10 of the best Mediterranean islands for foodies

For an island escape with a focus on food, look no further than these ten Mediterranean hotspots. Spend your days beach hopping, then graze your way around seaside tavernas, beach bars and farm-to-fork fincas to feast on grilled seafood, regional pasta and minerally volcanic wines. Take your pick of islands off Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain or France for the ultimate summer foodie getaway.

For more travel inspiration, check out our guide to the best Greek islands or our favourite Italian hotels to live the dolce vita.

Best Mediterranean islands for foodies

Formentera, Spain

Loved for its powdery white beaches, crystal-clear waters and largely untouched landscapes, Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands – and arguably the most serene. Long favoured by those in search of a slower pace of life, the island draws travellers from across the world with its laid-back atmosphere and quietly bohemian spirit. Despite its growing reputation, much of the island remains undeveloped and there are strict limits on car use. Instead, visitors are encouraged to explore by bike or on foot, following sandy paths that wind through pine forests, salt flats and coastal dunes.

Nature is central to the island’s appeal. Just offshore lies the vast seagrass meadow of Posidonia oceanica, a Unesco World Heritage-listed ecosystem that plays a vital role in keeping the surrounding waters so clear. Perhaps that’s why there’s so much great seafood to be found on the island.

Chilled yet chic could be a motto for the whole of Formentera, but it especially applies to its restaurants. Beso Beach is a laidback yet lively restaurant that serves some of the best paella on the island. Juan y Andrea on Platja Illetes has been open since the 70s and is another place for piled-high seafood platters. For a fun sunset dinner, head to Restaurante Dunas de Formentera for croaker ceviche, local squid with garlic and parsley and Iberian pork ravioli.

Where to stay: Only accessible by boat, boutique hotel Teranka is right on the beach, flanked by pines. Its 35 rooms, from self-catering suites to doubles with private terraces, are bright spaces accented with local art and furniture. Check rates and availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com.

Then there’s Dunas de Formentera, an eco-luxury hotel among the dunes of Migjorn beach. Each of its 45 rooms has sea views and direct access to the beach. Check rates and availability at booking.com or hilton.com.

Porquerolles, France

Just off the Côte d’Azur, Porquerolles is the largest of the Îles d’Hyères – and one of the French Riviera’s prettiest escapes. There’s another good reason to visit: the island has roughly 320 sunny days a year. Largely protected as part of Port-Cros National Park, Porquerolles feels at one with nature: cars are scarce, pine forests line the sandy beaches and vineyards stretch inland. Visitors typically explore by bike, cycling between coves like Plage de Notre‑Dame and Plage d’Argent, before lingering over lunch in one of the harbour villages.

If you’re after true French finery, book a table at Michelin-starred L’Olivier, which is open from April to October. For more casual dining, lunchtime-only sister restaurant La Pinède serves French classics on a terrace that overlooks pine forests. There are lots of lovely bistros too. Le Pélagos can be found on a pretty square in Armes, serving plancha-cooked squid with parsley and aioli verde beneath banana trees. Right on the water, L'Escale is another casual restaurant that’s popular for its seafood, tapas and cocktails. There’s one other important spot to know: Coco Frio, the place to head to for a scoop of cooling ice-cream.

Where to stay: Le Mas du Langoustier has been a hotspot on this island since 1934. Only open in the summer months, the hotel’s easy to spot thanks to its earthy pink walls and pastel blue shutters. There’s a swimming pool, two tennis courts and access to the Black Beach. The hotel also has its own marine base for watersports. Check rates and availability at langoustier.com.

Sifnos, Greece

It felt like everyone on Instagram was in Sifnos last summer. And with good reason – it’s probably the most food-focused island in Greece. Part of the Cyclades, Sifnos is low-key yet atmospheric: it’s dotted with whitewashed villages and more than 300 blue-domed churches, and there’s a network of walking paths that link some of its best beaches with these hillside towns (our pick is clifftop Kastro).

Locals are proud of the island’s link to celebrated 20th-century chef Nikolaos Tselementes, who was born here. Tavernas still serve his traditional dishes like slow-cooked chickpea stew and mastelo lamb. For modern twists on those dishes, try Cantina and Pelicanos, where chef-owner Giorgos Samoilis celebrates hyper-seasonal, local, produce-led cooking. Cantina works with whatever the sea yields that day, including often-overlooked species like lionfish. Pelicanos is a Cycladic brasserie on the sandy shores of Faros beach. Expect dishes such as the Greek double cheese melt, sandwiched between 48-hour fermented sourdough from nearby Betty’s Bakery or red shrimp oshizushi – sushi rice topped with torched Kilados red shrimp, spices and wild fennel.

Where to stay: Nós is a collection of rooms and villas in Sifnos’s rugged hills, next to Faros beach and close to the popular Chrisopigi Monastery. Designed in a chic yet restrained style, each of the spacious interiors open up into secluded courtyards, terraces and balconies. There’s also an open-air gym and spa. Check rates and availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com.

