With travel disruptions impacting the Middle East, many holidaymakers are shifting their Easter plans from destinations like Dubai to the Mediterranean. Travellers are showing caution regarding airspace over Cyprus, Turkey, and Egypt, leading to a surge in bookings for more traditional hotspots in Spain, Italy, and Greece. To escape the usual crowds at popular piazzas, beaches, and tavernas, savvy travellers are seeking out less-explored corners of the region as spring arrives.
Our experts have curated a list of must-visit Mediterranean destinations, perfect for getting your travel plans sorted this Easter.
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Spain offers a wealth of attractions, from the islands of Mallorca to the bustling cities of Madrid and the glamorous resorts of Marbella. However, for a truly authentic experience, follow your palate to Jerez de la Frontera, a proud corner of the country renowned for its intimate tapas bars, vibrant markets, and Michelin-starred eateries.
During a visit to this city, which was named Spain’s Capital of Gastronomy for 2026, one observer noted the lively atmosphere: “At Tabanco San Pablo, I’m perched among hungry families under curling bullfighting posters, impressed by their appetite for life. I eat plates of tortillitas de camarones, translucently crisp shrimp fritters, which are the city’s great democratic snack. Around the corner, Tabanco El Pasaje rattles with the staccato rhythm of flamenco, stamping its feet three times nightly in joyous, celebratory abandon.” This city offers a culinary journey that rivals even the most celebrated food destinations in Spain.
Arrábida, Portugal
While many visitors flock to the Algarve or Lisbon when travelling to Portugal, a delightful discovery awaits just 45 minutes south of the capital. Here, the Arrábida Natural Park boasts stunning white-sand beaches and lush, forested mountains. This hidden gem was uncovered by Lucy Bryson, who relocated to Sesimbra in 2015.
“The waters here are crystal clear but cold year-round,” Bryson shared. “This is how I’ve added cold water swimming to trail running as part of my lifestyle here – all the better to balance the dangerously affordable local wines, delicious cheeses, and regular barbecue sessions.” This region offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and a relaxed, enjoyable lifestyle.
Dalyan, Turkey
If you’re looking to avoid the bustling crowds at Antalya’s water parks, consider a trip to the banks of Turkey’s Dalyan River. Here, you might be lucky enough to spot a loggerhead sea turtle breaking the surface. Writer Bill Borrows discovered businesses and restaurants with “real soul” in this charming area, even stumbling upon an Aladdin’s cave of gemstones guarded by an imperious white cat.
Borrows described the main thoroughfare: “There is a busy main drag (Maras Street) a block inland from the waterfront that looks like it could be in any typical resort – sunburned Britons, lively outdoor bars with huge TVs and ‘I Shot the Sherriff’ on repeat, fast food joints and shops over-stocked with ‘genuine fake’ White Fox and Stussy and counterfeit football shirts (although not Man United these days) – but it just feels different. It’s as though somebody at some point decided that Dalyan should probably have one of those ‘busy main drag’ things, but their heart wasn’t really in it.” This unique atmosphere makes Dalyan a truly special destination.
Certaldo, Italy
For those who wish to avoid Tuscany’s notorious summer traffic, the winding medieval streets of Certaldo offer a more serene Italian experience. Last summer, Phil Thomas enjoyed gelato, mopped up olive oil with fresh bread, and sipped wine on the street in this small Tuscan hilltop town.
Thomas recounted his experience: “It may look frozen in history, but every so often, Certaldo reminds you it’s very much alive. As we settle into dinner one evening, a jazz band strikes up on the street outside. As the rhythm builds, couples peel away from their evening strolls like enchanted serpents, drawn to the sound. Doors swing wide, and neighbours spill out, wine glasses in hand, calling greetings across the street. Within minutes, Via Boccaccio becomes a stage: people are dancing, toasting and laughing, the music folding into the heat of the evening.” Certaldo offers a vibrant, living history that comes alive in its streets.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France
While the French Riviera is often associated with the glitz of Nice and Cannes, the art galleries of Saint-Paul-de-Vence make it a compelling destination for art lovers. Following in the footsteps of renowned artists like André Derain and Marc Chagall, Henry Roberts visited this medieval town, drawn by its famous light and artistic heritage.
Roberts commented on his visit: “For those wishing to see more beyond the more popular spots, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is well worth a visit. For all its old-world charm, this is a forward-looking town: its artistic history is appreciated, but it’s a place to see new and exciting work. Walking through the cobbled streets, it’s clear that art is the town’s main business. There are restaurants and bars, but it seemed that every other window I passed was a gallery. In fact, there are more than 20 in the small town, and many more in the surrounding region, showcasing painting, sculpture and photography by contemporary artists.” This town is a hub for contemporary art, set against a backdrop of historical beauty.
Messinia, Greece
As Athens’ iconic Acropolis teems with tourists and cruise ship passengers, Messinia, a tranquil southwestern corner of the Peloponnese peninsula, often welcomes only a handful of visitors to its shores. This region is set to gain international attention with the upcoming summer release of Christopher Nolan’s epic film The Odyssey, much of which was filmed in Messinia, generating excitement among the locals about the Hollywood presence.
Fiona McIntosh shared her experience: “Here, on a bougainvillaea-covered hill above the small harbour town of Pylos, sits the Palace of Nestor. It is one of the best-preserved Mycenaean buildings in mainland Greece and was immortalised by Homer in The Odyssey. Yet there were only two, maybe three, other tourists wandering around when we were there. It’s a 20-minute drive from Ancient Messini, a sprawling city in the Arcadian mountains built in 369BC, which at the time was bigger than Athens. Even if – like me – you aren’t a classics scholar, this site is extraordinary, with the best-preserved ancient stadium in Greece. Yet once again, we pretty much had the place to ourselves.” Messinia offers a chance to explore ancient history in peace.
Accursed Mountains, Albania
While Albania’s Riviera is gaining traction as a burgeoning beach holiday destination, its untamed wilderness also presents an compelling option for exploration during the summer months. Laura Sanders suggests that beach enthusiasts might be missing out by focusing solely on the coast.
Sanders advises: “Touch down in Tirana and head north. Within minutes of leaving the airport, you’re driving through pastures synonymous with a Greek island: fruit orchards, shepherds herding their sheep, and hazy mountains along the skyline. Stop to admire the views with a spot of lunch at Mrizi i Zanave, an award-winning agritourism dining establishment that locals flock to at the weekends. Continue for another two to three hours to Shkodër, the namesake of southern Europe’s largest lake, which teeters on the border with Montenegro. Known as Albania’s cycling city, Shkodër is a perfect base for exploring the lake and the Albanian Alps.” This region offers an authentic escape into a wild and beautiful landscape.
