Rethinking Local Development in Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities: Challenges, Gaps and Opportunities

Abstract

Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs) face unique development challenges—ranging from environmental pressures to heritage vulnerability—yet remain underrepresented in urban research. This study addresses this gap by proposing a context-sensitive analytical framework and applying it to six diverse SSMCs: Peñíscola (Spain), Mahdia (Tunisia), Marsala (Italy), Rethymno (Greece), Ayvalık (Türkiye), and Lefke (Cyprus). These cities were selected for their varied geographies, cultural assets, and planning contexts. Using a qualitative methodology based on policy analysis and secondary data, each case was evaluated across six principles: contextual urbanism, environmental stewardship, heritage integration, economic resilience, participatory governance, and adaptive planning. Findings show strong cultural identity and human-scale design across cases, but also widespread issues like fragmented planning and tourism dependency. Nonetheless, emerging local initiatives in sustainability and civic engagement highlight opportunities for reform. The study offers a unique and transferable framework for guiding inclusive, resilient development in small-scale Mediterranean contexts.

1. Introduction

In recent decades, the Mediterranean region has experienced significant transformations driven by globalization, technological advancement, and recurring economic fluctuations [1]. These global forces have altered the socio-economic and spatial dynamics of urban areas, placing increasing pressure on cities to adapt and remain competitive. While large metropolitan areas have received substantial attention in policy-making and academic discourse, small-scale cities (SSCs)—particularly those located in the Mediterranean Basin—are often overlooked despite their important roles in regional development [2], heritage preservation [3,4], and social cohesion [5]. These cities face growing challenges, including economic marginalization [6], uneven resource distribution [7], environmental degradation [8], and vulnerability to unsustainable tourism [9] and coastal development [10]. Understanding and addressing the local development dynamics in SSCs is therefore critical for balanced territorial development across the Mediterranean.

The existing literature on urban development has predominantly focused on large cities and metropolitan regions as engines of economic growth and innovation. Scholars have examined themes such as urban resilience, governance, and sustainability largely through the lens of major urban centers [11,12]. However, some emerging studies have begun to explore the development patterns of small and medium-sized towns, particularly in rural and peri-urban contexts [13]. These works highlight the potential of SSCs to foster localized development, cultural continuity, and environmental stewardship. Yet, the specific case of small-scale Mediterranean cities (SSMCs) remains underrepresented in scholarly discussions, especially in relation to integrated planning frameworks and tailored policy interventions. While urban scholarship and planning frameworks have historically focused on large metropolitan centers, the specific case of small-scale Mediterranean cities (SSMCs) remains significantly underrepresented. This underrepresentation is problematic because SSMCs exhibit a distinct set of socio-spatial, economic, and institutional characteristics that differentiate them from larger urban areas. These cities often operate within constrained governance structures, have limited institutional capacity [14], and face demographic challenges such as population aging [15], youth outmigration [16], and seasonal population fluctuations due to tourism [17]. Additionally, SSMCs are typically more embedded in their local ecological and cultural contexts, relying heavily on local resources, traditional production systems, and heritage assets. Their urban form is generally compact and historically layered, which requires more nuanced approaches to spatial planning and development. Unlike larger cities that can absorb the impacts of global trends through diversified economies and robust infrastructure, SSMCs are more vulnerable to external shocks and macroeconomic pressures, such as market volatility [18], climate risks [19], or shifts in tourism demand [20]. Transferring planning models or policy recommendations developed for large cities to small-scale settings often results in inefficiencies or unintended consequences. Such models may overlook the importance of human-scale design, localized governance, or place-specific socio-cultural practices that are vital in SSMCs. In contrast, tailored planning frameworks for SSMCs must emphasize integration across sectors, preservation of cultural continuity, participatory governance, and locally rooted economic resilience. Thus, the absence of a dedicated body of knowledge for SSMCs hampers the ability of local authorities and policymakers to design responsive and context-sensitive strategies. Recognizing and addressing this gap is crucial for fostering sustainable development pathways that align with the unique conditions and potential of small-scale Mediterranean cities.

In the context of this study, urban transformation refers to the structural, spatial, social, and functional changes that occur within cities over time, often driven by policies, investments, and socio-economic dynamics that reshape the built environment and urban life [21,22]. It includes both planned interventions—such as regeneration, redevelopment, or revitalization projects [23,24]—and unplanned changes resulting from demographic shifts, economic fluctuations, or environmental pressures [25]. Urban development processes, on the other hand, encompass the broader evolution of urban areas through the interplay of planning, infrastructure provision, governance frameworks, and socio-economic activities [26]. These processes aim to improve the functionality, livability, and sustainability of urban spaces [27]. By distinguishing these two interrelated yet distinct concepts, this study clarifies its analytical focus on how small-scale Mediterranean cities (SSMCs) evolve not only through top-down interventions but also through incremental, locally embedded development patterns shaped by both internal dynamics and external influences.

Despite the gradual recognition of SSCs in urban studies, a significant gap persists in understanding how local development operates in the context of SSMCs. Their exclusion from national and regional policy agendas limits the visibility of their needs and the potential for context-sensitive interventions. Moreover, there is limited empirical research that systematically examines the effectiveness of existing local development strategies or proposes actionable frameworks adapted to their unique socio-spatial characteristics. The lack of comparative analysis, cross-border insights, and participatory planning approaches further deepens this gap.

This study aims to critically investigate the local development practices of SSMCs by identifying key challenges, evaluating existing strategies, and proposing a comprehensive framework tailored to their specific context. The research adopts a qualitative, comparative case-study methodology involving document analysis, stakeholder interviews, and regional policy reviews. This multi-method approach enables a deep understanding of local realities while capturing regional variations. Through this methodology, the study explores how SSMCs respond to global pressures, manage local resources, and engage with development planning at different scales. Local development practices remain highly relevant in today’s context, especially in light of growing global strategies and academic interest around resilience. While resilience frameworks often emphasize adaptability to shocks (such as climate change, economic crises, or demographic shifts), local development practices offer place-based, context-sensitive approaches that focus on long-term sustainability, equity, and community empowerment [28]. Their relevance lies in their ability to harness local assets, engage local actors, and tailor solutions to specific socio-cultural and environmental conditions. One of the key differences is that resilience thinking often operates within a broader, often top-down strategic perspective, aiming to build systemic capacity to absorb and adapt to disruptions [29]. In contrast, local development practices tend to be bottom-up, anchored in participatory governance [30], cultural continuity [31], and small-scale innovation [32]. However, there are strong commonalities: both approaches seek to enhance adaptive capacity, promote sustainability, and reduce vulnerability. Importantly, local development practices can complement resilience strategies by grounding them in local realities—ensuring that policies are not only reactive to global pressures but also proactive in reinforcing social cohesion, heritage, and economic self-reliance at the community level. In this sense, local development is not an outdated model but a necessary component of integrated, multi-scalar resilience planning.

