The 15 most beautiful European island destinations
Do you love island life? The freedom to drive around an entire island, to be able to surf, sunbathe and swim in the sea, discover hidden gems, explore coastal towns, the tranquility and the smaller population, the awareness of the land they live on… Life on the island is fantastic and you can learn a lot from these lifestyles! Here are the 15 most beautiful islands for you!
1. Menorca, Spain
Small but beautiful, Menorca is Mallorca’s quiet sister! This island is one of the lesser known islands of the Balearic Islands. Compared to its neighbors Ibiza and Mallorca, Menorca is small, but with an authentic Spanish feeling, a rich culture and an interesting past that stretches back over 2,000 years. Menorca is truly an island paradise with a beautiful sea in all shades of blue, dozens of unique beaches, beautiful towns and villages rich in history and tradition. It is an extraordinary island, a place you can quickly call home. Are you looking for the perfect beach life? Menorca has a coastline of 220 km, with more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined!
2. Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is a Greek island in the southern part of the Aegean Sea and belongs to the Cyclades group of islands. It is located near the islands of Tinos, Paros, Syros and Naxos. So it’s a perfect first destination for island hopping! It is a world famous and always sunny island that always shows its unique and vibrant character. You’ll find energetic summer nightlife and natural beauty with gorgeous beaches, as well as quaint architecture and pretty villages – Mykonos adheres to the traditional and protected Cycladic architectural style. The island is dotted with small, low, whitewashed houses with striking colorful details, often used for movie sets!
Mykonos is a Greek island in the southern part of the Aegean Sea and belongs to the Cyclades group of islands. It is located near the islands of Tinos, Paros, Syros and Naxos. So it’s a perfect first destination for island hopping! It is a world famous and always sunny island that always shows its unique and vibrant character. You’ll find energetic summer nightlife and natural beauty with gorgeous beaches, as well as quaint architecture and pretty villages – Mykonos adheres to the traditional and protected Cycladic architectural style. The island is dotted with small, low, whitewashed houses with striking colorful details, often used for movie sets!
3. Hvar, Croatia
The Croatian island of Hvar is known as the queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands! Thanks to its temperate climate, warm winters and pleasant summers, Hvar receives many travelers attracted by its dense Mediterranean nature, rich traditions and incredible nightlife. The beaches are beautiful, the water clear blue, and the island is dotted with extensive fields of lavender, ancient olive trees, and vineyards.
The Croatian island of Hvar is known as the queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands! Thanks to its temperate climate, warm winters and pleasant summers, Hvar receives many travelers attracted by its dense Mediterranean nature, rich traditions and incredible nightlife. The beaches are beautiful, the water clear blue, and the island is dotted with extensive fields of lavender, ancient olive trees, and vineyards.
4. Corsica, France
The French island of Corsica is nicknamed the “island of beauty” for its breathtaking landscapes: from red cliffs, turquoise waters and stone villages to mountains and spectacular valleys full of chestnut trees. There are hidden bays, sandy beaches and rugged peninsulas. Did you know that Corsica has more than 1,000 km of coastline? Being the homeland of Napoleon, makes it a land steeped in tradition and history. It is better to discover the island by walking through the towns that overlook the Mediterranean Sea.
The French island of Corsica is nicknamed the “island of beauty” for its breathtaking landscapes: from red cliffs, turquoise waters and stone villages to mountains and spectacular valleys full of chestnut trees. There are hidden bays, sandy beaches and rugged peninsulas. Did you know that Corsica has more than 1,000 km of coastline? Being the homeland of Napoleon, makes it a land steeped in tradition and history. It is better to discover the island by walking through the towns that overlook the Mediterranean Sea.
5. Ibiza, Spain
One of the most famous, beautiful and popular islands of the Balearic Islands is Ibiza. Although the size of the island is relatively small, it is full of amazing sights, attractions, and things to do. Ibiza is widely known for its dynamic nightlife, but in return it has a definite laid-back island hippie vibe. Hello hippie markets, sunset rituals and hidden corners! From the history of Ibiza and the breathtaking views of Sa Talaiassa to the special and hidden beaches, Ibiza is a must experience.
