The Mediterranean region with a coastline of about 46,000 km total length is full of human settlements from various sizes. High ridges at Gibraltar were assumed to have blocked the entry of Atlantic waters until about 5.5 million years ago, when these waters broke through to flood the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean Sea, which means “sea between the lands”, has been since the very early times of human history a cradle for many civilizations. The main reason for that is the mild climate suitable for agricultural development and for establishing urban areas, as well as the strategic location between Africa, Asia and Europe.

1. 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL COASTAL TOWNS IN THE
MEDITERRANEAN
Posted by Wendy Stuart, VP Water Sports, Nuovo Nova
Table of Contents
● How to Determine the Most Beautiful Coastal Towns?
● Most Beautiful Towns by The Mediterranean Sea
○ #10 Dubrovnik, Croatia
○ #9 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
○ #8 Cannes, France
○ #7 Portofino, Italy
○ #6 Monte Carlo, Monaco
○ #5 Corfu, Greece
○ #4 Rhodes, Greece
○ #3 Antalya, Türkiye

2. ○ #2 Bodrum, Türkiye
○ #1 Marmaris, Türkiye
● Conclusion
(Last Updated On: 19th June 2022)
Creating a list of ‘Top 10 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in the Mediterranean’ is not an
easy task, because the Mediterranean region with a coastline of about 46,000 km total
length is full of human settlements from various sizes. High ridges at Gibraltar were
assumed to have blocked the entry of Atlantic waters until about 5.5 million years ago,
when these waters broke through to flood the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean Sea,
which means “sea between the lands”, has been since the very early times of human
history a cradle for many civilizations. The main reason for that is the mild climate
suitable for agricultural development and for establishing urban areas, as well as the
strategic location between Africa, Asia and Europe.
HOW TO DETERMINE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL
COASTAL TOWNS?
The five selection criteria, which provide a standardized framework and reference point
for evaluating candidate towns are defined as:
1. Natural beauty, cultural and historical importance of the town.
2. World-class marina facilities suitable both for sailboats and motor yachts.
3. Clean environmental conditions and pollution-free ‘Blue Flag” sea water
quality.
4. Possibility of learning and performing different water sports.
5. Strategic location with nearby airport and surrounded by further key
destinations.
Of course, tastes differ! With such an abundance of candidate towns, which surely
have qualities to also be among the top 10, you might agree or disagree with this
selection, but I like to underline the fact that you are currently reading the results of an
unbiased evaluation. Besides, the list will be updated yearly, the names and the ranks of
the towns are therefore subject to change.

3. In 2022, the ranks from #15 to #11 are occupied by Valletta, Malta; Mykonos, Greece;
Saint Tropez, France; Syracuze, Italy and Barcelona, Spain . Now, let’s proceed to the
Top 10 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns around the Mediterranean Sea, watch this related
YouTube video: https://youtu.be/s3X2ulb53tI and enjoy your virtual journey!
MOST BEAUTIFUL TOWNS BY THE MEDITERRANEAN
SEA
#10 Dubrovnik, Croatia
This medieval walled city in Croatia is perched on the Adriatic coast- a prime location
that made Dubrovnik the only threat to Venetian trade a few centuries ago. Today,
Dubrovnik is a great mix of old city charm with modern day amenities, restaurants with
amazing views, prime Game of Thrones shooting locations, many many stairs and
perhaps even more stray cats.
If you are Sailing in the Adriatic Sea, then I recommend a stop at the best marina of the
region, namely the ACI Marina Dubrovnik. The coastline with many small islands is ideal
for Kayaking. Dubrovnik is a very good destination if you are looking for both a beach
and a cultural vacation.

4. #9 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
This iconic island town is the capital of the Balearic Islands province. The landmark of
Palma is the Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral La Seu. Palma’s old town invites you to
wander through medieval streets to be immersed in history and culture. Alongside galleries
and museums, you’ll find great shops and top restaurants. For shopping you need to visit
the golden mile of the town, Paso del Borne.
The Real Club Nautico de Palma (RCNP) is the oldest and largest port in the
archipelago and the most important marina in Palma. It is well-known as the setting of
numerous sailing competitions and for its sailing and canoe courses and clubs.
Frequented by the jetset, including by the royals of Spain, this marina is the expression
of luxury and professionalism. Mallorca island is also a well known destination for
various water sports.

5. #8 Cannes, France
This fashionable seaside resort on the Côte d’Azur is the center point of the French
Riviera. Call it a cliché but the beach and promenade in Cannes is the place to see and
be seen. It’s about as posh as it gets; across the Boulevard de la Croisette the luxury
fashion houses line up to be counted, and on the shore is a chain of private beaches
with fine golden sands.
The public beach is furthest to the west, near the Palais des Festivals, and like all of the
shore can be heaving with people in mid-summer. Every year in May, the Cannes Film
Festival develops gradual momentum over the town in the course of two weeks.
Port of Cannes (Vieux Port) is the best marina in central location. It offers several
amenities to yachts and sailing boats up to a length of 35 meters. The Mediterranean
Circuit of Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge also includes the event Cannes Regates
Royales every September.

