When most of us think of the Mediterranean, we think of Greece, of Spain, of Italy – of the West. Yet the Eastern Mediterranean offers stacks of undiscovered gems – as well as the blue skies, clear waters and blissful beaches that everyone loves about the “Middle Sea”.Love culture? The Ancient Greeks and Romans didn't limit themselves to Greece and Italy. In fact, some of the best-preserved ruins from these periods are to be found to the south and east, in Turkey, Lebanon and even Egypt. Love food? Then Turkey and Lebanon should be on your global bucket list. Love partying? Dive into hipster Tel Aviv and bling bling Beirut. (Photo "Montaza Panorama" by alaasafei)
Herewith six Eastern Mediterranean hotspots you have to try – they're even better if you travel by boat.
Alexandria: Ghostly Catacombs and Sunken Palaces
Founded by – who else? – Alexander the Great, Alexandria was the single greatest center of learning in Hellenistic times thanks to its spectacular library, now reincarnated on the seafront.
Experienced divers can explore the underwater ruins of the palace where Cleopatra seduced Mark Anthony; eerie catacombs populated by sarcophagi and sacred bulls run deep below the city; the Citadel of Qaitbay is a picture-perfect medieval fortress; and the restaurants serve seafood so fresh the mussels are alive until they hit the pan. (Photo "Alexandria Light House" by ramywafaa)
Byblos: Iconic Restaurants and Ancient Ruins
In Byblos' glory days, the 1960s, celebrities from Brando to Bardot flocked to its gorgeous medieval harbor to dine at Pepe Fishing Club, a down-home taverna decked with nets and lobster pots. Today, this flower-filled town is Lebanon's summer party capital.
Partying not for you? Stroll down an ancient colonnade, through the medieval fortress, and to the seaside ruins of ancient Byblos, where cultures from the Phoenicians to the Greeks, Romans and Crusaders have left their mark. Or join the body beautiful Beirutis on the beach. (Photo "Couple at the Coast" by ibeeby)
Beirut: Pop-Up Rooftop Bars and World Class Food
Despite the city's troubled heritage, Beirutis love to party, and in summer Beirut comes alive with rooftop bars, serving cocktails till dawn to dressed-up revellers: try Iris, or Le Capitole. Watching the sun set – or rise, for that matter – over the Med from one of these is an experience you'll not forget.
Just as Beirutis blend English, Arabic and French when they speak, Lebanese cooking is a mouth-watering melange of Western Mediterranean, Arabic and Turkish influences, with arguably the best hummus in the Middle East.
Gorge on mezze like spicy sausages in pomegranate or the tingly sheep's cheese blend known as chancliche – or opt for global cuisine from foie gras to fresh-cut sashimi. (Photo "Beirut at Night" by truebadour)
Istanbul: Iconic Architecture Where Two Worlds Meet
Set at the precise spot where Asia meets Europe, the capital of empires for more than 1500 years, Istanbul is just bewitching.
Cruise the Bosphorus, the strait that runs through the city, dividing Asia and Europe; wander the decadent harem of Topkapı Palace; marvel at the Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque, two of the world's architectural gems; track down the best saffron at the Spice Bazaar and quirky antiques in Cihangir; or catch modern art at the waterfront Istanbul Modern.
Food-wise, don't miss baklava with syrupy, cardamom-rich Turkish coffee, succulent mussels stuffed with saffron-heavy rice, the endless variety of Turkish kebabs, or the glorious Mediterranean stews served at any down-home lokanta. (Photo "Suleymaniye Mosque" by tcimoz)
Ephesus: Aegean Blues and Ancient Theatres
Some of the best-preserved Greek and Roman architecture is not in Italy, or Greece – but Turkey. And, particularly if you can get there either early or late in the day, the ruins of Ephesus – the city to which St. Paul addressed his “Letters to the Ephesians” – are awe-inspiring.
Marvel at the two-storey frontage of the library (actually a tomb); gawp at the mosaics that adorned the villas of the wealthy; wander gymnasiums and temples; snigger at the public lavatory; and wonder at the enormous theater.
From here, if you'd like a look at the lighter side of Turkey, head to the waterparks around Kuşadasi – or watch cranes nesting on the ancient aqueducts of Selçuk. (Photo "Ancient Library" by byaccident)
Tel Aviv: Bauhaus, Beaches and Hipsters
They call Tel Aviv “the white city”, and its gorgeous Bauhaus buildings stand second only to Miami when it comes to 1930s architecture.
Add to the mix a Mediterranean seafront, lined with beaches for every persuasion, the ancient seaport of Jaffa with its Ottoman buildings and bustling markets, the hipster district of Florentine, where graf art and indie galleries merge, and an absolutely stellar modern art museum, and you'll be hooked. (Photo "Playas de Tel Aviv" by rodrigovco)
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Today's post was a guest post from Theodora Sutcliffe at EscapeArtistes.