One of the most famous, beautiful and popular islands of the Balearic Islands is Ibiza. Although the size of the island is relatively small, it is full of amazing sights, attractions, and things to do. Ibiza is widely known for its dynamic nightlife, but in return it has a definite laid-back island hippie vibe. Hello hippie markets, sunset rituals and hidden corners! From the history of Ibiza and the breathtaking views of Sa Talaiassa to the special and hidden beaches, Ibiza is a must experience.
6. Santorini, Greece
The Greek island of Santorini is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Making it one of the most magical places you have ever seen! Here you will also find the most spectacular sea views you have ever seen, with the most beautiful sunsets in the world. The island consists of a rocky landscape, incredible red and black volcanic beaches, and the Santorini volcano. The massive cliffs are dotted with dreamy whitewashed Cycladic houses and blue-roofed churches. A magical island!
The Greek island of Santorini is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Making it one of the most magical places you have ever seen! Here you will also find the most spectacular sea views you have ever seen, with the most beautiful sunsets in the world. The island consists of a rocky landscape, incredible red and black volcanic beaches, and the Santorini volcano. The massive cliffs are dotted with dreamy whitewashed Cycladic houses and blue-roofed churches. A magical island!
7. Burano, Italy
Burano is an Italian island in the North Venetian Lagoon, 11 km northeast of Murano and Venice. The life of this island is reflected mainly in the casual towns full of colored houses reflected in the green waters of the canals, with casual locals, the fishing villages full of balconies with multicolored flowers and fishermen hanging fresh fish from their traditional boats.
Burano is an Italian island in the North Venetian Lagoon, 11 km northeast of Murano and Venice. The life of this island is reflected mainly in the casual towns full of colored houses reflected in the green waters of the canals, with casual locals, the fishing villages full of balconies with multicolored flowers and fishermen hanging fresh fish from their traditional boats.
8. Capri, Italy
Capri is an Italian island in the Gulf of Naples. It is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, prized for its spectacular rugged coastline, hidden sea caves in the cliffs, and the glamorous yet informal atmosphere of the island’s villages. It is also an island with a thousand faces, where the visitor can walk the paths of the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean in total solitude, immerse themselves in the crystalline waters of the rocky coast or get lost in the bustle of the Piazzetta.
Capri is an Italian island in the Gulf of Naples. It is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, prized for its spectacular rugged coastline, hidden sea caves in the cliffs, and the glamorous yet informal atmosphere of the island’s villages. It is also an island with a thousand faces, where the visitor can walk the paths of the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean in total solitude, immerse themselves in the crystalline waters of the rocky coast or get lost in the bustle of the Piazzetta.
9.Brac, Croatia
Every summer, many sun-seeking tourists flock to the beautiful island of Brac in Croatia. Most visitors rush to the famous town of Bol, to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea and to one of the most famous beaches in Croatia – Zlatni Rat. The horn shape of the beach makes it unique! You can easily take the ferry from the city of Split to reach this beautiful island.
Every summer, many sun-seeking tourists flock to the beautiful island of Brac in Croatia. Most visitors rush to the famous town of Bol, to the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea and to one of the most famous beaches in Croatia – Zlatni Rat. The horn shape of the beach makes it unique! You can easily take the ferry from the city of Split to reach this beautiful island.
10. Las Palmas, Spain
In Las Palmas there is a real island life atmosphere, being also part of the Canary Islands. The island has a very diverse landscape and climate, which is why it has been declared a biosphere reserve and a starlight destination. This island offers impressive landscapes, secluded beaches, imposing volcanoes, dense forests and incomparable starry skies. The island has a special energy that you can only experience if you have been there!
In Las Palmas there is a real island life atmosphere, being also part of the Canary Islands. The island has a very diverse landscape and climate, which is why it has been declared a biosphere reserve and a starlight destination. This island offers impressive landscapes, secluded beaches, imposing volcanoes, dense forests and incomparable starry skies. The island has a special energy that you can only experience if you have been there!