6. #7 Portofino, Italy
If you are looking for a picturesque small town by the sea, then Portofino has everything
which fits this description. Originally founded as a fishing village, the natural beauty of
its location and the surrounding Ligurian coast elevated Portofino to become a major
resort town in the Italian Riviera.
It’s also home to an important protected marine area (Area Marina Protetta), known for
its pristine coastline and diverse marine life. By the way, Marina di Portofino is one of
the best in this region of Italy. In terms of water sports besides Sailing, a Kayak Tour
along the shore, Snorkeling, and a Paddleboard Experience in the calm waters of the
Paraggi Bay are highly recommended.
The 1950’s famous song “Love in Portofino” was written and composed by Fred
Buscaglione for a reason!

7. #6 Monte Carlo, Monaco
If you are privileged enough to visit or even reside in Monaco, then there is a huge
variety of top-class activities that you can do in this tiny sovereign city-state. The
Principality of Monaco is located on the French Riviera and bordered by France and
Italy.
Highly recommended is a visit to the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco which was
founded in 1910. Tour the Prince’s Palace; take a rest at the Princess Grace Rose
Garden and remember Grace Kelly. If the weather permits, dive into the clear waters of
the Mediterranean Sea at the Larvotto Beach or take a relaxing indoor bath in Thermes
Marins Monte-Carlo.
Find out who will reign supreme around the streets of Monte Carlo during the famous
Monaco Grand Prix (first held in 1929) of the Formula One circus, followed by a visit to
the Museum of Antique Automobiles. Before leaving Monaco, make sure to get a
glimpse of the world-famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. The best marinas of Monaco are
Port Hercule and Port de Fontvieille.

8. #5 Corfu, Greece
Corfu, one of the Ionian Islands, sits in the heart of the Adriatic Sea. Corfu, or Kerkyra,
has been under the control of many different nations, thus giving it a fascinating mixture
of different cultural influences, reflected in the architecture of the island, especially in the
Old Town.
Worth visiting are the Old Fortress built by the Venetians in 1546, and the Achilleion
Palace. The opulent palace was built in 1890 by Empress of Austria Elisabeth of
Bavaria – better known as Sisi. One of the most iconic landmarks, and one closely
associated with Corfu's history, is the 17th century Vlacherna Monastery. The woman’s
monastery is located on a tiny island off the coast.
The D-Marin Gouvia Marina is, in terms of location and facilities, probably the best
marina in Greece. When it comes to various water sports, Corfu Island has several high
quality beaches, coves and bays to discover and enjoy the clear waters of Adria.
Top-notch professional offers are available from Sidari.

9. #4 Rhodes, Greece
The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes, also known as ‘The Knights’ Island’
stands for an astounding history, an iconic mixture of architecture and unique natural
beauty along its shores.
Around 300 BC, we have the renowned Colossus of Rhodes construction: a giant statue
estimated at the size of ‘Statue of Liberty’ sculpturing Helios, the Sun God and
straddling the harbor of Rhodes. It is part of the Ancient 7 Wonders of the World. The
Colossus collapsed during an earthquake, but Rhodes continued to prosper until
Roman rule took over. The Acropolis of Lindos including the Temple to Athena Lindia;
the Archeological Museum and the Palace of the Grand Master, which was erected by
the 14th century Knights Hospitaller are other examples of must-see sites in Rhodes.
The best marina of the Island is Rhodes Marina. Rhodes is suitable for all kinds of
Water Sports.

10. #3 Antalya, Türkiye
Surrounded by the Taurus Mountains and the blue waters of the Eastern Mediterranean
Sea, Antalya is a city at the heart of the Turkish Riviera. Due to its unique location you
can admire a view of snow covered mountain peaks while you swim or sail along the
coast. Antalya has been settled since prehistoric times and today the traces of those
civilisations contribute to the multi-cultural diversity which is visible not only in
archeological sites and monuments but also in general lifestyle throughout the Antalya
Province including the tasty local cuisine.
Since the Antalya Province features a shoreline of 657 km (408 mi) with beaches, ports,
and ancient cities scattered throughout, Antalya as the capital of this province rewards
visitors abundantly. Two very long beaches stretch on the West (Konyaalti) and the East
side (Lara) of the historic Old Town, called Kaleici. Hadrian’s Gate, a very-well
preserved Roman Triumphal Arch built in A.D. 130 is also the entrance to the Old Town
– a maze of narrow streets with beautifully restored old houses of the Seljuk and
Ottoman era, museums, boutique hotels, restaurants and shops as well as hidden
archeological treasures, such as the city’s landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Yivli Minare Mosque. The dazzling exhibits of the excellent Antalya Museum showcase
all the best finds from all the major excavation sites in the surrounding countryside.