The authors contribute to the field by bridging theoretical insights with practical recommendations for local development in small-scale Mediterranean cities. By offering a context-sensitive development framework, this study fills a critical void in Mediterranean urban research and supports efforts to build more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban futures. The work also encourages a shift in discourse—moving SSCs from the periphery of urban analysis to the center of strategic planning and policy reform. As such, it is intended to serve as a valuable resource for scholars, planners, and policymakers engaged in small-city development within the Mediterranean and beyond. The proposed framework holds significant operational value and practical applicability, as it is designed not merely as a conceptual tool but as a guiding structure for planning practice, policy-making, and academic inquiry. By emphasizing the distinctive characteristics of small-scale Mediterranean cities (SSMCs), the framework provides clear principles that practitioners and decision-makers can adapt to local contexts, ensuring that planning processes remain sensitive to cultural heritage, environmental limits, and community needs. At the policy level, it offers a structured reference point for integrating multi-level governance and sectoral strategies, thus addressing the often-fragmented nature of urban development. Furthermore, the framework can inform capacity building, urban design strategies, and participatory processes, while also serving as a benchmark for comparative research and future empirical studies. In this way, it bridges theory and practice, enabling a more resilient, inclusive, and context-responsive pathway for the sustainable development of SSMCs.

The choice of indicators in this framework was guided by the need to align with actual development priorities that are both measurable and operationally relevant to small-scale Mediterranean cities. The selected dimensions—contextual responsiveness, heritage preservation, environmental sensitivity, integrated planning, inclusive governance, and economic diversification—were prioritized because they directly reflect the most pressing challenges and opportunities currently shaping these urban contexts. While we acknowledge that crucial dimensions such as demographic resilience, service accessibility, and institutional capacity are central to the long-term sustainability of small-scale cities, their omission in this stage of the framework is intentional. These dimensions are inherently complex, often requiring longitudinal data, context-specific institutional assessments, and comparative demographic studies that go beyond the scope of this initial theoretical and conceptual contribution. The decision was therefore not only a matter of maintaining theoretical focus but also one of ensuring that the framework remains applicable, structured, and usable in practice. Future research is explicitly encouraged to expand the framework’s capacity by integrating these additional dimensions, thereby enhancing its comprehensiveness and adaptability.

A city is a complex human settlement characterized by a relatively dense population, a concentration of built environments, and a structured governance system that supports economic, social, cultural, and administrative functions. What makes a city is not merely its size or population, but its ability to serve as a hub of activity—facilitating exchange, innovation, and interaction across various domains. Cities typically feature infrastructure such as roads, housing, services, and institutions that support both daily life and long-term development. Importantly, cities evolve through dynamic interactions between people, place, and policy, making them not just physical spaces but socio-political and cultural constructs shaped by history, identity, and planning.

Small-scale cities (SSCs) occupy a unique and often overlooked position within the broader urban hierarchy. While there is no universally agreed-upon definition, SSCs are generally characterized by their modest population size, limited spatial footprint, intermediate urban functions, and close connections to rural hinterlands [33]. Typically, SSCs have fewer than 100,000 inhabitants, though thresholds vary by national and regional classifications. More importantly, their identity and functionality are shaped less by population size than by their role in regional economies, cultural life, and service provision [13].

The overall structure of the study is visually represented in Figure 1, which outlines the key stages of the research process and their interrelations. The figure begins by framing the contextual background and theoretical foundations, followed by a review of relevant literature and conceptual principles that inform the development of the analytical framework. It then illustrates the methodological flow, including case selection, data collection (via policy reports, regulations, and planning documents), and the application of the Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs) framework. The final segments of the figure detail the comparative evaluation of case studies, leading to the synthesis of findings, discussion of challenges and opportunities, and formulation of practical recommendations. This structured layout helps clarify the logical progression of the research and supports the reader in navigating the study’s multi-layered analysis.

1.1. Characteristics of Small-Scale Cities

A small-scale city (SSC) typically refers to an urban settlement characterized by a relatively limited population size, lower density, and more localized socio-economic functions compared to large metropolitan areas. While definitions vary across disciplines, the concept generally draws on demographic, spatial, and functional parameters. In sociology, scholars like Louis Wirth (1938) [34] emphasized that small-scale cities foster closer social relationships and a stronger sense of community due to their limited scale, in contrast to the impersonality of larger urban environments. From an architectural and urban planning perspective, SSCs are often defined by human-scale urbanism, vernacular built environments, and a morphology that reflects gradual, organic growth rather than extensive planning or vertical expansion. For instance, the OECD and ESPON classify small cities as those typically under 50,000 to 100,000 inhabitants, though in Mediterranean contexts this range can be even lower—often around 5000 to 50,000 residents—depending on national administrative definitions (Table 1).

Distinctions between small-scale and large cities are not only based on population size and density but also on functional capacity, such as the level of specialized services, institutional presence, and economic diversity. Large cities tend to be nodes in global networks with significant infrastructure and diversified labor markets, whereas SSCs are more reliant on primary and secondary sectors, such as agriculture, fisheries, or seasonal tourism. The urban-rural continuum model and central place theory help differentiate these cities based on their hierarchical position within regional systems.

In the context of this study, small-scale Mediterranean cities (SSMCs) are examined as urban entities shaped by unique socio-spatial patterns, limited but significant governance capacity, and fragile economies. Their working model revolves around localized development practices, culturally embedded spatial forms, and adaptive governance—often lacking in institutional robustness but rich in social capital and place-based identity. The study acknowledges that these cities require tailored development frameworks, as the models applicable to large metropolitan areas often fail to address the specific dynamics, constraints, and opportunities of smaller urban systems.

The literature suggests that SSCs often provide essential administrative, social, and economic functions to their surrounding territories [33]. They are often centers of local governance, heritage, and identity, serving as mediators between rural and metropolitan areas. Unlike large cities, SSCs tend to have more compact forms, lower levels of specialization, and closer-knit communities, which can foster stronger local governance and citizen participation [35]. However, these same features make SSCs particularly vulnerable to structural economic changes and globalization pressures. Their economies often rely on a narrow range of sectors—such as agriculture, manufacturing, or tourism—leaving them exposed to market volatility, labor migration, and declining public investment [36]. Furthermore, many SSCs struggle with demographic decline, youth outmigration, and reduced visibility in national development agendas [37].

