Discover the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Mediterranean Destinations

Nestled in the Adriatic Sea lies the Lastovo Archipelago Nature Park and the serene Lastovo.  Lush, green hills, pine forests, and vineyards dominate the interior, while secluded coves and crystal-clear waters surround the island. When considering a Croatian island-hopping itinerary, Lastovo deserves its place on your list.

Lastovo offers a peaceful escape, with only one hotel on the island. Wander the narrow stone streets, absent from crowds due to its remote location. Visit the Parish Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian with its arched windows set in marble and stone and intricate carvings depictive of Venetian architecture.

Activities include hiking and biking rugged trails, and diving in an underwater haven of brilliant marine life. Visit the Raca Cave on the southeastern part of the Island, comprising one large karst-stone chamber with several side rooms.

Learn more: Croatia Travel Guide • Croatia Tours and Vacations

Visit the charming Turkish town of Safranbolu, located in the Black Sea region. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era houses and architecture, the picturesque timber-framed mansions now serving as restaurants and boutique hotels.

Slow down and immerse yourself in Turkish culture as you wander the old town district of Çarşi, with buildings boasting red-tiled roofs and, beneath your feet, quaint cobblestone streets. Experience a traditional Turkish bath in a historic hamam and sink your teeth into a piece of saffron-flavored Turkish delight known locally as lokum.

Discover artisan crafts at the Blacksmith’s Bazaar, seeking out skillfully crafted door knockers with intricate patterns. Try a pair of Yemeni heelless leather shoes and pick out your favorite Turkish rug. Take in the grandeur of the Küre Mountains that surround Safranbolu, the forested peaks peering above the Black Sea and hiking trails traversing a stunning natural landscape.

Learn more: Turkey Travel Guide • Turkey Tours and Vacations

The Valle de Hecho and Ansó are located in the northernmost corner of Aragon in Spain, parallel river valleys surrounded by craggy peaks and dense woodland, featuring the ancient stone-built villages of Hecho, Siresa, and Ansó.

Known as the Valley of Colors, the terrain is ideal for hiking, with trails that lead to the dramatic peaks of Bisaurin and Mesa de los Tres Reyes. Take in the pristine forest within the Valles Occidentales Natural Park, with glistening rivers, flourishing waterfalls, ravines, and beech forests.

Visit cultural sites such as the Monastery of San Pedro in Siresa, possibly the oldest in Aragon, and step inside the open-air Modern Sculpture Museum in the beautiful village of Huesca. Savor local cuisine such as Aragonese pollo a la chilindrón, a rich chicken stew.

Learn more: Spain Travel Guide • Spain Tours and Vacations

The captivating island of Pantelleria near Sicily is often referred to as the “black pearl of the Mediterranean.” The landscape bursts with volcanic features such as thermal springs, crystal-clear waters, and fumaroles.

Take in the reflections of the surrounding mountains as they mirror off the Specchio di Venere, a natural volcanic crater fed by rain and hot springs. Enjoy a dip or a mud bath, and enter a natural sauna located within a small cave.

Walk around traditional dammusi stone houses, their domed roofs dotting the skyline as drops of rain slide off in unison. Discover the sweet taste of moscato di Pantelleria made from the local Zibibbo grape, and tuck into a plate of fresh, flaky swordfish complemented by a pinch of tangy Panetelleria capers.

Learn more: Italy Travel Guide • Italy Tours and Vacations

Discover Pelion, the hidden gem in the Thessaly region. It is located on a hook-shaped peninsula between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea. Its allure lies in its rich mythology, relative remoteness, and combination of natural beauty and unspoiled tranquility.

Pelion’s narrow, winding roads and mountainous terrain create a peaceful sense of remoteness. Peaks rising to 5,330 feet give Pelion an Alpine feel, quite removed from other parts of Greece. Visit Fakistra, often described as having one of Europe’s most beautiful “wild” beaches. Its turquoise bay is towered over by lush cliffs and its crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Step out onto the “balcony of Pelion” when wandering through the cobblestone streets in the village of Makrinitsa, with stunning views over Volos and the Pagasetic Gulf. Take in some shade under one of the ancient plane trees that stand proudly in the village’s main square. Discover Pelion when embarking on our Greece cultural tour and learn more about the region’s rich traditions.

Learn more: Greece Travel Guide • Greece Tours and Vacations

Located in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the Logar Valley is one of Slovenia’s true escapes into nature, far, far from the bustling streets and crowded sites of Ljubljana or the Istrian peninsula. Your love of nature and adventure is fulfilled when embarking on gentle hikes, surrounded by majestic peaks and lush greenery, and a chance to see the striking Rinka Waterfall.

Visit the charming village of Luče, which stands at the entrance of the valley. Notice the rustic kozolec farmhouses and their intricate woodwork as they blend in perfectly with their natural surroundings. Wander the Meet friendly locals who will share stories of traditions and trade, and

If your visit falls within the early fall season, you will have a chance to enjoy festivals such as the Sheep Wool Festival (Bicka), where you can witness sheep shearers at work. Partake in a herb-picking walking tour, where your guide will lead you to aromatic wild thyme and rosemary, a common herb in Mediterranean cooking.

Learn more: Slovenia Tours and Vacations

Enjoy a peaceful escape when visiting the Forez region in France’s Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Discover the picturesque Hautes-Chaumes uplands, featuring vast moors and heather-covered plateaus, and capture amazing views of folding hills of green and gold. Enjoy the sound of clicking wheels when taking a railcar ride through the rugged landscape.

