Alexandria
Alexandria is a bustling city and port on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Created around 331 BC. It was founded by Alexander the Great, son of King Philip II of Macedonia. Called the Mediterranean Bride, Alexandria is the third largest city in Egypt and her sixth largest city in the Arab world. Hellenistic Alexandria is best known for its earthquake-damaged lighthouse, which was eventually repurposed into the Qaitbay Citadel and the Library of Alexandria but burned down.
Athens
Athens is a wonderful city of history, culture, food, wine, and Greek hospitality. One of the oldest cities in the world, but with a modern feel and plenty to do. One of the best activities in Athens is visiting the Acropolis, one of Greece’s greatest landmarks. The Acropolis rises above the city and contains several temples and treasuries dedicated to various Greek gods.
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the Mediterranean’s most popular cities, and for good reason. A trendy city is known for its modernist architecture and art scene. Barcelona has miles of beaches lined with golden bodies enjoying the Spanish sun. As the sun goes down, the city lights up with nightlife that lasts until dawn. Barcelona’s most popular attractions include the architectural wonders of Antonio Gaudi and Lluis Domenech I Montaner, two of Barcelona’s most famous modernists.
Naples
Located on Italy’s southwest coast, Naples is the capital of the province of Campania and the third largest city in Italy. Known for pizza. In fact, it’s often called the birthplace of pizza and home to Europe’s largest historic city center. Naples is also known for its cuisines such as limoncello, pizza, olive oil, and wine. Pompeii is nearby and makes for a great day trip. A similar site is Herculaneum, a wealthy seaside retreat destroyed in the same eruption as Pompeii.
Nice
Nice, France is a major city on the French Riviera. Located about 13 km from Monaco and Monte Carlo, it is an ideal base for day trips around Monaco. The Promenade des Anglais is one of Nice’s most famous features, stretching 4 miles (6.4 km) along the coast. The Old Town also has several pedestrian streets, perfect for shopping and dining in Nice’s historic center. It is definitely one of the best Mediterranean cities to visit!
Rhodes Town
Rhodes Town is located on the island of Rhodes, closer to the Turkish coast than to the Greek coast. For this and other reasons, there are many Turkish influences. It is located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Rhodes’ main attractions include the fortress with several gates, the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Acropolis of Rhodes and Lindos, and the ruins of the Byzantine harbor. Food and drink in Rhodes cross borders.
Tangier
Tangier is a Moorish city on the northern tip of Morocco, near the Strait of Gibraltar and the coast of Spain. It started as a Phoenician colony in the 10th century BC. It developed rapidly as an important trading port. The development of the Tangier Mediterranean port has made it one of the most important ports of the 21st century. Notable attractions include the Old Medina, Dar El Makzen (Sultan’s Palace), Great Mosque, Great and Little Soko, and Great and Little Souq. It is one of the best Mediterranean cities to visit at any time of the year.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is Israel’s largest city and one of the Middle East’s most dynamic and emerging economies. Founded in 1909 as a modern housing development on the outskirts of Jaffa, it is a newer town compared to others on this list. Tel Aviv’s White City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. It contains the world’s largest concentration of international-style buildings, including Bauhaus and other related modernist architectural styles. Other things to do in Tel Aviv are exploring Jaffa’s Old Port, relaxing on the city’s hottest beaches, sampling delicious food, and experiencing the vibrant nightlife.
Valencia
Valencia is Spain’s third largest city after Barcelona and Madrid. Located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Valencia, it is the fifth busiest port in the Mediterranean. The Romans founded the city in the 2nd century BC. It was occupied by the Moors in the 8th century. In the 1990s, Valencia transformed from a port city into a more tourist city, with the growth and restoration of several historic sites, such as the Medieval City Tower and the Monastery of St. Miquel del Su Reis.
Valetta
Valletta is the capital of Malta, a small island nation located between Italy and Tunisia. Today it is best known as one of the Game of Thrones filming locations. Valletta is the EU’s smallest capital, and Malta itself is a fairly small country that is easily accessible using public transport. The Hospitaller Knights built the city in the 16th century. Many of the fortresses are still standing and, like much of the city, are fine examples of Baroque architecture.