When many people think of Mediterranean vacations, images of the summertime sun and lying on beautiful beaches come to mind. However, the Mediterranean region is also a perfect getaway spot to beat the cold-weather blues during the winter season. Some of the best Mediterranean areas to visit this winter include the French and Italian Rivieras, Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Portugal’s Estoril Coast, and the Spanish coastline.
Another travel perk is that airfare prices for many European locations tend to drop during the winter, making it the perfect time to explore Europe on a budget. Depending on where you live, winter is much easier to bear when you have an amazing trip in mind to plan and look forward to. These are some of the best resorts in the Mediterranean for winter travel.
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, Morocco
If you’re planning to spend some time in Casablanca, a 5-star luxury resort called Mazagan is just 90 kilometers away. It’s located at the edge of a eucalyptus forest that overlooks the El Haouzia beach. You can easily visit the nearby historic 16th-century cities of El Jadida and Azemmour when you stay at this resort. Some other popular local excursions go to Oualidia, Safi, and Marrakech. Not only does Mazagan have a central and convenient location, but is also a place to play golf, taste fine dining, and bring the kids along. The resort has modern rooms and suites that offer beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean, the lagoons, the golf course, as well as the patio, swimming pool, and luxurious gardens.
Santa Caterina - Amalfi, Italy
With some of the best balcony views in the world, Santa Caterina resort is a 19th-century villa situated in the beauty of Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The resort is a Conde Nast Award Winner and a Travel & Leisure Award Winner and is one of the only 5-star hotels on the Amalfi Coast that allows children. It features a private beach club, lush gardens, terrace dining, and a beach club pool with fresh saltwater. It’s only a mile from Amalfi, so you can easily explore the town as well while staying here. Popular water activities in the area include jet-skiing, sailing, scuba diving, water skiing, and windsurfing.
Coral Beach Hotel & Resort - Paphos, Cyprus
The Coral Beach Hotel and Resort is located on the edge of the Akamas Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site along the western coast of Cyprus. Here you’ll find chic rooms along the beach and a 164-foot pool that’s perfect for getting in a few laps. It is situated on more than 1,600 feet of natural sandy beach with its own private harbor. Watch the boats sail by and feel the sea breeze across your face, then enter Akamas and enjoy the scenery either by horseback, 4×4 jeep, or by boat.
Anassa Hotel - Paphos, Cyprus
Another top-notch resort in Paphos is the Anassa Hotel, which is a luxury 5-star hotel on the Mediterranean shore of Cyprus. It’s a hot spot for weddings, and corporate meetings, and it’s also family-friendly. Anassa means “queen” in ancient Greek, and the resort is a beautiful blend of classical architecture and nature-inspired design. You can take advantage of marine-based detox programs, lifestyle consultations, seasonal local produce, and sea-view fine dining during your stay. There are both indoor and outdoor pools to relax along and play clubs for children. Almost all of the rooms and suites have private sea-facing balconies, and beach access couldn’t be easier.
Casa Angelina - Amalfi Coast, Italy
Casa Angelina features luxurious rooms and suites along the Amalfi Coast. The best place to stay here is in the ultra-exclusive Eaudesa rooms, which are almost at sea level. The resort’s Un Piano Nel Cielo restaurant serves territorial cuisine with a gourmet touch. You can indulge in a pampering spa treatment and then head out to the beach to sip seaside drinks by the water. Almost directly below this resort lies La Gavitella, which is one of Amalfi’s best beaches. Here you’ll find spacious areas to swim, sunbathe, and explore by canoe and hired boat.
Dakhla Attitude - Dakhla, Morocco
If your idea of a perfect trip involves plenty of adrenaline-pumping water sports, then Dakhla is your perfect Mediterranean destination. Dakhla is a quaint fishing port at the edge of a tranquil lagoon, and its beaches are filled with sand dunes and lots of wildlife. This is an excellent place for windsurfers and kitesurfers because of the waves and since the water stays a consistent 25-degrees Celsius. You can view migratory birds, dolphins, and seals from atop the sand dunes here as well. The resort’s “Dragon Camp” is composed of luxury bungalows built on three levels in harmony with the natural scenery. For more luxurious lodging, you can book the VIP Ocean or VIP Sand rooms, which feature views over Dakhla Attitude’s main spot, Dakhla’s peninsula, and the Dragon Island.
Be Live Collection Saïdia Hotel, Morocco
For family-friendly Mediterranean travel, check out Be Live Collection Saïdia, a Moroccan resort on the northern coast and the eastern border of the country. This resort caters to travelers who seek wide-open spaces and lots of relaxation. The beaches here are beautifully maintained, and there are shaded parks nearby to relax in the natural environment. Take a scenic stroll along the expansive coastline and bring the whole family out for some water sports lessons. If you’re looking for an easy road trip, consider traveling 30 miles south to Oudja to see the fortifications and lovely medina.
Villa Felice - Amalfi Coast, Italy
Villa Felice is perched atop the rocky Amalfi Coast and features a quiet atmosphere with unparalleled scenic views. This resort has comfortable and spacious rooms, many of which even have a terrace that overlooks the gulf. Some rooms have an in-room Jacuzzi and shower tub as well for the ultimate relaxation experience. There’s a restaurant, bar, and lift to a private Amalfi beach. The hotel offers activity excursions as well. Definitely take a boat trip to experience the power of the Mediterranean Sea. A park called The Nereids is near the hotel and offers exclusive swimming opportunities in a pool that has stunning views of the coast.
