Summertime might be the Mediterranean’s season to thrive, but its Christmas market tours have also emerged as a popular tourism niche between November and December.
Mediterranean Christmas Markets are now travellers’ top picks for getting into the Christmas spirit on a budget, and with the Holidays soon upon us, there is no better time to get planning.
Colmar, France
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Colmar is one of France’s smaller markets, yet has been blessed with the perfect fairtytale scenery, making it an ideal destination for a quiet Christmas break. The Old Town will soon be perfectly infused with Christmas decorations, scenery and lighting, not to mention the endless choice of carol singing and exhibitions. The close to a hundred stalls will also offer French culinary delights and warm drinks to keep you company while you stroll this mini winter wonderland.
Fira de Santa Llucia, Spain
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This is one of Barcelona’s busiest Christmas markets, and by far, the most traditional. The Fira de Santa Llucia has been gracing the streets of Barcelona since 1786 with over 300 stalls. While Spain may not be the more obvious choice for a Christmas getaway, Barcelona’s yearly Fiera will grace its visitors with traditional yuletide snacks, music, and Christmas decorations on sale from the stalls. All under the grand watchful eye of the Barcelona cathedral for that perfect #potd.
The Zagreb Advent, Croatia
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The Croatians raise the bar every year when it comes to their Christmas celebrations, but the Zagreb Advent will forever be their top attraction. The Zagreb Christmas Market comes to life at nightfall thanks to the endless Christmas booths and live music in selected hotposts. There are activities for all the family spanning hundreds of metres from Tomislav Sqaure. You can enjoy anything from an ice rink, to a live Nativity scene, to stalls with food and drink to satisfy all your needs.
Rome, Italy
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The Italian Capital offers an endless choice quaint Christmas markets in its squares. Many travellers this year seem to have opted for the Mercato Monti, the Roman Christmas Market of vintage charm. It is the perfect treasure trove of gifts and Christmas decorations. Over 50 artists will also be given the chance to exhibit and sell their work at the mercato.
Athens, Greece
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The Greek Capital is great alternative to conventional Christmas breaks, and can be quite the magical Christmas destination. There is no specific central Christmas market that stands out, but stalls, decorations, lights and music are perfectly sprinkled around the city, meaning you can go from the Acropolis to a winter wonderland just by turning a corner!