11.Tenerife, Spain
The Spanish island of Tenerife is a paradise with a diverse tropical landscape. Relax in a fancy resort, explore the island, surf the black sand beaches, hike deep gorges, eat fresh fish… Hello island life! The south is desert and dry, while the north is very tropical and green. 80% of visitors flock to the south, where endless golden sand beaches await and the sun is guaranteed, but the north offers a wilder experience, with black volcanic sand beaches from the high volcano El Teide.
The Spanish island of Tenerife is a paradise with a diverse tropical landscape. Relax in a fancy resort, explore the island, surf the black sand beaches, hike deep gorges, eat fresh fish… Hello island life! The south is desert and dry, while the north is very tropical and green. 80% of visitors flock to the south, where endless golden sand beaches await and the sun is guaranteed, but the north offers a wilder experience, with black volcanic sand beaches from the high volcano El Teide.
12. Malt
Historic Malta, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is truly a great island for a holiday with an excellent island atmosphere. There are beautiful beaches, a lively capital, blue caves, fantastic underwater life. You can also find historic buildings, quaint towns, and great restaurants, making it a perfect island destination.
Historic Malta, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is truly a great island for a holiday with an excellent island atmosphere. There are beautiful beaches, a lively capital, blue caves, fantastic underwater life. You can also find historic buildings, quaint towns, and great restaurants, making it a perfect island destination.
13. Achill, Ireland
Ireland’s Achill Island is a special island! It is cooler than its sunny predecessors, but also harsher. You’ll find peace and quiet on the award-winning golden beaches, you can swim and surf in the crystal clear waters and meet the friendly locals in the charming traditional pubs. Health!
Ireland’s Achill Island is a special island! It is cooler than its sunny predecessors, but also harsher. You’ll find peace and quiet on the award-winning golden beaches, you can swim and surf in the crystal clear waters and meet the friendly locals in the charming traditional pubs. Health!
14. Kefalonia
The Greek island of Kefalonia is also known as the jewel of the Ionian Islands! It is the largest of these islands, located off the west coast of the mainland. Kefalonia is unique: mountainous with many forests, rivers and underground caves. It is also famous for its crystal clear turquoise waters and numerous private white sand and pebble beaches with a coastline of more than 250 km. You have to visit its many beautiful bays and coves or especially if you are looking for a nice and quiet travel destination.
The Greek island of Kefalonia is also known as the jewel of the Ionian Islands! It is the largest of these islands, located off the west coast of the mainland. Kefalonia is unique: mountainous with many forests, rivers and underground caves. It is also famous for its crystal clear turquoise waters and numerous private white sand and pebble beaches with a coastline of more than 250 km. You have to visit its many beautiful bays and coves or especially if you are looking for a nice and quiet travel destination.
15. The Azores, Portugal
The Azores is the perfect place for nature lovers! Being the volcanic and green islands of Portugal! The Azores have even been named the second most beautiful archipelago in the world. It consists of an archipelago of 9 islands in the Atlantic Ocean under Portugal, but… they are only 1,500 km from the Portuguese coast! This makes it a unique destination, with its special flora and fauna that make it a completely different world. Think spouting feathers, steaming mud pools, sprawling rolling green meadows, huge volcanic craters, black and gold beaches, healing hot springs, lava flows, waterfalls, sheer cliffs, deep canyons, and gorgeous blue lakes. You can even easily spot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles here!
The Azores is the perfect place for nature lovers! Being the volcanic and green islands of Portugal! The Azores have even been named the second most beautiful archipelago in the world. It consists of an archipelago of 9 islands in the Atlantic Ocean under Portugal, but… they are only 1,500 km from the Portuguese coast! This makes it a unique destination, with its special flora and fauna that make it a completely different world. Think spouting feathers, steaming mud pools, sprawling rolling green meadows, huge volcanic craters, black and gold beaches, healing hot springs, lava flows, waterfalls, sheer cliffs, deep canyons, and gorgeous blue lakes. You can even easily spot whales, dolphins, and sea turtles here!