Six Places To Visit On The Mediterranean

What sights will you see when you're on the Mediterranean? You'll get
to know six popular areas of interest here. You can learn about some of
the cities and islands on the Mediterranean that are located in and
around this virtually inland sea the size of the Canadian territory of
Nunavut and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador combined.

These are a few of the main attractions on the Mediterranean on the
west coast of Italy:

Florence: See the Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza della Signoria; the
domed cathedral known as the Duomo; and the Ponte Vecchio, a bridge
across the Arno River, whose most striking feature is the multitude of
shops built upon its edges. This city is without a doubt one of the
most memorable destinations for me on the Mediterranean.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa: Intended to stand vertically so as to serve
as a bell tower, but began leaning soon after construction started in
1173 due to a poorly laid foundation. The tower has 294 steps, has a
height of almost 57 metres on the highest side and weighs an estimated
14,500 tonnes.

Naples: The San Francesco di Paola church, situated in the middle of
Piazza Plebiscito, a semicircular square, which offers a spectacular
view of Mount Vesuvius; and Castel Nuovo, a 'new castle' completed in
1282, known for its important Renaissance work.

Costa Smeralda: Sardinia's 55 kilometre-long coastal area on the
Mediterranean, developed by Prince Karim Aga Khan. This "Emerald Coast"
is popular with highly affluent European and Arabian VIPs visiting from
entertainment, politics and industry.

Also on the Mediterranean, the Spanish eastern coastal city of
Barcelona offers the Plaça Reial: a popular square next to Las
Ramblas, a busy, kilometre-long tree-lined pedestrian mall, a favourite
with both tourists and locals alike. Usually full of street theatre,
cafés and market stalls, it serves as the emotional hub of the city.

When you're on the Mediterranean you can visit Marseilles in the south
of France and see the statue of the Virgin and Child on the belfry of
the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica. At 162 metres, this ornate church
sits atop the highest natural point in the city. As well as being a
major local landmark, it is the site of a popular annual pilgrimage
every August 15th.

You can see that some of these places to see on the Mediterranean are
perhaps more interesting than others, but if you want you can check out
all of them. Ask yourself which ones are most appropriate for your
travel itinerary, decide how you plan to see them, whether by cruise
ship, tour bus, car, train, plane, bicycle, or even on foot, and go
ahead! Take that step! Enjoy yourself on the Mediterranean, and see for
yourself!

Keith Valentine began his solo excursions at fourteen throughout the
south of England, though at a younger age he participated in a guided
youth hostelling tour in Wales. He has toured extensively in Europe and
North America. Now 52, he travels throughout Ontario with his partner.
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