Urban studies have traditionally focused on large cities as engines of economic growth and innovation, often overlooking the diversity and complexity of SSCs. However, recent scholarship emphasizes that SSCs possess untapped potential for sustainable development, especially in fostering localized economies, community-based innovation, and context-sensitive planning models [13]. This shift is evident in increasing interest from international organizations such as the OECD and UN-Habitat, which recognize the role of small cities in achieving balanced regional development and territorial cohesion.

In the Mediterranean region, SSCs are particularly significant due to their historic urban patterns, cultural heritage, and ecological sensitivity. These cities often serve as custodians of vernacular architecture, traditional economies, and local knowledge systems. Yet, Mediterranean SSCs face growing pressures from coastal urbanization, mass tourism, climate change, and limited governance capacity [38]. Despite these challenges, they remain vital nodes in regional development and identity formation, deserving focused scholarly and policy attention.

A key challenge in the literature is the lack of a consistent conceptual framework for studying SSCs. Definitions tend to vary based on administrative, functional, or spatial criteria, and few comparative studies systematically address their development needs across national contexts. This lack of clarity has contributed to the policy invisibility of SSCs, particularly in cross-border and transregional development frameworks [39]. In sum, small-scale cities are increasingly recognized as critical components of sustainable and inclusive regional development. Their distinct socio-spatial characteristics, combined with emerging vulnerabilities and capacities, warrant a dedicated analytical and planning approach. However, there remains a pressing need for integrated, context-aware research that moves beyond generic urban models to focus on the specific challenges and opportunities facing SSCs—especially in sensitive geographies such as the Mediterranean.

Table 1. Definition of Small-Scale City/Town (Authors).

Source/Region	Definition of Small-Scale City/Town
European Commission (ECoSR)	5000–50,000 inhabitants [40]
UN and World Bank (Degree of Urbanization)	Towns start at 5000; cities from 50,000+ [41]
OECD	Small urban areas are between 50,000 and 100,000 [42]
Germany (historical classification)	Small Towns: 5000–20,000; Medium Towns: 20,000–50,000 [43,44]
Canada (Statistics Canada)	Small urban centers grouped from 1000 to 29,999; Medium: 30,000 to 99,999 [45]

Table 1. Definition of Small-Scale City/Town (Authors).

Source/Region	Definition of Small-Scale City/Town
European Commission (ECoSR)	5000–50,000 inhabitants [40]
UN and World Bank (Degree of Urbanization)	Towns start at 5000; cities from 50,000+ [41]
OECD	Small urban areas are between 50,000 and 100,000 [42]
Germany (historical classification)	Small Towns: 5000–20,000; Medium Towns: 20,000–50,000 [43,44]
Canada (Statistics Canada)	Small urban centers grouped from 1000 to 29,999; Medium: 30,000 to 99,999 [45]

1.2. The Small-Scale Cities Scheme in the Mediterranean Context

Small-scale cities (SSCs) in the Mediterranean region represent a distinct urban typology shaped by unique historical, geographical, and socio-cultural characteristics (Figure 2). Although there is no single definition of SSCs, they are commonly understood as urban settlements with populations typically ranging from 5000 to 100,000 (Table 1), featuring moderate spatial scale, limited administrative capacity, and intermediate roles between rural areas and metropolitan centers [46]. In the Mediterranean context, SSCs often serve as historic centers, regional market towns, or coastal hubs with strong ties to agriculture, artisanal production, and seasonal tourism [5].

These cities are distinguished not only by their size but by their territorial embeddedness, local governance practices, and cultural continuity. Many Mediterranean SSCs are located in ecologically sensitive or heritage-rich zones, making them key sites for landscape stewardship, architectural preservation, and community-based development [47].

Despite their strategic importance, SSCs in the Mediterranean are often excluded from national and regional planning priorities, which tend to concentrate on metropolitan growth corridors and mega-projects [48]. This neglect is partly due to their limited visibility in statistical data and international development indicators. However, the literature increasingly highlights the latent potential of SSCs to contribute to balanced territorial development, resilience building, and sustainable local economies [49].

Particularly in the Mediterranean, where urban sprawl, unsustainable tourism, and environmental degradation are critical issues, SSCs are seen as testing grounds for integrated planning, resource efficiency, and heritage-based innovation [50]. Their compactness and community cohesion offer opportunities for inclusive governance and low-carbon development, aligning with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and New Urban Agenda principles.

While broader urban frameworks exist at the national and European levels [51], a dedicated Small-Scale Cities Scheme specific to the Mediterranean remains largely underdeveloped. Current frameworks do not adequately account for the socio-spatial heterogeneity, climate vulnerability, and cultural specificity of these cities. As Wagner & Growe (2021) [43] argue, SSCs require policy recognition not just as “smaller versions” of large cities, but as functionally distinct urban systems with their own development logic.

Furthermore, much of the planning literature lacks cross-comparative insights into how SSCs across different Mediterranean countries experience and respond to pressures such as [52]. This absence of a coherent SSC framework limits both policy-making and academic inquiry, leaving these cities vulnerable to fragmented and reactive planning approaches.

Recent interdisciplinary studies advocate for the creation of a regional SSC development model that prioritizes adaptive planning, local economic diversification, and participatory governance [53]. There is also growing emphasis on the role of SSCs in cultural sustainability, particularly in preserving intangible heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and vernacular urban forms. The integration of SSCs into smart and green transition agendas is increasingly seen as a way to strengthen Mediterranean resilience against climate and economic shocks.

Nonetheless, the literature remains sparse when it comes to providing practical frameworks or policy tools tailored to the distinct realities of SSMCs (Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities). This gap presents a critical opportunity for new research to fill a strategic void in regional development discourse.

Table 2. Multi-Level Factors Influencing Local Development in Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities.

