I’ve island-hopped across the Mediterranean for years, and nothing compares. Whitewashed villages, turquoise seas, hidden coves, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks…each island feels like its own little paradise.
Some are buzzing with nightlife and luxury yachts. Others are quiet escapes where you can swim in crystal-clear water and eat seafood straight off the boat. After exploring 38 European countries, I can say these are the islands that always rise to the top. If you’re planning a trip in 2025, here are 13 Mediterranean islands that will make you fall in love with the Med.
1. Santorini, Greece
Honestly, I never thought I’d recommend Santorini again after the nightmare crowds of recent years, but 2025 is different. The island is finally capping cruise passengers at 8,000 per day, and those earthquakes earlier this year scared off about 30% of visitors. I was there in late May and couldn’t believe how peaceful Oia felt.
September is absolutely magical right now – the sea’s still warm, the light is incredible for photos, and you can actually walk the caldera path without being trapped in a human traffic jam. I’m staying in Imerovigli these days instead of Oia. You get the same stunning views but can actually enjoy them without fighting for space.
The sunset thing is still crazy crowded, but here’s what I do: check the cruise ship schedule at santoriniports.gov.gr before booking. On days with zero cruise ships, the island feels like it did 20 years ago. Hotel prices drop about 35% in September too, which makes those caldera view rooms actually reasonable. Skip the famous restaurants in Oia and head to the side streets – better food, half the price, actual tables available.
- Read my guide: The Coolest Islands in Europe in 2025
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2. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is hands-down the best beach destination in Europe that Americans haven’t totally discovered yet. I’ve been going for years and still find new coves that look like they belong in the Caribbean. The water around Costa Smeralda is legitimately turquoise – not Instagram filter turquoise, actually turquoise.
September here is perfection. The sea’s still 24°C, the summer crowds have vanished, and it’s harvest season so the food is incredible. I rent a car and just drive the coastal roads, stopping wherever looks good. Cala Mariolu requires a 40-minute hike but rewards you with the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen in the Med.
The east coast around Cala Gonone gives you the same dramatic scenery as the famous Emerald Coast but without the millionaire price tags. I’m talking €80-150 hotel nights instead of €300+. Restaurants are reasonable too – you’ll spend about €30-50 for dinner for two with local wine.
Just book your rental car early. I made the mistake of waiting until June once and literally couldn’t find a car anywhere on the island. Ferry from Rome takes 8 hours if you want to bring your own car, but I always fly into Cagliari and rent there.
- Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Italy
3. Mallorca, Spain
Everyone thinks Mallorca is just German tourists and party resorts, but the island has seriously evolved. Palma now has restaurants that rival Barcelona, and the Tramuntana mountains offer some of the best hiking in Europe. I love coming in May or September when the weather’s perfect but the crowds haven’t hit yet.
The mountain village of Valldemossa is gorgeous and stays cool even in summer. Sóller has this incredible vintage train that winds through orange groves. But honestly, some of my best Mallorca memories are from tiny coves like Cala des Moro that require 20-minute hikes through pine forests.
Here’s my beach strategy: hit the famous ones like Es Trenc before 9 AM or after 4 PM. You’ll have these postcard-perfect white sand beaches almost to yourself. The rest of the day, explore inland – Palma’s old town is stunning and the food scene is seriously underrated.
Water’s warm enough for swimming from May through October, and shoulder season hotel prices are about 40% less than summer. I usually base myself in Palma and day-trip around the island. The city itself is worth three days easy.
- Read next: Stunning Spots in Barcelona
- You may also like: Fun Things to Do in Mallorca for Young Adults
4. Corsica, France
Corsica feels like France’s wild, rebellious cousin – all mountains and attitude with some of the most dramatic coastline in the Med. The GR20 hiking trail is legendary if you’re into serious trekking, but even casual hikers can explore the Bavella Needles for incredible mountain views.
I come here for the ruggedness you can’t find on other Mediterranean islands. Plage de Saleccia requires a bumpy 4×4 ride or boat trip, but you’re rewarded with white sand and zero development. The Corsicans are seriously proud of their culture – learn a few French words and try the local wild boar dishes.
Bonifacio is stunning but gets slammed in summer. I prefer visiting in May or September when you can actually walk the clifftop streets without being stuck in crowds. Ajaccio (Napoleon’s birthplace) makes a good base with decent restaurants and easy access to both mountains and beaches.
The ferry from Nice takes about 3 hours and you can bring a car, which you’ll definitely need. Corsican roads are winding and slow, but every turn reveals another incredible view. It’s not the easiest Mediterranean island to visit, but it’s definitely the most authentic French experience you’ll get on the water.
- Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in France
- You may also like: Enchanting Places in Nice
- For more reading: Hidden Gems in France
5. Crete, Greece
Crete is massive – basically a small country disguised as an island. You need at least a week to see it properly, and honestly, I could spend a month exploring all the mountain villages and hidden beaches. Chania is hands-down the most beautiful town in Greece, with that perfect Venetian harbor and winding old streets.
