From the tropical Canary Islands to volcanic Iceland, the Faroe Islands and idyllic Greece, island life can be an exciting and rewarding experience. These Top 10 European islands offer a range of experiences from beach paradises to rich heritage and buzzing cities.
Corsica is a Mediterranean gem with dramatic cliffs beautifully sculpted by nature. Discover its historic town, restaurants and boho-chic shopping.
1. Corsica
A Caribbean look-alike, Corsica’s dramatic cliffs are beautifully sculpted by nature, while its interior boasts rare reptiles and 6,000 plant and flower species. It’s also where military genius Napoleon Bonaparte was born and his home is now a museum that gives visitors an insight into his fascinating life.
Corsica is a French region with a distinct culture and cuisine that draws on both France and Italy. Its mountainous landscape is key to understanding its culinary predilections: green pastures provide the ideal environment for rearing sheep, forested hills rustle with free-range pigs fed on acorns and roots, trout thrive in clean-water rivers, and bees produce a prodigious crop of honey.
Corsica’s cultural and linguistic diversity make it an unforgettable place to visit. French is the primary language, but a native tongue, Corsu, and Italian are also spoken. Religiously, Roman Catholicism is the dominant faith.
2. Malta
The tiny island nation of Malta has played an oversized role in world history. Its natural harbour gives whoever controls it easy access to Europe, north Africa and the Middle East. This explains why it has changed hands so many times in the past – from Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans to Arabs, Knights of St John, Sicilian rulers, the Normans, the Aragonese, the French and the British until Malta became a fully independent nation in 1964.
Its capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with seriously charming streets and dazzling buildings swathed in floral colors. Its sister island, Gozo, retains its rural character with hilltop villages and quaint farmsteads. For foodies, the country offers a unique cuisine that blends recipes and influences from its varied past. And it’s not all about beaches and food, as Malta is also famous for its lively culture. Elaborate fireworks displays, rowdy village festas and mind-blowing hospitality make for a truly memorable experience.
3. Mallorca
One of Spain's most popular island getaways, Mallorca offers the best of both worlds: rocky coves for beach-goers and hilly vineyards for wine lovers. Its capital, Palma de Mallorca, is also a draw with its pedestrian-only streets and a dazzling array of luxury shops.
Art fans can visit the Fundacio Miro Mallorca to admire more than 6,000 works by the Barcelona-born artist, and history buffs will be drawn to the Moorish old town and Cathedral of Santa Maria de Palma. Foodies can spend hours in the squares lined with bustling tapas bars.
Scotland's Gaelic islands aren't just beautiful; they offer a more authentic local experience than you'd find on a larger European island. The Isle of Harris in particular packs a lot into a small area, with an incredible coastline and the Callanish Stones—which are older than Stonehenge. This island has everything from majestic fortresses steeped in history to lush mountain trails that make for a perfect hiking vacation.
4. Menorca
Menorca, like its Balearic sister Mallorca, is renowned for its scenic beaches and mouth-watering cuisine. But it also has plenty of cultural attractions to discover too.
A stroll around Ciutadella’s historic old town will reveal Gothic and Baroque buildings on cobblestone walkways. Take a guided tour to see highlights, including the 13th-century cathedral Basilica of Ciutadella, which was built on top of the city’s mosque after it was retaken by Christians in the 12th century.
Menorca boasts more beaches than both of its bigger Balearic neighbours combined, many offering clear blue waters and sweeping swathes of white sand. And there are also some sheltered, pine edged coves too, perfect for canoeing and snorkelling. Look out for Torretrencada, a talaiotic site that features the best-preserved T-shaped taulas on the island. The ruins also include man-made caves, a well and a graveyard. During excavations, ceramic artefacts and older architectural structures have been found too.
5. Formentera
It’s small but it packs a punch with beaches to die for, pretty villages and spectacular lighthouses with views for miles around. Formentera is also a perfect place to hop on your board and head out on the water.
The seabed here boasts rock formations and huge biodiversity. Diving centres help you to explore the depths and find your inner explorer – just be sure to pack your oxygen tanks and neoprene!
From the 7th century, Formentera was ruled by North African Moors from the Emirate of Cordoba. It was a prosperous time.
The capital of Formentera is Sant Francesc, a picturesque town oozing with peaceful Mediterranean vibes. Here, you’ll find a selection of shops and cafes with beautiful Mediterranean views. You can also visit the Sa Tanca Vella Chapel and the Church of Sant Francesc. Formentera is also well-known for its local produce, including salt, figs and a fine herb liqueur called Hierbas. The wine from this island is also a big hit with connoisseurs, thanks to the combination of antic autochthonous grape varieties and the incorporation of more traditional Mediterranean ones.
6. Dodecanese Islands
The Dodecanese Islands stretch across the Aegean Sea, with picture-postcard villages and pebble beaches. They are a fantastic place to explore Greek mythology, ancient ruins and medieval castles, especially those of Rhodes and Kos.
The island of Patmos has a particular significance for Christians because of the Book of Revelations, which was written by John of Patmos, and the Monastery of Saint John is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Situated at the crossroads of historic Mediterranean trade routes the Dodecanese Islands have had a colourful history, with many periods of prosperity and decline. During the Middle Ages they were under the control of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, followed by Ottoman rule until they were invaded by Allied forces during World War I and subsequently occupied by Italy until 1947. Almost all the islands are now part of Greece.
7. The Azores
The Azores is a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. Its nine poetically-named islands feature electric green pastures, azure blue and emerald green lakes, 15th-century churches, and majestic manor houses.
The islands offer whale-watching, hiking (including up Portugal's highest peak), and natural hot springs. The best are on Sao Miguel, including the thermal baths of Sete Cidades, which is rumored to have been created from the tears of a princess and her lover.
The islands have a rich culture rooted in years of hardship and isolation that led to a strong sense of family and community. Today the Azores are becoming increasingly popular, but their secluded nature ensures that visitors get a quaint and culturally authentic experience. The islands are also renowned for their agriculture, with a special mention for the local pineapple, which has a distinctive small crown and intense flavor. It is grown in more than 6,000 greenhouses on the island of SAPSo Miguel.
8. Cyprus
Cyprus features a buzzing nightlife scene, sun soaked beaches, iconic architecture and unparalleled Greek cuisine. A popular cruise stopover, the island is a favourite of honeymooners (it's also believed to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love), and bird-watchers.
With its rugged mountains, fertile valleys, and seaside towns, it has a cosmopolitan feel but remains rooted in its ancient history. The country has a unique Mediterranean cuisine that has evolved over the years due to different empires' seizures of the island. It includes the culinary traditions of Greece, Turkey and the southern Balkans.
In Cyprus, meat is not a common dish but when cooked, it has a light and delicate taste. Locals often enjoy chtapod krasato, which is octopus stewed with red wine until it acquires a delicate aroma and a soft texture. It's served with potatoes, a fresh vegetable salad and homemade wine. It’s a must-try!
9. Greece
Coastal beauty and a deep vault of history make this European country a must-visit for island lovers. Scuba dive the coast to see a diversity of marine life, or head inland to explore ruined churches and meadows brimming with wildflowers.
The island of Milos has a reputation for its distinctive beaches, boutique hotels and mouthwatering local food. Once a magnet for counter-culturists, the island has eschewed its hippy past and now attracts the world’s elite to its Insta-worthy shores.
The birthplace of Napoleon, Corsica blends French and Italian culture in its capital city Ajaccio, where you’ll find limestone mountains, many beach resorts and a quieter atmosphere. Or, hop across to neighbouring Majorca for a buzzy nightlife scene and some of Europe’s best street food.
