Europe is home to some of the most breathtaking islands on the planet, each with its own unique charm, landscapes, and culture. Having traveled to 40 countries across the continent, I’ve explored some truly unforgettable island destinations…from the sun-soaked beaches of the Mediterranean to the rugged, windswept shores of the North Atlantic.
For this list, I’ve handpicked 13 amazing islands in Europe to visit in 2025, whether you’re after crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, historic towns, or off-the-beaten-path escapes. Whether you’re dreaming of island hopping in Greece, exploring volcanic wonders in the Azores, or relaxing in the Balearics, these spots deserve a spot on your bucket list. Ready to discover the most stunning islands in Europe? Let’s dive in! 🌊🏝️✨
Best European Islands to Visit
Are you geared up to uncover the most mesmerizing islands Europe has in store? This ultimate guide is your ticket to crafting the dreamiest island-hopping itinerary for your next European escapade.
From the sunny shores of the Mediterranean to the rugged, enchanting landscapes of the North, get ready to embark on a journey that will take you through Europe’s most captivating islands.
1. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is still the Greek island that everyone’s Instagram feed dreams of, but honestly, it’s way more than just a pretty backdrop. Those white-washed buildings perched on cliffs? They’re the real deal, and watching the sunset from Oia actually lives up to the hype – even with the crowds.
I spent a fortune on dinner with a caldera view, but the local wine made from volcanic soil was surprisingly good and totally worth trying. Akrotiri archaeological site is fascinating if you’re into ancient history – it’s basically Pompeii but Greek. The Red Beach looks cool in photos, but it’s pretty uncomfortable to actually hang out on with all those pebbles.
Here’s what I learned: skip the expensive hotels in Oia and stay in Pyrgos instead. It’s got the same stunning views for half the price, and you can actually move around without bumping into selfie sticks. The cable car from the port costs €6 each way, but honestly, walking up those donkey trails isn’t fun with luggage. Budget around $110 per day for food, and book restaurants in advance during summer – this place gets absolutely packed from June to August.
- Read next: Beautiful Islands in Greece
2. Ibiza, Spain
Yeah, Ibiza‘s still the party capital, but there’s actually so much more here than just clubs. Cala Comte beach blew me away with water that’s literally crystal clear – I could see my feet even when it was chest deep. The sunset views from the west coast bars are incredible, and you don’t have to spend €20 on a cocktail to enjoy them.
I rented a scooter for €25 per day and found hidden coves that barely had anyone on them. Dalt Vila, the old town, is a UNESCO site that’s worth exploring during the day when you need a break from the beach. The hippy markets at Las Dalias happen on Saturdays and have some genuinely cool local crafts.
The clubbing scene is legendary but expensive – expect to pay €60+ for big-name DJs at places like Ushuaïa. Smart move: buy tickets online in advance to save money. May and September are perfect if you want good weather without the crazy July crowds. The nightlife is alive and kicking from May through October, but honestly, late spring gives you the best value and fewer people fighting for photos at the sunset spots.
3. Sicily, Italy
Sicily is basically Italy’s greatest hits album crammed onto one island. Mount Etna is currently active (erupted as recently as February 2025), and the cable car ride costs €52 return – but seeing Europe’s highest active volcano up close is pretty incredible. I did the guided summit tour for an extra €19, and walking on actual volcanic ash was surreal.
Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is mind-blowing – these Greek ruins are 2,500 years old and still standing. The seafood in Catania‘s fish market is incredibly fresh and cheap. I had the best arancini of my life for €3 from a street vendor.
Taormina is gorgeous but tourist-trap expensive – a simple pasta dish costs €18 with a view. The Greek Theater there is worth the €10 entry though. Cefalù is way more authentic and affordable for beach time. Rent a car to explore properly, but driving here is aggressive – I nearly had three heart attacks navigating Palermo. Sicily’s best kept secret: the Aeolian Islands are easily accessible by ferry and much quieter than the mainland. Spring and early fall are ideal – summer heat can be brutal.
4. Malta
Malta packs a ridiculous amount into 122 square miles. I was skeptical about how much there’d actually be to do, but this place kept surprising me. Valletta is a living museum where every street has some crazy historical story – the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is absolutely stunning inside, though the €15 entry fee stings a bit.
The Blue Lagoon on Comino lives up to the hype with water so clear it looks fake. Day trips cost around €25 and it’s worth every euro, but go early before the tour boats arrive. Mdina, the old capital, feels like stepping into a medieval movie set. I spent hours just wandering the narrow streets.
Malta Pass costs €50 for 24 hours but saves you money if you’re hitting multiple sites – it includes 40 attractions plus a hop-on bus that’s actually useful. The public bus system works fine for €2.50 per trip, though the routes can be confusing. Food is surprisingly good and reasonably priced – I had amazing rabbit stew for €12. Gozo makes a perfect day trip with much more dramatic scenery than the main island. Best time to visit is April-June or September-October for good weather without the summer crowds.
