The Best Mediterranean Island for Every Type of Traveler
Your perfect island is out there.
There are thousands of islands in the Mediterranean. Greece holds 2,000 islands alone. Most have a few things in common: slow, sun-drenched summer days; cuisines that delight the tastebuds and nourish the soul; and the kind of cultural heritage that comes with belonging to a region that’s been coined the cradle of Western civilization. Yet each Mediterranean island is also distinct. From Italy’s most lavish getaway to Spain’s most romantic retreat, these are the best Mediterranean islands to visit for every type of traveler.
We hope you love the Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Best for Beach Lovers | Best for Remote Workers | Best for History Buffs | Best for Foodies | Best for Partyers | Best for Luxury Travelers | Best for Budget Travelers | Best for Scuba Divers | Best for Families | Best for Couples | Best for Hikers | Best for Wellness Retreats | Best for LGBTQ Travelers | Best for Nature Lovers
The best Mediterranean island for beach lovers: Sardinia, Italy
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Mediterranean beaches are many things, but sandy is not always one of them. That’s what makes Sardinia so special. Not only does it have the longest coastline of all the Mediterranean islands after Sicily, but its soft, pale shores could also pass for the Caribbean. Northern Sardinia’s 12-miles Costa Smeralda has some of the prettiest beaches — just ask the megayachters who populate its marinas. Down south, Costa Rei and Costa del Sud have their share of luxury hotels, too, but they’re generally less glitzy and more accessible from Cagliari, the Sardinian capital, whose own Poetto Beach is one of the longest and liveliest on the island.
Where to stay
You won’t cover all of Sardinia in one trip. The island is too rugged, too sprawling, and far too interesting to rush. The northeast draws visitors with its luxury resort towns and shallow turquoise water. The northwest feels more historic, with medieval villages looking out over the sea. Head inland, and the landscape shifts again, with shepherd trails winding through low-lying mountains and vineyards.
This hillside retreat ($746 per night) just outside Olbia, called S’ispantu (which translates to “wonder” in Sardinian), lives up to its name. Situated between the mountains and the sea, the three-bedroom cottage was built with local materials, featuring olive wood finishes and hand-shaped terraces. There are three decks to catch both sunrise and aperitivo hour, plus a pair of stone-set pools — one with a heated whirlpool. The kitchen is spacious, but you’re also less than 20 minutes from the Costa Smeralda, where you’ll find some excellent restaurants.
If you’re traveling with a group, this breezy four-bedroom villa ($740 per night) in Porto Istana is a solid pick. It’s on the pricier side, but if you’ve got a crew, you can split the cost. The terrace looks straight out to Tavolara Island, and three beaches are within walking distance.
For couples, this apartment in Castelsardo ($187 per night) hits all the right notes. The terrace juts out over the sea like a marine balcony, and the medieval stone alleyways below feel like a movie set — in fact, this is where they filmed scenes for Disney’s remake of The Little Mermaid. It’s compact, comfortable, and just a short stroll to the beach and cathedral.
The best Mediterranean island for remote workers: Cyprus
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Cyprus offers a digital nomad visa that allows up to 1,000 non-EU/EEA remote workers to live on the island for one year, with the option to renew for an additional two years. Many of the island’s digital nomads congregate in Paphos, where you’ll find both the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings from the fourth century BC and coworking spaces with reliable internet speeds. The cost of living in Cyprus remains relatively affordable compared to much of Europe, though cities like Limassol offer plenty of opportunities to splurge on fine dining. Factor in the Tiffany Blue waters, pine-covered mountains, and a nuanced blend of Greek and Turkish Cypriot cultures, and it’s easy to see why so many are drawn to apply.
Where to stay
From forested mountain villages to coastal towns with views straight out to sea, Cyprus has some beautiful Airbnbs. Whether you’re surrounded by vineyards, waking up under pine trees, or settling into a villa with space for the whole group, these Airbnbs offer a more local, lived-in way to experience the island.
In the wine village of Pachna, this four-bedroom stone farmhouse ($397 per night) has a gorgeous kitchen and a Cypriot BBQ setup under a vine-covered pergola in the courtyard. The bedrooms wrap around the pool and terrace, creating a layout that feels communal without being cramped. Inside, thick stone walls keep the place cool in summer and there’s a wood-burning hearth that comes in handy if you’re visiting in the shoulder seasons or when the temperature dips at night.