Spetses, Greece

Just two hours from Athens by boat, Spetses is one of the most elegant islands in the Saronic Gulf. Long a favourite weekend escape for Athenians, it’s known for its grand sea captains’ mansions, tree-fringed coves and excellent seafood. Cars are largely prohibited, so visitors explore by bicycle, scooter or horse-drawn carriage. It’s a place to truly relax: days revolve around swimming in clear bays like Zogeria and Agia Paraskevi before heading for a long lunch and ice-cream while wandering along the waterfront.

Once on a major spice route, it’s no surprise that food is a focus here. Patralis is one of the slickest spots on Spetses. On the marina, it’s a true waterside restaurant that serves lobster orzo, mussel spaghetti and pasta with tuna. We also rate Liotrivi by the harbour, an atmospheric restaurant in a building that housed an olive press for 200 years (make sure to order its eye-catchingly presented prawn and scallop risotto), and Tarsanas, a taverna right on the water that serves one of the best lobster pastas on the island.

Where to stay: In the Old Harbour, the historic Port Authority building has been transformed into the Orloff Resort, which also has an excellent restaurant. Check rates and availability at booking.com or expedia.co.uk.

We’d also book into polished Poseidonion Grand Hotel, a Belle Epoque mansion that’s been hosting guests amid white-washed walls and sea views for over 100 years. Check rates and availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com.

Menorca, Spain

The little sister to chic party island Mallorca, Menorca has plenty going for it – not least an impressive art scene. Back in 2021, modern art gallery Hauser + Wirth opened up in a former Navy HQ on Illa del Rei, a beautiful island off Mahón harbour. Today, it’s one of the biggest draws to Menorca – and its outdoor restaurant Cantina is one of the prettiest places for lunch.

You might have tried Menorcan cooking at Soho’s Mountain, chef-owner Tomos Parry’s love letter to the island’s food. One of his hero dishes is kaldereta, a lobster stew that’s cooked and typically served in a clay pot. On Menorca itself, the best places to try it include Smoix, part of the lovely Hotel Rural Sant Ignasi, and Binifadet in Es Castell. For something completely different, book into Godai for a Japanese-Menorcan experience. Another of our favourites is Nonna Bazaar, a true farm-to-table restaurant in Ciutadella that has a sister site, Nonna Beach, on Son Saura.

Menorca is also famous for its wines. Torralbenc is a beautifully restored collection of traditional whitewashed farm buildings that became the island’s first boutique hotel. With just 27 rooms, the property offers a peaceful, design-led escape, alongside some of the best food on the island courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Gorka Txapartegi. The estate is also home to a burgeoning vineyard and winery. After more than a decade of cultivation, Torralbenc produced its first vintage in 2016, and guests can now enjoy a portfolio of nine estate wines.

Where to stay: As well as Torralbenc, we love Menorca Experimental. Part of the same group as the Henrietta in Covent Garden, the Menorca outpost offers the same laidback charm, this time in a 19th-century finca with a sea-view infinity pool. Check rates and availability at booking.com or mrandmrssmith.com.

Ischia, Italy

Part of the region of Campania, Ischia is a short ferry ride away from Naples. Known as the ‘green island’ it’s a place of natural beauty and hot springs. If you like hiking this is the one for you: Mount Epomeo is the island’s highest point and offers incredible views, and there’s another beautiful walk up to Madonna di Zaro, a site of pilgrimage. For something gentler, Sant’Angelo is an utterly charming pedestrian-only village. A former fishing port, its distinctive colourful houses line the seafront and make for postcard-perfect photos.

For the best experience of those famous hot springs, head to Le Fumarole beach, which has volcanic steam vents. Elsewhere, Maronti beach is one of the largest stretches of sand on the island. Given its proximity to Naples, Ischia’s food takes on a Neapolitan flair. For an authentic trattoria experience, book into Peppina di Renato – which dates to 1979 – for potato and gorgonzola pizza, panzanella salad and pomodoro piccante rigatoni. And you can’t come here without trying the local dish, a rabbit stew called coniglio all’Ischitana. Some of the best is served at Trattoria Il Focolare.

Where to stay: Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa is part of the same group as Il Pellicano in Tuscany and La Posta Vecchia near Rome. As at Il Pellicano, the famed hotel that’s ruled Italian hospitality since the 1970s, you can expect relaxed yet impeccable service, bold design and a gorgeous spa.

Corsica, France

Corsica is known as the ‘island of beauty’ for its beaches, crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountain scenery and pretty villages. On the Med’s fourth largest island life moves at a slower pace, especially outside of the main holiday months of July and August. There are plenty of hiking, biking and canyoning routes along the island’s famed GR 20 trail – make sure to stop off at Santa Giulia beach, which is lovely and less busy than some of the better-known swimming spots.

Porto-Vecchio is loved for its walled citadel, pretty narrow lanes, smart shops and unmissable restaurants. Many of these have made it into the Michelin guide: U Santa Marina overlooks the gulf of Santa Giulia and is a romantic spot that serves barbecued langoustines and local green asparagus; Casadelmar is the place to book for high-end seafood (the chef’s signature dish is confit john dory with olive oil, red lentils, burrata and tomato water emulsion); while La Table de Mina is the place to be on a Tuesday when the team serves a tasting menu of island specials. Elsewhere, Le Tire Bouchon in Calvi is a lovely bistro and wine bar, while I Scalini on the hillside village of Sant’Antonino is just the place for a sunset drink and relaxed bowl of traditional veal stew.

