|
1.
|
Barcelona (Spain)
|
|
|
|
|
The town is a harmonious mixture of the traditional and the modern and you will find both historic buildings dating from medieval times and ultra-modern architecture. Barcelona is the most important economic centre in Catalonia. This Mediterranean metropolis also has lots to offer in cultural terms, including, among other things, the Picasso Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the National Gallery of Catalonia.
The cathedreal "La Seu", which dates from the 13th century, is situated in the gothic old town "Barri Gotic". But Barcelona's landmark is the "Sagrada Familia", the church designed by Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona is busy by day and lively by night. One of the other main attractions is "Las Ramblas", the splendid promenade in the city centre with countless pavement cafes, shops, restaurants, bars and discos. Other must-sees include "El Puerto", the harbour with a wonderful view of Barcelona, and the nearby boulevard "Paseo de Colón".
|
|
|
2.
|
Mahón (Menorca, Balearic Islands)
|
|
|
|
|
The picturesque natural harbour of Mahón lies in the Mediterranean and was made island capital during the British occupation in 1722. From the main square "Placa de Esplanada" through the pedestrian zone you will reach the fish and vegetable market beneath the old cloisters of a former monastery. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the port of Mahón, English in style but with a Mediterranean feel.
Sights include: the city gates "Pont de Sant Roc", built in around 1500 and which was seen as the city wall during the Middle Ages.
|
|
|
3.
|
Bonifacio (Corsica, France)
|
|
|
|
|
The island of Bonifacio, located at the most southerly tip of Corsica, towers above the bay, the other small islands and the cliffs.
Bonifacio's architecture reflects the style of the middle ages and the late French era. The beaches and the sea surrounding the Corsican port are perfect for diving, swimming or sailing. The historic old town and the surrounding area are a lovely place to take a long walk.
Sights include: the marina, the upper part of the town, the citadel, Saint Dominique church, the lighthouse "Pertusato", the "Pass de la Trinité" and the sailboat marina.
|
|
|
4.
|
Bonifacio (Corsica, France)
|
|
|
|
|
The island of Bonifacio, located at the most southerly tip of Corsica, towers above the bay, the other small islands and the cliffs.
Bonifacio's architecture reflects the style of the middle ages and the late French era. The beaches and the sea surrounding the Corsican port are perfect for diving, swimming or sailing. The historic old town and the surrounding area are a lovely place to take a long walk.
Sights include: the marina, the upper part of the town, the citadel, Saint Dominique church, the lighthouse "Pertusato", the "Pass de la Trinité" and the sailboat marina.
|
|
|
Porto Cervo (Sardinia, Italy)
|
|
|
|
|
Porto Cervo on the island of Sardinia was built in the 1970s as a playground for the high society. Its port is one of the largest and best equipped in the Mediterranean and the seat of the famous Costa Smeralda Yacht Club. In the centre of Porto Cervo visitors can enjoy a stroll down the legendary promenade and might even bump into a filmstar, tv personality or a sports star out doing a spot of shopping. From the Piazzetta delle Chiacchiere to the Sottopiazza are lots of littles streets, windows and tiny balconies built in the typical Costa Smeralda style, with lots of stores selling renowned labels. These streets lead on to the Piazzetta overlooking the old harbour. The city is surrounded by grand villas that sit perfectly in the green Mediterranean landscape. The church "Stella Maris" which has a phenomenal view of all of Porto Cervo and the ocean is an absolute must-see.
|
|
|
5.
|
Porto Cervo (Sardinia, Italy)
|
|
|
|
|
Porto Cervo on the island of Sardinia was built in the 1970s as a playground for the high society. Its port is one of the largest and best equipped in the Mediterranean and the seat of the famous Costa Smeralda Yacht Club. In the centre of Porto Cervo visitors can enjoy a stroll down the legendary promenade and might even bump into a filmstar, tv personality or a sports star out doing a spot of shopping. From the Piazzetta delle Chiacchiere to the Sottopiazza are lots of littles streets, windows and tiny balconies built in the typical Costa Smeralda style, with lots of stores selling renowned labels. These streets lead on to the Piazzetta overlooking the old harbour. The city is surrounded by grand villas that sit perfectly in the green Mediterranean landscape. The church "Stella Maris" which has a phenomenal view of all of Porto Cervo and the ocean is an absolute must-see.
|
|
|
6.
|
Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy)
|
|
|
|
|
Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia and both the largest and the oldest town on the island (evidence from the 8th century B.C.). It was founded by the Phoenicians and lies in the south of the island. Sights include: Caralis fort, dating from the 13th century, the National and Archaeological Museum, "Siamese Cardu", the Roman necropolis of Travixeddu and Bonaria, San Saturino church, which dates from the 5th century A.D., a 14th century cathedral, the elephant tower and the San Pancrazio tower, the Roman amphitheatre and the Botanic Gardens.
|
|
|
7.
|
Trapani (Sicily, Italy)
|
|
|
|
|
Trapani, the ancient city of Drepanon, juts into the Mediterranean on the West coast of Sicily in the shape of a sickel. At the outermost edge of the harbour town is 'Torre di Ligny', which today houses the Prehistorical Museum. An exhibition of fine works of art made from coral can be seen at the Museo Pepoli in the old Carmelite monastery. Directly next to that is the Santuario dell'Annunziata with a marble statue of the 'Madonna von Trapani'. The Jewish Quarter with the Palazzo della Giudecca is also worth a mention. Casalicchio, the oldest part of the town consists of an almost Arabic-style labyrinth of narrow streets.
|
|
|
8.
|
Lipari (Aeolean Island, Italy)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.
|
Giardini Naxos (Sicily, Italy)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.
|
Syracuse (Sicily, Italy)
|
|
|
|
|
The ancient city of Syracuse on the South-East coast if Sicily is most well known for the island before its coast, Ortygia, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. Narrow streets, picturesque squares, old churches and palaces give the old town is unique charm. There are traces of the Greek era all over the city. In the new town is the Parco Archeologico with Roman monuments and an ancient Greek theatre.
Sights include: the temple of Apollo, Porta Marina, the elegant promenade Foro Italico, Castello Maniace, Galleria Regionale di Palazzo Bellomo.
|
|
|
11.
|
Valletta (Malta)
|
|
|
|
|
Valletta is the first city in modern times to be built entirely on the basis of the drafts drawn by Jean de la Valetta of the Order of St. John. The capital of Malta is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Upon entering the harbour you can see the huge fortifications of the old town with its splendid buildings. The city invites tourists to visit the ceremonial church of San Giovanni and the Hospital of the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, which dates from the 16th century. Republic Street, which is always very busy, is a testament to the convivial nature of the residents and shows how much fun shopping here can be. Other sights include: Baracca Gardens, the National Archaeological Museum, Fort St. Elmo with its Defence Museum and the old palace.
|
|