- Read next: Prettiest Places in the Mediterranean
5. Corsica, France
Corsica feels like France decided to create the perfect island and actually pulled it off. The GR20 hiking trail is legendary among serious hikers – I did just a day section and my legs still remember it. Bonifacio‘s white cliffs are absolutely stunning, and the old town perched on top looks like something from a fairy tale.
Palombaggia beach has sand so white and water so turquoise it doesn’t look real. Even in July, I found quiet spots just by walking 10 minutes from the main beach area. The Scandola Nature Reserve boat trip costs around €40 but the red cliffs and wildlife are spectacular – totally worth the seasickness I endured.
French prices can be brutal – expect €20+ for main courses in tourist areas. But the charcuterie and local cheeses are incredible, and picnicking on the beach with a bottle of Corsican wine is pure bliss. Locals speak French and Corsican, and they’re proud of their distinct culture. I loved Ajaccio for its Napoleon history and reasonable restaurant prices. Renting a car is essential since the mountain roads are narrow and winding. April-June and September are perfect – July/August are crowded and expensive.
- Read next: Beautiful Places in France
6. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is actually called the “Island of Eternal Spring,” and the nickname totally fits. The Cabo Girão Skywalk is Europe’s highest cliff skywalk at 580 meters, and standing on that glass platform honestly made my knees wobble. Entry costs just €2, which is crazy cheap for such an incredible experience.
I did a levada hike along the old irrigation channels – these trails take you through ancient forests and to hidden waterfalls. The Laurisilva forest feels like walking through Jurassic Park. Funchal is charming with its colorful buildings and the cable car up to Monte costs €16 return. The famous wicker toboggan ride down is €25 for two people and absolutely terrifying in the best way.
Pico do Arieiro is easily accessible by car and offers views that’ll make your camera work overtime. The local poncha drink packs a punch – rum, honey, and lemon that goes down way too easily. I stayed in Funchal and took day trips around the island, which worked perfectly. Weather is genuinely good year-round, though December-February can be cloudy. The natural pools in Porto Moniz cost €3 and are perfect for a swim after hiking. Honestly, this place exceeded my expectations completely.
- Read next: Scariest Hiking Trails in the World
7. Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca isn’t just British holiday central – there’s actually sophisticated stuff here if you know where to look. Palma‘s Gothic cathedral, La Seu, is absolutely massive and beautiful inside. The old town has excellent tapas bars where locals actually eat, not just tourist traps.
Cala Llombards is Instagram-perfect with turquoise water and white sand, but Cala Deià is more secluded if you can handle the rocky access. The Serra de Tramuntana mountains are perfect for driving – winding roads with views that make you want to stop every five minutes. Valldemossa is gorgeous but touristy; go early morning to beat the crowds.
I found amazing local restaurants away from the coast where a three-course meal costs €15 instead of €40. Sóller train ride through the mountains is a bit touristy but genuinely scenic. The markets in Inca on Thursdays are where locals shop – great for leather goods and food.
Car rental is essential for exploring beyond Palma and the main beaches. May-June and September-October offer perfect weather without the peak summer madness. The north coast around Alcúdia has the best beaches for families, while the west coast has the most dramatic scenery.
8. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia feels like Italy’s secret that they don’t want too many people to know about. The Costa Smeralda is stupidly expensive (think €500+ per night hotels), but Cala Luna beach is accessible by boat for €25 and rivals anything in the Caribbean. The water really is that emerald green the postcards show.
Alghero has this cool Catalan influence – they actually speak Catalan here alongside Italian. The seafood is incredible and reasonably priced compared to the fancy resort areas. I had amazing bottarga (cured fish roe) pasta for €14. The Nuraghi stone towers are fascinating – these 3,000-year-old structures are found nowhere else in the world.
Gennargentu National Park offers serious hiking with views that stretch to Corsica on clear days. I rented a car in Cagliari and the drive along the west coast is stunning. Local shepherds still make traditional cheese in the mountains – try the pecorino anywhere you can find it.
Skip July-August unless you love crowds and paying double for everything. May and September are perfect for weather and reasonable prices. The Su Nuraxi archaeological site near Barumini is a UNESCO site that’s definitely worth the €12 entry fee. Sardinia’s definitely more expensive than mainland Italy but so worth it.
9. Vis, Croatia
Vis is what Croatian islands were like before everyone discovered them. This place was closed to tourists until 1989 because it was a military base, so it’s basically frozen in time. Stiniva Cove is hands-down one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches – you have to hike down a rocky path, but that keeps the crowds away.
The abandoned military tunnels are actually pretty cool to explore if you’re into that stuff. Komiža is a proper fishing village where old guys still mend nets by the harbor. I had the best grilled fish of my life here for €15 – caught that morning and served with just olive oil and herbs.
The Blue Cave on nearby Biševo island costs €25 for the boat trip, and the blue light inside is genuinely magical. Vis Town has Roman ruins and great konobas (tavernas) where locals still eat. A decent meal costs €10-12, and the local white wine is surprisingly good.