Balos Lagoon is the postcard shot everyone wants, but getting there means either a rough boat ride or an hour-long hike in serious heat. I think Elafonisi Beach with its pink sand is actually more impressive and easier to reach. The Samaria Gorge hike is epic but book early – they limit numbers and it sells out.
April through May is perfect for hiking and exploring without the crushing summer heat. September brings warm seas and harvest season food. I always rent a car because the island’s too big for bus tours, and some of the best spots require driving mountain roads that tour buses can’t handle.
The Palace of Knossos near Heraklion is worth seeing, but I actually prefer the smaller Minoan sites like Phaistos where you’re not fighting crowds to see ancient frescoes. Cretan food is incredible – try dakos, local cheeses, and wines from the Peza region. This island has everything except time to see it all.
- Read next: Unique Greek Island Experiences
6. Sicily, Italy
Sicily feels like Italy’s greatest hits album – incredible food, ancient ruins, active volcanoes, and some of the Med’s most dramatic coastline. Mount Etna is super active right now, and the night tours where you can see actual lava are absolutely unforgettable.
Taormina is gorgeous but touristy as hell. I prefer basing myself in Palermo for the street food scene (best arancini in the world) and day-tripping to places like the Valley of Temples in Agrigento. The Scala dei Turchi white cliffs are Instagram famous for good reason.
April through May and September through October are ideal – summer is brutally hot and the archaeological sites become furnaces. I was in Palermo in August once and couldn’t even walk around midday. But spring and fall? Perfect weather for exploring everything from ancient Greek theaters to wine regions around Etna.
You need at least a week to see Sicily properly. The island’s bigger than you think and driving between regions takes time. But the food alone makes it worth the trip – this might be Italy’s best eating region. Don’t leave without trying cannoli from Palermo, wines from the Etna slopes, and whatever the fishermen brought in that morning along the coast.
7. Cyprus
Cyprus is the only place where you can experience both Greek and Turkish cultures on one island, though you’ll need separate planning since the north (Turkish) and south (Greek) have different entry requirements. I usually stick to the south for simplicity, but both sides have incredible history and beaches.
Paphos has some of the best archaeological sites in the Mediterranean – the Roman mosaics are spectacular. The Troodos Mountains offer cool relief from coastal heat and some excellent wineries around Kyperounda. March through May and September through November are perfect for sightseeing without melting.
The beaches around Ayia Napa are beautiful but can get crowded with party crowds. I prefer the quieter stretches near Larnaca or Limassol. Akamas Peninsula has wild, undeveloped coastline that feels totally untouched.
Food is a mix of Greek and Middle Eastern influences – try souvlaki, halloumi (obviously), and local wines that are way better than you’d expect. Hotel prices are reasonable compared to Greek islands, and you get way more history per square mile than almost anywhere else in the Med. Plus, everyone speaks English since it was a British colony.
8. Malta
Malta is ridiculously underrated. Valletta might be Europe’s most beautiful capital city, built entirely of honey-colored limestone by the Knights of St. John. The whole country is smaller than most Mediterranean islands, but it packs in 7,000 years of history.
Mdina is this perfectly preserved medieval city where you can walk the ramparts at sunset with views across the entire island. The Hypogeum underground temple is mind-blowing, but you need to book months ahead – they only allow 80 people per day. Blue Lagoon in Comino has water so clear it looks fake.
April through June and September through November are ideal – perfect weather and way fewer crowds than the Greek islands. Summer gets hot and crowded, but even then it’s manageable because the whole country is so small.
The diving here is world-class – wrecks, caves, and incredible visibility. Food is a unique mix of Italian, North African, and British influences. Hotel prices are very reasonable compared to other Med destinations, and you can see the entire country in a week while using it as a base for Sicily day trips.
I always fly into Malta rather than taking ferries – it’s just easier and flights from Europe are cheap and frequent.
- Read next: Must-Do Experiences in Malta
9. Hvar, Croatia
Hvar has become the new Mykonos – lavender fields, luxury yachts, and beach clubs that charge €30 for cocktails. Hvar Town is undeniably beautiful with its marble streets and Renaissance architecture, but it gets absolutely mobbed in July and August.
I prefer visiting in May or September when you can actually walk around without being stuck in crowds taking Instagram photos. The lavender harvest in June smells incredible and makes for amazing photos. Stari Grad Plain is this ancient Greek agricultural landscape that’s surprisingly peaceful.
Vrboska is called “Little Venice” and feels much more authentic than the main town. The Pakleni Islands just offshore have some of Croatia’s best beaches, reachable by water taxi. I usually rent a scooter to explore the island’s interior – olive groves, wine villages, and hilltop churches with incredible views.
