Sign in Using FacebookThe Mediterranean: A Perfect Winter Getaway
When winter sets in and the season's chill makes you long for warmer climes, do what your instincts tell you, and head for the equator. This time of year offers a perfect set of circumstances for a Mediterranean vacation, and temperate, picturesque cities around the ancient sea vie for your attention. Their historic attractions, quaint restaurants, and spectacular natural beauty are like a siren's call, tempting you to sample their timeless appeal. Our classic picks, complete with a few unexpected choices, promise a good variety of opportunities. Select the most intriguing, and prepare to welcome the sun!
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Bilbao, SpainBilbao, the capital of Biscay Province, is located in the Basque Region of Spain. The coastal city has a strong shipbuilding history and was formerly known only as an industrial and economic power within Spain. It's currently shedding that industrial skin and transforming itself into an internationally renowned city boasting such famous attractions as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Since the construction of this game-changing architectural masterpiece that overlooks the Nervión River, Bilbao has worked diligently to improve the appearance of the riverfront area. In this growing city of one million people, you can stroll along walkways that parallel the river, shop at stores like DKNY and Calvin Klein on the Gran Vía, or explore the Old Town, where you'll discover Gothic churches, beautiful plazas, and some of Spain's finest restaurants and most popular nightlife locales. |
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Rome, ItalyWith a mythic history that spans more than 2000 years, Rome offers as many historical and cultural attractions as any place on the planet. Italy's capital is also a dynamic, modern hub blending old and new. Expectedly, it's not possible to soak up everything in one trip. Like an eternal oak, Rome has many branches: Ancient Rome, Medieval Rome, Christian Rome, and Renaissance Rome, to name only a few. It's best to concentrate your visit on those areas you most want to see. At some point, however, everyone must view the famous Colosseum, the ruins at the Roman Forum, the daunting Vatican Museums, Raphael's tomb at the Pantheon, massive St. Peter's Basilica, and the little jewel that is the Galleria Borghese. A word to the wise: Bring comfortable walking shoes, because Rome is more sprawling than people realize. |
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Athens, GreeceCradle of democracy, Athens stands at a crossroads in more ways than one. Indeed, the city serves as a strait of sorts, spanning European and Middle Eastern cultures – a fact not lost on first-time travelers, who find the city a cosmopolitan mix of people, influences, and history. Perhaps even more intriguing is Athens' never-ending struggle between past and present, as evidenced by such unforgettable archaeological sites as the Temple of Zeus, the Dionysus Theater, and the Acropolis, all juxtaposed against the city's dense phalanx of concrete, glass, and steel buildings. Historic Plaka, a thousand-year-old neighborhood just northeast of the Acropolis, boasts timeless Byzantine churches, mosques, and stately homes, which sit alongside trendy street-side cafes and restaurants. Steeped as it is in tradition and history, Athens is also a-bustle with daily activity – its crowded streets and sidewalks seemingly flow in all directions at once. Plus, busy public markets offer large crowds, colorful wares, and exotic Mediterranean aromas. As the sun goes down, Greece's capital city turns toward its vibrant entertainment districts, Gazi and Exarhia, where celebrities and beautiful folks rub elbows and do the club scene. Site of the 2004 Summer Olympics, Athens also benefits from improved public transit, including a subway, which makes all that the city has to offer more accessible to today's travelers. |
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Dubrovnik, CroatiaSet on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik (also known as Ragusa, its historical Italian name) has been influenced by Latin, Greek, and Slavic cultures during its long history. The city on the Dalmatian coast has also been involved in maritime trade for centuries, and its past wealth derived from such practices. Buffeted by various forces in the 20th century, the city has only recently emerged from war and is working diligently to show off its considerable attributes, including striking architecture, glorious natural beauty, and the city's venerable walls, turrets, and towers. Visitors are most often struck by Lokrum, an island in the bay that is host to beaches and other attractions. They're also intrigued by Sponza Palace (a Renaissance-era structure), the Franciscan monastery with its incredible library and artifacts, and the Church of St. Blaise, who is the city's patron saint. If you think you know Europe, let Dubrovnik surprise you!
