Beautiful islands of Europe

beautiful island

There are many beautiful islands and archipelagos in Europe. Some of them transform into a little paradise during summer, some are wild and waiting to be discovered.

Madeira, Portugal

beautiful island
This portuguese island located into the Atlantic Ocean has much to offer: mountains rich in vegetation, the network of levada walks, noisy waterfalls, walks into the forests by horseback. You can take a cable car ride to get views across the rooftops of the capital city, Funchal.

The Isle of Skye, Scotland

skye
This beautiful island is located close to the northern shores of Scotland. It is most popular for hikers and climbers, because of its prominent rocks and surfaces that can be difficult to traverse. In the little towns of The Isle of Skye you can participate at events filled with folk and Gaelic songs.

Tenerife, Spain

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In Tenerife you can relax at the beach and have fun in fancy clubs in the coastal resorts or you can explore almost untouched areas, such as Anaga Mountains or the small communities of locals.

Santorini, Greece

santorini

Santorini is the name given to the former island of Thera after a volcanic eruption changed the region. This beautiful island located in the Aegean Sea has many trails along the edge of high mountains and cliffs surrounded bythe sea. Its rich history includes cave houses, collections of antiques in local museums, the Faros lighthouse. The rustic villages of dazzling white houses make a powerful contrast with the black sand beaches.

Sardinia, Italy

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Sardinia’s most famous place is Costa Smeralda, but there are many other attractions: the rugged landscape of the granite interior, the tasty seafood, the evocative remnants of Sardinia’s ancient nuraghic culture, Carthaginian and Roman ruins, Pisan churches and Spanish Baroque.

Mallorca, Spain

Majorca

Mallorca is the largest island in the Balearic Islands. It offers a variety of ways for spending your holiday: beach resorts, the wineries in the centre of the island and the Serra de Tramuntana mountain, which is a World Heritage Site because of the extraordinary techniques used to develop agriculture on its steep slopes.

Crete, Greece

beautiful island

“Megalónisos” or the “Great Island” is the Greek alternative name for Crete. It has one of the longest beach-lounging seasons. Crete has fascinating art and architecture and great archaeological sites. In the city of Heraklion you can see the harbor and old Venetian walls. The island offers diverse activities: beaches, hiking, climbing.

Naxos, Grecia

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Naxos Island is the largest member of the Cyclades chain of islands. It is known mostly for the large number of ruins. One of the most popular ruins are the standing entrance to the Temple of Apollo known as the Portara and the historic Crispi Tower that is part of an ancient Venetian castle.

Ibiza, Spain

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The White Isle is well known for the beautiful coastline, fancy hotels and world-class nightclubs. Ibiza’s most popular beaches are the sophisticated Cala Jondal and Cala D’Hort, which offers a mesmerising view of the volcano-shaped Es Vedra rock.

Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden

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This archipelago is comprised of thousands of small islands in the Baltic Sea. It is preferred for its atmosphere, its naturally beautiful setting and its healthy, natural food, being a popular cruise itinerary.

Menorca, Spain

beautiful island

Unspoilt, idyllic, glistening sand, turquoise water – all the cliché is true when talking about Menorca’s beaches. The most popular are Pregonda – for snorkelling and diving, and Cala Macarella – for a sheltered cove backed by pine trees and holm oaks.

Malta

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Malta gets more than 300 sunny days a year and is surrounded by clear blue waters. It has 7 000 years of history, with its unique Ggantija temples – a magnificent Unesco world heritage site, some of the oldest stone buildings in the world, Roman catacombs, medieval towns and many extraordinary pieces of architecture. Other unique feature is the natural Azure Window – a magnificent rock archway cut into the Dwejra Point cliffs. Enjoy the blue water and try Kinnie, which is a Maltese coca-cola!

Krk, Croatia

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Krk is the most popular (and populous) of Croatia’s Adriatic Islands, and one of our readers calls it “the best place in the world.” The islands scored incredibly high for their beautiful scenery

Lanzarote, Spain

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This island in the Canaries is slowly turning into an upmarket destination. All over the island can be seen the influence of the visionary artist, architect and environmentalist César Manrique. He saved Lanzarote from the ravages of rampant development. His creations accentuate the unique geology of the island and are now its main tourist attractions.

Mainland Orkney, Scotland

beautiful island

Mainland Orkney is the largest island of the Orkney Island group and is divided into East and West mainland. On West Mainland is the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, prehistoric ruins that include a chambered tomb, stone ceremonial circles, and Skara Brae, a well-preserved Neolithic village. Over on the East side is a collapsed sea cave known as The Gloup, Mill Sands and Dingieshowe Beach. The island also contains diverse wildlife including many seabirds.

Ischia & the Phlegraean Islands, Italy

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This archipelago is situated in the Gulf of Naples. The islands are like hidden gems which are very old-style Italian. They have amazing scenery and atmosphere, with a lot of hot springs.

Sicily, Italy

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This beautiful island is the largest in the Mediterranean. It is a mix of Greek temples, Norman churches and Baroque palazzos. On Lipari & Aeolian Islands, which are located off Sicily, you could see Stromboli Volcano, a dramatic topography and you can take therapeutic mud baths. Because of their volcanic history, these little Sicilian islands are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Zakynthos, Greece

beautiful island

Zakynthos, often called Zante, is located in the Ionian Sea. It is perfect for divers and snorkelers, thanks to the several underwater caves that showcase the sea life and geological history of the area.
It is popular for its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Capri, Italy

beautiful island

This Italian island is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its most popular destination is the Blue Grotto, an area and cave where the water has a striking blue color. This tiny and beautiful island of Capri was favoured in its time by Roman Emperors and is still a favourite haunt of the rich and famous. Called Capri Apragopolis – which means “City of Sweet Idleness” – by Augustus, the island has a seductive atmosphere created by its timeless beauty.

Fuerteventura, Spain

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Fuerteventura offers uncrowded beaches with white sand, turquoise seas, tranquil villages and stunning coastlines. The warm Saharan winds create a perfect place for watersport lovers.

Elba & Tuscan Archipelago, Italy

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This archipelago has world-class restaurants in its little villages, taking good food seriously. You can visit the hill town of Marciana Alta if you are looking for food to die for and if you crave for tasty gelato, Zero Gradi is the right place.

Corfu, Greece

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Corfu is one of the greenest of the Greek islands. Besides that, it is one of the most rural and sleepy islands away from the main crowded spots. In remote villages, the locals celebrate summer and autumn panegýria – which are religious old festivals. Don’t expect much action until after 8:00 p.m.

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