15 Best Islands to Visit in Europe for Your Bucket List
Europe isn’t just about bustling cities and snowy Alps – it’s also home to some seriously dreamy islands. We’ve scoured the continent’s coastlines to bring you the top island paradises that’ll make your wanderlust go wild.
Forget the tourist-packed capitals – Europe’s islands are where the real magic happens. Get ready to trade city streets for sandy shores!
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1. Santorini, Greece
Santorini will steal your heart with its cliff-side homes and sunsets that light up the Aegean Sea. Spend your evenings watching the sky change colors from the comfort of a terrace, maybe with a glass of local Assyrtiko wine in hand.
You can wander through the charming streets of Oia, where every turn is a new photo opportunity. For your stay, book a room at Katikies Hotel. Listed as a favorite resort in Greece, it offers a breathtaking stay in Oia.
2. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira greets you with a palette of colors, from the vivid blue of the sea to the lush greens of its mighty hills. You’ll find this island is a haven for activities.
Feel the thrill as you watch roaring waterfalls carve through valleys from high above, secured by ropes as you try canyoning, which is known as one of Madeira’s must-do adventures.
And those looking for a gentler pace can follow the unique irrigation channels called levadas for hikes through some of Madeira’s best scenery.
Your stay wouldn’t be complete without the perfect rest spot. Nestled in the rugged coastlines and mountains, the charming Quinta Jardins do Lago offers lush garden views and serves as your peaceful retreat after a day of island thrills.
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3. Sicily, Italy
Sicily is the Mediterranean’s sparkling jewel, where every sunset paints a new masterpiece on the sky’s canvas. You’ll find yourself laughing at the antics of animated street markets and sipping on the sweet nectar of locally-made wines.
Your taste buds are in for a party with dishes like arancini, making you wonder how food can be this good. Got a sweet tooth? Cannoli here are a work of art, and with each bite, your smile grows wider.
Sicily’s beaches? They’re nature’s gift, with clear blue waters hugging golden sands. Each town tells a different tale, from the valley of temples to the bustling streets of Palermo.
Treat yourself to a stay at Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo. Why? Because their terraced gardens are a haven, with views of Mount Etna that make the heart sing.
4. Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca, a sun-kissed jewel in the Mediterranean, is where you’ll find some of the finest beaches Europe has to offer. With soft sands and clear waters, it’s a playground for sunbathers and swimmers alike.
Beyond the beach, the Serra de Tramuntana mountains cut a rugged profile against the sky, a dream for hikers and cyclists craving a challenge with a view.
In Palma, the capital, history whispers to you through the Gothic architecture of the Catedral de Mallorca. And don’t get us started on the tapas; each bite is a melody of flavors, freshly prepared just for you.
Nestled among this paradise is the Belmond La Residencia. Tucked away in the charming village of Deià, it offers serenity and staggering mountain views.
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5. Corsica, France
In the heart of the Med, you’ll find Corsica, a gem of an island that France proudly claims. It’s a coastline wrapped in a ribbon of beaches, where the surf whispers secrets to the sand.
Treat your eyes to a spectacle of old-world charm in towns like Bonifacio, perched like an eagle’s nest above the sea, while olive groves and vineyards paint the inland with shades of green and purple.
Your days will be filled with the scent of the maquis – herbs that blanket the rugged, rolling hills. Seek adventure in the Scandola nature reserve, where nature’s craftsmanship is on grand display.
When night falls, let the whispers of Corsican history lull you to sleep at the Hôtel Les Mouettes. With a past as a 19th-century villa, this hotel wraps you in a layer of charm that only time can weave.
6. Ibiza, Spain
In Ibiza, your days are splashed in sunshine and your evenings are lit with vibrant night scenes. This Spanish island is bright, woven with sandy shores and turquoise waters you’ll love to swim in.
During the sunlit hours, beaches await with their warm sands. Get ready to laugh with friends, old and new, at the lively markets selling unique crafts. As night falls, the air fills with music from world-famous clubs where DJs spin until dawn.
Stay at Hotel Rural Can Pujolet situated in the countryside. Here, you’re wrapped in olive groves for a peaceful rest, yet just a drive away from Ibiza’s lively pulse.
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7. Hvar, Croatia
Hvar Island in Croatia has got you covered with more sun per year than any other spot on the continent! Picture clear blue waters hugging white pebble beaches, and you’re right there in the heart of Hvar.
This island isn’t just a sunbather’s paradise. It’s full of history, too. Wander through Stari Grad, where old stone streets tell tales of the past. With every turn, you’ll find cozy little cafes and vibrant markets that bring the island’s traditions to life.
Now, where to stay? The Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel isn’t just a place to crash, it’s a retreat. Perched by the sea, it offers panoramic views and a rooftop pool that will make your Instagram pals green with envy.
8. Capri, Italy
Your adventure through Europe isn’t complete without stepping foot on the glamorous isle of Capri. Nestled in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Capri dazzles with its rugged landscapes, blue sea caves, and charming squares.
Stroll up to the Gardens of Augustus, where the views are sure to steal your breath away. Don’t miss out on the chair lift to Monte Solaro—talk about a sky-high ride with a view!
