The countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, or within the Mediterranean basin, are some of the most popular tourist and vacation destinations in the world. In 2019, the Mediterranean welcomed an estimated 400 million international tourist arrivals (ITAs), which accounted for 15% of the regional GDP. In the next few years, this is projected to grow even bigger, as high as 650 million ITAs in 2025.
Whether you want to spend your getaway hunting for the most authentic food in Greece, go on some historical journey in Italy or just sit on the Spanish shores, the Mediterranean has lots of sights to offer and plenty of ways to travel around. So before you plan your next trip, make sure you get the right travel options for an experience of a lifetime.
By Rail
If you want to have a genuine local experience, travelling by train is one of the best ways to see the Mediterranean. The rail systems in the area offer inter-country trips daily for most major terminals. Besides, being aboard a train gives you that extra time to relish the Mediterranean’s diverse landscape. Trains give you truly picturesque views of the region. One of the most popular routes takes you from Nice to Ventimiglia. This train journey through France, Monaco, and Italy is only 50-mins long and travels through some of the best Mediterranean vistas.
So you don’t miss your train, be sure to check the schedules and book your passes via online sites such as TrainLine or Rome2Rio.
By Sea
If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of tight train schedules and experience a more laid-back and slower-paced vacation in the Mediterranean, while also being able to visit many locations, then a cruise is for you. This one-of-a-kind cruise experience is evident in the trips organized by Explora Journeys where you can go on a grand tour of the Mediterranean and visit 14 different locations over 26 days. At each destination you can either visit the location on your own or get a guided tour. And as you journey from destination to destination, you’ll also be treated to cuisines from the different locales, as well as being able to enjoy inclusive spa treatments and other deck activities.
There are many options to choose depending on how much time you have and your budget. Some itineraries even include cities in North Africa such as Tunis and Casablanca if you want to go further afield.
By Road
For those who want to go their own pace and way, you can drive around Italy or on the Adriatic Highway along the Mediterranean coast in a rental car. This is one way to create a truly personal experience with your own itinerary and schedule. But be mindful of the specifics when you travel via car during the different times of the year. Temperature shifts can be drastic in the region. If you would like to drive around the Alps in winter, make sure to check with your car rental company if they have snow chains with the package.
One of the benefits of driving around the Mediterranean is that it lets you explore places that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to see in tour groups. There are many car companies that will assist you depending on the locality where you want to start your driving journey.
The Mediterranean is a huge region, with a plethora of sights to see and activities to experience. Whether you travel by rail, sea, or road, you’ll be greeted with stunning turquoise waters and verdant expanses of land.
For more write-ups on locations worldwide, check out other Best Bits Worldwide travel destinations.
