The Mediterranean describes a truly magical swathe of land and sea, defined by the near-landlocked subtropical waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the various amazing beaches which frame it. The Med is prime holidaymaking material, for its hugely popular sun-soaked coastal destinations and for its calm, beautiful azure waters.

It is also a premier option for luxury travel, on account of the incredible resources which have gone into turning certain places into veritable seats of paradise. But what makes it such a luxurious area, and where is worth your time and money?

Exclusive Destinations: From the French Riviera to the Greek Isles

Let’s start with the obvious. Some Mediterranean locations are amongst the most exclusive locations on the planet – self-fulfilling prophecies that are expensive because they attract expensive people, and hence desirable for their expense.

Monaco is a prime example, being an independent state with some supremely favourable tax laws and some of the best modern conveniences you’ll ever experience (including a raft of world-class restaurants and bars). Over in Greece, Santorini has established a reputation for its rich nightlife – in more ways than one.

Luxurious Accommodation: Villas, Resorts, and Private Islands

Mediterranean holiday destinations are also rich for their accommodation. Penthouses, beach huts, villas fit for kings – the list goes on and on, from the beachy opulence of Cannes to the craggy, picturesque balconies of the Amalfi Coast. There are even private islands to be enjoyed, particularly in amongst Greece’s many and varied islands.

Gourmet Dining Experiences

We’ve touched briefly on food, but let’s dig in a little deeper. The Med is where you need to be for good food, and not just because the glitterati need their own high-value restaurants to enjoy. The Mediterranean Sea is an incredible resource for fresh seafood, and responsible for extremely rich cuisines from country to country. You haven’t lived until you’ve sampled squid from a Michelin-starred restaurant on the southern coast of Sicily – nor have you lived if you haven’t tried the rustic seafood cuisine of Campania.

Unique Activities and Experiences

The Mediterranean is also a seat of luxury for the incredible, unique and bucket-list-y experiences you can have there. This is the perfect sub-tropical climate for a once-in-a-lifetime yacht charter, whether you sail along the Croatian coast or dock yourself close to the best beach bar in St Tropez. There are helicopter tours too, which can show you some of the majesty of the close Pyrenees and the distant Alps, to say nothing of the innumerable islands and unique biomes stippling the coastlines.

Relaxation and Wellness: Spas and Retreats

Finally, but no less importantly, this is an opportunity for rest and relaxation above all. There’s spas and wellness retreats across the lands, from coastal quietude in Siciliy’s northerly towns to remote beaches at the France-Spain border. There are even modern Mediterranean thermae, that hearken back to Italy’s Roman past, and give you an all-natural opportunity to rest and heal through the geothermic activity of the Earth itself.