For a remote stay, high in the pine forests of the Troodos Mountains, this dome ($255 per night) is one to bookmark. There’s a skylight over the beds for stargazing and a stove for when the mountain air drops. It’s designed for two but can fit four, and the kitchen’s stocked if you’re planning to cook in.
Pissouri, on the island’s southern coast between Limassol and Paphos, is home to one of the top-rated Airbnbs in Cyprus. This five-bedroom villa ($904 per night) has an infinity pool with unobstructed views, plus an extra garden suite.
The best Mediterranean island for history buffs: Rhodes, Greece
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Legend has it that Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese Islands, was gifted to the sun god Helios by Zeus. Ancient Rhodians took their Helios worship seriously, erecting a statue in his honor in 294 BCE that’s now considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Colossus of Rhodes was destroyed during an earthquake a few decades after it was completed, but the island has no shortage of intact historical sites. In fact, the entire Medieval City of Rhodes was designated a World Heritage Site in 1988. The list of landmarks you should probably see is long, but to get you started, beeline for the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, then hit the Acropolis of Lindos south of Rhodes city.
Where to stay
Rhodes has both coastal escapes and cobblestoned towns, with each region offering something distinct. The Airbnbs I’ve suggested are spread across three different corners of the island — a beach house near Lindos, a home inside the Old Town walls, and a modern villa with private shoreline on the east coast.
On the southeast coast near Lindos, this two-bedroom house ($233 per night) above Pefki Beach is one of the top-rated Airbnbs in Greece. It’s a compact property, but the outdoor space has an infinity pool, hot tub, and views stretching across the bay. Sliding glass doors connect the indoor space to the patio, and there’s enough privacy for solo travelers or couples who want a base with a little more space than a hotel room. Lindos is close enough for dinner or a visit to the Acropolis, but far enough that you’ll be far from the crowds.
Inside the medieval walls of Old Town Rhodes, this three-level chalet ($219 per night) has arched doorways, patterned tile, and a shaded courtyard that feels worlds away from the streets outside. It’s about 10 minutes on foot to the harbor, where you can catch ferries to Symi, Halki, and other nearby islands.
For a luxe stay, this three-bedroom villa ($398 per night) in Stegna (a small village on the island’s east coast) has a gym, a stunning garden, and direct access to a stretch of private shoreline. The heated Jacuzzi faces the sea, and the property is ideal for a small group or family wanting an elevated stay.
Traveling to Europe? Check out Matador’s Mediterranean accommodations guides:
- 20 Airbnbs in Santorini With Epic Sea Views and Pools
- 9 French Island Airbnbs for Those Who Want Some Serious Peace and Quiet
- These Airbnbs in Marseille Are Some of the Finest in the French Riviera
- The 24 Dreamiest Airbnbs in the South of France
- The 10 Dreamiest Islands in the Mediterranean, and Where to Stay on Each
- 14 Stunning Airbnbs in Sicily That Will Take Your Breath Away
The best Mediterranean island for foodies: Sicily, Italy
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Sicilian food is technically Italian food. In fact, some of the most popular Italian dishes served stateside are Sicilian staples — cannoli and arancini, are examples. But Sicily’s food scene is also distinctly its own, with influences ranging from Spanish and French to Greek and Arab — the island is roughly the same distance from Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, as it is from Rome, after all. Mount Etna’s volcanic soil has also enriched the crops and vines in northeastern Sicily since before the Roman Empire. Homestyle trattorias are the best venues to eat your way across the largest island in the Mediterranean, but if you’re so inclined, Sicily also has 23 Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from.
Where to stay
Sicily is a mix of ancient cities, seaside towns, and farmland that stretches to the coast. Staying near Agrigento puts you at the edge of some of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved temples, while Campofelice di Roccella offers easy beach access without the crowds of Cefalù. Keep in mind Sicily is small, so you can easily do a stay in the city, Palermo, and the coast during your vacation.
In Agrigento, a city best known for the Valley of the Temples archaeological park, this one-bedroom suite ($597 per night) offers a chic but personal stay. It’s part of a modern apartment but has a private entrance, a garden, and a rooftop pool. Big windows flood the space with light, and an open-plan layout makes it feel far larger than most one-bedroom options. It’s ideal for solo travelers or couples who want to stay close to the historic center without feeling boxed in a hotel room.
Set just outside Campofelice di Roccella — a small coastal town known as the “door to the Madonie Mountains” — this three-bedroom farmhouse ($442 per night) is great for those who want a more immersive, countryside experience. It’s surrounded by olive groves, faces the sea, and has both indoor and outdoor lounging areas, plus a private cook service available on request. Cefalù’s beaches and the boat rentals to the Aeolian Islands are a short drive away.
