Culinary Adventures in the Mediterranean: Athens, Sicily, and Marrakech

What is travel if it isn’t to sample all the fabulous cuisine you encounter along the way? Famed for its incredibly healthy diet, Mediterranean cuisine is as diverse as the countries that surround it. So, where do you start? Here are three top destinations where the food and drink really stand out. 

Athens

Whether you’re on a cruise to the Mediterranean or exploring on foot, one place you absolutely must add to your list is the capital of Greece.

Take a break from marveling at the incredible history of Ancient Greece and meander your way to Plaka, the bustling heart of Athens. Here, you can seek out one of the many cozy tavernas serving classic sun-soaked Greek dishes.

Try moussaka, a flavorful dish made with layers of eggplant, minced lamb, and bechamel sauce. Or go for a refreshing Greek salad and the satisfying tang of feta cheese.

Take a stroll through Monastiraki, browse for souvenirs, and sample souvlaki—marinated grilled meat on a skewer. And don’t miss the famous dolmades—vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.

Drop into a kafeneio (cafe) and sip on a Greek coffee while you watch the world go by. Maybe treat yourself to the sweet pastry dessert known as baklava.

Explore the trendy areas of Psiri and Kolonaki to find the freshest grilled fish, seafood, and meze. Finish the night off with a crisp glass of Assyrtiko white wine (or ouzo if you’re feeling brave!) and warm bread dipped in creamy taramasalata.

Sicily

Another “foodie” destination you’ll often find included on Mediterranean cruises is this small, volcanic island off the coast of Italy. 

Sicily offers an interesting fusion of Greek, Arab, Italian, and Spanish cuisine, making it a destination for flavor!

Amongst the vibrant market stalls of Palmero, you can seek out the street vendors serving panelle (a chickpea fritter), plus the unmissable arancini. As you bite into them, these crispy rice balls explode with rich ragu and gooey cheese.

Be sure to check out the fine dining options in Catania’s historic center. Classic dishes include pasta alla Norma (fried eggplants and ricotta) and pesce spada alla ghiotta (swordfish cooked with olives and capers). 

For seafood lovers, it’s a must to visit Marzamemi. Try the pasta con le sarde, an Arabian-inspired pasta with sardines, wild fennel, and pine nuts.

To wash everything down, Marsala wine offers a sweet taste of western Sicily. Or, if you’re feeling tired, limoncello will perk you up again.

For dessert, sample the famous Sicilian pastry known as cannoli or the cassata Siciliana—a colorful cake filled with ricotta and marzipan.

Marrakech

Finally, we land in exotic Morocco and the curious city of Marrakech. Here, the food is heavily influenced by Arab, Andalusian, and French cuisines.

Lose yourself in the labyrinthine souks of Medina and haggle with the stallholders. But. it won’t be long before you’re distracted by the tantalizing smell of freshly baked msemen (Moroccan pancakes).

If you’re feeling brave, babbouche (snail soup) is easily found. Or, maakouda (potato fritters with harissa) is easier on the palette!

Want a hearty meal? Head to a traditional riad restaurant and dine in a candlelit courtyard. 

A tagine offers a flavorful experience of slow-cooked lamb or chicken with spice and fruit. A must-try is mechoui (slow-roasted lamb with cumin)—a specialty of Marrakech.

Of course, no Morrocan meal is complete without washing it down with endless cups of mint tea.

For a sweet treat, try an avocado and date smoothie or chebakia (fried sesame cookies coated in sweet honey and orange blossom).

Go Forth and Taste!

22 countries surround the Mediterranean Sea, all offering their own unique cuisines and cultures. If you don’t know where to start, a cruise is a relaxing and simple way to discover new places and foods.  For more culinary inspiration, check out these travel guides.

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