The 5 Most Beautiful Mediterranean Islands to Visit on a Cruise

The Mediterranean conjures up images of cobblestoned streets and seaside villages, UNESCO sites, and art and architecture abound. What better way to delve into its treasures than on a Mediterranean cruise with Silversea?

With Silversea, “the Med less travelled” will find you exploring hidden wonders and embarking on culinary adventures. Embrace the extraordinary in the Mediterranean with this expert-curated guide.

The 5 best islands of the Mediterranean

1. Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia tops the list as one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands. Its striking contrast of beautiful, blue-water beaches with rugged cliffs and rocky terrain means there’s a sought-after vacation spot for every traveler.

For the history buff, Sardinia’s diverse coastal landscape includes the Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient edifices. Within its quaint villages, travelers can slow down and savor Sardinian cuisine such as porceddu, suckling pig slowly roasted over an open fire, and pardulas, a traditional tartlet.

2. Santorini, Greece

Santorini lures visitors with its whitewashed architecture and blue-capped churches. From picture-perfect sunsets to volcanic black sand beaches, there’s so much beauty to soak in.

Picturesque towns like Oia invite you to amble down their cobblestone streets, perhaps stopping for a bite of souvlaki grilled skewers. Or, visit Akrotiri, the preserved ruins of an ancient Minoan city dubbed the “Pompeii of the Aegean.”

3. Crete, Greece

As the largest and most populous of the Greek Isles, Crete abounds with activities for the whole family — and plenty of beaches, including Elafonissi and Falassarna, to soak in the sunshine. Many travelers opt to explore the island on foot by hiking the Samaria Gorge. Crete also draws those interested in ancient civilizations with the Minoan ruins at the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archeological Museum.

4. Mallorca, Spain

A can’t-miss island in the heart of the Mediterranean is Mallorca. Surrounded by sparkling blue waters, Mallorca is the place to join the lively beach scene of Palma’s Playa de Palma and Cala Mayor.

Rich in history and culture, Palma invites you to amble through its old town, tempting with fresh seafood and sobrasada — a soft, spreadable chorizo sausage. For a blend of history and contemporary art, including the work of Gaudí, visit La Seu Cathedral. The nearby Royal Palace of La Almudaina fortress offers a look at Moorish style that is now an official summer residence for the King of Spain.

5. Malta

No Mediterranean cruise would be complete without a visit to the island nation of Malta. Travelers are drawn to Malta’s prehistoric archaeological sites in the capital city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. St John’s Co-Cathedral, from the 16th century, is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture, which houses a Caravaggio masterpiece within its gold-leafed walls.

The luxe life: Silversea activities and experiences

The Mediterranean Islands with Silversea

With so many tempting experiences, choosing an itinerary to explore the best Mediterranean Islands can feel daunting. Fortunately, the Grand Mediterranean 2027 itinerary with Silversea, sailing on Silver Dawn, offers a host of immersive experiences to uncover the very best of the Mediterranean’s top islands, including Mallorca, Sardinia, Malta, and Crete.

In Mallorca, guests can choose Shore Excursions such as biking, riding a vintage train, unlocking the secrets of Spanish cuisine, visiting a winery, and exploring the Caves of Drach. They can even attend a subterranean classical concert at one of the world's largest underwater lakes.

Sardinia’s cuisine beckons with a traditional lunch of dishes made from local ingredients at a rural, hilltop restaurant. Or, opt to visit Azienda Agrituristica Leda' d'Ittiri estate, lined with olive orchards and vineyards.

In Malta, a visit to Palazzo Parisio and Gardens means strolling alongside sculptures, ornamental ponds, and a variety of trees and flowers from around the world, some over three centuries old. Or, uncover the beauty and filming locales of the Game of Thrones series on a sightseeing excursion to San Anton Gardens and Palace, Mdina, Mdina Gate, Verdala Palace, and the Buskett Gardens.

Just days later, on the island of Crete, culinary excursions continue visiting pastry shops and wineries where guests can sip local wines and extra virgin olive oil. For active adventurers, paddle the coastline in a kayak or step aboard a sailboat to explore the Gulf of Chania.

S.A.L.T. Culinary Program

Seafood, wine, and buttery pastries. What would the Mediterranean be without its cuisine?

The signature Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) culinary program invites guests to explore the Mediterranean through food on board and ashore. The program connects regional flavors to the people, places, and traditions behind them, from local markets and family recipes to destination-inspired menus and expert-led culinary storytelling.

Depending on the ship and itinerary, S.A.L.T. programming may include:

• S.A.L.T. Experiences: Culinary-focused Shore Excursions that bring guests ashore to meet local chefs, vintners, farmers, and food artisans. In the Mediterranean, these may include experiences such as an eco-farm picnic near Portofino, cheese-making traditions in Mykonos, or Croatian cooking methods at a family homestead in Dubrovnik.
• S.A.L.T. Kitchen: A complimentary restaurant with an ever-changing destination-inspired menu, regional specialties, hyperlocal fare, and a curated selection of regional wines.
• S.A.L.T. Bar: A complimentary cocktail venue where mixologists use local ingredients and traditional spirits to create regionally inspired drinks.
• S.A.L.T. Lab: A professional-grade teaching kitchen for hands-on cooking classes focused on regional techniques, ingredients, and culinary traditions.
• S.A.L.T. Talks: Complimentary onboard lectures and live cooking demonstrations that explore how regional dishes reflect history, migration, tradition, and innovation.
• S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table: An intimate evening experience that presents an 11-course menu of small plates inspired by the setting, season, and regional ingredients.

FAQs

What are the 10 largest islands in the Mediterranean?

The ten largest Mediterranean Islands by area are: Sicily, Sardinia, Cyprus, Corsica, Crete, Euboea, Mallorca, Lesbos, Rhodes, and Chios.

What is the best Mediterranean island to visit?

That depends on the type of travel you seek. Mallorca tops the list as the best all-around for beaches, hiking, and culture, while Sardinia and Sicily are known for beautiful beaches. In Greece, Santorini is a classic choice for iconic sunsets, while Crete attracts hikers and explorers.

What is the most luxurious, classiest Greek island?

Travelers love Mykonos — rich with exclusive villas, high-end shopping, and chic beach clubs — as a luxury destination. For romantic luxury, sweethearts flock to Santorini.

Sail to the Mediterranean with Silversea

These five best islands of the Mediterranean are just some of the sought-after destinations you’ll experience with Silversea. As you’re choosing a Mediterranean itinerary, consider the many islands you can discover with Silversea — such as the Portuguese Azores of volcanic craters, sapphire lakes, and hot springs, or the coastal villages of Saint-Tropez, where you can indulge in waterfront lunches at charming bistros with a chilled rosé. Wherever you choose, Silversea brings you the timeless magic of the Mediterranean.

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