Culture and islands of the Mediterranean

Tarragona is a city located in the south of Catalonia, on the east coast of Spain, by the Mediterranean Sea. It is home to a large port and university. A number of good beaches, some awarded a prestigious Blue Flag designation, line the Mediterranean coast near the city. Read more about Tarragona, Spain

Mahon is the capital city of the Balearic Island of Minorca. The Balearic Islands form an autonomous Spanish community. Mahon, located on the eastern part of the island has the second deepest natural harbor in the world. Read more about Mahon, Spain

Cagliari is the capital of the island of Sardinia, a region in Italy. An ancient city, it has seen the rule of several civilisations and in the ‘old city’ that lies on the top of a hill with a wonderful view of the ocean, it’s amazing to see the walls still intact, together with its two 13th century limestone towers. Importantly, the city is also home to exceptional beaches, rocky cliffs and numerous underwater caves. Read more about Cagliari, Italy

Tunis, the capital of the Tunisian Republic and its largest city, is situated on the large Gulf of Tunis. It may be but a slim wedge of North Africa’s vast horizontal expanse, but Tunisia has enough history and diverse natural beauty to pack a country many times its size. The city takes you by surprise with its modern conference halls, hotels and banks, and bright yellow taxis rushing passengers to business lunches. Read more about Tunis, Tunisia

Trapani is a city and commune on the west coast of Sicily in Italy. It is a fishing and ferry port with a long history. Nowadays it is renowned for fine seafood and Sicilian culture. Read more about Trapani, Italy

The capital of Sicily, Palermo is an historic city in southern Italy and is situated on the NW of the island right by the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The 2700 year-old city is noted for its rich history, culture and architecture. With Sicily's greatest concentration of sights, and the second biggest historic centre in Italy, Palermo is a complex, multilayered city that can be overwhelming if you try to see too much. Read more about Palermo, Italy

Reggio, or Reggio Calabria (pop. 560,000), is the largest city of Calabria, Southern Italy. It is located on the ‘toe’ of Italy, facing west to the Strait of Messina and the island of Sicily. Read more about Reggio, Italy

Catania, the second largest city in Sicily, lies in the middle of the Ionian coast. It is a lively energetic place with an international outlook. At its backdrop is the famous Mt. Read more about Catania, Italy

Siracusa is located in the SE corner of the Italian island of Sicily, next to the Ionian Sea. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also renowned for being mentioned in the Bible as a place that was visited by the apostle Paul. Here you will find the most extensive catacombs outside of Rome, and the Jewish baths in Ortigo that are at least 1,500 years old. Read more about Siracusa, Italy

Valletta (aka Belt Valletta, Città Umilissima) - traditionally reserved for the historic walled citadel that serves as Malta's principal administrative district - is the capital city of Malta, located in the central-eastern portion of the island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is essentially Baroque in style, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture. Don’t miss the the majestic St John’s Co-Cathedral, with its imposing bastions and a treasure of priceless paintings. Read more about Valletta, Malta

Valletta (aka Belt Valletta, Città Umilissima) - traditionally reserved for the historic walled citadel that serves as Malta's principal administrative district - is the capital city of Malta, located in the central-eastern portion of the island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is essentially Baroque in style, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical and Modern architecture. Don’t miss the the majestic St John’s Co-Cathedral, with its imposing bastions and a treasure of priceless paintings. Read more about Valletta, Malta