It’s hard to beat long Mediterranean summers, where afternoons move to the gentle wash of the sea and evenings, the soothing hum of cicada. And it’s easy to forget just how much the Mediterranean can offer: adventurous yacht charters, cities soaked in antiquity and fascinating culture, villas that stagger down cliffs to meet crystal-clear water. We have something for everyone – young family trips, multi-generational jaunts, couples after a romantic break, solo travellers craving a wellness boost. The trick is to book ahead, so you don’t miss out on the best hotels, villas and boats (which, trust us, get booked up by nimble fingers as soon as the Christmas planning fog has cleared).
Read on to see our favourite Mediterranean escapes to book now for summer 2023 (and kick the January blues).
SAILING
We love the privileged access that only boats can offer – secluded coves, empty bays and wild, unpopulated islands. 65-foot superyacht, Argentous, certainly doesn’t skimp on coastal views. Sleeping up to 8 people, Argentous sets sail from Corfu having curated a tailor-made trip for those onboard, which can be tweaked along the way.
Those longing to explore the unspoilt Turkish coast in a traditional gulet can nab their week on the Salamander (sleeping 12). While the trip can be tailored to suit preferences, from food focused to maximum sailing routes, there is refreshingly no ‘extras bill’ when this surreal trip draws to an end.
Yam, a 48 foot Dufour Catamaran also sleeps 12, though in contemporary style. Plenty of lounging spots both up on deck and in the slick cabin gives Yam its edge. And from all this luxxy comfort, the Dalmatian Coast and its various islets, undiscovered coves and lesser-known fishing villages are your oyster.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS
The art of a real family holiday is removing the stress obstacles: the endless cooking and cleaning; the relentless online booking and restaurant reservations (we take care of this for you); the clunky, cumbersome travel set-ups when you’re there.
These all skirt the lot, starting with Verdura Resort in Sicily with its vast landscape, tennis courts, infinity pools and a knockout golf course. Set along its own stretch of coastline just half an hour south west of Palermo, parents can lean into the spa menu or take a breather by the pool with broods having a ball at the complementary Kids Club.
Crete’s sun-baked fringes are in parts built up and in others, a series of quiet coves with perfect, poetic views. Daios Cove is one of them – a scatter of pretty villas that edge towards the epic view in amphitheatre formation. Everyone will relish the choice of restaurants, which can be enjoyed as part of their luxury all-inclusive offering, and endless activities, while the Kids Club and superb babysitting services are a hit with parents.
Over in Croatia, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik’s Marco Polo Kids Club is the stuff of parent lore, catering to all ages, from babies to teens – and there is even a ‘baby concierge’ who arrive like fairies with warm bottles and sterilised tot paraphernalia – a luxury only worn-out parents can fully understand.
BOUTIQUE HOTELS
Our portfolio of boutique hotels is particularly beguiling. Take Cosme in Paros – a stylishly pared down hotel along the current it-island’s north coast. Having lathered thick Greek yoghurt in honey for breakfast, guests can move onto the spa menu, or explore a string of secret coves in the go-slow style Greek summers are best known for.
17th-century palace, Santa Ponsa in Menorca leans more towards the whimsical, Old World style of hotel. Set a mere 5-minute drive from the pretty town of Alaior and some of Menorca’s most photogenic beaches, this spruced up old timer is the perfect launchpad for exploring the island, while its sister hotel, Torre Vella’s facilities are available for guests to enjoy.
Laid-back Comporta has filled the pages of glossy travel magazines over the past few years for good reason. Sublime Comporta, remains a standard-bearer for the ‘Hamptons of Europe’ where swishy eco-lodges weave into the wild, pine-covered surrounds, and sand dunes roll on to meet endless stretches of white sand.
VILLAS
When it’s a large family or group of friends, a villa is often the best option with ultimate privacy and flexibility. For the authentic Greek island charm, understated tavernas and quiet paths meandering through white-washed villages, sail into Meganisi. Our collection of three villas on this gloriously unspoilt island can be booked separately or together – a clever set up for large groups of friends or multi-generational families as Holly and Philippa did this year! They loved it so much they booked to go back next year before they left.
Speak to Gemma our Mediterranean expert to start planning your summer holiday on [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1306 264005.