For something smaller, this renovated farmhouse cabin ($269 per night) in Villaggio Peruzzo is minutes from the Valley of the Temples. The house still shows off original stone arches and walls from the 1800s, but the interiors have been updated.
The best Mediterranean island for partiers: Hvar, Croatia
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It took a while for Croatia’s wilder side to catch up to legendary Mediterranean nightlife destinations like Ibiza and Mykonos. Now, islands like Hvar and Pag are having a moment. While Pag’s annual Sonus electronic music festival gets famously down and dirty, Hvar has a reputation for being the nightlife epicenter of the Croatian islands, with options ranging from bougie to boogie down. For the bucket list experience, make sure to hit the Hula Hula Beach Bar at least once, or really go all out during Croatia’s Yacht Week.
Where to stay
But there’s more to Hvar than boat parties and beach bars. Outside the town center, olive groves and pine-covered hills give way to small coves, old stone villages, and cliffside homes with sea views. Whether you want to stay steps from the water or in a renovated house in a hillside hamlet, there’s an Airbnb to suit all.
This three-bedroom villa ($295 per night) is located just outside Hvar Town. The property features a spacious living area, a well-equipped kitchen, and multiple outdoor spaces, including a patio with a fireplace and a pool. The villa’s design incorporates local materials, and its position offers expansive views of the sea. With the beach 100 meters away and Hvar Town a 10-minute drive, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Just outside Hvar Town, this three-bedroom villa ($623 per night) in the restored village of Malo Grablje pairs stone architecture with standout features like a heated pool, indoor Jacuzzi, sauna, and a small gym. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by hills, but still close enough to Milna Bay that you can be at the beach in five minutes.
Couples might appreciate this two-bedroom apartment ($374 per night) situated near the entrance of Hvar’s old city. Just 15 meters from the beach, the apartment offers a terrace with views of the Franciscan monastery and the Pakleni Islands. Its central location ensures easy access to the city’s attractions while providing a peaceful retreat.
The best Mediterranean island for luxury travelers: Capri, Italy
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Capri has been a jet-set haunt since Golden Age Hollywood stars like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot graced its shores. Celebrities continue to dock their yachts in the Bay of Naples and flex their wallets in the designer boutiques and gourmet ristorantes that prop up the city center. Yet lavish as Capri can be, it also affords visitors the simple luxury of time. Whether you’re sipping limoncello cocktails in the Piazzetta, feasting on namesake dishes like Caprese salad and ravioli Caprese, riding the chairlift up Mount Solaro, or strolling through the Gardens of Augustus, Capri’s slow pace and sumptuous surrounds will make you feel like a million bucks.
Where to stay
Capri Town is known for its upscale boutiques, lively nightlife, and iconic landmarks like the Piazzetta and the Gardens of Augustus. In contrast, Anacapri, situated at a higher elevation, provides a more peaceful setting with panoramic views from Monte Solaro and attractions like Villa San Michele. Both towns are connected by a short bus ride, making it easy to explore the island regardless of where you stay.
This two-bedroom villa ($366 per night) in Anacapri is ideal for a small family or group. Set amidst olive and cherry trees, the property has a spacious terrace with sea views, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation. Inside, the villa features a large living area with panoramic windows, a generous kitchen, and two elegant bathrooms. The rental also includes a complimentary shuttle service from the port.
For a central stay, this one-bedroom apartment ($588 per night) in Capri Town is a smart pick for couples who want to be near the Piazzetta without getting stuck in the crowds. The open-plan layout is simple and refined, but the standout feature is the terrace where you can enjoy the breeze and people-watch in the town below.
Couples seeking a luxurious stay should consider this historic villa ($1,010 per night), once owned by American painter Elihu Vedder. Located near the Piazzetta, it features a large terrace with sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and Marina Piccola.
The best Mediterranean island for budget travelers: Vis, Croatia
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In general, the cost of living in Croatia is favorable to budget travelers. Some islands, like swanky Hvar, have become more expensive as tourism has boomed. Others like Vis, which is the farthest island from the mainland, have remained quite affordable. The easiest way to reach Vis is by ferry from Split, Croatia’s second city, for about $7. Beaches are the big draw in Vis — hello, free entertainment — but the old town also has some relics of its ancient developments, there’s a glowing blue grotto you can boat through, and you can tour hidden bunkers and forts from the island’s days as a naval base.