Experience the scenic hiking trails around the Forez Mountains, weaving among forests of fir and beech, with nearby views over lush meadows. Then spend some quiet time in the picturesque villages of Montarcher and Saint-Bonnet-le-Château, their medieval architecture boldly framing cobbled streets. Visit the historical site of Château de la Batie d’Urfé, with its elegantly manicured gardens.

Discover the significance of the region’s cheese and wine with a bite of rich and creamy Fourme de Montbrison blue cheese, its flavor slightly tangy and savory. A visit to Maison de la Fourme d’Ambert will teach you about local cheesemaking. Then sip a crisp and aromatic white, which balances the richness of blue cheese. A light to medium-bodied red compliments the creamy and tangy flavors of the cheese.

Learn more: France Travel Guide • France Tours and Vacations

Nestled in the mountains near Meknes, Moulay Idriss truly lies on the path less traveled and therefore sees a lot less tourist traffic than other, more popular cities and towns in Morocco. The town is set between two hills, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Atlas Mountains and a countryside of rolling hills

It offers an experience that is centered around its religious significance and local life rather than key tourist sights. It is known as one of Morocco’s holiest towns. In August, Moulay Idriss hosts an annual religious festival known as Tan-Tan Moussem, drawing thousands of pilgrims. Discover the region’s cultural depth with our art and soul of Morocco luxury tour, unveiling its grandeur, bold history, and culinary tastes.

This compact town boasts simple public spaces where casual social gatherings take place and locals go about their business. You can enjoy the bustle of the Saturday morning market, the spicy and warm aroma of ginger and colorful yellow or orange towers of saffron adding color to the stone market floors.

Learn more: Morocco Travel Guide • Morocco Tours and Vacations

Scicli is nestled in the valleys of southeastern Sicily, positioned in a dramatic gorge and flanked by a dramatic rocky mass. On top of the rock stands the Church of San Matteo. The simple stone structure stands as a testament to the region’s rich Italian past as it overlooks the town below.

The town is also a few miles from the sandy beaches of Sampieri and Donnalucata, so combining cultural heritage and seaside relaxation is possible. Sicli is perfect if you are seeking cultural immersion in a serene setting. You can enjoy a sun-soaked atmosphere and slow pace at all times. Scicli fits in perfectly with a VIP tour of Sicily, which offers an unforgettable culinary and luxury experience.

Discover the town’s Sicilian Baroque architecture, with key attractions that include Via Francesco Mormino Penna and the Palazzo Beneventano, a UNESCO-recognized 18th-century Baroque masterpiece. Exploring Scicli offers a sense of discovery as you uncover the town’s various charms, from the elegant palazzi and picturesque lands to impressive views of churches on crags.

Learn more: Sicily Travel Guide • Sicily Tours and Vacations

Located in the Ionian Sea, Kythira is a hidden gem with stunning landscapes, charming villages, and historical sites that include a beautiful Venetian castle set in the hillside capital, Hora. The island boasts over 30 beaches, including the scenic Avlemonas Beach, which sets the ideal scene for swimming and sunbathing.

The island is said to be the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite and has a romantic ambiance amid the tumbling gorges and gushing waterfalls. Hiking trails weave among rocky paths and patches of green, resulting in stunning views across the rugged landscape.

Walk through the village of Avlemonas and discover a hidden taverna offering local flavors such as the soft, buttery taste of a manouri cheese salad, or take some time out in the rustic garden of a taverna in Kalamos, where locals welcome you with open arms.

Learn more: Greece Travel Guide • Greece Tours and Vacations

Combine coastal charm, rich culture, and beauty that paints a picture of serenity, and you have Sète. Located a short train ride from Montpellier, Sète offers the perfect alternative to the more popular destinations of Nice or Marseilles, with surrounding canals, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Étang de Thau lagoon.

The area maintains its identity as a working fishing port with a thriving local community. The town boasts over seven miles of sandy beaches along the Lido Promenade, with scenic views from Mont Saint-Clair and the Pierres Blanches forest.

Founded in 1666 by Louis XIV, Sète’s maritime history can be retraced through displays in the Musée de la Mer, while museums like the Paul Valery Museum and MIAM highlight the region’s art scene. The town has year-round appeal, so while many coastal towns quieten down in winter, Sète remains open to visitors with its mild Mediterranean climate and ongoing cultural events, such as the nautical jousts during the Fêtes de la Saint-Louis in August.

Learn more: France Travel Guide • France Tours and Vacations

Perched on top of white limestone cliffs and boasting unspoiled coastal areas, secret coves, and views of the Mediterranean Sea is the town of Bonifacio. Founded in 830 AD, Bonifacio is Corsica’s oldest town, with its medieval character well-preserved. Discover the beauty and charm of Bonifacio on our one-week Sardinia and Corsica island tour.

The town’s Genoese dialect can be heard as you explore the Old Town, with its maze-like cobblestone streets winding their way around the cliffs. Take a break in a quaint café on a cobbled corner.

Outdoor activities in the region include coastal walks over the cliffs, hiking scenic trails, and feeling the thrill of walking King of Aragon’s Staircase, which is carved into the cliff face. Sail the harbor trip to explore sea caves and nearby islands.

Set off on a journey to the Mediterranean and find yourself discovering cobblestone streets running through medieval old towns and crossing paths with locals on scenic hiking trails. Laze on idyllic beaches and follow in the footsteps of gods as you explore some lesser-known destinations.

Explore our Mediterranean travel guide for more tips and insight into experiencing the wonders of Europe.