Old Town, Skopelos, Sporades Islands, Greece
The Mediterranean islands offer a rich variety of sights, cultures, cuisines and cultures.
Nowhere on earth is so much history concentrated in and around a single sea. The
Mediterranean is the birthplace of western civilization and there is plenty of archaeology
left to see along with some of the best beaches, walks and nightlife in the world.
The Mediterranean diet is particularly healthy with its reliance on olive oil,
fresh vegetables and fish. There are strong themes running throughout the different
cuisines of the region reflecting the historical background, agricultural traditions and climate.
For example, pitta bread served with humous (crushed chick peas, olive oil and tahini) and olives
is a common snack served from Greece to North Africa.
The Mediterranean climate is sub-tropical and generally pleasant. Summers are
hot and dry, with seasonal strong winds from North Africa. Winters are generally mild but wetter with occasional
stormy conditions. The normally placid Mediterranean sea can be whipped into a surprisingly
rough body of water outside the summer months.