Where to stay
Vis has a reputation for affordability, and it’s true you can still find basic rooms and studios for well under $100 a night. But if you’re willing to stretch the budget, there are some stunning homes, and you get a lot for your money.
This five-bedroom villa ($867 per night) sits above Vis Town, offering panoramic views of the harbor and nearby islands. The home features a spacious living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and multiple terraces for outdoor dining. With its central position, you can enjoy both privacy of a rental and proximity to the town’s amenities.
For a more budget-friendly option, this two-bedroom waterfront stone house ($268 per night) is located in a remote cove. The off-grid house has a cozy interior and a balcony overlooking the sea, making it perfect for couples or small families.
Another great choice is this one-bedroom townhouse ($227 per night) located in the bay of Parja. It’s only a couple of miles out of town so it’s ideal for solo travelers or couples looking to explore the island’s attractions.
The best Mediterranean island for scuba divers: Malta
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Throughout history, Malta’s position in the heart of the Mediterranean made it a coveted and contested territory. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, French, Sicilians, and others have all their mark on the island, giving rise to its rich and complex cultural landscape today. Yet one of the best ways to get to explore Malta is underwater. The Maltese archipelago — whose three largest islands are Malta, Gozo, and Comino — plays host to more than 100 dive sites, from wrecks to walls to tunnels. Gozo’s 50-foot-deep Blue Hole is the most famous, offering a series of arched swim-throughs that are particularly thrilling on night dives.
Where to stay
If you’re deciding between Malta and Gozo, consider what kind of experience you’re after. Malta has cities and nightlife, Gozo, on the other hand, is my personal choice as the pace is slower and in my opinion it’s prettier. You can hop between the islands easily, just rent a car when you arrive at the airport.
In the village of Għarb on Gozo’s west side, this three-bedroom farmhouse ($208 per night) is one of the best Airbnbs I’ve ever stayed at. The house has been carefully renovated to keep its original stonework, archways, and mill room while adding modern touches like lovely pool area and a south-facing terrace that fills with sun. It’s a solid pick for families or groups who want traditional Gozitan character and the host is welcoming and very helpful. My family stayed here for a week and wished it was longer.
Just up the coast, this three-bedroom apartment ($182 per night) in Żebbuġ offers easy access to beaches and Gozo’s capital, Victoria. The terrace looks out over the hills toward a historic lighthouse, and inside, there’s a spacious dining area, a sleek kitchen, comfortable living spaces, and thoughtful touches like an espresso machine and high-quality linens.
If you’re sticking to Malta’s main island, this one-bedroom loft ($177 per night) in St. Paul’s Bay makes a stylish base for a couple. Designed by architect Richard England, it’s part artist retreat, part beach crash pad, just a short walk to the waterfront.
The best Mediterranean island for families: Naxos, Greece
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The largest island in the Cyclades, an island group that includes Santorini and Mykonos, Naxos serves up the quintessential Greek island experience without the crowds or costs of neighboring destinations that have become popular stops for Mediterranean cruises. There are educational attractions like the ruins of Potara, an unfinished temple to Apollo, and several kid-friendly beaches, including Agios Georgios outside the capital city Chora if you have little ones and Plaka Beach if your kids are old enough to try windsurfing. Best of all, Naxos has its own airport, so you won’t have to worry about schlepping the whole family and all your things on a long ferry from Athens — though it’s also close enough to the other Cyclades to plan day trips if you want.
Where to stay
Naxos is bigger than a lot of travelers expect, so it’s worth thinking about what kind of base makes the most sense. If you want easy access to beaches and day trips to other Cycladic islands, staying near Chora (Naxos Town) is the best call. If you’re more into small villages and mountain hikes, inland spots like Filoti will be a better fit. Either way, it’s easy to get around with a rental car, and nothing feels overly touristy compared to nearby islands like Mykonos.
Set just above the entrance of Naxos Venetian Castle, this two-bedroom villa ($683 per night) has a hot tub, shaded patios, and generous living spaces made for relaxed group stays. The beach — one of the best on the island for families — is an easy walk, and the villa’s outdoor kitchen and dining area make it just as tempting to stay in for the night.
Located in Kastraki, the most prestigious part of Naxos, this three-bedroom villa ($1,078 per night) mixes traditional Cycladic stonework with stylish interiors. The seaside village is a perfect destination for those who want to get away from it all and relax in a natural environment.
