Santorini, Greece
One of the best things about taking a holiday in the Mediterranean is that no matter what time of year you go, it's usually quite easy to find someplace where the weather will be warm and pleasant. Spain, Greece, the northern coasts of Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt, Crete, Cyprus, Israel, Sicily, Italy, and southern France are all examples of places where you can enjoy the many pleasures of the Mediterranean zone.
If history and archaeology are of interest to you, then the entire Mediterranean zone is a perfect fit for you because it is literally the cradle of civilisation going back thousands and thousands of years. From the pharaohs of Egypt to the Roman Empire to the Moors of Spain to the ancient Greeks, there is no shortage of these types of sites to visit and explore.
For instance, Spain has a rich heritage and culture that has been influenced by a wide variety of other cultures, including the Moors, the Romans, the Greeks, the Celts, and the Phoenicians. All of these various cultures left behind remnants of their presence in Spain, found in things such as the architecture, the cities, and even the language in some cases. From ancient castles to stunning cathedrals to historic city centres, Spain is an excellent choice for those who want to experience a wide variety of history in a relatively small area.
The Roman Amphitheatre of Tarragona
Of course, Spain is well known for its coastal resorts and villages, offering access to some of the most luxurious beaches and stunning landscapes in the Mediterranean. Sailing, snorkelling, boating, scuba diving, or just playing around in the warm waters are all popular activities for a holiday in Spain. One of the best ways to get a feel for the true essence of Spain is to stay at one of the many rental cottages or smaller bed & breakfast accommodations that line the coast. Unlike a traditional hotel, these types of accommodations allow you to interact more closely with the local people and have a much more intimate cultural experience.
In terms of sheer variety of terrain, history, and vacation options, you almost can't do any better than the Greek islands. Some of the very earliest civilisations known arose in and around these islands, leaving behind a rich array of ruins and historic sites to explore. Athens is a great starting spot because of the large number of historic places it contains, but even the most remote islands often have some ancient remnants of interest. Of the more than 6,000 islands in Greece, only about 225 or so are currently inhabited. It's easy to see, then, why Greece is a terrific place to find the peace and isolation many people crave while on vacation.
Calella De Palafrugell, Costa Brava
But don't let all of that peace and tranquillity fool you, because Greece is also well known for many cities and islands with glittering and vibrant nightlife. Santorini, Mykonos, Ios, and Paros are good examples of destinations in Greece that are world famous for their nightly parties and celebration. It's quite common for street after street of bars and clubs to stay open all night long during the summer, truly making the act of partying into an art form! Even some of the smaller islands and villages have their own level of nightly celebration, usually including dancing, music, laughter, and food and drink. Sometimes it seems that the nightlife in Greece is a holiday activity all by itself!
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