MEDITERRANEAN | 103
ANTIQUE TEMPLE OF APOLLO
DIDIM, TURKEY
CASTELLÓN, SPAIN
This capital city along the Costa del Azahar (Orange
Blossom Coast) offers hinterlands and verdant landscapes
to complement its beaches. Look for Fadri Tower and the
Gothic cathedral in its historic quarter and the medieval
walled town of Peñíscola along the north coast.
MELILLA, SPAIN
One of two autonomous Spanish cities on the Moroccan
coast (the other is Ceuta, near Gibraltar), Melilla
features a monumental military fortress, a surprising
collection of modernist buildings and a unique fusion
of Mediterranean, European and African cuisine.
PORTO SANTO STEFANO, ITALY
Linked to the Tuscan mainland via three isthmuses,
Porto Santo Stefano boasts a laid-back seafront that
draws summer crowds, a 16th-century military fortress
built by the Spanish and an 18th-century convent that
offers views of the Tuscan archipelago.
PONZA, ITALY
Off the coast of Italy’s Lazio region, stroll among the
wild orchids of Ponza’s Botanical Gardens, seek out the
island’s fascinating mix of Etruscan, Roman, Egyptian
and Greek ruins, or simply bask in the wonderfully
casual Mediterranean vibe.
GOZO, MALTA
Discover Gozo’s mix of breathtaking natural features,
historic fortifications and megalithic temples, from a
natural limestone arch called Azure Window to the
cathedral and museums of the Cittadella (Citadel).
Later, sample a local drop at an acclaimed winery.
LIMNOS, GREECE
Experience Greece at its authentic best on this
Northern Aegean island of thriving fishing communities,
intriguing ancient ruins, secluded stretches of sandy
beaches, a medieval hilltop kastro (castle) and a winemaking
culture mentioned in Homer’s Iliad.
SKIATHOS, GREECE
Pine-forested mountains sloping to dazzling, white sand
beaches await upon this most popular of the Sporades
Islands. Explore Skiathos Town’s whitewashed alleys,
restaurants and quaint tavernas and the remains of the
island’s medieval capital of Kastro, abandoned since 1830.
CESME, TURKEY
Historical treasures abound in this popular Aegean
resort town. Explore a 6th-century BCE temple
dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, the ancient ruins
of 7th-century BCE Erythrai and magnificent Cesme
Castle before people-watching over a Turkish coffee in
nearby Alacati.
DIDIM, TURKEY
Districts named Altınkum (Golden Sand), Gümüşkum
(Silver Sand) and Sarıkum (Yellow Sand) reveal Didim’s
modern appeal, but its most famous ancient monument
— the Temple of Apollo in the village of Didyma — was
once home to the second most influential oracle
after Delphi.
MELILLA, SPAIN
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