Luxury Mediterranean vacation spots include a variety of destinations on three continents—Africa, Europe, and Asia, including the wonderful Greek Islands, Malta, Sardinia, Corsica, Sicily, and the Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Minorca, and Mallorca. Your choices for luxury vacations in the Mediterranean are numerous and can include amazing beaches, resorts, an array of party hotspots, and things to do.

If you want to see as much of this vast and diverse area as possible, you can indulge in luxury Mediterranean travel that doesn't even include hotels. Most of the major international cruise lines offer cruises of varying lengths that stop at ports of call as wide ranging as Nice on the French Riviera, the exotic city of Istanbul, Alexandria in Egypt, and vibrant Barcelona on the coast of Spain. Many of the cruise ships plying these waters are quite large and very deluxe. But if you want a more intimate and truly luxurious experience, you might want to choose one of the smaller ships, like those of the Windstar and Seaborn lines, which generally accommodate only 100 to 150 passengers on ships that are more akin to private yachts than ocean liners. You can also charter fully crewed and bareboat yachts that hold only 6 to 12 passengers, excellent for families and small groups. These floating accommodations are luxury Mediterranean vacation spots in their own right.

This region is the cradle of Western civilization, and almost any foray into luxury Mediterranean travel will reveal this long and rich history. Many of the finest hotels for these luxury European vacations are historic landmarks, from the venerable Hotel Negresco in Nice designed by the architect who built the Eiffel Tower to the Pera Palace in Istanbul. Built in 1892, the grand hotel has played host to Kemal Ataturk, the royalty of Europe, and was the favorite hotel of famed mystery writer Agatha Christie.

Most people's idea of luxury vacations in the Mediterranean means islands, and usually the islands of Greece. One of the most decadent and exclusive resorts is Katikies on the island of Santorini. Classic white cubist buildings climb of the cliffs and hang dramatically over the turquoise waters. The rooms and suites are the epitome of luxury, and the hotel offers elegant dining, infinity swimming pools, and indulgent massage services, as well as access to some of the best luxury beach vacation spots.

Other luxury Mediterranean vacation spots include the Italian Riviera along the western coast of the country, extending from the border of France south to Tuscany. Here you can live" la dolce vita" in Sorrento and Capri resorts in seaside Portofino the magical Isle of Capri, or Sorrento.

More luxury Mediterranean travel is available in Spain—from Barcelona to Malaga. In Barcelona, try the Majestic Hotel and Spa, the most exclusive five-star hotel in the city, and set in a beautiful neoclassical building dating to 1918 and within walking distance of the famous La Rambla.

Luxury vacations in the Mediterranean include the continent of Africa, more specifically Egypt and Morocco. The exotic city of Casablanca is located on the sea, and offers several options for accommodation to suit a luxury African getaway. You can choose the Mazagan Beach Resort set on five miles of sparkling beach, with its own 18- hole golf course, full-service spa, a casino, nightclub, and several dining spots. Or you can choose the sophisticated Le Royal Mansour Meridien in the city.