15 Best Islands in Europe

Looking for the best islands in Europe for the ultimate European getaway? Then keep reading!

From old town islands to tropical islands and more, Europe is full of stunning islands all with their own unique charm and magic. Europe is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world. As one of the most diverse continents, you can find islands of all kinds with something for everyone.

Update your bucket list with some of these best islands in Europe and get exploring!

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Santorini, Greece

Santorini is one of the most famous and lust-worthy islands in the world and one of the best islands in Europe. It is located in the Aegean Sea and is the most famous of the Cyclades islands.

This stunning island is known for its white washed architecture, rugged landscapes and beautiful ocean views. Visiting Santorini will show you one of the most beautiful places in Greece as you look at the beautiful buildings and cliffside views.

Capri, Italy

Capri is a stunning Italian island in the Bay of Naples just off the shores of the Amalfi Coast. It is most well known for its natural and rugged beauty, adventurous activities, beautiful blue water beaches, and upscale culture.

All these things combined make it one of the best islands in Europe! Capri is a magical island that offers a picture-perfect paradise getaway. You will be in awe of the huge mountains and stunning views making you fall in love with this Italian gem.

Amazing Faraglioni cliffs panorama with the majestic Tyrrhenian sea in background, Capri island, Campania region, Italy, Europe

Capri is one of the top travel destinations in Italy for the rich and famous. Finding mountainside mansions, huge yachts, and high-end stores and restaurants is commonplace in Capri. However, there are also a ton of budget-friendly things to do in Capri too!

➡️ Read More: Most Beautiful Beaches in Europe

Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza is the most popular of the Balearic Islands, which are an archipelago of Spain. This stunning island is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the most popular tropical getaway destinations in Europe.

It is known for its lively nightlight, various beach clubs, blue water beaches and much more. Many people think Ibiza is just a party island but there is much more to the island than just this.

Hvar, Croatia

View of Hvar from the top of the fortress

Hvar is a luxurious and stunning island in Croatia that is frequented by the rich and famous. It is a popular yacht port where you will find various yachts in its harbour in the summer.

This is the perfect place to visit if you are seeking a luxurious and upscale getaway on one of Europe’s most exclusive islands. In addition to the upscale environment, you will find rocky coves, a lively nightlife scene, and amazing private beaches.

Corfu, Greece

Corfu is a stunning island in Greece located in the Ionian Sea. It is one of the best islands in Europe where you can enjoy a Greek island getaway without the huge crowds that frequent other famous islands in Greece.

Corfu is known for its rugged mountains, aqua blue waters, cultural sites and much more. Corfu spent years under French, Venetian and British rule before it became a part of Greece which is evident upon sight.

This is one of the top islands to visit for a wonderful Greek getaway with plenty to see and do.

The Azores, Portugal

iewpoint Ponta do Sossego, Sao Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal. View of flowers on a mountain and the ocean in Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego Nordeste, Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal. — V

The Azores are an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. They are an autonomous region of Portugal and due to their location so far from mainland Europe they are often forgotten.

However, these are some of the best islands in Europe with dramatic landscapes, lush green mountains, small authentic villages, and more. It is the perfect place to visit for adventure travellers and travellers looking to visit an off-the-beaten-track destination.

Gozo, Malta

Beautiful view on Gozo island from a boat, postcard style, beautiful colors landscape

Gozo is a beautiful and historic island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the 21 islands that make up the Maltese archipelago and is one of the best islands in Europe to visit for the ultimate island getaway.

There are so many amazing things to do in Gozo like hiking the rural paths, exploring the temple ruins, visiting the various beaches and much more. Gozo is a postcard-perfect island in Europe full of beautiful colours and sights!

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is another archipelago of Portugal located off the coast of Africa. It is an autonomous region of Portugal and is known for its unique and breathtaking viewings. Madeira is the perfect place for wine and water lovers with its namesake wine and pebbly beaches all around.

This is easily one of the best islands in Europe for a tropical getaway full of adventure. Madeira is also one of the safest travel destinations in the world with virtually zero crime.

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca, or Majorca, is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands and one of the best islands in Europe. It offers the ultimate tropical beach-filled holiday with stunning views and a vibrant Spanish atmosphere.

Here you will find limestone mountains, Roman and Moorish architecture, a great nightlife scene and more beaches than you can count. Mallorca is the most popular travel destination in the Mediterranean and a must-see while in Europe.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is a beautiful Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea with almost 2,000 km of stunning coastline. Here you will find sandy beaches, mountainous landscapes, and stunning Italian architecture.

Sardinia is an adventure traveller’s paradise with its various hiking trails, stone-aged rugged ruins and more. This is one of the best summer and beach destinations in Europe that is not as popular as others so you can enjoy a more authentic getaway.

Tenerife, Spain

Tenerife is the largest island of Spain’s famous Canary Islands. It is located off the coast of West Africa and is one of the most magical and best islands in Spain. Much of the island is dominated by the dormant volcano known as Mt. Teide which is the tallest peak in all of Spain.

Tenerife also has many beaches, stunning resorts and plenty to do and see. Its warm tropical climate makes it an attractive travel destination year-round.

Orkney Islands, Scotland

The view to the cliffs at The Old Man of Hoy sea stack on Hoy, part of the Orkney archipelago off the north coast of Scotland

Up North away from all the other best islands in Europe sits a hidden gem island in Scotland. The Orkney Islands are an archipelago off the coast of Scotland and are a stunning place to see and discover.

Here you will find sandstone cliffs, Neolithic sites and well preserved old villages. It is a welcome change of pace from all the sandy beaches and warm climates to something more natural and historic.

Cyprus

Clear blue water with a beach and buildings

Cyrpus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and one of the most stunning and underrated islands in Europe. It is the sunniest island in Europe and is full of culture and history.

This is one of the best islands in Europe that has an off the beaten track feel to it that offers a more private and authentic getaway. There is so much to see and do in Cyprus from enjoying the various beaches to admiring the architecture and more.

Corsica, France

Corsica is a unique island in France sitting in the Mediterranean Sea. This mountainous island is full of lush forests, coastal towns, and amazing hiking trails. Although it is a French island it holds a unique Italian culture which only adds to its charm. Visit Corsica to see one of the best islands in Europe with its cliffside villages and stunning beaches.

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos is one of Greece’s most famous and visited islands. It is a very popular summer holiday destination made lust-worthy for its beaches and nightlife.

Here you will find plenty of beaches, boat tours, old architecture, and the iconic 16th-century windmills. This is one of the top travel destinations in Europe and a must-visit at least once.

These 15 best islands in Europe are only the beginning. There are so many more stunning islands to see and discover, but starting with these is the best way to begin.

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