Mediterranean Itinerary: 3 Weeks
Clustered with charming towns, cliff-hanging villages and unspoiled seaside splendour, the Mediterranean is a mecca for ocean lovers. Shine a spotlight on one of Europe’s top escapes with this 3 Week Mediterranean Itinerary.
Touted with technicolour terrain, top-notch pursuits and swoon-worthy beaches, the Mediterranean is a must-see. Hammering home on this not-so-humble coastline, you can prance around a panoply of pleasurable pursuits. Whether you want to savour authentic cuisine, cruise through ancient hubs or lie under a palm-frond parasol, this crashing coast is bound to leave you in awe.
The Mediterranean Lover’s Route: Cyprus, Malta, Italy & Spain
This 21-day Europe Itinerary illuminates the Med’s most charismatic hot spots. Kicking off in the crystal-clear waters of Cyprus, you'll discover the depths of Paphos and Nicosia.
After basking in the sunshine, you’ll then make your way over to honey-coloured Malta for the next few days. After exploring the inventory of island enclaves, you’ll pop over to southern Italy’s sprightly Sicily.
From there, you’ll make your way ‘up the boot’ to the country’s capital city, Rome. After a few days of dabbling delight, pop over to northeastern Spain. Wander astray in the intriguing world of Barcelona, before heading down the coast to Valencia.
Put the cherry on top of your trip as you unwind in the blissful Balearic Islands, Mallorca and Menorca. With this Mediterranean itinerary, you can ruminate on all the rapture!
Day 1-3: Paphos, Cyprus
Day 4: Nicosia, Cyprus
Day 5-7: Valletta, Comino Islands & Gozo, Malta
Day 8-11: Sicily, Italy
Day 12-14: Rome, Italy
Day 15-17: Barcelona, Spain
Day 18: Valencia, Spain
Day 19-20: Mallorca, Spain
Day 21: Menorca, Spain
Day 1-3: Paphos, Cyprus
After arriving in Cyprus, kick off your Mediterranean itinerary in the country's stellar southwestern sojourn, Paphos.
There really couldn’t be a better spot to get this show on the road! Encapsulating ethereal archaeological sites, winding trekking trails and untouched natural landscapes, this destination is an adventure lovers' oasis. Spend the next few days meandering through the myriad mosaics, time-worn ruins and eerie tombs.
Dive deep into Cypriot culture as you marvel at the quaint churches, get your history hat on as you explore the landmarks and lock lips with the authentic dining scene.
Things to do in Paphos:
Go for a splash in Akamas and the Blue Lagoon
Hike up the Troodos Mountains
Go wild on a seaside quad safari
Check out Limassol & the Rock of Aphrodite
Say ‘Argh, me hearties’ on a pirates cruise
See the Archaeological Site of the Tombs of the Kings
Visit the House of Dionysus
Scream like a kid at Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark
Swing by Petra tou Romiou (Aphrodite’s Rock)
Where to Stay in Paphos:
€€: Almyra
Day 4: Nicosia, Cyprus
After frolicking around Paphos for your first three days, catch a bus or drive down to Nicosia.
Split into two sides, North Nicosia and South Nicosia, this destination provides an interesting peek at Cyprus’ history and culture. Dive deep into the Cyprus Museum, admire the details in Büyük Han and swing past Nicosia’s Venetian fortifications.
Keep an eye out for a mix of Byzantine and Moorish architecture, wander through the character-packed Old Town and head up to the Shacolas Tower Museum & Observatory.
Things to do in Nicosia:
Discover the St. Hilarion Castle & Bellapais tour
Dabble in the tastes of a wine tour in the Troodos Mountains
Enjoy an all-inclusive tour of Nicosia and Kyrenia
Hop on a ghost town tour
Visit Selimiye Camii Mosque
Check out the Cyprus Museum
Where to Stay in Nicosia:
€: Urban Habitat Executive Suites
€€€: Madama Residence
Day 5-7: Valletta, Comino Islands & Gozo, Malta
From Cyprus, catch a flight over to Malta’s capital city, Valletta. Spend the next three days marvelling at this Mediterranean mecca.
Pop into St. John’s Co-Cathedral, get a dose of greenery in the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens and stop for a drink at sunset on the Valletta Waterfront.
Get lost in Gozo’s ancient streets, relish in the flavours of Maltese cuisine and see the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu. Visit Wied il-Ghasri, see the scenery from Tal-Mixta Cave and head to the Azure Window for spine-tingling views.
