The Mediterranean islands are one of our favorite places in the world. If we ever have to lose ourselves, or undergo another confinement, let it be with the breeze of the Mediterranean Sea . They belong to several different countries and each one has its particularity, but at the same time they share many aspects that make them special: incredible gastronomy, dream beaches and postcard landscapes. In this post we tell you about the 20 best islands in the Mediterranean , our favourites!
20 BEST ISLANDS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
1. Santorini (Greece) and its towns
Santorini is one of the best islands in the Mediterranean . I think almost no one doubts it! Well, as long as you don’t meet her in a day and full of cruise passengers. Despite its popularity, this island of volcanic origin is simply spectacular. And that doesn’t have great beaches! However, its attractions are other.
You can’t miss its white villages, especially Oia and its views of the Aegean . For this we recommend you to walk from Fira to Oia to enjoy its beauty. Do not miss it!
2. Mykonos (Greece), one of the best islands in the Mediterranean
Obviously we can not mention Santorini without mentioning Mykonos , the second most famous island in Greece . And the liveliest! It is famous for its summer night parties , when some of the best DJ’s in the world attend, but Mykonos is so beautiful that it attracts all travelers .
It has beautiful beaches and its capital, Mykonos Town, is very picturesque. This jewel of the Cyclades could not be missing in this post about the best islands in the Mediterranean . And you, are you more from Mykonos or Santorini ?
3. Menorca (Spain) and its coves
Menorca is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. It is one of the 5 islands that make up the Balearic archipelago, but perhaps the most interesting of all. It has incredible coves like Cala Macarelleta or Es Calo Blanc. Its beaches look like swimming pools!
And obviously it has a very nice relaxed island atmosphere, especially its urban and historical centers such as Mahon and Ciutadella. Precious!
4. Mallorca (Spain), a super complete island
Obviously, speaking of the Balearic Islands, we also have to mention Mallorca. It is probably one of the most complete islands in the Mediterranean . It doesn’t matter what you like, it’s easy to find your space in Mallorca. It is a paradise for nature lovers : the Serra de Tramuntana is beautiful and surprises all its visitors.
Unfortunately, many of us know the worst facet of Mallorca, the uncontrolled parties in Magaluf, but don’t be fooled by that. Lose yourself in Soller , Cap de Formentor , the Cuevas del Drach or its beautiful beaches. Mallorca falls in love!
5. Corsica (France) and its landscapes
Perhaps it is the great undervalued of the Mediterranean islands (less by the French, obviously). Like Mallorca, it is also a super complete island with a great variety of landscapes. If you have two weeks of vacation, we advise you to do the GR20 long-distance hiking route . It is one of the most beautiful in the world! Although also demanding.
But it goes much further than this route, you can’t miss its beaches or elevated villages either. Undoubtedly, one of the best islands in the Mediterranean .
6. Crete (Greece), the Greek island with the best beaches
If we have to stay with an island in Greece for its beaches, we would undoubtedly stay with Crete. It is the largest of the Mediterranean islands . So on its surface you will find everything! Charming cities like Rethymnon or Chania with its Venetian port and dream beaches like Elafonissi or the Balos Lagoon. The Greek Caribbean!
7. Malta… and Gozo + Cumin!
Malta is one of the favorite destinations for the Spanish. And British, of course! The island of Malta is the main one, but it is not the only one. Malta is steeped in history. All you have to do is stroll through the streets of its beautiful capital, Valletta , or get lost in the interior of the island and discover Mdina.
But don’t forget to visit the islands of Gozo and Comino , which complete the country. In Comino you will hallucinate with the beautiful Blue Lagoon and in Gozo with the cliffs of Sanap and its beaches . Do not miss it!
8. Cyprus, one of the best islands in the Mediterranean
Cyprus is one of the most interesting destinations to see in Europe . Our visit to the island surprised us in every way. Cypriot gastronomy is spectacular, how we enjoy halloumi! It also has beautiful beaches like Nissi Beach or incredible landscapes like the caves of Cape Greco .
And without losing sight, unfortunately, of his political conflict. The northern part is occupied by the Turks and Nicosia is the only divided capital in Europe . However, we recommend you take a route through Cyprus to enjoy it to the fullest.
9. Sicily (Italy), history, beaches and volcanoes!
Sicily is a sure value and could not be missing from this list of the best islands in the Mediterranean. It is also super complete!
