3 Secret Mediterranean Hideaways Being Hyped As Must-Visit Destinations

How ’bout some positivity this week, of us?

What higher a part of the world to dream of jetting to than the serene shores of the Mediterranean?

Right here at Travel Off Path, it is one among our favorites throughout the board for the entire workforce. Me personally?

Crete is one among my absolute favorites, however I’ve additionally had the pleasure of visiting quite a few different hotspots, in addition to some stylish up-and-coming locations, corresponding to Albania, which has been stamped in my thoughts’s eye for a myriad of causes.

The Mediterranean is a sprawling area masking among the most postcard-worthy locales on Earth, and journey specialists sharing the identical imaginative and prescient as us are buzzing about 3 locations specifically which might be too usually overshadowed by their iconic neighbors.

Whether or not it’s aforementioned Albania, the picturesque paradise of Montenegro, or maybe Turkiye’s best-kept secret, let’s dive into all 3 Mediterranean hideaways being hyped as must-visit locations

Better of all, they’re all tremendous inexpensive!

3) Kalkan, Turkiye: Depart Antalya’s Crowds Behind

Whenever you consider Turkiye, you probably consider the colourful metropolis of Istanbul, the newfound recognition of Antalya…or the phrase “turkey” is already triggering anxiousness about household gatherings in November (I get it).

This Turkiye, nevertheless, is nothing to fret about. In reality, reasonably than hear your uncle’s recycled tales yr after yr, for those who go to Kalkan, you may be the one doing the speaking at Thanksgiving, gloating about how wonderful this underrated resort city really is.

That is what the specialists at The Irish Sun are saying anyway, claiming it boasts ‘fabulous sandy seashores, historic websites, low-cost pints’, and tremendous low-cost flights for those who’re already galavanting throughout Europe.

Nestled alongside what’s referred to as Turkiye’s Turquoise Coast, this rising trip spot provides the whole lot from postcard waterfronts to flashy resorts to close by UNESCO-protected websites, Xanthos-Letoon.

One different facet you possibly can’t assist however discover is the gleaming white townscape, a few of which home common rooftop eating places with unmatched coastal views of the, sure, very turquoise water.

That is very true at one among Turkiye’s most well-known seashores, Kaputaş — really bucket-list worthy. Now is likely one of the finest instances to go to, because the nation’s summer time crowds have dwindled, creating the alternative expertise of record-breaking Antalya.

2) Perast, Montenegro: The Balkans’ Greatest Saved Secret

Montenegro has change into one of the vital common Mediterranean locations in recent times. Whereas the capital Podgorica could also be a snoozefest, the coast is a complete different vibe.

The Bay of Kotor is likely one of the most stunning locations you may come throughout within the entirety of Europe, although there are few correct seashores.

To set expectations, Perast isn’t a spot to seize a lounge chair and get your Vitamin D ranges up — it is the kind of place the place time strikes in church bells and clinking glasses alongside a picture-perfect waterfront lined with baroque palaces, cozy wine bars, and colourful bobbing boats.

A brief hop from extra common Kotor, Perast is much less crowded, equally beautiful, and residential to a pair of islands virtually extraordinary for many vacationers prepared to make the trek this far into the world.

Although not open to the general public, the monastery sitting atop the island of Sveti Đorđe is an absolute must-see from a distance, whereas the opposite island, Our Girl of the Rocks, boasts a ravishing blue-domed cathedral good for a photo-op.

1) Himarë, Albania: The Mediterranean’s Unsung Hero

There isn’t any doubt it — Albania is the Mediterranean’s trendiest nation. After I had the prospect to go to a handful of years in the past, it was simply starting to creep into the highlight, however now it is a full-blown star.

Ask the place to go alongside Albania’s paradise shores, and you will get a blended bag of solutions, as some have change into arguably simply as crowded as a Greek island.

So, the reply could very nicely be Himarë, a crowd-free hideaway that principally locals maintain a tight-lipped secret.

This low-key seaside escape is in an ideal spot alongside the Albanian Riviera, all with out the hordes of vacationers visiting extra notable names alongside the identical shoreline.

Providing guests vivid blue shores, swimmable coves, alfresco dinners, and simple day journeys to close by Jalë and Gjipe for probably much more pristine waters, you may by no means have a uninteresting second, despite the fact that it is a sleepy city.

You do not have to enterprise exterior the town limits until your sense of wanderlust simply will not enable you to not as there are ample seashores to go to, all with their very own distinctive aptitude.

Although some would possibly set off a side-eye from taxi drivers since they’re so distant, it is best to stay to Potami Seaside and Livadhi Seaside to make sure a experience again — each common amongst locals however by no means overly thronged with beachgoers.

For the final word waterfront locale, verify Porto Palermo, a tucked-away bay house to a staggering citadel and extra tranquil seashores like Spile and Sfageio.

However there is not any higher nightcap after a pleasant seaside day than a stroll by way of Himarë’s Outdated City — really a time capsule.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.