Spend at least a full day in Comino Island’s Blue Lagoon. Explore the hidden coves, dive into the turquoise-coloured waters and venture off the beaten track. Don’t miss out on a thing with this 3-Day Malta Itinerary.
Things to do in Valletta:
Hop on a Gozo, Comino & Blue Lagoon sightseeing cruise
Get gobsmacked by the Ggantija Temples on a day trip
See it all on a Malta & Mdina day tour
Go wild on a Gozo Jeep tour
Get involved in a scuba diving lesson in St. Paul’s Bay
Relish in the flavours on a street food walking tour
See the highlights of a Valletta walking tour
Bask in the breeze on a Crystal Lagoon & Seacaves tour
Where to Stay in Malta:
Day 8-11: Sicily, Italy
Kick off your second week in the Mediterranean in style! From Malta, hop on a ferry or take a flight over to Sicily. Italy's southern island is the sun-drenched sojourn you’ve dreamed of.
Spend the next four days traversing the teeming cathedrals, temples and time-worn ruins. Quench your appetite with typical Italian gastronomy, stand in awe at the Byzantine and Baroque influences and uncover the riveting culture that’s ingrained deep sown in Southern Italy. Visit the Valley of the Temples, enter the Cattedrale di Monreale Cathedral and feast your eyes on the grandiose Teatro Antico di Taormina.
Get greened out in the Riserva Naturale Orientata dello Zingaro nature reserve, see the dormant Mount Etna volcano and splash around in the crystal-clear waters of Cefalù.
Things to do in Sicily:
Learn how to cook in a pizza-making class in Taormina
Get feisty on a jeep & hiking tour of Mount Etna
Enjoy the views on a Favignana & Levanzo cruise
Jump aboard a boat trip to Panarea & Stromboli
Get lost in the Valley of the Temples
Hop on a day trip to Monreale & Cefalù
Visit Norman Palace
Pop by the Fontana Pretoria fountain
Where to Stay in Sicily:
Day 12-14: Rome, Italy
After dabbling in the delights of sun-drenched Sicily, catch a flight or jump on a high-speed train to the country’s capital city, Rome.
There’s no doubt that this chunk of the Mediterranean itinerary will have you on the edge of your seat… Meander around the myriad monuments and marvel at the Roman ruins that have withstood time’s tendency to obliterate. The Eternal City is touted with a rich tapestry of galleries, museums and landmarks that are sure to excite you.
Pop into the Pantheon and St. Peter's Basilica, before locking lips with gelato at the Trevi Fountain. Explore the Roman Forum and colossal-sized Colosseum, head into the Vatican Museums and recharge with a coffee in Piazza Navona.
Things to do in Rome:
Check out the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Wizz around on a classic Vespa
Taste the best gelato in Rome
Enjoy all the highlights on a hop-on hop-off bus
Discover the Borghese Gallery
Tour around the gigantic Colosseum
Eat yourself into a food coma on a local street food tour
Visit St Peter’s Basilica
Where to Stay in Rome:
€€€: Bio Hotel Raphael
Day 15-17: Barcelona, Spain
After exploring Cyprus, Malta and Italy, make your way over southwestern Europe. Catch a flight or high-speed train over to Barcelona, where you’ll begin the last leg of your journey.
Sitting on Spain’s northeastern coast, spend the next three days getting immersed in local life. Watch time tick by from a beachside bar, go for a sunset stroll in the palm-fringed Barceloneta Beach and get loose in the nightlife scene. Recover from your hangover in the speciality coffee scene, pick out a killer outfit in the best vintage stores and shine a light on Gaudi’s most-visited monuments.
See all of the highlights with this 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary, or go beyond the city and head out on a day trip.
Note: If you’ve already been to Barcelona, you could consider spending 3 Days in Madrid.
Things to do in Barcelona:
Catch all the details of the Sagrada Familia
See the mosaics in Park Güell
Hop on a day trip to Lloret de Mar
Soak up the ocean breeze on a sunset catamaran cruise
Feel the beat of an Andalusian-inspired flamenco show
Keep your wallet happy with the Hola Barcelona Card
Don’t miss a thing with an Old Town & Gothic Quarter walking tour
See it all on a hop-on hop-off bus
Take a day trip to Tarragona
Where to Stay in Barcelona:
€€: Hotel Lleó
€€€: W Barcelona
Day 18: Valencia, Spain
After meandering through the myriad pursuits in Barcelona, hop on a high-speed train down to Valencia.
