| | |

THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST LIFESTYLE AND TRAVEL GUIDE

THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST LIFESTYLE AND TRAVEL GUIDE

INTRODUCTION: THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST LIFESTYLE AND TRAVEL GUIDE

THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST LIFESTYLE AND TRAVEL GUIDE: Are you thinking about a trip to the Mediterranean Sea? Are you trying to decide what would be the ideal destination, the best activity to do, or the best time of year to come? Heck, maybe you want to retire here? If you have questions about the Mediterranean coast, then you are in the right place and this post should help answer your questions and point you in the right direction! 

Why listen to me? I’ve been traveling around the Mediterranean coast for over a decade and loved the area so much that I moved here from Canada. 

My goal over the next few years is to continue exploring the entire coastline from one end to the other, and through my blog posts, share as much as I can about my travels and experiences on the Mediterranean coast. The articles will provide tips and advice to improve your travel experience, and hopefully inspire you to come and experience this area for yourself:  The climate, the lifestyle, the culture, the endless beaches, the islands, the water, the beautiful landscape….It doesn’t get better than this!

Quick Takeaways

  • Discover the various countries that border the Mediterranean coast and experience a different lifestyle and pace of life
  • Learn some travel tips to improve travel and help navigate your way through the various Mediterranean countries
  • Get some retirement tips and advice related to the Mediterranean coast
  • Find out about all the leisure and sports activities you can do all year long on the Mediterranean coast
  • Discover the Mediterranean Diet first hand: eat and live healthy on the seacoast

THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST LIFESTYLE AND TRAVEL GUIDE

Travel Topics

TRAVEL TIPS

The main tip here is to do a little bit of research before any trip which will help you to avoid most pitfalls and resolve most hick ups before they even happen.

TRAVEL PLANNING

Make sure you spend a little time planning in advance of your trip. Itineraries, airport check-in, money, the flight, hotel etc. A little time spent in advance on the details will help in setting up the best trip possible

TRAVEL PRODUCTS

Make sure to plan what you want to bring on your trip to make you comfortable. This will ensure that you are well-rested, entertained, and prepared to start your vacation activities as soon as you arrive.

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

From earplugs to earbuds, and from neck pillows to cell phone chargers, there are key items that you will want to bring with you to make your trip as comfortable as possible. (see related posts: Travel Watches, Daypacks, Travel Cameras, Top Travel Essentials)

PACKING TIPS AND ESSENTIALS

Review your planned activities before your trip, make a list of things to bring, and do a test run packing your bags. This might take a few tries.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Whether you are planning a short 1-week trip or planning on staying for several months, you should absolutely consider travel insurance. (see related post: World Nomads vs SafetyWing)

CRUISES/AIR/TRAIN

Once you arrive at your main destination, you may want to consider a weekend trip to the capital city, a week-long cruise, or a train through the mountains. There are all kinds of options available. Check with your hotel or go online to get the best up-to-date info that will point you in the right direction. 

CAR/SCOOTER/BOAT RENTALS

There are various rental options throughout the Mediterranean countries. Rules and regulations will vary by country so it’s advisable to research these before your trip. (Tip: many rental agencies will require an international driver’s license, getting one before your trip is advisable.)

HOTELS/BED AND BREAKFASTS

 Accommodations are an important aspect of your trip that can either make or break the experience. Consider what your needs are in advance, research your destination, and check reviews and comments before booking your accommodations

Travel Guides

The Mediterranean Islands

The Mediterranean is home to between 6000 to 10000 islands (depending on the definition of “island” used). Greece alone has 6000 and is an excellent place to go island hopping.

