Underrated Escapes – 6 Gorgeous Mediterranean Villages You Should Visit
Underrated Escapes – 6 Gorgeous Mediterranean Villages You Should Visit
Planning a trip to the Mediterranean can be difficult because it covers such a large area of the globe and is home to so many stunning tourist destinations. Discover and explore the beauty of the Mediterranean without avoiding the big tourist traps. Let’s temporarily set aside the typical attractions and focus on the underrated and overlooked escapes. Beaches, delectable cuisine, thrilling excursions, and quiet vacations are all waiting for you. You will return home with lifelong memories of a one-of-a-kind experience. With that said, here are some underrated escapes – 6 gorgeous Mediterranean villages you should visit and add to your bucket list.
1. Deià, Mallorca, Spain
Although the common perception of Deià is one rustic restaurant terrace overlooking a little cove, the community is actually positioned on a slope above. This area of the northwest coast of Mallorca has attracted hippies since the early 20th century. The poet Robert Graves came here first, followed by people like Mick Jagger afterwards, and celebrities without local real estate stayed at La Residencia. The hotel was once owned by Richard Branson and is currently managed by the Belmond (formerly Orient Express) organisation.
2. Lastva, Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
The stunning nation of Montenegro only gained its independence in 2006, and the seaside city of Kotor, which is located on the remote tip of Boka Kotorska Bay, provides remarkable beauty that few visitors get to see. A divided city called Lastva is located just adjacent to Tivat. Due to its mediaeval splendour, the upper half of the city attracts the majority of tourists. The upper section of this location, known as Gornja Lastva, is overflown with distinctive architecture. At the northernmost portion of the Tivat seafront is Donja Lastva, which is the lower part. It is a lovely stroll along the seashore. Discover the best apartments for rent in Montenegro, like the luxury apartments in Tivat, which are a part of Porto Montenegro, one of the most prestigious waterfront communities along the Adriatic.
3. Korcula town, Croatia
Dubrovnik provides access to the Mediterranean’s stunning blue waters for tourists. The renowned city of Dubrovnik is crowded in the summer, not least by Game of Thrones enthusiasts eager to visit the areas where the show was filmed. Think about Korcula Town, which is known for its mediaeval squares and palaces and is sometimes referred to as “Dubrovnik in miniature”. The thickly forested eponymous island, which is farther away from Dubrovnik and Split than the more well-known islands of Hvar and Brac, is where the fortified town is located.
4. Qala, Gozo, Malta
One of the three inhabited islands in the Maltese Archipelago is Gozo. This island is a desirable option because it has preserved the traditional Maltese way of life and has a stunning shoreline and historical temples. Small fishing and farming villages like Qala are excellent places to experience Gozitan and Maltese culture. The current settlement dates back to the second part of the seventeenth century, but this location has long been inhabited and offers stunning views of Comino and Malta in the distance. Qala, which is Arabic for “port”, most likely refers to the neighbouring bay and the former landing area of Hondoq ir-Rummien, a well-liked swimming spot today.
5. Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy
If there’s one thing we know for sure about the Italians, it’s that they live in a land blessed with breathtaking scenery and amazing cuisine. You can indulge in each of these things when visiting Cinque Terre, in addition to a great deal more. The picturesque Cinque Terre is made up of five fishing villages, and Manarola is probably the most photographed due to its vibrant houses. The village is attractively positioned, stepping down the cliffs all the way to the sea. It has buildings in red, pink, yellow, and cream. Since there are vineyards nearby, this is a great location for some coastal wine tasting. On a well-travelled seven-mile (11-kilometre) track, you can hike through all five settlements if you can withstand the hills.
6. Finikia, Santorini, Greece
This is a little, traditional village close to Oia in Santorini. You can enjoy the convenience of being close to the famous Santorini views while still having an authentic local experience at Finikia, which is a 10-minute walk from the Oia pedestrian street. Because you can stroll freely and get a feel for village life like a local, this place felt really unique. It’s strongly advised to stay in Finikia rather than a touristy hotel if you’re visiting Santorini. Even if you should still visit the lovely Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira, it’s great to return “home” at the end of the day to a place that is more sedate and genuine.
Hopefully, this article inspired you to start travelling to underrated escapes rather than popular tourist destinations. So to ensure you’re as prepared as possible, check out these gorgeous Mediterranean villages.
Featured photo by Unsplash
