Secret Mediterranean Spots That Feel Like A Dream

The Mediterranean is a lot more than just the most stunning sunsets in Santorini or the most breathtaking drives in the Amalfi Coast, as it is also an exquisite treasure trove that is yelling at you that it is beautiful and wonderful. These unknown gems tend to be uncrowded by tourists, and grant you the ability to experience the lifestyle of the region, the virgin scenery, and to breathe in the calm air that you enjoy so much when you are on a holiday. Consider yourself walking along a peaceful fishing village where the time has almost come to a standstill, or simply lying at a very serene beach, and all you will hear are the sounds of the waves crashing on its shores. These are but a few of those Mediterranean destinations you can fall in love with.

Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor is like entering into a fairy tale because of the cobblestones, old churches, and town walls that defend it. The harbor itself is more of a fjord, which has mountains towering down into the clear water that reflects the buildings that are pastel-colored. It’s very easy to get lost (in the best way) walking by the narrow streets full of small cafes, secret courtyards, and affectionate cats that lie in the sun. For the adventurous spirit, the stone steps up to St. John’s Fortress are steep, and it will be quite a workout, but will definitely be worth it as you will have a bird’s-eye view of the Bay of Kotor and the red-tiled rooftops that are found below you.

Comino, Malta

Comino is one of your perfect travel destinations because it was created for daydreams due to its unbelievably beautiful Blue Lagoon that looks like a huge natural pool. This water looks so turquoise and serene that you would think that it was saturated in real life. This tiny island nestles between Malta and Gozo, and because there are no cars and only a few buildings, it feels as if you have slipped into a hidden world where mother nature reigns supreme. Spend your time snorkeling with really colorful fish, relax on a warm rock, or float aimlessly as the sun touches your skin. It really is pure and a very simple heaven to visit.

Vis, Croatia

Vis is a place where time slows you down, and all you want to do is just relax. Being one of the most deserted islands in Croatia, it has kept its rustic, unspoiled nature that includes soundless beaches, rolling vineyards, and an easy, no-hurry pace that makes you want to live there forever. Begin your day by sightseeing unknown coves and then hop on a boat to see the magical Blue Cave, where the sunlight turns the water to a luminous electric blue. Finish off your day with a seafood feast so fresh it seems like the produce is directly off the boat and straight on to your dinner table, accompanied by some local wine and one of the most spectacular sunsets in the world.

Puglia, Italy (The “Heel” Of Italy’s Boot)

Puglia is the land around the sun-drenched heel of the boot of Italy, and it is like a small corner of heaven where time passes at a comfortably relaxed speed. Imagine yourself walking the streets of the bleached village of Ostuni, which seems to be colored by the sun. The terrain is littered with ancient olive groves that are several miles long and have gnarly trees that whisper stories to you about the past. You will find peaceful beaches with really clear water that look undiscovered. And then there is Alberobello, with its fairytale trulli small houses and conical roofs, which makes you feel as if you have landed in another world.

Alonissos, Greece

Alonissos is a Greek island that people visit when they look for peace, nature, and people-free locations. Found somewhere in the Sporades, it’s a lot more peaceful than its two neighbours, Skiathos and Skopelos, and you can really listen to the waves and birds rather than noisy tourists. Its hiking paths nestle through pine forests, olive groves, and rocky paths along the edge of the cliffside of the Aegean coast, making it perfect for adventurers. It also has the first National Marine Park in Greece, where you can snorkel or kayak with the dolphins, elusive monk seals, and colorful marine life, and make you feel as if you have walked into pure and unblemished magic.

Discover The Mediterranean You Didn’t Know You Needed

There is so much to be found beyond the water and hotspots in the Mediterranean, as these hidden gems show you. Fairy-tale villages, remote beaches, wild islands, and quiet coves are only some of the distant places where you can pace yourself without having to worry so much about people with selfie sticks or hordes of cruise ship tourists. Consider drinking wine in a small village in Italy, swimming across electric-blue waters, or walking along a sun-baked path, and only the noise of waves and birds are the sounds that you hear. They are not your ordinary vacation destinations because these are places that you would never forget even after you leave. Maybe it’s time to forget about the rules and find your own Mediterranean secrets.