From private villas in the Cyclades to Türkiye’s forested Black Sea coast, these are the destinations that define Mohamed Salah’s travel style

Fresh from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mohamed Salah exchanged the stadium for a few weeks beneath the Mediterranean sun. The Egyptian football star was spotted enjoying time in Mykonos before travelling to Türkiye, where he arrived in Istanbul ahead of his move to Trabzonspor.

His latest chapter places him within reach of some of the region’s most beautiful destinations. From the green mountains surrounding his new home in Trabzon to Bodrum’s superyachts and Istanbul’s waterfront palaces. Here’s how to travel like the Egyptian footballer.

Discover the Black Sea in Trabzon

Set on the Black Sea coast in the country’s northeast, Salah’s new home is surrounded by forested mountains, highland villages and lakes, with cooler summer temperatures offering a welcome alternative to the heat further south.

The region’s defining landmark is Sümela Monastery, dramatically built into a cliff overlooking the Altındere Valley. Further inland, Uzungöl is framed by steep green slopes and walking trails, while the surrounding highlands offer secluded routes through some of Türkiye’s most striking landscapes. The luxury here is found in fresh air and natural beauty.

A city break in Istanbul

Salah passed through Istanbul for his medical before continuing to Trabzon, but the city deserves far more than a brief stopover. Set between Europe and Asia, Istanbul combines Ottoman architecture, contemporary art, exceptional dining and an unmistakable sense of occasion.

Stay at The Peninsula Istanbul in Karaköy for a contemporary base beside the Bosphorus, or choose the former palace settings of Çırağan Palace Kempinski and Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. Days can be spent shopping in Karaköy before boarding a private boat for a late-afternoon journey along the strait. It is the most elegant way to experience the city.

Follow the Superyachts to Bodrum

For a more glamorous interpretation of the Turkish coast, head south to Bodrum. Long compared with Saint-Tropez, the peninsula has become a summer gathering place for superyachts, international restaurants, designer boutiques and discreet beach clubs.

Yalıkavak offers polished marina life, while Türkbükü remains one of the coast’s most fashionable enclaves. Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum is the choice for expansive villas, private beaches and destination dining, while Maçakızı continues to define the area’s relaxed social scene. For a quieter wellness escape, Six Senses Kaplankaya sits among olive groves and secluded coves beyond the peninsula’s busiest addresses.

Return to Mykonos

Mykonos has become one of Salah’s familiar summer destinations, with the footballer returning to the island during the off-season and spending time there again following the World Cup.

The island’s appeal is easy to understand. Yacht trips, hidden coves and relaxing beach clubs, as well as come of Greece’s most coveted nightlife hotspots. To experience its quieter side, stay at Kalesma Mykonos, where private-pool villas overlook the Aegean from a secluded position above Aleomandra Bay.

Find Privacy on Kéa

If Mykonos represents Salah’s established Greek escape, Kéa could offer a quieter chapter. One of the Cyclades’ more discreet islands, it sits close enough to Athens for an easy transfer yet feels far removed from the region’s busier summer destinations.

One&Only Kéa Island occupies a secluded stretch of Vroskopos Bay, with private-pool villas positioned across the hillside and larger residences created for families and groups of friends. It’s a great place to relax with family and friends, swimming, sailing and exploring the island’s walking trails before dinner overlooking the Aegean. With standalone villas, private terraces and uninterrupted sea views, it offers precisely the privacy and calm that someone accustomed to constant attention might seek.

Slow Down on Egypt’s North Coast

For Salah, travel does not always mean venturing far from home. He has also shared relaxed moments with his daughters, Makka and Kayan, on Egypt’s North Coast, where clear Mediterranean water and long stretches of pale sand have made the region one of the country’s favourite summer escapes.

Marassi offers beach clubs, restaurants, a marina and contemporary resorts within easy reach of private residences. Address Beach Resort Marassi provides direct access to the shore alongside pools, a spa and family-friendly facilities.

By Lindsay Judge