Spain

Spain is one of the largest European countries bordering the Mediterranean and is divided into 17 Autonomous Communities including the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. It is one of the main tourist destinations in the world for millions of foreigners every year. (see related posts: Guide to the Coast of Spain)

Italy

Located in southern Europe, Italy is a historically important country and has influenced the world for centuries through its art and cuisine. A visit to Italy is a visit through thousands of years of history and culture. (see related post Windsurfing in Lago di Garda)

Greece

Regarded as the cradle of Western civilization, Greece is a beautiful country with ancient ruins (the most famous being the Acropolis in Athens), a stunning landscape, and about 6000 islands. (see related posts on Athens and Greece Travel Tips)

France

France borders the Mediterranean with a coastline running from the Pyrenees to the Alps and is home to the French Riviera/Cote d’Azur, Marseilles, Montpelier, and Nice. The coastline stretches about 500km and has diverse landscapes,  medieval towns, excellent French cuisine, and miles of beautiful beaches. (see related post on the French Riviera)

Portugal

(Yes, I know!) Although not directly on the Mediterranean, its climate, cuisine, and cultural influences align closely with those of Mediterranean countries. It has a rich history, a stunning coastline, and its capital city Lisbon offers visitors a taste of old-world charm, beautiful architecture, and excellent cuisine. (see related post on Lisbon)

Monaco

Where the rich and famous come to play. This small country is right on the French Riviera and is synonymous with wealth, glamorous casinos, luxury yachts, and the Formula One Grand Prix, attracting high-profile visitors from around the world. (see related post on the French Riviera)

Gibraltar

Located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is famous for “The Rock” from which you can get some stunning views of the Mediterranean. Held by the British for over 300 years but located in Spain, it has a unique blend of British and Spanish cultures.

Malta

Located in the middle of the Mediterranean, it has a rich history, with ancient temples, medieval cities, and crystal-clear waters ideal for diving and snorkeling.

Montenegro

 Montenegro, on the Adriatic Sea, has rugged mountains, beautiful landscapes, and fantastic beaches on the Mediterranean. It also has charming coastal towns and many historic sites. 

Slovenia

Located between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, Slovenia has about 20km of Mediterranean coastline and is famous for its natural beauty, including the Julian Alps, beautiful lakes, and medieval castles.

Croatia

With a stunning Adriatic coastline, Croatia is famous for its historic cities such as Dubrovnik and Split, as well as its beautiful islands and rich cultural heritage.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

This country offers a blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. Although possessing a very small Mediterranean coastline it is in all respects a Mediterranean country with breathtaking natural beauty.

Turkey

Turkey bridges Europe and Asia with Constantinople on the Bosporus Strait located directly at its meeting point. It has a rich history, beautiful landscapes, hundreds of ancient ruins, and a 1600km (just under 1000 miles) Mediterranean coastline, with beautiful beaches and resorts.

Albania

 located north of Greece on the Adriatic Sea, it has stunning beaches, rugged mountains, ancient ruins, and various cultural influences: Ottoman, Greek, and Roman.

Cyprus

This island nation has excellent beaches, ancient ruins, and charming villages, offering visitors an exceptional place to relax on the Mediterranean.

Egypt

Pyramids, temples of Luxor, Valley of the Kings, ancient wonders synonymous with Egypt. Take a cruise along the Nile, visit these ancient sites, and step back in time.

Tunisia

 Tunisia offers a mix of Mediterranean charm and North African culture. It is home to ancient ruins such as Carthage, has stunning beaches, and traditional markets or “souks”.

Algeria

From the Sahara Desert to the Mediterranean coast, Algeria has a diverse landscape along with historic cities, ancient ruins, and a rich cultural heritage.

Morocco

Visit Morocco’s incredible landscapes, including the Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, and picturesque coastal towns.

The Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean Diet

This diet is a way of eating based on the traditional foods and cooking styles of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It’s not just a diet in the traditional sense but rather a lifestyle approach to food that emphasizes (see related post: Mediterranean Diet, Olive Grilled Turkey recipe, Lemon Garlic Pork Chops )

Recipes

There are thousands of different recipes to try out, originating from countries such as Greece (my favorite), France, Spain, and Italy (see related posts for recipes for Lemon Chicken, Rosemary Chicken, and a Pesto Dish for example)

Wine

Yes!

Leisure Activities

Beach activities

The Mediterranean has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. During the summer holidays, the Mediterranean beaches are the destination of choice for millions of Europeans.

Bike tours

This is a great group activity and with the incredible climate and beautiful landscape, booking commercial bike tours is a great way to sight-see and experience the Mediterranean coastline

Boat tours

During the summer, there are hundreds of boat tours operating everywhere along the coastline. This is a great way to see the coastline from out on the sea. Tours range from half an hour to a full day.

Yoga

many hotels and resorts along the Mediterranean offer yoga classes throughout the summer. In some locations, the classes are directly on the beach.

