Collaborative post
Food is a highlight of holidays in the Mediterranean. Sun-drenched coastlines lined by traditional fishing communities and busy cities celebrate fresh seafood while vibrant citrus fruits, tangy olives and colourful vegetables thrive in the mountainous interiors. Cuisine has been central in these countries for centuries, and the authentic dishes showcase core elements of the region’s rich heritage. Discover the must-try dishes in the main destinations, from Spain to Türkiye.
Spain
Food is a cornerstone of life in Spain, bringing together friends and family each day and underpinning regional events from Holy Week to Seville’s Feria de Abril.
A visit to the Mediterranean coast will highlight the nation’s love of seafood, through dishes like shellfish paella and soups and stews with fish and squid. The Catalan region is famous for its “mar i muntanya” cuisine where land and sea meet in unexpected combinations. Spain’s reliance on fresh vegetables, olive oil and cured meats also shines through wherever you go. Follow the iconic chilled tomato soup gazpacho with tapas, small sharing plates brimming with flavour.
Greece
The list of amazing locations for Greece holidays is as long as your arm, from the capital Athens which celebrates the nation’s ancient history to captivating islands like Corfu. Wherever you go, you’ll find an emphasis on simple dishes made using quality fresh ingredients, perfumed by herbs like oregano and mint and enriched with olive oil.
Spend evenings by the sea eating souvlaki – skewers of grilled meat served with cooling tzatziki – or Greek salads with sweet tomatoes and chunks of salty feta. Moussaka, a hot dish with layers of potato, aubergine and lamb mince, is a heartier meal that nevertheless still bursts with freshness. Seasonal vegetables are celebrated throughout the year, usually grilled and served with olive oil.
Italy
If any country’s cuisine is universally beloved, it’s Italy’s. Pizza, which originated in Naples, is celebrated across the globe, and who isn’t tempted by a simple yet satisfying pasta dish?
The south is famed for its tomatoes which have an intense sweetness thanks to the months of hot sunshine throughout the spring and summer. These are reduced into rich sauces and served fresh with garlic and salt atop bruschetta. Across the sea, Sicily is renowned as having one of the healthiest diets in the world with wholegrains, plant fats protein and fruit and vegetables dominating. Discover the delicious combination of seafood and citrus in the spaghetti alle vongole and the signature sweet and sour aubergine stew caponata.
Türkiye
Straddling both Europe and Asia, Türkiye fuses contrasting flavours in its food. The grilled meats and seafood traditional of Mediterranean cuisine combines with aromatic dips like hummus and baba ghanoush laden with rich spices like cumin. There’s crossover with Greece in dishes like coban salatasi – a Turkish shepherd’s salad with cucumbers and tomatoes dressed with olive oil – and with Spanish tapas in the traditional meze.
Don’t skip the sweet stuff while you’re in Türkiye. Baklava, layered filo pastry with chopped nuts and honey, is a firm favourite with adults and children alike, while the perfumed rose-flavoured Turkish delight continues to divide opinion.