Take a tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town. |
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Seville, SpainThe south of Spain's prized jewel, Seville is the capital of Andalusia and a city with a rich 2,500-year-old history. Seville is romantic, known for dramatic bullfights, exciting festivals, and flamenco music that plays long into the night. For Expo 92, the city underwent an extensive revitalization that improved the overall infrastructure without sacrificing Old World charm. Visitors can wander quaint streets lined with terrace cafés serving tapas and sherry. At night, partygoers can participate in la marcha (marching), hopping from bar to bar in the Santa Cruz area. For sightseers, Seville offers magnificent monuments, most notably La Giralda Tower, the 15th-century La Catedral, and the Moorish-style Alcázar palace. Each spring, the city also puts on two grand festivals: Semana Santa, the week before Easter, and April Feria, the last week of April. |
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Florence, ItalyFlorence is one of the most beloved cities in the world, and for good reason. In the early 15th century, Florence gave birth to the Renaissance – the famous cultural revolution that paid homage to the spirit of ancient Greece. Luckily, evidence of the city's artistic and architectural power is gloriously preserved today. Yet, as tourists inevitably discover, Florence is not immediately accessible or even inviting – many streets are dark and cramped and the facades somewhat imposing. But don't be discouraged. Within the museums, cathedrals, and galleries lie some of the greatest treasures in the world. Begin wherever you like, but make sure you visit Brunelleschi's Duomo, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, Santa Maria Novella, Boboli Gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo, the Bargello Museum and, of course, the Uffizi – the finest gallery in Italy. |
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Zagreb, CroatiaThe capital of a relatively new country – Croatia became an independent state in 1991 – Zagreb can trace its roots far back into medieval times, when the hilltop communities of Kaptol to the east and Gradec to the west were separated by a river. Today, visitors to Zagreb can walk along Tkalčićeva, which follows the former route of that ancient river. Indeed, Zagreb's popular street is the divider between Kaptol and Gradec, now the city's oldest neighborhoods. Kaptol is home to the city's awe-inspiring cathedral and a phalanx of graceful 19th-century facades. Gradec, meanwhile, is perhaps the most enchanting section of the city thanks to its quaint squares, Baroque architecture, and excellent little shops and cafes. More than nine centuries of culture shine through all over Zagreb, whether you are looking at priceless art in the Mimara Museum or exploring one of the castles that dominate the surrounding countryside. Of course, Zagreb is far more than an Old World city. The Croatian capital boasts a youthful, vibrant spirit that is visible nearly everywhere you look, particularly the buzzing businesses of fashionable Trg Maršala Tita, one of the country's premiere shopping and entertainment districts. |
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Lisbon, PortugalIf you were to take a poll, many travelers would include Lisbon on their list of favorite places. It's small yet immensely charming. Lisbon is a picturesque port city, characterized by romantic cobblestone streets, mosaic sidewalks, rolling hills, and pastel houses. It's also diverse, blending a range of cultures. The oldest part of the city, the Alfama quarter, still retains its medieval feel. Lisbon is not stuck in the past, however. It hosted the grand Expo '98 and was named European City of Culture in 1994. Visitors can stroll through narrow streets to Art Nouveau cafés, enjoy a scenic ride on an antique wooden streetcar, or take a steep ride up to Bairro Alto in a turn-of-the-century street elevator. Must-see sites include Belém Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, St. George's Castle, and the impressive Museu Calouste Gulbenkian. |
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Barcelona, SpainThe capital of Catalonia and one of Europe's most captivating cities, Barcelona has a rich, 2,000-year-old history that dovetails harmoniously with its cosmopolitan sensibility. The city underwent an extensive facelift in preparation for the 1992 Summer Olympics that added needed revitalization without compromising its Old World charm. One of the best ways to see Barcelona is on foot. A leisurely stroll down La Rambla uncovers a bustling world of outdoor markets and brilliant flowers. On the waterfront, Olympic Harbour and Port Vell offer tourists a mix of cafés, bars, and curio shops. The Gothic Quarter is famous for its historical landmarks and bohemian atmosphere. Other popular attractions include the elegant Santa Maria del Mar, the scattered ruins of the old Roman Wall, the Moderniste architecture of Eixample, and the Museu Picasso, which features the artist's Blue Period. |
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Marseille, FranceLocated in southeastern France, Marseille has evolved over the course of its 2,500-year history to become France's second-largest city with a metropolitan population exceeding 1,200,000 people. As the leading commercial port on the Mediterranean, the city's economy is anchored by trade. Even with its rich history that dates back to the days of ancient Greece, Marseille is a modern, cosmopolitan city that offers exciting nightclubs, fabulous restaurants, a variety of theaters, an international soccer stadium, and more than 20 museums. The heart of the city is Vieux Port, where visitors go to glimpse the bustling activity along streets such as La Canebičre. Popular tourist sites include the ancient district of Le Panier, Palais de Longchamp, Cathédrale de la Major, Jardin des Vestiges, and the 19th-century Notre-Dame de la Garde. |
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Monte Carlo, MonacoBig yachts, big bucks, and bigwigs are standard in glamorous Monte Carlo, which is part of the tiny, prosperous principality of Monaco. Famous for its posh, high-dollar casino and the annual Formula One Grand Prix, this playground of the rich and famous intrigues visitors from around the world. Formerly one of the poorest states in Europe, the principality got a boost when the Monte Carlo Casino was built in 1865. It prompted a dramatic surge in the economy, and it continues to be a popular attraction today. Extravagant hotels, sumptuous villas, fine dining, and some of the best haute couture boutiques in Europe make it a perfect hedonistic destination. History and science buffs can get their fill from facilities devoted to naval history, oceanography, anthropology, and art. Exotic gardens and sprawling parks also prove enticing. In addition, several museums and attractions tell the fascinating history of Monaco's royalty – the beloved Grimaldi family – and how the region became one of Europe's only remaining autocracies. |
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Cannes, FranceWhat do you envision when Cannes is mentioned? If crystal blue water, sparkling jewels, exotic clothing, and movie stars come to mind, then you have the right impression. However, glitz and glamour are not its only gifts. The most famous street, Promenade de la Croisette, is bordered by contrasting beauty. One side reveals the elegance of Mother Nature in narrow beaches and an enchanting, azure-blue sea, highlighted by towering cliffs in the distance. On the other side of the street, human hands created a spectacle of breathtaking hotels, intimate restaurants, and chic boutiques. Additional Cannes features include world-renowned events like the International Film Festival in the spring and esteemed antique shows, which are held twice a year. Beaches, outdoor activities, island tours, and a surplus of attractions draw men and women throughout the year to this alluring Mediterranean resort. |
