Welcome back to Part II of the “Mediterranean Trips You Can Afford” series!
So it’s January, and I’m NOT feeling it. I’m so over this weather, too – and I’ve been spending pretty much the entire last few days in the JIFU portal, daydreaming about exotic trips to the next few places on my list. In no particular order, my next three favorite Mediterranean stops are Cyprus, Montenegro, and Monaco.
Staying in Cyprus: Fall in Love with Paphos!
I’m a big fan of Paphos. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Cyprus, you’d be hard-pressed not to end up somewhere near this city. It’s sincerely one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. And just 11km away is Coral Bay. Look at this place:
And before you say, “Amber, I think you and I have two completely different ideas about what’s affordable and what’s not,” just look at these prices.
The good thing about JIFU’s portal is that you can find pretty much anything you’re looking for, from the swankier vacation to the basic needs met that will allow you to simply enjoy your time outside and catch those Coral Bay views.
You’ll find more than a few ‘tavern’ spots in Paphos. My favorite is Michael’s Tavern, a Cypriot mainstay with elegant eats as well as mezedes (small plates) that would please the palate of any weary traveler.
Living it Up in Montenegro
A friend took me to Montenegro in my early 20s, and I’ve been trying to get back there ever since. One of my favorite spots is Sveti Stefan, an islet with a fancy hotel and a monastery tucked away along the Adriatic coast. You need to travel over a highway surrounded by water to get there, and the Adriatic is a clear, sparkling blue – so clear in fact, you can see the ancient rocks and earth holding up the islet as if you’re looking through glass.
Taking a look at JIFU travel deals for this month in Sveti Stefan, I found these two beauties:
These aren’t your typical elbow-to-elbow European hotel rooms. Villas with pools and whole apartments can be rented out for a few days or weeks, and Montenegro is small enough to explore in under a week, even if you stay on Sveti Stefan. Don’t get me wrong, there’s more food there than you could possibly ever try in your lifetime! You can, however, check off the major travel boxes in just a few days. Plus, you can earn extra JIFU rewards points by paying in cash at the hotel upon arrival.
Hit the Casino in Monaco
I’m not normally into gambling, but THIS is no US Casino. The Casino Monte-Carlo on Place du Casino is very close to the water, and the restaurants and lounge bar has a Monaco elegance that makes the trip worth it. I recommend Le Train Bleu Italian restaurant in the casino proper, or you can have a nightcap at the Lounge Bar Salle Europe.
Just a word of warning: Monaco CAN get a little pricey. I recommend this booking deal from the JIFU portal if you’re considering a visit to Monaco.
These cute apartments are efficient and reliable and give you everything you need to explore Monaco on foot.
Honestly, I could keep going and going – the Mediterranean can’t be beaten no matter what side of it you’re on. Don’t forget to check out our special deals using the JIFU Travel Portal. See you in Cyprus!