Croatian islands are definitely more expensive than they used to be as tourism has exploded, but still cheaper than Western Europe. Ferry from Split takes about an hour and runs frequently. The food is Mediterranean with Balkan influences – excellent seafood, local wines, and surprisingly good Italian-style cuisine.
Book accommodations early – Hvar has limited hotels and they fill up fast in summer. But honestly, the shoulder seasons are way more enjoyable anyway.
10. Ibiza, Spain
Everyone knows Ibiza for the club scene, but the island has evolved into a serious wellness and luxury destination too. Dalt Vila (the old town) is a UNESCO site with incredible views and zero club music. Es Vedrà is this mystical rock formation that supposedly has magnetic properties.
I love the contrast – you can spend the morning doing yoga at a luxury retreat in Sant Josep, hit hidden beaches like Cala d’Hort in the afternoon, then party until sunrise if that’s your thing. Or just skip the clubs entirely and focus on the incredible food scene that’s developed.
May through June and September through October offer the best of both worlds – warm enough for beaches but not insanely crowded or expensive. July-August are pure chaos and you’ll pay €300+ per night for basic hotels.
The north of the island around Sant Joan feels completely different – pine forests, quiet beaches, and traditional villages where you might forget you’re on party central. Benirràs Beach has these famous drum circles at sunset that are actually pretty magical.
Getting there is easy with flights from across Europe. Rental cars let you escape the crowds, but scooters work fine too since the island’s small. Just book everything way ahead for summer visits – Ibiza doesn’t do last-minute availability.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Old Towns in Europe
11. Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is honestly one of those islands that does everything well but doesn’t get the hype it deserves. The medieval Old Town is straight-up incredible – we’re talking about the best-preserved medieval city in Europe, built by the Knights of Rhodes. I can spend hours just wandering those cobblestone streets without a plan.
The Palace of the Grand Master is impressive, but I actually prefer exploring the smaller streets where locals still live and work. Lindos with its clifftop acropolis gets all the Instagram attention, but it’s absolutely packed in summer. I hit it early morning or late afternoon when the light’s better and the crowds have thinned out.
What really sets Rhodes apart is the variety. You’ve got this perfect medieval city, ancient ruins, incredible beaches, and mountain villages all on one island. The east coast has organized beaches with umbrellas and tavernas, while the west coast stays wild and windy – perfect if you’re into windsurfing or just want space to breathe.
April through May and September through October are ideal. I was there last September and the sea was still warm enough for swimming, but hotel prices had dropped to almost half the summer rates. Faliraki gets a bad rap for being too touristy, but honestly, if you want good beaches and decent restaurants, it works fine. Just avoid July and August when it turns into a complete zoo.
12. Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is expensive, crowded, and completely over-the-top – and I still love it. There’s something about those white cube houses and windmills that never gets old, even when you’re paying €15 for a cocktail. Little Venice at sunset is genuinely magical, assuming you can find a spot to stand.
The party scene is legendary if that’s your thing, but honestly, I come for the beaches now. Paradise Beach and Super Paradise are circus-level crowded, but Fokos and Agios Sostis on the north coast stay relatively peaceful. You need a car to reach them, but it’s worth it for actual space to lay a towel down.
Here’s the thing about Mykonos – timing is everything. May and September offer the best balance of decent weather and manageable crowds. July-August are absolute madness, and I mean that literally. I watched people wait 45 minutes just to take a photo at the windmills last August.
Mykonos Town is beautiful for wandering, but everything costs twice what it should. I usually eat lunch at tavernas away from the waterfront to save money, then splurge on one nice dinner with sunset views. The shopping is actually pretty good if you’re into that Greek jewelry and ceramics thing. Ferry connections to other islands are excellent, which makes it a good hub for island hopping.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Athens
13. Menorca, Spain
Menorca is Mallorca’s chill younger sibling – same incredible beaches but without the crowds and attitude. The island has this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, which means development is strictly controlled. Translation: beaches that still look like they did 50 years ago.
Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta are the postcard-perfect coves everyone talks about, but getting there requires a 20-minute walk through pine forests. Totally worth it though – white sand beaches with turquoise water that rivals anything in the Caribbean. I prefer Cala Pregonda in the north, which has this unique golden sand and way fewer people.
The Camí de Cavalls is this ancient coastal path that circles the entire island. You don’t have to hike the whole thing (it’s 185km), but even short sections offer incredible views and access to beaches you can’t reach by car. I usually pick 2-3 hour sections and combine them with beach time.
Mahón has one of the Med’s largest natural harbors and this relaxed vibe that’s totally different from other Spanish islands. The gin tradition here is real – they’ve been making it since British colonial times, and it’s actually good stuff. May through September is perfect weather-wise, but I prefer May and September when you can actually find parking at the good beaches. Hotels are way more reasonable than Mallorca or Ibiza, and the food focuses on fresh seafood rather than tourist menus.
