Mediterranean Europe is so rich in cultural diversity that every city exhibits a unique yet equally vibrant heritage. This region has witnessed the rise of several glorious civilizations and has been the birthplace of great artists and brilliant poets. The cities and towns still celebrate those golden days from the past in the form of well-preserved historical monuments and sprawling museums that display a vast collection of ancient artifacts. While each corner of Mediterranean Europe is extremely alluring, here are some of the lesser known cultural gems of the region that shed some light on the intriguing chapters of the local history.

San Sebastian, Spain

A city that is as charming by the day as it is enthralling by the night, San Sebastian is equally attractive for the aficionados of history and those who enjoy an energetic nightlife. The city has an incredibly dynamic cultural scene, with events and festivals organized throughout the year. Some of the most popular events include the San Sebastian Jazz Festival and the San Sebastian International Film Festival that receive avid participation from the locals and the tourists alike. Another exciting occasion is the San Sebastian Day when the streets come alive with a carnival-like atmosphere and the locals dance and play music in their colorful costumes. Most of the conferences and functions take place at the Kursaal, the iconic glass building of the city, while the San Telmo Museoa displays historical relics as well as modern art. The Gothic architecture of the Iglesia de San Vicente is also very much worthy of admiring.

Valletta, Malta

The capital city of the island nation of Malta, Valletta may be small in terms of area but it is abundant in the old world elegance. Be it the opulent interiors of the Grand Master's Palace that hold armors and weapons from the 16th century or the imposing architecture of the St. John's Co-Cathedral, the city has preserved the remnants of the past in an impeccable manner. The National Museum of Archaeology displays some trinkets and stone tools that date back to 5200 BC and the Parliament Building has a spellbinding structure that gives the appearance of two massive stone blocks suspended in the air. The National War Museum narrates the country's struggles during the Second World War and the Cold War while the Valletta City Gate boasts a stunning design. This is one city where every monument still shines as marvelously as it did at the time of its erection.

Split, Croatia

The city of Split on the Croatian coast is the perfect destination to experience the cultural diversity of the nation. The biggest attraction of the city is the Diocletian's Palace, a massive building that once served as a residence for the royals as well as a fortified town. In the present day, a majority of the Old Town's population still calls this monument their home, which shows how the modern and the ancient elements coexist in this enchanting city. The contrasting colors of the city are further displayed by the fact that on one hand, the majestic Cathedral of St. Domnius adorns the town while on the other, rustic churches carved out of stone can be spotted on the slopes of the Marjan Hill. The lively environment at the sandy beaches that border the city is evidence of the free spirited nature of the locals, which is also exhibited at the busy markets that sell a wide assortment of goods. One more appealing thing about the city that it is really easy to navigate, and if you ever get tired of walking, Split taxi services are there to help you with that.

These fascinating destinations represent the lively Mediterranean spirit in a beautiful manner. Whether you wish to wander through the streets and enjoy the rustic scenery or relax at a cafe and soak in the local culture, these magnificent cities will not disappoint you. If you crave for a holiday that is a journey to the past, then these Mediterranean towns are tailor-made for you.