Getting here requires a ferry from Split (€15, takes 2.5 hours), which keeps it quieter than Hvar or Brač. Rent a scooter for €20/day to explore – the island is small enough to see everything in a couple days. May-September for best weather, but honestly September is perfect for fewer crowds and still-warm water.
- Read next: Secret Spots in Croatia
10. Azores, Portugal
The Azores are like someone took Hawaii and dropped it in the middle of the Atlantic with Portuguese culture. São Miguel is the main island and completely blew my mind. Sete Cidades crater lakes are two different colors (blue and green) and hiking around the rim takes about 3 hours with views that’ll make your phone storage cry.
Furnas hot springs are natural spas where you can actually cook food underground using volcanic heat. The cozido das furnas (stew cooked in the ground) is a touristy but genuinely cool experience for €18. I soaked in the Terra Nostra thermal pools for €8 and my skin felt amazing afterward.
Pico island has Portugal’s highest mountain and some seriously good wine made from volcanic soil. Whale watching from Ponta Delgada costs around €35 and you’ll likely see sperm whales and dolphins. The success rate is about 95%, which is incredible.
Flights from Europe are surprisingly affordable – I found roundtrip tickets for €200 from London. Renting a car is essential since public transport is limited. The weather is mild year-round but can be unpredictable – I experienced four seasons in one day. Best time is April-October for hiking and whale watching. This place is seriously underrated and won’t stay secret much longer.
- Read next: Beautiful Places in Portugal
11. Hvar, Croatia
Hvar has become Croatia’s answer to Ibiza, but it’s way more laid-back and affordable. Hvar Town is gorgeous with its 13th-century walls and marble streets. The Hvar Fortress costs €7 to enter and the sunset views from up there are incredible – totally worth the uphill walk.
Dubovica beach is hands-down the most beautiful on the island. It’s a 20-minute drive from town followed by a short hike, which keeps away the cruise ship crowds. The pebble beach and crystal-clear water make for perfect swimming. Pakleni Islands are easily accessible by water taxi (€15 return) and have secluded beaches and beach clubs.
The lavender fields bloom from late June to early July and smell absolutely amazing. You can buy lavender products everywhere, but the best stuff comes from local farms in the interior. Zlatni Rat beach on nearby Brač is famous but honestly overrated – Hvar‘s beaches are better.
Restaurants in the old town are pricey but the seafood is incredibly fresh. I found great local spots in Jelsa and Stari Grad where meals cost half the price. The party scene exists but it’s much more civilized than Mykonos or Ibiza. Ferry from Split takes 1-2 hours depending on which service you take.
- Read next: Secret Spots in Croatia
12. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Isle of Skye looks like Middle Earth had a baby with Scotland, and somehow it’s even more dramatic than the photos suggest. The Old Man of Storr hike takes about 2 hours and rewards you with views that make you understand why people write poetry about Scotland. The Quiraing drive is stunning but those single-track roads with passing places will test your nerves.
Fairy Pools are genuinely magical – crystal clear water cascading down rock formations that look man-made but aren’t. The hike is easy and costs nothing, though parking fills up fast in summer. Dunvegan Castle charges £15 entry but it’s the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, which is pretty cool.
Portree is the main town with colorful harbor houses that photograph beautifully. Fish and chips costs £8-12 and it’s genuinely good. Talisker Distillery offers tours for £12 and their whisky actually tastes like the sea air smells. I loved the Uig Hotel for dinner – expensive at £25 per main but the local seafood is exceptional.
Weather is completely unpredictable – I experienced sunshine, rain, and mist in 30 minutes. Pack layers and waterproofs no matter when you visit. May-September offers the best chance of decent weather, but honestly, the dramatic atmosphere in winter is pretty special too.
13. Cyprus
Cyprus gives you Greek culture, Turkish influences, and British practicality all rolled into one sunny island. Paphos has incredible Roman mosaics at the Archaeological Park (€4.50 entry) that are 2,000 years old and still vibrant. Nissi Beach near Ayia Napa has that perfect white sand and turquoise water combo that makes for great beach days.
Troodos Mountains offer a completely different experience – cool air, pine forests, and traditional villages where old ladies still make halloumi by hand. The Kykkos Monastery is stunning and free to visit. I tried wine tasting in Omodos village and the local Commandaria wine is surprisingly sophisticated.
Limassol has the best restaurant scene – the marina area is upscale but Nicosia‘s old town has better prices for traditional food. A proper meze feast costs €15-20 per person and includes way too much food. The Turkish side requires a passport but Kyrenia is beautiful and much cheaper for accommodation.
The divided capital Nicosia is fascinating – you can literally walk between Greek and Turkish sides. Fig Tree Bay in Protaras is incredibly beautiful but gets crowded. Best weather is April-June and September-November – July/August are brutally hot. Rental cars are cheap (€15/day) and driving is easy since they drive on the left like Britain.
- Read next: Beautiful Places in Cyprus