Exploring national parks

 National parks are set up in different countries in the region to preserve some areas to keep them in their natural state. Many will have marked trails open to visitors who can then experience the Mediterranean in its original form.

Amusement/Adventure/water parks/zip-lining

Add this to your trip itinerary. There are various “amusement” parks located at different places along the Mediterranean coast offering family fun during the high season.

Paragliding

Unless you are scared of heights, this activity is pretty well open to anyone who wants to experience a thrill. During the height of the tourist season, there are many operators along the Mediterranean offering this activity.

Exploring Caves and Gorges

With such a long coastline, there are thousands of caves and gorges to explore ranging in difficulty from beginner to pro. Check with local tourist outfits about guided tours with the proper safety equipment.

Cycling routes

Cycling is a popular sport in Europe and with the climate in the Mediterranean, you can cycle year-round. With its popularity and accessibility, there are cycling routes throughout the area.

Sport Activities

The Mediterranean Coast
Beach Lifestyle: Running on the Coast
Running

The climate in the Mediterranean is ideal for running year-round so for many travelers, getting some jogging in is often a part of their vacation plan. For more serious athletes there are road races and marathons throughout the region, mainly outside of the hot summer season. (see related posts on running in the heat and Valencia Marathon.)

Cycling

Exploring the coastline with a bike is a relaxing way of covering a lot of miles and experiencing everything firsthand (rather than through a car windshield).

Windsurfing

Harnessing the power of the wind through windsurfing is an exhilarating experience. There are tons of beautiful locations to windsurf on the Mediterranean, and with the right equipment, all you need is wind. (see related post on Windsurfing in Italy)

Kitesurfing

 Where windsurfing stops, kite surfing begins. A little more technically demanding, once mastered this sport is about fitness and feel, less about brute strength. More wind!

SUP

A relative newcomer to water recreation, this relaxing sport is ideal for those looking to connect with water without too much exertion. With a relatively easy learning curve, this activity is ideal for many. (see related posts: The Best SUP’s for Beginners)

Kayaking

 With kayaking, you can slice through open water, quietly and effortlessly, and on inland lakes and streams to explore.

SCUBA

The waters of the Mediterranean in some areas are very clear providing for some excellent SCUBA diving conditions. With abundant sea life and hundreds of years of shipwrecks will provide ample opportunity for exploration.

Snorkeling

The clear waters of the Mediterranean and thousands of miles of coastline and beaches, provide ideal conditions for snorkeling.

Hiking/walking

There are thousands of miles of coastline on the Mediterranean and varying landscapes throughout and there are thousands of trails and paths for every ability level, from beginner to seasoned pro. (see related post: “Hiking in Calblanque Regional Park, Spain“)

Swimming

During the summer months, there is nothing better than taking a dip in the Mediterranean, and with thousands of beaches to choose from, the choice is yours.

Rock climbing in the Mediterranean

Some mountainous areas along the coast provide ideal conditions for rock climbing. 

Surfing

Although no tides on the Mediterranean, there are some areas along its coast that, when the weather conditions are right, benefit from perfect wave conditions for surfing. (One such place is near my home in Cartagena.)

Retirement on the Mediterranean Coast

MEDITERRANEAN LIFESTYLE AND TRAVEL
The Best Places to Retire in Europe

Find out about the top 5 places in Europe to retire with four countries being directly on the Mediterranean and the 5th being an honorary member: Spain, France, Italy, Malta and Portugal. (see related posts: “Best Places to Retire in Europe“, “When Can I Retire“)

Retire in Spain

Spain is one of the top retirement places in Europe: excellent climate, amazing lifestyle and culture, and excellent health care system are just a few reasons why.

FINAL THOUGHTS: THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST LIFESTYLE AND TRAVEL GUIDE

The Mediterranean is an exceptional place, with an excellent climate and an incredible landscape with endless coastlines, beautiful beaches, and islands in the sun. Here, a healthy lifestyle and healthy diet are a way of life. But don’t just take my word for it. Millions of visitors come to this area every year – they can’t all be wrong. If you are looking for something different and the experience of a lifetime, then make your way to the Mediterranean and see it for yourself today.

Reg Auge

Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.

Similar Posts