Where to stay: A Mandria di Murtoli offers a selection of villas in converted stables that now make the most of Corsican design, each with private gardens, pools and panoramic views of the Ortolo Valley.

Crete, Greece

Crete is the largest island in Greece. You can explore the best beaches and tavernas around the island or commit to pure relaxation in one destination. Whichever you choose most flights land in Heraklion and it’s worth spending a handful of days here to see archaeological sites such as the Palace of Knossos and the ancient Phaistos.

You won’t find any Michelin-starred restaurants on Crete but the island is famous for its traditional tavernas that celebrate local produce – many will shout about their organic gardens and family recipes. Chania has a buzzing food scene: just a short walk from the city centre, Periplous is a lovely seafood restaurant on the Halepa waterfront – try to get a table outside to enjoy a sunset dinner. Maiami, just a short walk away, is a top choice for brunch and Mediterranean staples throughout the day. The owner is a ceramicist who sells her pieces in the shop next door.

Also in Chiana is Ginger, one of the most modern places to eat on the island. Formerly a traditional spot, last summer the team upped sticks to an industrial building three minutes down the road where it’s embraced late-night dining and cocktails. Finally, make the most of Crete’s legendary ingredients by booking a wine and olive oil tour at one of the many vineyards to the north-west of the island. Fabulous Crete offers a day tour at an olive oil factory and two family-run wineries.

Where to stay: Luxury hotel Acro Suites is carved into the rocky cliffside of Mononaftis Bay to the north of the island. Couples can stay in villas with private infinity pools or two-storey suites with beautiful sea views. Elsewhere, Domes of Elounda to the east of the island has its own private beach and overlooks the beautiful Mirabello Bay.

Malta

The Maltese capital of Valletta is steeped in history – its famed cathedral is home to two Caravaggio paintings. Food is also a large part of its appeal. To get to know the scene speedily, head to Merchant Street Market, an open market will stalls serving traditional Maltese cuisine such as pastizzi, curried pea or cheese filled pastries. For fun first night dinners, Legligin is a cellar bar serving local wine and tapas, or Tal-Kaptan is a nautically decorated spot along Valletta’s wharf that focuses on pizza and pasta. You could also make a beeline for bar-lined Strait Street, where locals spill out onto the streets in the evenings.

For fine dining, Michelin-starred Noni serves modern Maltese and Mediterranean dishes alongside an excellent wine list, while Xara Palace’s Michelin-starred De Mondion restaurant is all about elegant French and Maltese food. On its pretty piazza, the hotel’s more casual restaurant, Trattoria AD 1530, serves pizza, mussels and calamari. For the ultimate special occasion spot, Simon Rogan’s Ion Harbour is Malta’s only two Michelin starred restaurant. From the fourth floor of the Iniala Harbour House hotel, guests can take in spectacular views of Valletta’s grand harbour while enjoying an unforgettable dining experience courtesy of the man behind L’Enclume.

Malta is made up of three islands (Malta, Gozo and Comino). A day trip via boat to Gozo is a must. Lined with beautiful beaches it’s quieter than the main island and is home to the two temples of Ġgantija, which feature huge bronze age structures. Our favourite restaurant here? Scottadito, an osteria that makes exemplary rabbit ragu, a Maltese speciality.

Where to stay: In atmospheric Mdina, the Relais & Châteaux Xara Palace is one of the most historic hotels in Malta. The 17th-century palazzo forms part of the bastion walls that surround the city. The hotel makes the most of its history via bedrooms decorated with original paintings and tapestries.

Ponza, Italy

Ponza is the ultimate Roman getaway. A couple of hours from the capital by train and ferry, it’s the perfect island to tack onto a long weekend in the Eternal City. There are three ways to get around small but mighty Ponza: scooter, e-bike and boat. Water taxis will get you to all the major beaches, but we loved hiring a bike and zipping up and down the hills to get to the best, smaller beaches such as Cala Gaetano and La Caletta. It’s also the ultimate way to work up an appetite – La Marina at Cala Feola beach is one of the best on the island. Book in advance and you might snag one of the tables on the rocks. It’s just the place to enjoy bottarga pasta while the waves lap at the restaurant.

In the main town, some of the best dining spots are Restaurant EEA, Oresteria and Lanterna da Silverio. That said, one of our favourite meals was on board a five-hour boat tour, which took us around the island and over to neighbouring Palmarola. There are no hotels here, but O’Francese is the island’s one (cash-only) restaurant, right on the sand. We saved our stomachs for the captain-made tuna and tomato pasta back on the boat, which we ate while bobbing about in the sea.

Where to stay: Villa Laetitia is a gorgeous boutique hotel owned by one of the Fendi sisters. Overlooking the main port (every bedroom has a sea view), this is a sumptuous boutique option, complete with tiled floors, striking beds and lovely design details, such as branded crockery and pretty linen curtains.

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