Sun-drenched Alexandria (also known as Sikandariya) is one of Egypt’s new and upcoming attractions. Although one of the oldest cities in the world, it has only recently been acknolwedged as a great destination by many holidaygoers. In ancient times, Alexandria had the distinction of serving as the royal resort where Anthony and Cleopatra met to relax beyond the prying eyes of the world. The city was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and soon became one of the largest cities in the world, surpassed only by Rome in size and splendour. Alexandria is one of the most iconic cities in the world, capturing public imagination right up there with the likes of Cairo, Athens, Rome and Carthage. The city was home to an ancient library in Roman times, and the library is being revived in its modern form as the New Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

If you want to explore Egypt off the beaten track, Alexandria is definitely a good option. The city is an amalgam of Egyptian, Arab, Greek and Roman cultures providing a true taste of classical civilization around the Mediterranean region. The city overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, offering plenty of sunshine and relaxation along the beach. Cheap accomodation is readily available and the local food is also a great plus.

(Image courtesy of KM Photography)

Gibraltar, an overseas territory of the United Kingdom is located to the southernmost tip of the Iberian peninsula and at the entrance of the Mediterranean sea. The name Gibraltar perhaps originated from the Arabic word Jabal al-Tariq which literally means the Mountain of Tariq (referring to the Rock of Gibraltar). Earlier, Gibraltar was named Mons Calpe, one of the Pillars of  Hercules. Gibraltar is nowadays colloquially referred to as The Rock.

The Rock forms the major portion of the island and it is a nature reserve too. Olive and pine are the most common trees found in this region, however, the region is also home to the Gibraltar candytuft, a flowering plant that is endemic to Gibraltar. There are also several places to visit when at Gibraltar, one of them is the Europa point where one can catch a glimpse of the African coast and where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet. St’Michael’s cave is yet another attraction here and was supposedly a natural grotto used by neolithic men.

Image courtesy of Turespaña

Menorca (also spelt Minorca) is one of the Balearic islands and is located in the Mediterranean sea. It belongs to Spain and perhaps derives it name due to it being smaller than the island near it, Majorca. The island is known for its prehistoric stone monuments and the culture of Menorca was perhaps influenced by the Minoans of Crete. In the year 1993, Menorca was designated as a Bio sphere reserve and has been a popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean.

Menorca is known for its beaches and so, if you’r someone who wants a holiday with lots of beaches, Minorca is definitely the place for you.  As a matter of fact, Menorca has greater number of beaches than Majorca and Ibiza put together. The northern coast known for it rather rugged terrain. Minorca is also known for best deals in hotels and other things. With lots of discos  and bars in Menorca, night life is something that everyone has to experience when on a holiday here.

Courtesy of the Malta Tourism Authority.

Malta is an island nation in the Mediterranean sea located at 93 kilometers off the coast of Italy and is made up of a seven islands, of which Malta and Gozo are the largest. Malta derives its name possibly from the Greek word for honey presumably due to the country’s honey production. Malta promises to be a great holiday destination for people who are looking for sandy beaches with the Mediterranean climate.

Without just being a popular resort, Malta also promises to be a great place for history lovers. There are a number of monuments and monastries to visit. The St’ Paul’s cathedral in the medieval town of Mdina and the Catacombs are not to be missed. Check out Fort Rinella, home to the world’s biggest cannon. Take a swim in the beautiful waters of the sea and explore the caves and wrecks or swim alongside dolphins in some of the marine parks. Malta has something for everyone and will be the ideal choice for a family holiday in the Mediterranean.

Greece, the ancient country on the northern Mediterranean rim is one of the most fabled nations in the world. Home to the ancient Greek civilisation that has made a lasting impression on both East and West, Greece is as culturally rich as it is abundant in natural beauty. From the dramatic islands that jut through the azure waters of the Aegean Sea to the soaring pinnacles of the mountains; from the whitewashed buildings contrasting with the deep blue waters to the aromatic food markets – Greece is truly the stuff of legends.

Sunny with mild temperatures, the coast of southern Greece offers a bewildering variety of sights, sounds and activities. From such iconic islands as the volcanic  Santorini to lesser known getaways such as sleepy Hydra, Greece offers an experience unlike any other country. If you’re more of a mountain person, there are excellent hiking and trekking opportunities in the northern Greek mountains. These mountains are a geographic continuation of the Balkan Range.

Izmir is a beautiful city located in the Mediterranean country of Turkey. Situated on the southwestern coast of Turkey, Izmir is a large bustling port as well as a popular holiday resort. Known to the ancients as Smyrna, this city has the Gulf of Izmir named after itself. The city is one of few constantly inhabited cities of the world, with a recorded urban history spanning back 3500 years.

Izmir was so beautiful and resplendent that it attracted many conquerers, ranging from the Lydians to the ancient Greeks. A lucrative trading port with a beautiful climate, the city was one of the most important social centres of the ancient world. Today, Izmir boasts of a variety of cultural attractions. Ranging from the excavated Agora (an ancient Greek market) to the archaeological Mueseum, the city of Izmir has a rich and varied historical heritage.

If you’re more into sun and sand, look no further than the beach. Izmir has some of the most beautiful and serene beaches on the Mediterranean rim. Head out of town and the white powdery sands of the Altinkum beach beside the azure Aegean sea will sooth and refresh you.

When you want to experience Africa and the Mediterranean climate likewise, then Tunisia in North Africa is where you have to go. The name of Tunisia came from its capital city of Tunis and also evolved as a result of French geographers giving new names to their territories. It shares its boundaries with 2 countries, Algeria and Libya. Around forty percent of the country’s area is a part of the Sahara desert.

There are lots of place to visit in this beautiful North African country. Castles and fortresses that remind you of the place’s glorius past or the beautiful beaches with golden sands and with the pleasant Mediterranean climate. You can also have fun by indulging in some water sports or go on an African safari. Catch a glimpse of the world’s biggest desert,the Sahara and go on a camel ride. Night time is when the  country comes to life, there is so much activity in the street with eateries and souvenir shops, fire breathers and snake charmers. Holiday to Tunisia once and you’ll feel that you’ve had a magical Arabian holiday!

Bulgaria, a country in the European continent is bounded by five countries and by the Black sea on the East. Perhaps its the only country in the European continent with extremes in both geographical and climatic conditions. It has snow capped Alpine mountains with an alpine climate  in  Rila and Pirin to the mild and sunny climate in the Black sea coast to the east and the pleasant Mediterranean climate in the southern parts.

Bulgaria has become a popular tourist destination in Europe owing to the low costs compared to the rest of the European countries. It has ski-resorts in Samokov and Bansko and spa resorts in Bankya and Hisarya that attracts a number of tourists throughout the year. If you are looking for some beaches, then you sure shouldn’t miss the Golden Sands- a resort town in Varna that is located on the Black sea coast. The presence of lush vegetation and a mild climate along with hot mineral springs in the region and beaches make the region as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Eastern Europe.