It seems inevitable that as travel becomes cheaper and more accessible there will be no new places left to discover, especially if you don’t plan on traveling too far afield. Surprisingly though, there are still some incredible destinations in the Mediterranean that haven’t yet been fully discovered by tourists. A great way to travel the Med is by cruise; flying is so easy nowadays but a cruise still has the magic of an old-fashioned adventure, whilst giving you the chance to see many beautiful sights along the way. With companies like MSC Cruises you can also combine several destinations to have a truly unforgettable holiday. To inspire you, here’s our pick of three of the best must-see hidden gems of the Mediterranean.
Constanta, Romania
When you think of Romania it’s likely that the only things that spring to mind are Count Dracula and Transylvanian castles, but there’s so much more to this diversely beautiful country than you might expect. Constanta, Romania’s key seaport on the Black Sea coast, makes a great starting point from which to explore the rest of the country, but it’s also a must-see destination in itself. Originally founded by the Greeks around 2,600 years ago, Constanta is rich in history and culture with plenty of Roman mosaics, mosques and stunning 19th century buildings to see. For those who like an idyllic beach, just a little way south there are the curiously-named beaches of Neptune, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn and closer at hand the beautiful Lake Techirghiol, called the “Striped Lake” after the lines of salt that appear on its surface during high winds.
Kotor, Montenegro
In spite of being on the UNESCO World heritage site list, Kotor in Montenegro is still one of the lesser-known Mediterranean holiday destinations. Part of the charm of Kotor lies in it being such a well-kept secret; as you arrive in its port on a stunning bay in Montenegro you’ll feel as if you’re an adventurer discovering it for the first time. Highlights of the town include its lovely Italian architecture and the Cathedral of Saint Tryphonold located in the old town, which boasts the accolade of being one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Mediterranean.
Tunis, Tunisia
Tunis, the coastal capital of Tunisia, is another lesser-travelled beauty spot of the Mediterranean. Whilst experiencing its rich North African culture you’ll have the chance to explore a city of two very different parts. Firstly, the modern capital city of the Tunisian Republic, with its skyscrapers and busy cafes, and secondly the medina (old town) from the Middle Ages, a bustling labyrinth of shops, palaces and mosques. A must-see of Tunis is the Bardo Museum, which is not only the most important museum in Tunisia but one of the most ancient in the Arab world.
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