You can visit from important historical sites such as the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento , the Roman theater of Taormina or the baroque cities of Noto , Ragusa and Modica to its incredible beaches.
Oh, and it’s also a land of volcanoes! Don’t forget to climb Mount Etna or take an excursion to the violent Stromboli . Its cities are chaotic, but if they stress you out too much, go into a restaurant and order a plate of pasta. You will forget everything!
And finally, we cannot forget its beaches . It has some of the best in Italy! Undoubtedly, our favorite is San Vito lo Capo , although you can’t miss Mondello , on the outskirts of Palermo or Scala dei Turchi , among others.
10. Capri (Italy), one of the most picturesque Mediterranean islands
Continuing in Italy, we could not forget to mention the famous island of Capri. It is small, but it has a lot of charm. It is usually a very typical excursion from Naples or Sorrento , ideal to enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere. Do not miss the spectacular Blue Grotto!
11. Milos (Greece) and its white cliffs
Milos is one of the best islands in the Mediterranean. The most famous are its white cliffs , although it is an island with a lot of history. For example, did you know that the famous Venus de Milo was found there in 1892? Surely you have visited it in the Louvre , since it is one of the most important works in the history of art.
12. Sardinia (Italy), the second largest island in the Mediterranean
Talking about the Mediterranean without mentioning Sardinia would be a great sin. It is the second largest island in the Mediterranean and one of the most visited. Although it has everything, the Italian island stands out for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
The Emerald Coast is the most famous and exclusive area of the island. But don’t forget to take the SP-71 and enjoy its panoramic views. Undoubtedly, one of the best islands in the Mediterranean .
13. Rhodes (Greece) and the legacy of the Colossus
Rhodes is one of the jewels of the Dodecanese. His visit surprised us very positively. Perhaps we do not find corners as picturesque as in some of the Cyclades, the beaches of Crete, but we did fall in love with some corners like Lindos and its Acropolis. Also don’t miss the medieval city of Rhodes, the largest in Europe!
14. Hvar (Croatia) and its lavender fields
Of the great multitude of islands that Croatia has, Hvar is probably the most beautiful and complete. It has everything! It is the largest island in Croatia and is full of beaches and beautiful towns. One of the things we liked the most is the Spanish fortress of Hvar. The views from the top are incredible!
And above all, do not miss its lavender fields. In Hvar, almost 10% of all the lavender oil in the world has been produced.
15. Formentera (Spain), one of the best islands in the Mediterranean if you like the beach
In the Mediterranean you will find beautiful beaches, but there are few islands better than Formentera to enjoy them . It is very small but is ideal for quiet romantic getaways or idyllic family vacations.
16. Corfu (Greece) and its cultural heritage
The Greek islands have us in love. This Ionian island has a great heritage since the Byzantines, Venetians, French and British have passed through it during the last millennium. So the cultural legacy they have left behind is enormous! Especially in the beautiful old town of Corfu Town , a World Heritage Site.
Rent a car, explore its roads and enjoy its secluded coves and monasteries. Corfu is well worth it!
17. Folegandros (Greece), one of the great forgotten
We believe that Folegandros could not be missing from this list of the best islands in the Mediterranean . Although a priori he does not have much of a name, he is a pearl of the Cyclades islands. It is a very authentic destination, perfect for those who like nature and adventure.
18. Naxos (Greece) and its beaches
Naxos is one of the most attractive islands in the Cyclades. Overshadowed by Mykonos and Santorini, Naxos hides phenomenal beaches and pretty Cycladic villages with white houses. Chora is its capital and the main logistics center of the island, although the island hides a lot of charms, even in its mountainous interior.
If you like beaches, Naxos will enchant you . Also, the vast majority are quiet! Take advantage before mass tourism reaches the island, as it did with others in the Cyclades.
19. Procida (Italy), one of the best islands in the Mediterranean
If you’re looking for a scenic spot, Procida is one of the best day trips from Naples . It is a typical postcard island! The island is very small, full of colorful houses and where fishing continues to be the island’s main source of income , although tourism is increasingly important. It seems that time has not passed!
20. Korcula (Croatia)
And finally, to end this post about the best islands in the Mediterranean , we could not forget to mention Korcula. It’s a super picturesque island, and where Marco Polo was supposedly born. The town of Korcula, in the east of the island, has the nickname of “little Dubrovnik” due to the great multitude of Venetian-style buildings that it preserves.
The island also has many beaches, olive groves and vineyards. Mediterranean atmosphere!
