Mediterranean Observer
New York based travel magazine Travel + Leisure has just issued its top 50 picks for 2020’s best travel destinations, and the Mediterranean has made it to the list!
This comes as no surprise of course, seeing as the climate, history, culture and cuisine of the Mediterranean alone are major drivers of the hospitality industry and attract millions to the region each year.
If 2020 is the year you decide to venture into the Mediterranean, Travel + Leisure has dubbed the below five as some of the best possible destinations.
Rijeka, Croatia
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2020 is the year Rijeka will be crowned European Capital of Culture. The city boasts beautiful beaches and is home to one of the biggest Carnival festivals in the world. While ticking pretty much every box (world-class museums, top restaurants, idyllic scenery), it is not a very busy destination.
EUR, Rome, Italy
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The Esposizione Universale Roma has long been one of the Italian most curious neighborhoods. It was built in the late 1930s by Mussolini for a World’s Fair that never happened, and is now a must-visit for architecture buffs and those who want to see another side of the city. It has recently undergone redevelopment to now house top brands such as Fendi.
Paros, Greece
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The island is home to the white-washed, blue-roofed Greek buildings we all know and love. Paros is worthy navigating- from its labyrinthine alleys in Naousa, or a much loved breakfast by the sea late in the morning.
Istanbul, Turkey
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Istanbul New Airport will open in 2020 and is set to be the world’s biggest, so that alone deserves a visit to the Turkish city. The angular mosaic-wrapped building, the ferry rides up the Bosphorus, an endless choice of luxury hotel brands, all in one colourful, historic city. To top it off, the long-in-the-works Galataport cruise terminal is set to open this spring. Still, do not miss old favorites like the Haga Sophia Museum or the Topkapi Palace.
Caesarea, Israel
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The perfect blend of antiquity and modernity makes the coastal town of Ceasarea worthy of a 2020 visit. Set on a 2,000 year-old Roman harbour, Ceasarea will also be home to the new King Herod Visitor’s Centre, named after the port’s founding monarch. You can admire the ancient harbor from your seaside dining spot of choice, or wander the ruins of bathhouses or explore submerged Roman breakwaters. You can even try snorkeling or scuba diving at the Old Ceasarea Diving Centre.