Governance Level	Key Influences	Relevance to SSMCs
Local (Municipal)	Urban planning, land use regulation, heritage management, local partnerships, citizen engagement [54]	Directly shapes spatial development, governance innovation, and heritage protection; core focus of this study
Sub-Regional (Provincial/Prefectural)	Infrastructure maintenance, cultural funding, tourism promotion, coordination across municipalities [55]	Supports inter-municipal collaboration and regional identity; impacts service accessibility and cultural assets
National	Macroeconomic policy, national planning guidelines, fiscal frameworks, tourism strategies, investment incentives [56]	Strongly affects viability of local production systems and tourism sectors; critical for resource allocation
Mediterranean Regional	EU and Mediterranean programs (e.g., INTERREG, ENPI), environmental protection strategies, transboundary coordination [57]	Provides funding and guidance for sustainable coastal development, mobility, and resilience
International	Global tourism trends, climate change agreements, migration flows, international trade dynamics [58]	Influences demographic and economic pressures; affects long-term sustainability and attractiveness
Private Sector and Civil Society (Cross-cutting)	NGOs, cultural foundations, investors, local businesses, professional networks [59]	Crucial in implementing projects, sustaining heritage economies, and mobilizing community resources

presents a comparative overview of the multi-level factors influencing local development across the six selected Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs). It highlights how each city is shaped not only by local governance and planning systems but also by broader national, regional, and global dynamics. The table examines four key dimensions: the impact of national and regional policies, exposure to macroeconomic pressures, the quality of infrastructure and connectivity, and the degree of tourism dependency linked to external market forces. This layered analysis underscores the importance of situating local development within a wider policy and economic context, revealing how external conditions often constrain or enable local initiatives. The inclusion of this table responds directly to concerns about over-localization, offering a more integrated understanding of urban trajectories in the Mediterranean context.

In summary, while small-scale cities have gained modest attention in broader urban studies, their role within the Mediterranean urban landscape remains conceptually underdeveloped and policy-wise unsupported. The lack of a clear Small-Scale Cities Scheme tailored to Mediterranean needs reflects broader structural neglect in spatial planning. Developing such a framework—grounded in ecological sensitivity, cultural identity, and local governance—would significantly enhance the region’s capacity to foster sustainable, inclusive, and balanced urban futures.

1.3. A Framework for the Local Development of Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities

Small-scale cities should be guided by principles that reflect their unique scale, cultural richness, and developmental needs. First, context-sensitivity is essential, meaning that development strategies must respond to the local environmental, cultural, and socio-economic realities rather than replicate large-city models. Territorial integration is also key, as SSCs often function as connectors between rural and urban systems, requiring policies that strengthen regional networks and interdependencies. Another core principle is participatory governance, which emphasizes inclusive decision-making and active involvement of local communities in shaping their cities. In addition, SSCs should embrace resource efficiency and environmental stewardship, given their vulnerability to climate change, ecological degradation, and unsustainable land use—especially in the Mediterranean context. Cultural heritage preservation is equally vital, recognizing the role of SSCs in safeguarding vernacular architecture, local traditions, and place identity. Finally, economic diversification should be promoted through supporting small businesses, creative industries, and sustainable tourism, reducing dependency on seasonal or single-sector economies. Together, these principles form the foundation for integrated, resilient, and inclusive development in small-scale cities.

Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs) should be developed based on principles that reflect their distinctive geographical, cultural, and socio-economic contexts. A key principle is contextual responsiveness, where planning and development are aligned with the unique climatic, historical, and spatial characteristics of each city. Heritage preservation and cultural continuity are essential, as SSMCs are often custodians of rich architectural traditions, local craftsmanship, and community identities. Environmental sensitivity must guide land use and infrastructure decisions, particularly in relation to coastal management, water conservation, and climate resilience, given the ecological fragility of the Mediterranean region. Integrated and adaptive planning should replace fragmented approaches, promoting coordination between local governments, civil society, and regional authorities. Inclusive governance and community engagement are also critical, empowering residents to actively participate in shaping their urban environments. Lastly, diversified and sustainable local economies—grounded in agriculture, responsible tourism, and small-scale production—should be prioritized to reduce reliance on seasonal industries and enhance resilience. Together, these principles offer a holistic framework for the sustainable development of SSMCs, balancing growth with cultural and environmental stewardship.

Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs) should be guided by six core principles that reflect their distinctive scale, setting, and potential. 1. Contextual Responsiveness: Planning and development must be sensitive to each city’s unique geographical, historical, and cultural identity, avoiding generic urban models and ensuring place-based strategies. 2. Heritage Preservation and Cultural Continuity: SSMCs play a vital role in safeguarding vernacular architecture, traditional lifestyles, and intangible cultural assets, which should be actively integrated into development frameworks. 3. Environmental Sensitivity: Development must respect the ecological fragility of the Mediterranean, particularly regarding coastal areas, water resources, and climate resilience, prioritizing low-impact, adaptive solutions. 4. Integrated and Adaptive Planning: Cross-sectoral and multi-level coordination is essential to overcome fragmented governance, allowing for flexible, long-term strategies that respond to evolving urban and regional challenges. 5. Inclusive Governance and Community Engagement: Local populations should be empowered through participatory processes, ensuring that planning decisions reflect shared values and local needs. 6. Economic Diversification and Resilience: Strengthening diverse, small-scale, and sustainable economies—including agriculture, local manufacturing, and responsible tourism—can reduce over-dependence on volatile sectors and support long-term socio-economic stability. These six principles form a strategic foundation for rethinking the development of SSMCs in a more balanced, resilient, and culturally rooted manner (Figure 3). Together, these six principles aim to guide the development of SSMCs toward enhanced quality of life, cultural and ecological sustainability, and long-term resilience, in alignment with the objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

While acknowledging the relevance of additional criteria in shaping the development trajectories of small-scale cities, this study deliberately narrows its scope to focus on theory-driven analysis. As such, the framework does not incorporate certain critical dimensions—such as access to essential services [60], institutional networks [61], or the capacity to retain and attract younger populations [62]—not due to their lack of importance, but to maintain conceptual clarity and analytical focus within the boundaries of the study’s theoretical objectives. Furthermore, stakeholder validation and local community perspectives were not included, as the study prioritizes the development of a foundational, the literature-based model that can later be expanded and tested through empirical and participatory research. The authors recognize that this results in a primarily descriptive framework and acknowledge this as a limitation. It is therefore recommended that future research operationalize and refine the framework through case-specific data and multi-stakeholder engagement to enhance its practical relevance and applicability.

2. Materials and Methods

In this study, a mixed-method research design was employed to combine theory-based analysis with case-based empirical insights, enabling a comprehensive understanding of local development trajectories in Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs). This approach integrates different epistemological foundations, each contributing distinct perspectives and types of knowledge to the research process.

On one hand, the theory-driven component of the study is grounded in a constructivist and interpretivist epistemology. It involves the development of an analytical framework based on existing literature across urban planning, sustainability, and Mediterranean development studies. This part emphasizes the interpretation of conceptual relationships, critical synthesis of existing scholarship, and the construction of meaning from secondary sources. It seeks to identify normative principles and patterns by interpreting how scholars have previously addressed urban development in similar contexts.

On the other hand, the case-based analysis incorporates a more pragmatic and context-sensitive epistemology, drawing from descriptive and comparative methods. Although this component does not rely on fieldwork or direct stakeholder engagement, it uses publicly accessible data, planning documents, and contextual readings to comparatively evaluate the selected case cities. This method values empirical diversity and contextual specificity, recognizing that each SSMC reflects a unique blend of spatial, institutional, and socio-economic characteristics.

