The Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea are probably the most popular place to provide vacation for Germans. They are known for non-expensive trips, for discotheques, beach parties, overdoses of alcohol, for all but for hiking. Wrong. Well, they are no match for something like the Alps or Scandinavia, but like the majority of islands - mountains that rose above sea level they are - they provide a good ground for touring around in either mountainous terrain or at least along the coast. And then there is always the subtropical climate as a contrast for people from Middle Europe.
Biokovo (Croatia)
The Adriatic Sea is part of the Mediterranean. Its eastern shore hosts the Dalmatian Alps, part of which is the Biokovo. Its proximity to the touristic areas of the Makarska Riviera makes it possible to combine a package trip with tough hiking activities.
Cinque Terre (Italy)
It is a part of the coast north of La Spezia, or south of Genua. A few villages or small towns are built in a more or less adventurous fashion into the cliffs of a rocky coast and would not be accessible if not for the railway that runs through them, quite literally. Don't think you can take a look at the area from the train, it's more an underground railway. This, and the beautiful landscape and views of villages, attracts many people. The area is overcrowded in summer and still crowded in late autumn.
Corfu (Greece)
This Greek island is a popular target for beach tourism, which doesn't rule out hiking. The highest mountains are in the north with some well-marked trails; you can walk either in the mountains through endless olive groves or up to the karst plateau, and enjoy a bath in the sea in the evening, followed by a good meal and wine.
Ibiza
Much smaller when compared to its bigger neighbor, we nevertheless found it worth enough to spend a couple of days on the island. Lacking substantial mountains, some wild and remote trails are located here and there, especially in the north along the coast, neglected by 99% of the island's visitors. The town of Eivissa is another place of interest with its ancient fortress.
Kotor
Two attractions are waiting for the visitor: An ancient fortified town surrounded by breathtaking mountains for hiking tours! Both combined make for the perfect symbiosis, not to mention a tasty glass of local wine in the evening. The deep fjord-like bay of Kotor is a place I recommend to everyone.
Mallorca
Mallorca is a synonym for a cocktail of sun, beach, discotheques, diluted with Sangria, it is quite the opposite to hiking. Apart from the coastal areas that may offer numerous attractive patches, there is the dominating mountain chain of the Serra de Tramuntana, which can be crossed on the GR221, a more than 100 km long trail fitted with huts for accommodation.
Malta
It's not hiking that attracts people to come, for Malta is too small and populated, but it still offers the charm of the sea, beaches, and cliffs good for a stroll. Most interesting, however, is the urban part, the history of Malta with the countless fortifications, which accumulate around the Grand Harbor of the capital Valetta.
Santorini
This is not just an island, it is an active volcano, giving it a special attraction. Both the active Nea Kameni volcanic island and the giant caldera, let alone their combination, are something you should have seen once in your live-time. Too small for hiking it is nevertheless possible to make some strenuous move on Santorini.
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