There are thousands of magical islands to explore on the European continent. From Greece’s Ionian wonders to long-time favourites like Malta and Sardinia, there is no shortage of dreamy islands to wile away the days with a new book or explore historical wonders. Here are eight fantastic destinations to consider for your next holiday.
Santorini, Greece
Let’s start with a classic. Santorini has been the ultimate couples’ destination for decades. Home to some of the world’s best sunsets and cocktails, there’s a good reason why Santorini has become one of the most Instagrammable holiday destinations. While many visitors come for the sunsets and picture-perfect whitewashed homes, they often stay for the rich history, warm locals, and delicious cuisine. We’d recommend booking your Santorini stay during the shoulder seasons of May or October for smaller crowds and a milder climate.
Hvar, Croatia
Just an hour’s ferry ride from Split, Hvar is rapidly becoming one of Croatia’s most sought-after not-so-hidden gems. With a lively nightlife and a growing backpacking scene, Hvar is the perfect place to let your hair down after sightseeing in nearby Split. Hvar Town is the island’s most popular spot, with dozens of bars and restaurants serving the freshest seafood and tastiest cocktails. The best time to visit Hvar to beat the crowds and heat is either May or September.
Sicily, Italy
Welcome to Sicily, home of Europe’s largest active volcano and the birthplace of the mafia. Just over an hour’s flight from Rome, Sicily is easily accessible by a private plane charter. The island is simply bursting with personality, from the stunning skyline of Palermo to the unique street food like octopus, minced sheep guts, and even veal lung. If that’s not enough to turn your stomach, head up to Mount Etna in a nerve-racking cable car. After all this, you might be in the mood to relax on Lampedusa island, with its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe just a four-hour ferry ride away.
Malta
If you can’t picture Malta, then imagine the blue waters and historic stone buildings in films and television like Game of Thrones or Gladiator; both used this tiny Mediterranean island as a filming location due to its incredible beauty. The country’s capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its 16th-century citadel. You can also cruise the famous Grand Harbour, which is filled with beauty and history.
Madeira, Portugal
Next up on the list, we have a slight curveball. Like Hvar, Madeira is fast becoming one of Europe’s most popular and exciting holiday destinations. Some have dubbed it the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ due to its unique vegetation and endemic plant life. Its rugged landscape and mild climate make it an excellent destination for adventure tourists and multi-day hiking treks. If you visit Madeira during winter, you’ll be surprised by its warm weather and almost no tourists. It’s the sort of island that feels almost undiscovered, so you can feel like a true explorer.
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia has been an iconic European island getaway for decades, and for good reason. With over 2,000km of coastline and around 300 days of sunshine every year, Sardinia is a Mediterranean paradise. In the northeast of the island, Costa Smeralda plays host to the rich and famous, with many celebrities owning property in the region. But it’s not all fine dining and beach breaks as you can also visit a 5th-century Roman settlement, Nora. Another fascinating historical site definitely worth a visit is the Nuragic complex Su Nuraxi of Barumini. There are thousands of Bronze Age structures here, built by the Nuragic people and dating back to around 1,500 BC.
Ibiza, Spain
Known as Europe’s primary party island, Ibiza is developing a reputation for far more than its dreamy sunrises after all-nighters in sweaty megaclubs. Ibiza Town, locally known as Eivissa, is the star of the show. Whitewashed buildings and narrow, cobbled streets set the stage for fine-dining restaurants and some of the world’s most exclusive shopping boutiques. Visitors can also take a day trip out to the stunning Caribbeanesque Formentera Island, where white sand beaches meet the sparkling turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. After a day of exploring, round off your day with a hike to the Es Vedra viewpoint, where you can watch the sun go down by the 400-metre-high Es Vedra rock just off the coast.
Paros, Greece
Known as one of the friendliest islands in the Cyclades, Paros is yet to fall victim to the overtourism of many of Greece’s most celebrated islands. The beaches are quiet and the fishing villages look like they haven’t changed in centuries. Agioi Anargyri presents the best beach for families, while Santa Maria offers another great option for beach bums. For those looking for the perfect Instagram holiday snap, head to Monastiri, just below the iconic blue dome of Agios Ioannis Detis church. This provides the perfect viewpoint to watch boats sail by, or head over in the evening for a sunset you’ll only find in Greece.
Your Island Getaway Awaits
These are eight of the best island destinations in Europe, but there are so many others that we could’ve included in the list. Santorini and Sardinia offer tried-and-tested breaks that guarantee world-class quality, but visit places like Paros or Madeira for a getaway that’ll leave your friends green with envy.