To manage the epistemological diversity inherent in this mixed-method approach, the study adopts a pragmatic stance that values methodological complementarity over philosophical purity. It acknowledges that different knowledge types (theoretical abstraction vs. empirical observation) can coexist productively and that both are necessary to understand the complexity of small-scale urban development. Furthermore, the study is transparent about its limitations, particularly regarding the absence of participatory or stakeholder-based validation. This omission is explicitly justified as a deliberate focus on conceptual clarity, with a view to informing future empirical research that may build upon this initial framework through more inductive, participatory, or action-oriented epistemologies. In sum, the study navigates and integrates distinct epistemological foundations by clearly delineating the purpose and scope of each method used, and by articulating how they jointly contribute to a more holistic and transferable understanding of development in SSMCs.

This study employs a qualitative, multi-layered approach to investigate the development dynamics of Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs), focusing on the gaps and potentials in current urban planning and governance frameworks. The methodology is designed to critically examine how local development is conceptualized and practiced across selected SSMCs and how these practices align—or misalign—with broader sustainable development principles.

The investigation is structured around a context-sensitive analytical scheme, illustrated in Figure 2, which serves as the central framework for both data organization and comparative analysis. This scheme synthesizes key thematic areas relevant to SSMCs—such as governance, environmental sensitivity, cultural continuity, economic resilience, and community participation—and is used as a reference model to discuss the findings in relation to existing literature and policy discourse.

Data collection was carried out through a review of secondary sources, including national and regional development reports, legislative documents, urban regulations, and publicly available datasets from Mediterranean countries. These sources provided insight into the current objectives, policy directions, and challenges faced by SSMCs within different governance contexts.

For data analysis, the study applied the Figure 2 scheme as an interpretative lens, enabling the categorization and evaluation of strategic components across cases. Each thematic domain within the scheme was systematically cross-checked with the literature and policy data to identify overlaps, inconsistencies, and areas of innovation or neglect. This method allowed for the formulation of a comparative and critical understanding of how SSMCs are positioned within broader local development paradigms, and how a more tailored planning model might be structured.

3. Findings

To ensure a comprehensive and representative understanding of local development in Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs), a diverse set of case studies was selected across the region. The primary aim was to reflect the variety of administrative regulations, socio-spatial contexts, and urban characteristics that shape development outcomes in different Mediterranean countries. The selection process was guided by several key criteria:

Geographical diversity, to include cities from different parts of the Mediterranean Basin (e.g., southern Europe, North Africa, and the eastern Mediterranean); Varied urban functions and economic bases, such as tourism-driven towns, agricultural centers, or heritage-focused cities; Cultural and historical significance, representing cities with tangible and intangible heritage values; Scale and administrative capacity, ensuring that selected cases fall within the small-scale city classification but exhibit differing governance approaches and planning frameworks; Availability of policy-related documentation, including local plans, national strategies, regulations, and accessible datasets.

By using these criteria, the study aimed to create a comparative platform capable of illustrating both common challenges and locally specific conditions within SSMCs. However, the main limitation in case selection was the uneven availability and accessibility of data, particularly in regions affected by political instability or with limited public documentation. As a result, some potentially relevant cities were excluded due to insufficient policy or planning data.

Despite these constraints, the study successfully selected six representative cases, each illustrating a distinct regulatory and development context: Mahdia, Tunisia—a coastal city with a strong cultural heritage and tourism economy, Ayvalık, Türkiye—a historic Aegean town facing rapid tourism-related growth and environmental concerns, Rethymno, Greece—a heritage-rich city balancing conservation with seasonal economic pressures, Marsala, Italy—a well-preserved urban heritage site with tourism dependency, Peñíscola’s historic city center is dominated by a well-preserved medieval castle (Castillo del Papa Luna), narrow streets, and traditional Mediterranean architecture—making it a prime example of tangible heritage in a small-scale context, and Lefke, Cyprus—a small urban center dealing with infrastructural expansion and governance fragmentation (Figure 4).

The selected case studies—Peñíscola (Spain), Mahdia (Tunisia), Marsala (Italy), Rethymno (Greece), Ayvalık (Türkiye), and Lefke (Cyprus)—were chosen to represent a diverse cross-section of Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs) across six different national contexts. This selection aimed to capture a broad spectrum of geographic, institutional, and economic diversity within the Mediterranean Basin. The cities vary in terms of their spatial scale (

Table 3. Comparative Overview of Selected Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (Authors).

City	Country	Population (Approx.)	Area (km2)	Density (People/km2)	Urban Character and Relevance
Peñíscola	Spain	8210 [63]	79	95	Compact coastal town with medieval heritage; highly seasonal tourism economy
Mahdia	Tunisia	45,977 (city center) [64]	45	1377	Historic medina; coastal fishing center facing urbanization pressures
Marsala	Italy	81,884 [65]	241	344	Heritage-rich agro-urban city; wine production and layered cultural identity
Rethymno	Greece	34,300 (urban core) [66]	26 (urban area)	1270	Venetian-Ottoman heritage, university town with tourism-driven economy
Ayvalık	Türkiye	37,182 [67]	305	236	Former Greek-Ottoman town; olive-based economy and seasonal population flux
Lefke	Cyprus	6411 [68]	48	146	Post-industrial town with cultural diversity and ecological value

Note on Standardization: Despite variations in size and administrative boundaries, all selected cases share core small-scale urban features—such as walkable environments, localized economies, and culturally significant centers. The analysis was standardized by focusing on the functional urban core of each city rather than broader administrative units, ensuring comparability in terms of urban character, governance scale, and planning challenges.

), governance structures, economic foundations (e.g., tourism, agriculture, industry), and degrees of heritage integration. Countries were selected to ensure inclusion from the northern, eastern, and southern Mediterranean sub-regions, allowing for a comparative understanding of how local development is approached under different policy regimes and socio-political contexts. Areas such as southern France or Albania, while relevant, were excluded primarily due to limited access to comparable planning data and differences in institutional transparency and data availability at the small-city level. Furthermore, the selected cases were chosen based on the availability of planning documents, secondary literature, and their relevance to ongoing regional urbanization debates. Together, these cities offer a sufficiently varied yet methodologically coherent basis for testing and refining a context-sensitive framework for sustainable local development in small-scale Mediterranean contexts. The selection of cases was not based solely on the availability of documents and data but also on their appropriateness in terms of representativeness, relevance, and comparability within the Mediterranean context. The chosen cities exemplify the typical challenges and potentials of small-scale Mediterranean cities (SSMCs), such as demographic pressures, heritage conservation, tourism dependency, ecological vulnerability, and governance complexity. Their selection was guided by the need to capture diverse yet comparable urban trajectories, ensuring that the framework could be meaningfully tested across different socio-spatial settings. In this study the selected cases also serve as archetypes of the structural conditions facing many SSMCs, thereby allowing the framework to retain operational value and relevance.

