic islands located far south in the Aegean Sea. These islands offer stunning natural beauty, beautiful white-washed cities and an intriguing history, including a close tie with the Phoenicians. Good weather, food, wine, beaches, boat excursions, hiking, archeological sites and museums are just a few things you might expect of a vacation in Santorini.
Cappadocia, TURKEY
Another UNESCO World Heritage site is the Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia. This is the only destination in our selection that is not directly located on the coast, but it is so unique that it simply deserves a place here.
Photo: Flickr / Moyan Brenn
Set in the plains of Anatolia - known as Asia Minor - which make up the majority of the Republic of Turkey, is a place made from the stuff fairytales are made of: Cappadocia is a geological oddity of otherworldly beauty made up of "fairy chimneys," towering boulders and honeycombed hills. The fantastical topography is matched by the amazing history of the humans that inhabited the region, who utilised the soft stone to seek shelter within the ground, leaving the countryside scattered with fascinating troglodyte-style architecture.
Set in the plains of Anatolia - known as Asia Minor - which make up the majority of the Republic of Turkey, is a place made from the stuff fairytales are made of: Cappadocia is a geological oddity of otherworldly beauty made up of "fairy chimneys," towering boulders and honeycombed hills. The fantastical topography is matched by the amazing history of the humans that inhabited the region, who utilised the soft stone to seek shelter within the ground, leaving the countryside scattered with fascinating troglodyte-style architecture.
Photo: Flickr / Tiberio Frascari
Sleep in one of Cappadocia's cave hotels by night, and by day visit the fresco-adorned rock-cut churches of Göreme Open-Air Museum and the subterranean refuges of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı. Enjoy the unique panoramas while hiking or in a ride in a hot air balloon; this lunarscape, set in accordion-ridged valleys of dusky orange and cream, is the stuff of psychedelic daydreams that you will barely believe but never forget.
Sleep in one of Cappadocia's cave hotels by night, and by day visit the fresco-adorned rock-cut churches of Göreme Open-Air Museum and the subterranean refuges of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı. Enjoy the unique panoramas while hiking or in a ride in a hot air balloon; this lunarscape, set in accordion-ridged valleys of dusky orange and cream, is the stuff of psychedelic daydreams that you will barely believe but never forget.
