There’s something about the Mediterranean that draws you in, slows you down, and makes you want to linger just a little longer. While the coastline is undeniably dazzling, the true soul of these destinations often lies beyond the well-trodden beach towns, tucked into rolling vineyards, sun-drenched olive groves, and sleepy villages where time feels beautifully irrelevant.
For those who have already “done” the big cities and coastal hotspots (or simply want to travel deeper), the countryside of Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece offers a completely different experience—one where the pace is unhurried, the food is impossibly fresh, and every landscape feels like a perfectly composed painting.
Let’s take a journey inland and keep reading for our Travel x Fashion Style Guide for ideas on what to pack on your travels to the Mediterranean countryside!
Portugal: The Douro Valley & Alentejo
Portugal may be best known for its sun-soaked coastline and the vibrant energy of Lisbon, but its countryside is pure magic, time slows and the wine flows.
Douro Valley: A River of Gold
Nestled along the winding Douro River, this UNESCO-listed wine region is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world (older than Bordeaux!). Here, vineyard terraces cascade down to the river, creating an unforgettable landscape best enjoyed by boat or scenic train ride.
For an unmatched luxury experience, Six Senses Douro Valley is our go-to stay. Set in a beautifully restored 19th-century wine estate, it combines the charm of Douro’s vineyard culture with world-class wellness, dining, and spa experiences. Spend your days sipping Port on the terrace, indulging in their renowned spa, or taking a private boat along the river—all while soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
Alentejo: Portugal’s Best-Kept Secret
If you prefer something even more off the radar, head to Alentejo, where whitewashed villages, golden plains, and cork forests define the landscape. The pace here is slow in the best way possible—long lunches in Évora’s medieval squares, horseback rides through fields of wildflowers, and stays at converted monasteries and farm estates that feel like a dream.
Best time to visit: Late spring and early fall, when the vineyards are lush and the weather is perfect
Spain: Andalusia & La Rioja
Spain’s cities buzz with energy, but the countryside sings with soul. The beauty is endless with it’s sun-drenched villages and rolling vineyards.
Andalusia: Flamenco, Olive Groves & Timeless Villages
If Spain had a heartbeat, it would be found in Andalusia—the land of flamenco, Moorish palaces, and endless olive groves. Beyond the grandeur of Seville and Granada, the countryside is a dreamscape of whitewashed villages (pueblos blancos), rugged mountains, and sprawling estates where olive oil is practically its own religion.
Ride Andalusian horses, sip sherry straight from the barrel, or simply wander Ronda’s dramatic clifftop streets, where history whispers from every stone.
La Rioja: Where Wine is a Way of Life
For wine lovers, La Rioja is a pilgrimage. Picture rolling vineyards, centuries-old wine cellars, and avant-garde wineries that double as architectural masterpieces. This is where tempranillo reigns supreme, and the best days are spent hopping between wineries, lingering over a leisurely lunch in a medieval town, and soaking in golden sunsets over the vines.
Best time to visit: September for harvest season—grape stomping optional.
Italy: Tuscany & Umbria
It’s impossible to talk about the countryside without mentioning Italy. The rolling hills, quaint farmhouse stays and endless beauty for miles.
Tuscany: Postcard-Perfect Wine Country
Yes, it’s as magical as you imagine—cypress-lined roads, medieval hilltop towns, and vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. Spend your days truffle hunting in the woods, tasting Brunello in Montalcino, or staying in a 1,000-year-old stone farmhouse with a pool overlooking the rolling hills.
Tuscany’s beauty is cinematic, and whether you’re exploring by Vespa or vintage convertible, every turn looks like it was made for a movie.
Umbria: The Less Touristy, Just-as-Stunning Alternative
Often called Tuscany’s quiet cousin, Umbria is where you go to escape the crowds and step into a Renaissance painting. The hill towns of Orvieto, Spoleto, and Assisi feel frozen in time, and the food? Let’s just say you haven’t truly lived until you’ve had handmade strangozzi pasta with black truffles, eaten at a rustic trattoria in the countryside.
Best time to visit: Spring for wildflowers, autumn for wine and truffle season.
Greece: The Peloponnese & Zagori
Beyond the whitewashed Cycladic islands, Greece’s countryside is filled with rugged beauty, ancient ruins, and villages untouched by time. Here you can discover mythical landscapes and hidden villages.
The Peloponnese: Where Greek Mythology Comes to Life
If you want history, coastline, and mountain villages all in one, the Peloponnese is your answer. Walk through ancient Olympia, drive through the towering mountains of Arcadia, and stay in stone guesthouses where time slows and Greek hospitality reigns supreme.
Zagori: The Wild, Undiscovered Greece
For something even more off-the-beaten-path, Zagori in northern Greece is jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Picture deep gorges, centuries-old stone bridges, and a network of hiking trails that wind through untouched mountain villages. This is Greece at its most raw and breathtaking—and you’ll wonder why more people haven’t found it yet.
Best time to visit: May–June for lush landscapes, September–October for autumn colors.
Final Thoughts
The Mediterranean countryside is where you go to feel time slow down, to savor the details, and to reconnect with a simpler, richer way of life. Whether it’s a farmhouse stay in Tuscany, a hidden village in Greece, or a vineyard retreat in Portugal, this is where the magic happens—far from the crowds, yet closer than ever to the heart of a place.
But here’s the secret to a truly immersive Mediterranean experience—we often recommend pairing the countryside with the coast and the cities to see the full picture of a destination. Read more about the coast and our favorite stops here. Because when you’ve come all this way, why not experience it all? The rhythm of the land, the pulse of the city, and the soul of the sea—woven together into a journey that’s as unforgettable as it is perfectly curated.
Ready to trade the coast for the countryside—or better yet, do both? Let us plan your escape.
A curated wardrobe that perfectly complements your travels is just as essential as the destination itself. Looking and feeling your best while exploring makes the journey even more memorable. That’s why our trusted partner, Ayron Bloss with SWB Agency, has hand-selected the perfect looks for this adventure.