Together, these cases offer a balanced representation of SSMCs across different Mediterranean contexts, forming the empirical foundation for the study’s analytical and policy-oriented conclusions.

To address concerns regarding the localist scope of the analysis, this study incorporates a comparative overview of how multi-level external factors influence local development trajectories in the selected Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs). These include the role of national and regional policy frameworks, macroeconomic conditions, infrastructure accessibility, and external tourism dependencies—each of which significantly shapes the viability of local planning and production systems. The selected cases reflect diverse institutional and geopolitical settings, which in turn affect their exposure to exogenous pressures and resources. This broader context is summarized in

Table 4. Multi-Level Influences on Local Development in Selected SSMCs (Authors).

City	1. Influence of National/Regional Policies	2. Macroeconomic Pressures	3. Infrastructure and Connectivity	4. Tourism Dependency and External Market Influence
Peñíscola	Subject to national coastal regulations; regional tourism promotion heavily influences growth.	Real estate inflation and seasonal labor instability tied to national economic shifts.	Well-connected via road and rail, supporting regional mobility and market access.	Highly dependent on international tourism trends and national branding campaigns.
Mahdia	Centralized planning limits municipal autonomy; national tourism and fisheries policies apply.	Currency devaluation and import reliance impact local fisheries and food processing.	Limited public transport; underinvestment in regional infrastructure restricts access.	Tourism trends shaped by regional security and global travel advisories.
Marsala	EU agricultural policies and funding (e.g., CAP) shape local wine production.	Exposure to global wine markets and EU export conditions affects local producers.	Regional infrastructure supports trade, though uneven development across Sicily.	Tourism flows tied to national heritage promotion and EU cultural routes.
Rethymno	National education and cultural heritage programs influence urban regeneration.	Greece’s economic crises and EU recovery funds play a major role in urban budgets.	Good road and port access; dependent on national and EU infrastructure initiatives.	Seasonal tourism shaped by EU travel policies and macroeconomic trends.
Ayvalık	Governance influenced by centralized planning laws; tourism strategy nationally coordinated.	Affected by inflation and broader Turkish economic instability; limits investment.	Regional road networks exist but lack consistent investment.	Relies on domestic tourism shifts and political factors affecting foreign arrivals.
Lefke	Development constrained by limited international recognition and national governance structure.	Economic embargoes and dependency on Turkish funding impact local growth.	Isolated transport links; infrastructure affected by geopolitical tensions.	Tourism influenced by limited global connectivity and regional politics.

, which highlights the varying degrees of national, regional, and global influence on the development of each case city.

The urban core of Peñíscola is a compact, fortified peninsula dominated by the medieval Papa Luna Castle and historic seafront neighborhoods. The surrounding area includes natural parks, beaches, and scattered low-density development. While the municipality spans a larger area, the study focuses on the walkable heritage district and adjacent urban zones most affected by tourism and seasonal transformation (

Table 5. Evaluation of the Peñíscola, Spain, based on the Principles of SSMCs Framework.

Partial Map of the Case Area
Name of the SSMCs	Location of Partial Map on Satellite View	Evaluation
Peñíscola, Spain		Contextual and Human-Scale Urbanism: Maintains a compact, pedestrian-friendly historic core with architecture that respects its medieval coastal fortress character. Local Resource and Environmental Stewardship: Faces challenges with coastal management and tourist-driven strain on water and waste systems but shows efforts in ecological zoning. Cultural Continuity and Heritage Integration: Strong heritage identity centered around the Papa Luna Castle and preserved historic quarters, actively integrated into the city’s tourism model. Balanced and Resilient Local Economies: Highly dependent on seasonal tourism; limited diversification, though local crafts and gastronomy are emerging sectors. Participatory and Multi-Level Governance: Governance is improving through regional partnerships, though local participation mechanisms remain modest. Adaptive, Integrated Planning: Shows effort in tourism management plans and environmental adaptation, but integration across sectors is limited.

).

Mahdia’s historic center is located on a narrow peninsula, home to a well-preserved medina and Ottoman fortifications. The rest of the city includes dense coastal residential zones and expanding peri-urban neighborhoods. The case focuses on the interplay between heritage conservation in the medina, traditional fishing infrastructure, and rapid urbanization around the city core (

Table 6. Evaluation of the Mahdia, Tunisia, based on the Principles of SSMCs Framework.

Partial Map of the Case Area
Name of the SSMCs	Location of Partial Map on Satellite View	Evaluation
Mahdia, Tunisia		Contextual and Human-Scale Urbanism: The medina structure fosters intimate urban space and reflects traditional urban morphology. Local Resource and Environmental Stewardship: Coastal erosion and informal urban expansion present sustainability risks; environmental planning is limited. Cultural Continuity and Heritage Integration: Rich Islamic and Roman heritage exists but suffers from underinvestment and uneven integration into city development. Balanced and Resilient Local Economies: Relies on fishing, weaving, and tourism; vulnerable to economic shifts with insufficient policy support for diversification. Participatory and Multi-Level Governance: Decentralized governance remains weak; citizen engagement in planning is minimal. Adaptive, Integrated Planning: Fragmented planning structures and lack of coordination between tourism, environment, and heritage strategies.

).

Although Marsala has a large administrative area, the study concentrates on its historic urban center, characterized by Baroque streetscapes, archeological parks, and wine production facilities. The broader territory includes vineyards and coastal wetlands, but the primary analytical focus is on the city’s compact core where planning, tourism, and heritage intersect most strongly (

Table 7. Evaluation of the Marsala, Italy, based on the Principles of SSMCs Framework.

Partial Map of the Case Area
Name of the SSMCs	Location of Partial Map on Satellite View	Evaluation
Marsala, Italy		Contextual and Human-Scale Urbanism: Maintains a walkable core with Baroque and Roman architecture, sensitive to local scale and aesthetics. Local Resource and Environmental Stewardship: Efforts in coastal preservation and wine agriculture align with sustainable land use. Cultural Continuity and Heritage Integration: Strong heritage integration, including museums and archeological parks, supports civic identity and cultural tourism. Balanced and Resilient Local Economies: Wine production and agro-tourism contribute to a relatively diversified economy. Participatory and Multi-Level Governance: Benefitting from EU regional development programs with moderate local engagement. Adaptive, Integrated Planning: Evidence of integrated tourism-heritage plans, though some sectors (e.g., housing, mobility) lag behind.