The best Mediterranean island for couples: Formentera, Spain
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Santorini is often marketed as the most romantic island in the Mediterranean, but sharing an intimate setting with throngs of other couples is a quick way to kill the mood. The smallest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Formentera has no such problem. That Formentera has been overshadowed by sister isle Ibiza and is only accessible by boat has allowed it to maintain a ruggedness that’s seductive in its simplicity. The beaches here are said to be some of the finest around — most famously Ses Illetes, Migjorn, and Llevant — and they’re populated with enough restaurants and bars to fill a vacation’s worth of date nights. You’ll even see a few beach clubs, but rest assured that the vibe is more siesta than Tiësto. Formentera also has lots of spa hotels, so plan on getting at least one couples massage.
Where to stay
While there are a few hotels and beachside resorts near Migjorn and Es Pujols, most travelers opt for private homes or small apartments scattered across the island. You’ll find a mix of coastal and countryside stays, many with outdoor space and just enough distance from the neighbors to feel like your own place. The island’s compact size means you’re never far from the beach — or from a fresh plate of grilled fish — no matter where you stay. Renting a scooter or car makes it easy to explore all the little corners in between.
This two-bedroom house ($193 per night) in the countryside of La Mola, the highest area of the island, is an easy pick for couples. It’s simple but spacious, with a shaded terrace and a garden where you can stretch out in the sun or read with your feet up. Beaches and restaurants are a short drive away, but the best part might be coming back here after.
A little closer to the coast, this two-bedroom traditional stone house ($276 per night) is surrounded by pine and rosemary forests in San Francesc. It has everything you need for a no-fuss beach trip — outdoor seating for late-night drinks, a lovely kitchen, and easy parking if you’re driving around the island.
The best Mediterranean island for hikers: Corsica, France
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At roughly 3,400 square miles, Corsica is the Mediterranean’s fourth-largest island. About half of it belongs to a regional nature park that’s crisscrossed by hiking trails, including the GR20 footpath that runs north-south for 112 mountainous miles. The hut-to-hut hike has been called Europe’s toughest long-distance trek, on average taking between one and two weeks to complete, but it can also be split in half from Calenzana to Vizzavona and Vizzavona to Conca. June through October is the ideal time to tackle the trail although July and August can get busy. If you want to treat yourself to a beach vacation after scaling Corsica’s peaky spine, shoot for June when the average temperature hovers around the mid-70s.
Where to stay
If you’re hiking the GR20, you’ll likely stay in mountain huts along the way — but before or after the trek, it’s worth posting up somewhere with a view, a kitchen, and space to rest your legs. These Airbnbs cover a few good jumping-off points for both the trail and the coast.
Between Pigna and Corbara, this one-bedroom stone house ($347 per night) was once a shepherd’s hut and still shows its bones — thick stone walls, minimal lines, and a setting built into the hillside. There’s a terrace with views across the maquis, an infinity pool, and a big open living space inside with a mezzanine and full kitchen.
This five-bedroom villa ($2,199 per night) in Sari-Solenzara covers everything you’d want in a base before or after a hike — panoramic sea views, a private heated pool, and walking access to Canella Beach. The house is spacious, with a fully kitted-out Gaggenau kitchen, outdoor dining setup with a pizza oven and plancha, and plenty of room across the terrace and living spaces. There’s even a separate one-bedroom glass-fronted outbuilding on the property and it’s close enough to the Aiguilles de Bavella for a day in the mountains.
The best Mediterranean island for wellness retreaters: Ischia, Italy
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The volcanic island of Ischia shares the Bay of Naples with Capri but only sees a fraction of its sister island’s tourism. This alone makes it a good candidate for a relaxing retreat, but it’s Ischia’s thermal spas that have made it a wellness destination since the days of ancient Rome. Many of the island’s hotels revolve around its thermal pools while other spas — including Sorgeto, Poseidon, and Negombo — are designed for day use. Other body and skin treatments, from massages to mud baths, are generally available as well. On the rare occasions, you’re not soaking in Ischia’s healing mineral waters, spend your downtime strolling around its many public gardens, then track down the island’s handful of vegan restaurants for light, healthful meals.
Where to stay
For easy access to thermal spas and restaurants, the towns of Forio and Ischia Porto are smart picks — both are connected by bus and ferry and have nearby beaches. Sant’Angelo, on the island’s southern coast, is slower to move through (it’s pedestrian-only), but that’s part of the appeal: the village is compact, walkable, and framed by cliffs that drop straight into the sea. If you’d rather be near hiking trails and the forested interior, staying up toward Barano or Serrara Fontana puts you closer to Mount Epomeo and some of the island’s best walking paths, with fewer people around and a more lived-in local feel.
