There’s a reason holiday goers fly thousands of miles each year to the Mediterranean. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, historic towns, beautiful weather and incredible food, the reasons are endless. Including many picturesque coastlines in Italy, Greece and Turkey, the area needs a lot of time to be explored thoroughly.
It’s a particularly popular spot with those who like to travel in style. With so many 5-star hotels to choose from, Michelin-star restaurants and yacht chartering options, the area lends itself very well to glamour and sophistication. Here are just some of the destinations that should be on your itinerary.
French Riviera
Nestled in the south of France, the French Riviera boasts a great climate all year round and has become synonymous with luxury, relaxation and great food. After all, you can always trust the French to put on an excellent spread.
For those who have a soft spot for shopping, there are plenty of independent boutiques that sell handcrafted fashion from local designers. You will also find all the top designers standing pretty in the centre of the city, serving major looks for the rich and famous.
Above all, the Riviera enjoys a much slower pace of life where lunches can be stretched to fill entire afternoons, the lingering sunsets make the perfect backdrop for a romantic cocktail, and the pristine beaches encourage us to wind down and relax.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
It’s not hard to see why the Amalfi Coast has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Encompassing a coastline just south of Naples, the area is famous for its staggering cliffs decorated by colourful houses, indigo waters and cobbled streets that lend Amalfi its unique personality.
Towns to visit include Amalfi, Ravello and Positano, all of which are centuries old and have endless viewpoints, boutiques and restaurants to keep you occupied for the whole day. It’s also an outdoor lover’s paradise with numerous cliffs to explore, far-reaching horizons to sail into and easy accessibility to mesmerising hiking trails.
Ibiza, Spain
All university graduates will be well acquainted with Ibiza’s party culture, with many forgetting that the Spanish island has much more to offer those who are looking for a luxurious holiday. Fortunately, it has something for everyone. So, whilst some might be heading to the world-famous nightclubs night after night, others can reside amongst the olive groves for a holiday of healing.
Once a hotspot for hippies and artists, the island still boasts that alternative undercurrent which has given way to numerous 5-star hotels that offer world-class spa treatments and meditation retreats. Come the evening however, Ibiza’s party spirit is hard to resist as you dress to the nines for an evening of decadence at any of their Michelin-star restaurants.
Mykonos, Greece
When it comes to weather in Europe, the further south you go the better it gets. That’s why Mykonos has been a summer favourite for decades, offering secluded bliss away from the hustle and bustle. As spotless and pristine as a pearl, Mykonos is a gift from god with its heavenly villas, white architecture and crystal-clear waters. It’s also particularly special for luxury holiday goers as the island is fully equipped with numerous luxury hotels, spa retreats and Michelin-star restaurants that showcase cuisines around Europe, as well as Asia.
A vision of pure serenity, Mykonos is effortlessly romantic and elegant.