).

Rethymno’s central area includes a well-defined urban core made up of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek-era architecture. The focus area encompasses the old town, coastal promenade, and university zone. Despite urban sprawl beyond this area, the analysis targets the central zone where cultural, environmental, and tourism pressures converge most intensely (

Table 8. Evaluation of the Rethymno, Greece, based on the Principles of SSMCs Framework.

Partial Map of the Case Area
Name of the SSMCs	Location of Partial Map on Satellite View	Evaluation
Rethymno, Greece		Contextual and Human-Scale Urbanism: Successfully preserves Venetian-Ottoman architecture with pedestrianized historic zones. Local Resource and Environmental Stewardship: Environmental stewardship includes blue flag beaches and waste management initiatives. Cultural Continuity and Heritage Integration: Actively promotes its multi-layered history in urban culture, events, and adaptive reuse of old buildings. Balanced and Resilient Local Economies: Seasonal tourism dominates but supported by agriculture and university-led services. Participatory and Multi-Level Governance: Higher public involvement in local planning through forums and partnerships. Adaptive, Integrated Planning: Relatively strong integration across sectors (heritage, mobility, tourism, environment).

).

Ayvalık includes several islands and large rural tracts; however, the study centers on the old town’s historic neighborhoods with narrow streets, neoclassical houses, and small-scale ports.

These urban areas exemplify human-scale development and heritage reuse, contrasting with newer peripheral developments that are excluded from the analysis (

Table 9. Evaluation of the Ayvalık, Türkiye, based on the Principles of SSMCs Framework.

Partial Map of the Case Area
Name of the SSMCs	Location of Partial Map on Satellite View	Evaluation
Ayvalık, Türkiye		Contextual and Human-Scale Urbanism: Maintains narrow streets, stone houses, and walkable neighborhoods that reflect Greek-Ottoman heritage. Local Resource and Environmental Stewardship: Increasing environmental awareness, especially in coastal protection and olive-based agriculture. Cultural Continuity and Heritage Integration: Adaptive reuse of historic buildings is common, though gentrification poses challenges. Balanced and Resilient Local Economies: Combines tourism, olive oil production, and small-scale services, showing signs of economic diversification. Participatory and Multi-Level Governance: Strong civil society presence and heritage advocacy groups promote civic engagement. Adaptive, Integrated Planning: Progressing toward integrated plans but constrained by overlapping authorities and development pressure.

).

Lefke is a small town with a concentrated urban core shaped by its mining legacy, Ottoman architecture, and proximity to natural and agricultural landscapes. The study focuses on the traditional town center and nearby university zone, both of which illustrate the tension between heritage preservation and post-industrial regeneration (

Table 10. Evaluation of the Lefke, Cyprus, based on the Principles of SSMCs Framework.

Partial Map of the Case Area
Name of the SSMCs	Location of Partial Map on Satellite View	Evaluation
Lefke, Cyprus		Contextual and Human-Scale Urbanism: The town preserves its mining-era identity and traditional Cypriot architecture, offering a walkable and layered urban fabric. Local Resource and Environmental Stewardship: Faces legacy issues from mining activity; some efforts exist in ecological rehabilitation and organic farming. Cultural Continuity and Heritage Integration: Cultural diversity and intangible heritage (crafts, festivals) remain strong but are underutilized in formal planning. Balanced and Resilient Local Economies: Economy is in transition; agriculture, eco-tourism, and academic institutions are potential growth areas. Participatory and Multi-Level Governance: Governance capacity is limited, though local initiatives are rising post-municipality reforms. Adaptive, Integrated Planning: Integrated vision still emerging; current plans remain sectoral and lack strong cross-domain coherence.

).

4. Discussion

The findings of this study both reinforce and challenge existing literature on small-scale urban development, particularly within the Mediterranean context. Across the selected cases, it becomes evident that while Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs) share a set of core challenges—such as limited administrative capacity, seasonal economies, and heritage vulnerability—the ways in which they navigate development are shaped by local regulatory frameworks, socio-cultural priorities, and spatial constraints. These dynamics highlight the inadequacy of a one-size-fits-all approach often reflected in national and EU-level urban development policies [69].

Consistent with previous studies [6,9], the cases confirm that SSMCs often operate on the margins of formal development agendas, receiving minimal attention compared to metropolitan centers. However, this study adds nuance by demonstrating that some SSMCs—such as Rethymno and Ayvalık—have leveraged their cultural and environmental assets to initiate adaptive planning models, albeit in fragmented ways. These examples align with the literature’s call for place-based strategies [68], but they also reveal an implementation gap, especially in integrating participatory and cross-sectoral planning frameworks into everyday governance.

The analytical framework presented in Figure 2 provided a structured lens through which to assess the presence or absence of six core principles—contextual responsiveness, heritage preservation, environmental sensitivity, integrated planning, inclusive governance, and economic diversification. When applied to the case studies, it became clear that heritage and environmental sensitivity were often present in planning rhetoric but weakly embedded in regulation and long-term strategic vision. For instance, while Mahdia and Sidi Bou Said have strict heritage conservation codes, they lack integrated economic strategies that support broader resilience.

This reflects a broader trend identified in the literature: SSCs are frequently treated as static heritage zones rather than dynamic urban systems [70]. The case-based findings suggest that this static perception limits innovation, especially in mobilizing community-based governance or diversifying local economies beyond tourism. Furthermore, despite the acknowledged importance of inclusive governance in academic discourse [71], very few case cities had formal mechanisms for community participation in urban planning, indicating a clear disconnection between theoretical recommendations and institutional practice.

One of the critical contributions of this study is the demonstration that context-specific development frameworks—as outlined in the proposed scheme—can bridge the gap between general policy recommendations and locally actionable strategies. While the existing literature often advocates for small-city autonomy and tailored approaches, it seldom provides operational tools for planners or decision-makers. By testing the scheme against real-world planning conditions in six different Mediterranean contexts, this research addresses that gap, offering a practical foundation for developing future SSC-specific policies and strategies.

In sum, this study confirms that while the academic discourse increasingly recognizes the importance of small-scale cities, there remains a disconnect between theory, policy, and implementation. The SSMCs examined demonstrate varied capacities to adapt, but all reveal a pressing need for integrated, flexible, and locally grounded frameworks. Aligning theory with practice requires not only further empirical studies but also political will and institutional reform to elevate the role of small cities in sustainable Mediterranean development.

