Luxury Mediterranean Holidays: The Most Exclusive Destinations

Published
02/24/2025

When it comes to cruise ship destinations, it’s difficult to beat the Mediterranean. This extraordinary stretch of water is home to some of history’s most significant port cities, and countless little coastal towns that are waiting to be explored. There’s also plenty of natural beauty, and opportunities for leisure, to enjoy as well.

But exactly which parts of the region might you spend time in during your Mediterranean cruises? Let’s consider a handful of key destinations.

 

The French Riviera: Glamour, Chic Resorts & Stunning Views

The southeast corner of France is home to some of the most incredible seafront real-estate, including the world-famous microstate of Monaco. This is a favoured haunt for the world’s rich and powerful – but if you’re willing to travel there during off-peak months, you needn’t spend a fortune enjoying the region’s wealth of picturesque little downs and views of the clear blue sea.

 

The Amalfi Coast: Exclusive Villas, Dining & Secluded Beaches

This region of Italy, just south of Naples, offers a similar experience to that of the French Riviera – although in character the two regions are very different. The iconic pastel-shaded buildings that line the coast’s many towns and villages are home to amazing restaurants, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and wine while looking out into the sea. For hikers, of course, there’s the famous ‘Path of the Gods’ trail to explore, too.

 

Santorini & Mykonos: Luxury in the Greek Islands

Greece is a nation that encompasses more than six thousand islands. Among them, you’ll find plenty of amazing beaches, forests, hiking trails, and watersports hotspots. For most, the larger islands of Santorini and Mykonos will be considered must-visits. The former offers plenty of natural splendour and peerless views, while Mykonos is geared more toward jet-setters looking for vibrant nightlife.

 

The Balearic Islands: Ibiza & Mallorca’s Luxury Escapes

This Spanish Archipelago, midway between mainland Europe and Algeria, offers plenty of nightlife – but it’s the amazing coves, fishing villages, and yachting opportunities that really set the region apart. On Majorca, you’ll find the Cabrera National Park and the Sierra de Tramonta mountain range. Ibiza, on the other hand, has earned UNESCO World Heritage status, thanks to the local biodiversity.

 

Croatia’s Dubrovnik: An Elegant Destination with a Rich History

The Croatian capital has proven a major draw for tourists over the last decade or so, thanks in part to its association with the TV smash hit Game of Thrones. Seeing the best of this rich and beautiful city might mean preferring the shoulder seasons, so that you avoid the tourist crowds.

 

The Best Luxury Mediterranean Cruises: Exploring the Coast in Style

To really enjoy the best of what this part of the world has to offer, you’ll need the right kind of cruise ship. Make sure that you do your research, and that you pick out a vessel which offers the features that matter to you.