11. If you wisely decide not to spend your whole vacation in an all-inclusive luxury resort or
on your yacht then these nearby sites, attractions and activities are highly
recommended.
● The Greek-Roman city of Aspendos, founded around 1000 B.C. The
awesome theater of Aspendos is considered the best-preserved Roman
theater of the ancient world.
● If you are interested in archeology, explore the nearby ancient cities of
Perge, Phaselis, Side and Termessos.
● Visit resort towns from Alanya to Kemer and the waterfalls in Düden and
Manavgat.
● Engage in White Water Rafting in Köprülü Kanyon and play Golf in
world-class facilities in Belek.The best Marina in Antalya is Setur Antalya
Marina. Along the shores of Antalya province all kinds of Water Sports are
available.
#2 Bodrum, Türkiye
Bodrum is located in a secure bay on the beautiful Bodrum Peninsula, which stretches
from Türkiye’s southwest coast into the Aegean Sea and faces several Turkish and
Greek islands, such as the island of Kos. Part of the famous Turquoise Coast or better
known as the Turkish Riviera, the seawater quality around Bodrum is extremely high.

12. As a matter of fact, Bodrum is worldwide the only location where without exception all
beaches and marinas are Blue Flag certified. There are 17 amazing bays on the
peninsula, and if you are not visiting them by boat then I recommend not to miss the
opportunity of swimming, Scuba Diving or engaging in other water sports from the
beaches of Gumbet and Bitez.
While in Bodrum, make sure to visit the Bodrum Castle, built in 1402 by the Knights of
St. John, which is the landmark of the town and home of the famous Underwater
Archeological Museum. Definitely worth visiting is the Antique Theater built in the 4th
century B.C., which is a living witness of the great past of ancient Halicarnassus, the
ancestor of Bodrum. The Theatre is located near downtown Bodrum on a mountain that
has a breathtaking view of the town and the sea with the nearby islands. The
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and it’s
a must-visit archeological site, which is conveniently located in walking distance from
the city center. Despite being one of the most popular resort towns in the region,
Bodrum (nicknamed “bedroom“) is also the capital of nightlife in Türkiye. The biggest
floating disco of Europe is the famous Club Catamaran. Every night after 1am the
Catamaran nightclub starts to sail and the fun really starts. The club is based on a huge
ship with a transparent main deck, which is made of very durable glass and provides an
unforgettable experience of dancing right on the water! A sailor’s paradise, Bodrum has
several world-class marinas. The Top 3 among them are Milta Bodrum Marina, D-Marin
Turgutreis Marina and Port Bodrum Yalıkavak Marina. And finally, for lasting
impressions enjoy dinner at the Marina Yacht Club Bodrum.

13. #1 Marmaris, Türkiye
Located at the Turquoise Coast in Southwest of Türkiye, Marmaris sits in a valley
between pine-forested mountains and clear waters, which are popular sailing and diving
destinations.

14. If you are visiting Marmaris for the first time then you will most likely be stunned by the
different shades of blue displayed by the Mediterranean Sea around the town and in
nearby bays, beaches and coves.
The resort town is home to an impressive selection of attractions and experiences,
making it a must-visit destination.
● Marmaris Castle, which dates back to antique times, was reconstructed by
Ottoman Sultan, Süleyman the Magnificent, as a bridgehead for his
conquest to Rhodes. The Archeological Museum which is located inside
the castle, displays impressive artifacts from the Antique, Greek, Roman,
Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman eras.
● Embark on a 4day/3night “blue cruise” from Marmaris to Fethiye and
experience the Aegean part of Turkish Riviera from the sea. The tour
embarks from Marmaris Harbor and takes you along the Ekincik Gulf,
Dalyan, Adali Bay, Manastir Bay, Tersane Island, Kizil Island, to Fethiye
with sightseeing in these fascinating destinations as well as the option of
joining shore excursions. Try Paragliding at the Ölüdeniz Lagoon.
● Take a ferry-ride to the nearby Greek island of Rhodes, which is less than
30 nautical miles away.

15. ● Go Scuba Diving, engage in various water sports from several beaches
and visit the Phosphorus Cave by boat.
● Learn sailing at the top-notch Sailing Life Academy of Marmaris and
become a certified Skipper.
● The best of the several marinas in and around Marmaris are Setur Netsel
Marmaris Marina, Albatros Marina, D-Marin Göcek, and Marmaris Yacht
Marina.

17. CONCLUSION
With its pristine blue waters, mild temperatures, unique flora and fauna, the
Mediterranean is one of the world’s most sought-after regions. The surrounding
countries along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea are the birthplaces of the
Sumerian, Egyptian and the Greek civilisations; the Roman and Ottoman empires, as
well as of all Abrahamic religions. If you are a sailor, skipper or Yachtmaster, then in the
Mediterranean Sea you will have plenty of great destinations to choose from between
untouched picturesque bays and cities pulsating with life. I hope that this list of ’10 Most
Beautiful Coastal Towns in the Mediterranean’ managed to give you some inspiration to
decide where your next journey will take you. Thank you for reading!
Posted by Wendy Stuart, VP Water Sports, Nuovo Nova

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