This two-bedroom villa ($322 per night) has an infinity pool that hangs over the Bay of San Francesco on the western coast of Ischia. It has panoramic terraces overlooking the ocean, and a family-friendly beach is within five minutes walking distance.
For an extra bedroom, this dreamy three-bedroom villa ($913 per night) has a beautiful garden with a pizza oven and grill. It’s minutes from one of the major attractions, Castello Aragonese d’Ischia, where you can dine from the castle terrace with a view over the island.
The best Mediterranean island for LGBTQ travelers: Mykonos, Greece
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As far as amazing LGBTQ destinations go, Mykonos is up there with Provincetown, Fire Island, and San Francisco. It tends to attract an epicurean crowd to the island’s numerous gay bars, clubs, and hotels. LGBTQ travelers have reported feeling safe and welcome in Mykonos, but visitorship in LGBTQ spaces skews decidedly male. For gay women, Lesbos, the birthplace of the ancient poet Sappho from where the term lesbian derives, is a popular alternative. Both islands host LGBTQ-leaning events that you may want to plan your trips around, such as the Xlsior festival in Mykonos and International Eressos Women’s Festival in Lesbos.
Where to stay
If you want to be near the nightlife, the maze-like streets of Mykonos Town (Chora) are packed with bars, cafes, and late-night spots, and you’ll find Airbnbs tucked between the whitewashed houses. If beaches are your priority, look toward spots like Paradise, Super Paradise, or Ftelia. A few inland villages, like Ano Mera, offer a slower pace and bigger houses if you’re traveling with a group. Having a rental car or ATV can be helpful if you’re planning to explore different parts of the island, but parking in Chora is notoriously tricky.
This two-bedroom townhouse ($340 per night) sits right above the center of Mykonos Town, giving you easy access to restaurants, shops, and bars without getting caught in the late-night noise. The terrace has stunning views over the Aegean, and the interiors are modern but unfussy — two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a living room with a double sofa bed. Bonus: It comes with its own parking spot, which is rare for this part of the island.
A few minutes outside of town, this three-bedroom villa ($289 per night) is a strong pick for groups who want both beach time and a little more space. It’s near Ftelia Beach and the famous Alemagou Beach Bar, with a rooftop terrace, a private hot tub, and a backyard built for grill nights and lazy afternoons.
If you want to level up, this two-bedroom villa ($449 per night) near Paradise Beach comes with a private glass-sided pool, access to a shared infinity pool, an outdoor gym, and a cafe-bar on site. It’s ideal if you want to split time between beach hopping and hanging out at home without giving up resort perks.
The best Mediterranean island for nature lovers: Mljet, Croatia
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Mljet is as pristine as an Adriatic island gets, in large part because 5,400 of its forested acres are protected as one of Croatia’s eight national parks. Tourism is light in Mljet, largely centering on the fishing village of Pomena where only about 50 people live year-round. There’s one main hotel there, Hotel Odisej Mljet, but if you’re coming for a nature escape, you can pitch a tent at a number of campgrounds for less than $10 per night. When you’re not hiking through Mljet National Park, cycling around its saltwater lakes, or touring them by kayak, pop by the cave where locals believe the Odysseus of myth was once shipwrecked.
Where to stay
Where you base yourself on Mljet comes down to whether you want trails or coast at your doorstep. Pomena and Polače, on the island’s western tip, are the best bases for kayaking the lakes and hiking in the national park, though the villages are little more than a handful of cafes and a small harbor. Sobra, the main ferry port, sits roughly in the middle if you’re planning to explore by bike or car. Farther south, Babino Polje edges closer to beaches like Saplunara.
This one-bedroom stone house ($194 per night) near Sobra sits just above the water, with a private balcony that looks straight out to sea. The apartment has been refreshed with clean, modern touches but keeps its simple island charm. A short path leads down from the house to a rocky swimming cove, perfect for morning dips.
If you’re traveling with a group, this three-apartment villa ($249 per night) in Babino Polje is a good fit. It has a private heated pool, a shaded barbecue terrace, and enough indoor and outdoor space for everyone to find their own corner. Beaches like Saplunara are a short drive away, but the setup here — pool, terrace, and wide open skies — makes it tempting to stay put for the day. 