Spend the day sunbaking at the beach, exploring the famous architecture and strolling alongside the verdant gardens. Wind through the Old Town, soak up the hipster vibes in Ruzafa and get in amongst nature at the Parc Natural de l’Albufera.
Take your Mediterranean itinerary up a notch with this guide on the Top Things to do in Valencia, Spain.
Things to do in Valencia:
Fit it all in one day on a hop-on hop-off bus
Enjoy a rooftop wine and tapas from the City of Arts and Sciences
Discover the wildlife in Albufera
Take a day trip to Alicante
Visit Valencia Cathedral & La Lonja de la Seda
Check out the wind-sculpted Caves of San José
Hit the water on a sunset catamaran cruise
Get enticed by a flamenco show
Where to Stay in Valencia:
€€€: Ilunion Aqua 4
Day 19-20: Mallorca, Spain
After some sightseeing in Valencia, hop on a ferry over to Spain's scenic Balearic Islands. Spend the next two days on the biggest island, Mallorca.
After making your way through Cyprus, Malta and Sicily, it's time to wind up the trip in the bliss-inducing Balearic Islands. Venture off the beaten path into hidden coves, sail around at sunset and discover hidden mountain hideaways.
Soak up the sun from the best beaches in Mallorca, hike or bike through the soaring Sierra de Tramontana mountains and peruse the panoply of time-worn castles.
In this part of the Mediterranean itinerary, you could additionally hop on a day trip to nearby Ibiza and Formentera.
Things to do in Mallorca:
Soak up the Mediterranean breeze on a catamaran cruise
Head out on a dolphin-watching tour
Embark on a mountain horse riding experience
Visit the Caves of Hams
Test your skills on an off-road quad-bike tour
Enjoy an island tour with a boat & train ride
See the highlights on a hop-on hop-off bus
Where to Stay in Mallorca:
€: Hostal Pons
€€: Desbrull
€€€: Palma Riad
Day 21: Menorca, Spain
Wind up your Mediterranean itinerary on the ever-idyllic island of Menorca. From Mallorca, hop on a ferry and make your around for the ultimate foray.
Bring your Mediterranean itinerary to a close on this tranquil island. Enjoy an afternoon in the green-graced vineyards, spot wildlife at the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve or stop by the age-old ruins. Frolic around the wind-sculpted fortresses, bathe in impossibly blue water and stop for a vermut rojo in the Ciutadella. Spend the day at the beach or right by a hidden cove, and unwind and disconnect as you reflect on everything you’ve done.
For the full scoop, check out this guide on the Best Things to do in Menorca.
Things to do in Menorca:
Take a harbour cruise from Port Mahon
Hop on a speedboat tour of Albufera des Grau
Cruise around on a boat tour
Scream like crazy on a parasailing experience
Get wet on a snorkelling safari
Get active kayaking along the coast
Feel the fun at the Splash Sur Menorca
Trot around on a horseback riding tour
Where to Stay in Menorca:
€€€: Meliá Cala Galdana
Best Time To Visit The Mediterranean
This depends highly on your travel style, and what you’re aiming to get out of the trip.
The best time to visit the Mediterranean is during the off-peak seasons of May and June or September and October. During the latter two, both the weather and water are still quite warm, and flights and hotel rates are more cost-effective.
Europe’s summer season hosts the best weather, but it comes at a cost. You can expect massive crowds and skyrocketing prices from June to August, so if that’s something you’re willing to put up with, then by all means. If the summertime is a non-negotiable, I’d recommend doing your Mediterranean itinerary at the beginning of June or at the very end of August.
Travel Tips for Your Mediterranean Itinerary
The Mediterranean coast is a bucket list destination for many globetrotters. Harbouring some of the earth’s most ethereal escapades, you can surely see why.
When visiting Europe, there are a few things to consider beforehand. Here are some of the top tried-and-tested tips:
Find out how to master the art of scoring cheap flights
Book your flights and accommodation well in advance
Consider high-speed trains, buses and ferries too
Don’t be afraid to wander astray from the tourist trail
Revise your European visa requirements
Buy a local SIM card. See this full guide on the Best eSIMs for Europe.