A comparative evaluation of the six selected Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs) was conducted using the study’s six-principle analytical framework: Contextual and Human-Scale Urbanism, Environmental Stewardship, Cultural Continuity and Heritage Integration, Balanced and Resilient Local Economies, Participatory and Multi-Level Governance, and Adaptive, Integrated Planning. The table summarizes key characteristics, strengths, and challenges observed in each case study across these dimensions. Despite their geographic and socio-economic differences, the cities demonstrate shared struggles with fragmented planning, tourism pressures, and limited stakeholder inclusion—while also showcasing emerging good practices in heritage integration, civic engagement, and environmental management (

Table 11. Comparative Evaluation of Case Studies Based on the Six SSMC Principles.

City	1. Contextual And Human-Scale Urbanism	2. Environmental Stewardship	3. Heritage Integration	4. Economic Resilience	5. Participatory Governance	6. Adaptive Planning
Peñíscola	Strong historic core; walkable scale	Moderate; coastal strain from tourism	Well-integrated heritage in tourism	Tourism-dominated, limited diversification	Improving via regional programs	Tourism plans exist; limited integration
Mahdia	Traditional medina structure	Limited; informal expansion risks	Strong heritage presence; underfunded	Fishing, textiles, fragile economy	Weak local participation	Fragmented planning strategies
Marsala	Compact historic center	Moderate; eco-agriculture strengths	Archeological and urban heritage visible	Wine, tourism, agriculture mix	Moderate through EU initiatives	Some integrated policies in place
Rethymno	Well-preserved urban fabric; walkable	Blue flag beaches; active stewardship	Strong; reuse of historic buildings	Tourism, university, agriculture	Active civic engagement	Relatively strong integration
Ayvalık	Human-scale, heritage-rich neighborhoods	Increasing environmental awareness	Common adaptive reuse; gentrification risks	Tourism and olive industry balance	Strong local civil society	Progressing; needs coordination
Lefke	Compact town, post-industrial character	Legacy mining issues; some green efforts	Undervalued cultural diversity	Agriculture, education; transition economy	Growing after reforms	Still developing integrated approach

).

An important dimension in the development trajectories of Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs) is their shifting demographic landscape, particularly in relation to depopulation, population aging, and youth outmigration [15,16]. These trends are especially pronounced in cities with low added-value economies, such as those heavily dependent on seasonal tourism or traditional agriculture. The Mediterranean context reflects a broader pattern of urban shrinkage and social transformation, where younger generations often migrate to larger urban centers in search of better educational and economic opportunities, leaving behind aging populations and weakening local labor markets. While these demographic dynamics are critically relevant to the long-term sustainability of SSMCs, this study intentionally excluded detailed demographic analysis to maintain a focused theoretical and spatial-planning perspective. The primary aim was to evaluate the institutional and physical planning dimensions of local development using a cross-case framework. Nonetheless, the authors recognize that demographic change interacts closely with issues of governance, economic resilience, and spatial planning, and therefore recommend that future studies incorporate population data and mobility patterns as key variables in the refinement and empirical application of the framework.

While the study develops a framework tailored to the context of small-scale Mediterranean cities (SSMCs), it does not claim universal applicability across all urban settings. The framework is grounded in context-sensitive principles that reflect the shared characteristics and challenges of SSMCs, such as heritage preservation, ecological vulnerability, and governance fragmentation. At the same time, we acknowledge that urban diversity limits the direct transferability of findings to fundamentally different contexts. Therefore, the framework should be understood as a model with indicative value, offering guidance and inspiration rather than a rigid prescription. The lessons drawn are most relevant to cities of comparable scale and socio-spatial conditions within the Mediterranean region, though certain principles—such as inclusive governance or environmental sensitivity—carry broader resonance. In this regard, the external validity of the study is intentionally bounded, and further comparative research is needed to refine and adapt the framework for other urban contexts.

5. Conclusions and Recommendations

This study has critically explored the development challenges and potentials of Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities (SSMCs), a group of urban settlements that remain underrepresented in both academic discourse and national development agendas. Through a comparative analysis of six diverse case studies—Mahdia, Ayvalık, Rethymno, Marsala, and Lefke—the research identified common vulnerabilities such as fragmented planning, overreliance on tourism, weak institutional capacities, and limited citizen participation. These challenges were evaluated using a context-sensitive analytical scheme (Figure 2), which helped assess each city’s alignment with six key development principles: contextual responsiveness, heritage preservation, environmental sensitivity, integrated planning, inclusive governance, and economic diversification.

One of the study’s most significant findings is that although many SSMCs possess rich cultural assets and strong local identities, these are not consistently leveraged to support resilient and sustainable urban development. While certain cities, such as Rethymno and Ayvalık, show emerging practices in heritage-led or adaptive planning, these efforts often lack coordination with broader environmental, economic, and governance strategies. This fragmented approach contrasts with the holistic, integrated models advocated in the literature. Therefore, the study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by bridging theoretical insights with case-based realities and offering a practical framework that can be adapted for similar small-scale urban contexts in the Mediterranean.

The research offers valuable implications for a variety of stakeholders. For local and regional authorities, there is a pressing need to develop integrated planning approaches that align heritage protection with ecological preservation and economic diversification. Cities must also institutionalize participatory mechanisms to actively engage local communities in decision-making processes, ensuring that development reflects shared values and lived experiences. National policymakers are encouraged to acknowledge the role of small cities within national strategies and to support them through decentralized governance models, funding opportunities, and regulatory flexibility. Researchers and academics, meanwhile, are urged to expand comparative and empirical investigations into SSMCs, particularly in regions where data availability is limited. Collaboration between academia and local governments can also play a critical role in translating theoretical models into applied planning tools.

Despite its contributions, the study faces certain limitations. The selection of cases was constrained by the availability and accessibility of planning reports, regulatory documents, and public data. Consequently, some regions, particularly those affected by political instability or lacking formalized planning systems, could not be included in the analysis. Additionally, the study is based primarily on secondary data sources rather than fieldwork or stakeholder interviews, which future research could address through more immersive and participatory methods.

In conclusion, this research repositions Small-Scale Mediterranean Cities as important cultural, social, and ecological nodes that deserve focused planning attention. By offering a tailored framework and identifying both common and case-specific issues, the study provides a foundation for rethinking how small-scale cities can be made more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. The Mediterranean region, with its layered histories and growing pressures, requires localized, adaptable development strategies that respect place-based identities while addressing emerging challenges. Through better integration of theory and practice, and stronger collaboration between decision-makers, scholars, and communities, SSMCs can play a transformative role in regional development.