These three incredible destinations in Albania, Montenegro and Turkey are also affordable.
The Mediterranean is a huge region that stretches far beyond a few crowded tourist resorts.
Travel Off Path travel expert Sam Sears has named three secret Mediterranean spots that you should definitely visit at the first opportunity.
“Whether it’s Albania, Montenegro’s scenic paradise, or perhaps Turkey’s most intimate secret, let’s dive into all three Mediterranean corners that are advertised as must-see destinations. And most importantly, they are all incredibly accessible, ” the author of the selection notes.
1. Himara, Albania. “There is no doubt: Albania is the most fashionable country in the Mediterranean. When I was there a few years ago, she was just starting to attract attention, but now she’s a real star, ” says Sears.
However, he also states that some Albanian paradises have already become as crowded as the Greek islands. However, Himara is still a quiet paradise that the locals keep a secret.
“This quiet beach resort is ideally located on the Albanian Riviera, away from the crowds of tourists visiting more famous places on the same coast. Here you will find bright blue shores, coves where you can swim, al fresco dining, and convenient day trips to nearby Jale and Jyp, where the waters are arguably even more crystal clear. But despite the quiet town, you will never be bored, ” says a seasoned tourist.
He notes that there are many beaches available in the city, each with its own unique flavor, as well as the secluded bay of Porto Palermo with its stunning castle and quieter beaches such as Spile and Sfageio. Well, finish the day in the Old Town of Himara, sipping a glass of local wine.
2. Perast, Montenegro. “In recent years, Montenegro has become one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean. Although the capital Podgorica may seem like a sleepy place, the coast here breathes a completely different atmosphere. The Bay of Kotor is one of the most beautiful places in Europe, although there are few normal beaches, ” says Sears.
However, according to him, Perast is not a place where you can just sit on a chaise longue and get vitamin D. It is a place where time flows in church bells and the clink of glasses along a picturesque promenade dotted with Baroque palaces, cozy wine bars and colorful boats.
Located near the more popular Kotor, Perast is less crowded, no less beautiful, and has a couple of islands that almost no one has ever heard of.
3. Kalkan, Turkey. An experienced tourist notes that Turkey is not only crowded with tourists Istanbul and Antalya. There are also such little-known gems as Calacan – a city with beautiful sandy beaches, historical sites, cheap beer and super-cheap air tickets from Europe.
Located on the so-called Turquoise Coast of Turkey, this emerging resort offers everything from scenic quays to luxury resorts and nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Xanthos Letun.
“Another aspect that can’t be overlooked is the glittering white urban landscape, where some of the rooftops feature popular restaurants with unsurpassed views of the coast,” says Sears.
He also advises paying attention to one of the most famous beaches in Turkey – Kaputasha. Now is the best time to visit it, as the summer influx of tourists to the country has decreased.
