Top 5 Mediterranean Islands That Will Make You Want to Quit Your Job
Looking to switch job or move house? Or maybe you’ve embraced the digital nomadism and you’re on a quest to find a new and inspiring place to work from? Why not look a little further afield and consider one of these incredible Mediterranean islands. A move to one of these places could truly change your life.
1. Cephalonia, Greece
The largest of the Ionian Islands in western Greece, Cephalonia has a population of 36,064, of which a third lives in its prosperous capital city Argostoli. Raisins and wine used to be the island’s main exports, now it’s the slightly more prosaic – but thriving - fish farming and calcium carbonate industries.
With an airport 10 km south of Argostoli and five harbours and ports for ferry access, it’s off the beaten track, but you won’t feel marooned.
Take a boat trip to Melissani Cave with its collapsed roof for unique views of stalactites and the sky above. Or escape the tourists and go horse-riding to explore remote regions in peace.
Let yourself be amazed by the wonders of this stunning island thanks to the many available guided tours.
2. Gokceada, Turkey
On an altogether smaller scale, take a look at Gökçeada, Turkey’s largest island at the westernmost point in the Aegean. With a population of 10,348, most locals are employed in the fishing and tourism industries.
After flying directly to Gokceada’s airport or sailing by ferry from Kabatepe or Canakkale, head straight for a surf session – conditions here are perfect, with pollution-free waters and an almost constant wind.
Continuing with the water theme, this island features Turkey’s first – and so far only – underwater national park.
3. Sant'Antioco, Italy
With a versatile-sounding economy based on many sectors, including harbour and fishing activities, chemical industry, craftsmanship, wine production and the very profitable tourism industry, Sant'Antioco sounds like an entrepreneur’s dream. This municipality in south-western Sardinia has a population of 11,730, many based in its main city with the same name.
A bridge connects Sant'Antioco to mainland Sardinia, if you need to look for work further afield. Kite-surfing is really big here, but it’s a seasonal activity – it is banned in summer months (June, July and August) when the beaches are far too crowded.
4. Mljet, Croatia
Odysseus was supposedly held captive here for seven years by the goddess Calypso. And to be fair, there’s much about Mljet to captivate – it is the greenest and most beautiful of the Adriatic islands in the Dalmatia region of Croatia.
Over 84% of the island is covered by forest, the sea is pristine and the shores clean and sandy. There isn’t even an airport to disturb the tranquillity – don’t worry, there are ferry connections which run from Dubrovnik.
Hiking is just about the best way to explore Mljet National Park and beyond. The total population is only 1,088, most of the locals being employed in tourism, farming, fishing, vine culture, olives and fruit-growing.
Explore the beauty of this unique island with the help of guided tours.
5. Formentera, Spain
Keen cyclists might want to check out Formentera, about 6 km (4 mi) south of Ibiza, Spain. With a particular emphasis on the environment and sustainable tourism, there are cycle tracks on virtually every road, plus 20 specially designated cycling and hiking trails (the 'Circuits Verds') to take you off the beaten track.
Most of its population of 11,389 makes a living from tourism, but you could be one of the lucky few to profit from small-scale traditional fishing or growing vines and fruit trees.
With no airport, access is via ferries from Ibiza or the Spanish mainland. Which, let’s face it, is pretty much in keeping with what you’d expect from living on an island.
Experience this peaceful, tiny corner of Spain with the available organised local tours.