Italian Holidays         

Six Places To Visit On The Mediterranean

What sights will you see when youre on the Mediterranean? Youll get to know six popular areas of interest here. You can learn about some of the cities and islands on the Mediterranean that are located in and around this virtually inland sea the size of the Canadian territory of Nunavut and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador combined.

• These are a few of the main attractions on the Mediterranean on the west coast of Italy:
  
  • Florence: See the Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza della Signoria; the domed cathedral known as the Duomo; and the Ponte Vecchio, a bridge across the Arno River, whose most striking feature is the multitude of shops built upon its edges. This city is without a doubt one of the most memorable destinations for me on the Mediterranean.
    
    
  • The Leaning Tower of Pisa: Intended to stand vertically so as to serve as a bell tower, but began leaning soon after construction started in 1173 due to a poorly laid foundation. The tower has 294 steps, has a height of almost 57 metres on the highest side and weighs an estimated 14,500 tonnes.
    
    
  • Naples: The San Francesco di Paola church, situated in the middle of Piazza Plebiscito, a semicircular square, which offers a spectacular view of Mount Vesuvius; and Castel Nuovo, a new castle completed in 1282, known for its important Renaissance work.
    
    
  • Costa Smeralda: Sardinias 55 kilometre-long coastal area on the Mediterranean, developed by Prince Karim Aga Khan. This 'Emerald Coast' is popular with highly affluent European and Arabian VIPs visiting from entertainment, politics and industry.
    
    

• Also on the Mediterranean, the Spanish eastern coastal city of Barcelona offers the Plaça Reial: a popular square next to Las Ramblas, a busy, kilometre-long tree-lined pedestrian mall, a favourite with both tourists and locals alike. Usually full of street theatre, cafés and market stalls, it serves as the emotional hub of the city.
  
  

• When youre on the Mediterranean you can visit Marseilles in the south of France and see the statue of the Virgin and Child on the belfry of the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica. At 162 metres, this ornate church sits atop the highest natural point in the city. As well as being a major local landmark, it is the site of a popular annual pilgrimage every August 15th.
  
  

You can see that some of these places on the Mediterranean are perhaps more interesting than others, but if you want you can check out all of them. Ask yourself which ones are most appropriate for your travel itinerary, decide how you plan to see them, whether by cruise ship, tour bus, car, train, plane, bicycle, or even on foot, and go ahead! Take that step! Enjoy yourself on the Mediterranean, and see for yourself!

By: Keith Valentine

Keith Valentine has been traveling throughout the UK, Europe and North America for years. For more on travel and a free e-zine visit: http://www.geocities.com/allkindsofarticles