Make a travel budget and organise a savings plan for your trip to the Mediterranean
Brush up on basic phrases and vocabulary before you go
Make sure there’s room for spontaneity – don’t overdo your itinerary
Shop for local produce in markets
Make sure you know how to pack light
Get organised with travel insurance
Watch out for pickpockets, particularly in busy cities like Barcelona and Rome
Put less of a dent in your wallet with free walking tours
Carry only a small amount of cash on you
How to Get Around the Mediterranean
Each part of the Mediterranean is unique, and there’s a world of different ways to get around.
Whether it’s buses, trains, ferries or flights, getting organised can make your trip fairly hassle-free. Here are the top ways to get around the Mediterranean:
Catch the bus
As one of the most affordable ways to get around the mainland of the Mediterranean coast, taking the bus is a relatively straightforward option. Flixbus is a crowd favourite among locals, but you can compare prices and routes with Busbud. If you’re a backpacker, you can save money on a night’s accommodation by opting for an overnight bus.
Take the train
Home to a huge haul of high-speed trains, cities like Rome, Sicily and Barcelona are well-connected. Before you embark on your Mediterranean itinerary, compare train schedules and prices on Omio or Trainline.
If you’re booking a multi-destination ticket, European residents can opt for an Interrail pass and non-European residents can select a Eurail pass.
Fly on an aeroplane
This is easily the fastest way to get around the Mediterranean coast and you can compare various airlines using Skyscanner.
If your flight gets cancelled or delayed for more than 3 hours, take a look at Compensair to see if you can reap compensation.
Hire a car
Hiring a car offers a slice of freedom that really can't be matched. When it comes down to restricting timetables and luggage limits, you can leave that all behind. This option comes with a slower-paced style attached to it, so you may have to factor in more time for driving to each destination.
If you want to hire a car for the entire itinerary, you can also consider ferries from country to country. There are plenty of connections between countries like Malta, Italy and Spain.
Go on a tour or cruise
Although I’m not a big fan of cruises or tour groups, I do understand the appeal. If you’re looking for a laid-back holiday, booking a tour or cruise is a great way of not having to lift a finger. With transport and everything else included, you can really focus on the destination.
Average Cost for 3 Weeks in the Mediterranean
When it comes to saving for a trip, getting organised can be quite a challenge.
Thanks to these 8 Simple Steps, you can master the art of budgeting for travel. Here is the average cost of a trip to the Mediterranean for a budget, backpacker and luxury budget.
Average
The average cost for a 3 week Mediterranean is around $2,000 per person. With this, you’ll be able to dine out most nights. With basic public transport and a private room at a hostel or hotel, included you’ll also have a little room for activities too.
Budget
The average cost for a backpacker budget is approximately $1,500. To ensure you keep it to that number, you’ll need to book your flights and accommodation well in advance. With limited public transport and cooking at your hostel, you’ll be set for a 3 week trip.
Luxury
Luxury living, baby! The average cost for a trip around the Mediterranean is anywhere over $6,000. In this three week itinerary, you can enjoy the most notorious resorts, and world-class restaurants and set out on private tours.
FAQS
How many European countries can you see in 3 weeks?
If you’re planning a trip to Europe for 3 weeks, you can see at least 3-4 different countries. Alternatively, you could visit two countries and explore the majority of the cities and towns within each.
How much money do I need for 3 weeks in Europe?
The average cost for 21 days in Europe varies according to your destination, travel style, number of travellers and preferences. Here are the general costs involved for a backpacker, average and luxury trip. Note that these totals vary depending on the destination in Europe e.g., Scandinavia is much more expensive than Portugal.
Average: €2000
Backpacker: €1500
Luxury: €4500+
Can you do Europe in 3 weeks?
In 3 weeks, you can visit at least 3 to 4 countries. You certainly can’t see it all in 21 days, and you shouldn’t try to, either. Europe boasts something special in every corner, and slow-paced travel offers more authentic experiences.
Can you do Italy and Greece in 3 weeks?
With a 3-week Greece and Italy itinerary, you can see all of the most popular tourist destinations like Rome, Milan, Venice, Athens, Santorini and Crete. You may have time to enjoy some of the less-frequented spots like Tuscany, Bari, Naples, Naxos and Milos.
Why Visit The Mediterranean?
Abundant with astonishing architecture, ancient ruins and impossibly blue water lapping onto golden sands, the Mediterranean is one of Europe’s most stellar sojourns. From the hilltop villages to the charming coastal towns, this gem is coined for its culture, cuisine and sun-drenched sites.
Before you get going on your upcoming trip, save this 3 Week Mediterranean Itinerary!
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