LONDON, December 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The Mediterranean is world-renowned for its relaxed way of life, deliciously healthy cuisine, exquisite beaches and 300 days of sunshine a year. With these connotations of the Mediterranean firmly embedded into our consciousnesses, it's hardly surprising that the Med remains one of the most popular places to holiday in the world.

Leading travel specialist Thomas Cook offer quality and affordable holidays to the Mediterranean and have generated this fantastic overview of just a few of the reasons why you should consider the Med for your holiday this year:

Greece

Represented in its flag, Greece's national colours are blue and white - white representing its beautiful beaches and buildings and blue the clear seas that surround it. For cheap Greece holidays in 2013 you may want to think about heading to one of Greece's numerous islands, such as Corfu, Crete, Rhodes or Thassos. These popular tourist resorts are competitively priced and have plenty to do and see for all the family.

Turkey

Hot on Greece's tail as a popular Mediterranean holiday destination is Turkey; a land equally rich in history, heritage, culture and life.

Turkey's Mediterranean shoreline, known as the Turquoise Coast, is almost 1,000 kilometres in length and is scattered with beautiful fine-sand beaches set within a backdrop of verdurous pine-clad forests.

Thomas Cook can help you find cheap holidays to Turkey which offer plenty to see and do and cater for a myriad of tastes and requirements.

Tunisia

Being lapped by the notoriously azure waters of the Mediterranean yet possessing the intense heat of North Africa, the wondrous sights, smells and experiences you will find in Tunisia will guarantee you have a holiday with a difference in 2013.

For those seeking a cultural break, a Tunisia holiday beckons as this wholly unrivalled country is home to many unique ancient sites, incredible museums and archaeological marvels.

For those with dreams of sunbathing and relaxing on the beach, Tunisia is blessed with beautiful coastlines that will suit you perfectly.  

Cyprus

If you're looking for an affordable yet quality holiday in 2013, cheap holidays to Cyprus are a great option.

Cyprus is the third most populous island on the Mediterranean Ocean and is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Europe. With stunning views, quaint towns and villages and a nightlife scene that is virtually unrivalled, it's easy to gauge why this beautiful island is such a popular tourist hotspot.