Experience The Best Mediterranean Islands with Jacada Travel
Beyond the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean lie island destinations for a world of memorable experiences – assuming you know where to find them. With summer approaching, Jacada Travel is highlighting six favorite Mediterranean islands Mediterranean islands for experiential travel through ancient history, impressive gastronomy, and more.
GREECE
Folegandros
Forego Greece’s more famous islands for the quieter isle of Folegandros, which is now emerging as a laid-back haven for travelers seeking authentic, outdoorsy Greek experiences. Take to the water to explore the rock formations, beaches and caves, and visit places of incomparable beauty that can only be reached via boat or foot. Underwater life is similarly bewitching at Folegandros, with swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Stay at the luxurious Anemi Folegandros, an elegant hotel with stylish Aegean-view rooms and a restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and modern local fare.
Embrace the island’s natural beauty on foot
Meet a private hiking guide to explore Ano Meria with a visit to the “Themonia” folklore museum, a traditional farmhouse offering a glimpse into the region’s agricultural past. Next, hike towards Agios Nikolaos beach, a perfect spot for a refreshing lunch break. Memorable options for return to the village of Agali include a scenic hike or water taxi ride.
Paros
With winding cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses, Paros is refreshingly calm. As the second-largest island in Greece, it’s an excellent destination for couples and honeymooners seeking relaxation with active options including adrenaline-fueled water sports such as wind and kitesurfing at the coastal town of Dryos or along Tserdakia beach and Chryssi Akti beach. Stay at Cosme, a boutique hotel with spacious suites, or Parilio, a sophisticated address with a magnificent spa set close to the beach.
Get active on a scenic, two-wheel discovery of Paros
Embark on an e-bike exploration from Pounta port with a short ferry to Antiparos, the laid-back counterpart to Paros. A coastal ride unfolds along the northern edge of the island, revealing golden beaches fringed by turquoise waters and seascapes sculpted by rocky cliffs. Continue on to discover the medieval heart of Antiparos, and meander towards the agricultural valley of Kambos and scenic Livadi beach with sweeping panoramas of the Aegean. A refreshing swim and a visit to Antiparos Cave and Soros beach are great for breaking up the ride before returning on a picturesque coastal path on the Paros-Antiparos strait past the emerald waters of Panagia and Psaraliki beaches.
CROATIA
Korčula
The intriguing island of Korčula presents a wonderful alternative to more popular Croatian islands, with woodlands and vineyards bordered by sleepy hamlets and dreamlike fishing villages. It’s famous for its forests and vineyards, as well as a charming medieval old town that happens to be the birthplace of Marco Polo. It’s a small island – just 276 sq. km. – but it has a uniquely green interior rich in oak, pine, cypress, vineyards and olive groves waiting to be discovered on foot or by bike. A great destination for oenophiles, there is much to learn about the country and its traditions – especially the art of winemaking. Stay at Lesic Dimitri Palace, designed to echo Marco Polo’s travels on the Silk Road, with steps-away access to stone-paved Zakrjan Beach.
Discover Korčula’s winemaking prowess with a tour and tasting
Beyond the charming lanes of Korčula’s old town, an authentic taste of the island awaits. Korčula’s notoriety is deeply intertwined with white wines of exceptional quality crafted from indigenous grape varieties unique to this Adriatic isle. Embark on a sensory journey through verdant landscapes with a curated wine and olive oil tour revealing the fruits of local labor. Mark the end to this epicurean encounter with a convivial lunch at a traditional island tavern.
SPAIN
Mallorca
Beloved by Chopin, George Sand, Joan Miro and other creative luminaries, the largest of Spain‘s Balearic Islands is nothing short of inspiring. From hikes in the jagged limestone peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana to charming stone villages perched on hilltops where a taste of authentic Catalan life awaits, there is much to explore. A visit to Mallorca should always include the cathedral, known locally as Le Seo, with a beautiful façade and interior designed by Gaudí. Jacada’s Travel Designers recommend staying at Belmond La Residencia, secluded among olive and citrus groves, or the Sant Francesc, a renovated 19th-century mansion in the heart of Palma’s historic center.
Special access to the private studios of Mallorca’s many artists
Step behind the scenes of Mallorca’s vibrant artistic community with a resident artist as your private guide. Meet a luthier meticulously crafting flamenco guitars, a contemporary ceramicist shaping clay with a modern vision, the minds behind a sustainable clothing line, and a silk artist whose hand-painted creations flow with vibrant hues. This intimate exploration provides a rare opportunity to connect with notable Mallorcans plus a chance to discover a truly unique island memento.
ITALY
From soft white sand and sparkling waters to hidden coves and rocky cliffs, Sardinia has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but also a surprisingly rugged interior and unique archaeological sites. Anticipate dense forests and dramatic mountain ranges, where hidden karst springs, sweeping valleys, intricate cave systems, and impressive canyons await. Three national parks – Gennargentu, Asinara, and the Maddalena Archipelago – offer unparalleled opportunities for adventure. There are also layers of history to peel back where the ancient Nuraghic civilization left an indelible mark of some 7,000 stone towers dotting the terrain. These enigmatic structures, ranging from “fairy houses” to the monumental “tombs of the giants,” contribute to Sardinia’s profound and mysterious history. Stay at the Su Gologone Experience Hotel with accommodations designed as immersive journeys into Sardinian art, culture, and hospitality.
Go back in time on a private archaeological exploration of Nora
Join an expert local guide for an exploration over the time-worn streets of Nora, where Roman grandeur rises from the foundations of a Phoenician-Punic settlement, framed by the tranquil beauty of the Capo di Pula peninsula. Wander through impressive ruins, where intricate Roman mosaics still adorn significant buildings. Stand in awe of the ancient Roman theater and absorb the atmosphere of the thermal baths, silent witnesses to centuries past.
Sicily
Sicily is a haven of history and culture and one of the most stunning islands of the Mediterranean. From archaeology at the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples in Agrigento (named as this year’s Italian Capital of Culture), to gastronomy at historic street markets that tell stories of culture through cuisine, Sicily enchants. Visit Modica, famed for chocolate made by the Aztecs in Mexico, or pair wine with the great outdoors and explore the area around Mount Etna with a volcanologist before a leisurely lunch and a tasting of delicious wines at a local winery. Stay at the intimate Villa Athena in the Valley of the Temples just 200 meters from the Temple of Concodi, or enjoy the timeless beauty of the San Domenico Palace, housed in a 14th-century convent with astounding views over Mount Etna and an on-site Michelin-starred restaurant.
Get to the heart of Sicily through its flavors with a chef-led cookery class
Along Taormina’s stunning coast resides Pietro D’Agostino, the visionary patron chef behind one of Italy’s most lauded restaurants and a Michelin star trailblazer in Sicily. Celebrated by gastronomic authorities, D’Agostino blends innovation with regional heritage, crafting exquisite reinterpretations of Sicilian culinary traditions. Embark on a cooking adventure with Pietro himself at his Sicilian cooking lab, where he unveils the essence of Sicilian ingredients and the artistry of its cuisine, paired with excellent local wines.