For the full Capri vibe, take a boat tour. Glide past the legendary Faraglioni rocks and maybe even spot a celeb on their yacht. Just remember to leave time for a gelato in the Piazzetta; it’s the cherry on top of a sun-soaked day.
When the sun dips, retreat to the quaint luxury of the Hotel La Minerva. With its dazzling sea views and serene ambiance, it’s the perfect spot to sip lemonade made from locally grown lemons.
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9. Gozo, Malta
Gozo offers a slice of tranquility in the bustling Mediterranean. Your days can be packed with adventure. Start the day with a morning hike to a hilltop for panoramic views, then a leisurely afternoon in the historic town of Victoria.
Don’t miss the coastal cliffs—perfect for those who love to watch the waves crash against rugged landscapes.
You also get a mix of sandy and pebbly beaches. Ramla Bay, with its distinctive red sand, stands out as a must-visit. Fancy a dip? The Blue Lagoon’s crystal-clear waters are just a short boat trip away.
For a special stay, book a room at the Ta’ Cenc Hotel. Nestled on a high ridge, it boasts views that stretch all the way to the coastline—ideal for a peaceful escape. Plus, they’re big on preserving the natural environment, so you can relax knowing your visit is eco-friendly.
10. Crete, Greece
Visiting Crete, you’re stepping back in time among myths where the labyrinth of Knossos was home to the Minotaur. Your days can be filled with discovering ancient ruins or soaking up the sun on beaches like those in Elafonissi with its unique pink sand.
You can’t miss tasting Crete’s fresh and tangy cheeses, a true palate pleaser, along with a glass of robust local wine. You’ll appreciate the island’s natural beauty with a hike through the rugged Samaria Gorge. The terrain invites adventure and the views are worth every step.
Make sure you spend your nights at the Blue Palace, a hotel offering stunning views of the coast and a real sense of luxury.
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11. Menorca, Spain
If you find yourself dreaming of sunny skies and sandy shores, Menorca should top your list. Kick back on beaches that sparkle beside a sea so blue, it seems someone turned the color saturation way up.
Menorca is less bustling than its Balearic siblings, offering more room to breathe and less toe-stepping. Don’t miss the chance to meander through the old streets of Ciutadella, where history whispers from every corner.
And between dips in the sea, treat yourself to a slice of the local favorite – Mahón cheese – which pairs perfectly with a glass of wine on a balmy evening.
When the day wanes, rest your head at Hotel Torralbenc. Nestled among vineyards, this hotel is your serene retreat with a dash of rustic charm.
12. Zakynthos, Greece
Just when you thought your bucket list was complete, along comes Zakynthos. This Greek island is a stunner, with beaches that’ll make your heart skip a beat. Navagio Beach is a sight to behold, with a shipwreck snoozing on the sand, hugged by cliffs.
While you’re there, take a boat around the island. You’ll get those breezy vibes as you discover hidden coves and swim in crystal-clear waters. Come evening, mosey on over to the local tavernas. What’s better than dinner with an ocean view?
For a sweet stay, how about the Olea All Suite Hotel? They’ve got all you need with a sprinkle of luxury, making sure your island dreams don’t go thirsty.
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13. Formentera, Spain
Formentera greets you with open arms and white sandy beaches that seem to stretch forever. Soak up the sun in a serene slice of paradise, far from the hustle of crowds. Your days can be filled with splashes in the turquoise waves or peaceful bike rides along scenic paths beside the sea.
Among the island’s charms, the iconic lighthouses offer panoramic views that can steal your breath away. For a place to stay, the Hotel Riu La Mola stands out. Its beachfront location offers you a front-row seat to the island’s beachy splendors.
14. Ischia, Italy
Ischia welcomes you with its thermal spas and clear seas. Your days here are filled with relaxation as you unwind in natural hot springs. The island’s lush landscapes are home to vibrant gardens, waiting to be admired. Fancy a dip? The beaches boast soft sands and inviting waters.
As the evening approaches, the famous Castello Aragonese, a castle steeped in history, paints a stunning silhouette against the sunset. Mount Epomeo offers trails for those who love a good view—an ideal spot to gaze across the Bay of Naples.
For your stay, Hotel Pithaecusa stands out. Here, you’re pampered with genuine hospitality, and the views? Simply breathtaking.
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15. Naxos, Greece
When you set foot on Naxos, it feels as if you’ve stepped into a storybook. Your gaze might first land on the Portara, a doorway to an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo. Sunsets here ignite the sky, coloring your view with shades of orange and pink.
Whisked from the myth, the beaches of Naxos beckon with their soft sand and clear waters—perfect for a day under the sun. Agios Prokopios and Plaka Beach offer stretches of sand for sunbathing, while the winds at Mikri Vigla make it a hit for kite and windsurfing enthusiasts.
Hungry from the fun? The island’s inland villages serve up authentic Greek dishes. The taste of Naxian cheeses or the island’s own Kitron liqueur teases your palate.
After a sun-soaked day, Nastasia Village Hotel wraps you in comfort. This spot merges tradition with modern touches, giving you a peek into local life.
