Enjoy amazing tastes from around the Mediterranean

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In the Mediterranean, food is more than just sustenance, it's an expression of culture, history and landscape. The countries surrounding this vast sea have long embraced local ingredients and tradition. From the sun drenched hills of Provence to the bustling streets of Istanbul, each Mediterranean destination promises something unique.

Sicily, Italy

Sicily’s culinary heritage is shaped by centuries of foreign influences. Greek, Arab and Spanish cultures have left a lasting imprint on Sicilian cuisine, creating a distinct and diverse food scene.

Don’t miss the iconic arancini: crispy, stuffed rice balls filled with anything from ragù to mozzarella. Another standout dish is pasta alla Norma, a combination of pasta, fried aubergine, ricotta salata and a rich tomato sauce. No visit to Sicily is complete without indulging in the region’s sweet treats. Cannoli has a crisp pastry shell and sweet ricotta filling and is truly delicious.

Make a special trip to one of the nearby food markets, like Catania’s La Pescheria or Palermo’s Ballarò. Here, you can sample local cheeses and cured meats. Sicily’s local wineries also offer a taste of the island’s fine wines, such as Nero d’Avola and Etna Rosso.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is uniquely positioned between Europe and Asia, so it offers a culinary experience unlike anywhere else. That’s why holidays to Turkey are as much about the food as they are about the stunning surroundings and climate.

Start your gastronomic journey with a traditional Turkish kebab, which comes in various forms, from skewered meats to the iconic döner. Alongside kebabs, mezes are a staple, offering a wide array of small dishes like hummus, baba ghanoush and dolma that showcase fresh herbs and vegetables.

One of Istanbul’s greatest food experiences can be found in its historic spice markets. Here, you can sample baklava, a sweet pastry layered with honey and pistachios, or sip on Turkish tea while watching the city buzz around you. For a more authentic experience, wander through the streets, where you’ll find street food vendors serving up simit, a sesame-covered bread, or fresh seafood from the Bosphorus.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a city where food is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the flavours. The city offers everything from casual tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants.

A trip here wouldn’t be complete without tasting patatas bravas, crispy potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli. Another quintessential dish is jamón ibérico, the famous Spanish cured ham, often paired with a glass of local vermouth. Tapas is a great way to try a wide variety of local dishes in one meal with a selection of small plates of food.

Barcelona is also home to one of the best food markets in Europe, La Boqueria. Located off Las Ramblas, this bustling market offers an endless variety of fresh produce, seafood, meats and cheeses. For seafood lovers, the city’s paella is a must try, with its rich, savoury flavours and tender rice.