Best Islands in Europe - The Top Most Beautiful Islands in Europe

Planning on a trip to a European island? Check out our article to see the best islands in Europe to visit.

Booking an island vacation, if we are all islands in the same sea, is a tsunami of uncertainty that sends us scrambling for higher ground. Let us serve as the vantage point from which you can see all of the alternatives that are just a few mouse clicks away.

We have something for everyone, whether you're seeking for sand and sun, landscape and the city, or even clouds and caves.

The top 15 islands in Europe are listed below.

Top 15 Best Islands in Europe to Visit - Visit These Most Beautiful Islands in Europe!

Formentera, Spain

One of the best tourist attractions when it comes to beautiful Spanish islands that visitors shouldn't skip is the tiny island of Formentera. Visitors to this island are widely known for lying naked in the sun on the beach. Don't let it make you feel awkward. On several stunning white sand beaches on the little island of Formentera, which is south of Ibiza, people are known to sunbathe barefoot. It also has the magnificent La Mola cliff, which has a distinctive lighthouse.

Formentera, Spain. Image from stock.adobe.com

This is a well-liked vacation spot for those who enjoy nature because of how remote it is. The busiest months on this island are always July and August. Get a hotel room as soon as you can if you intend to travel during this time.

People are drawn to this island because of the stunning high cliffs and the charming La Mola lighthouse. All of the Spanish beach's natural beauty may be found on Formentera. You can explore the local wildlife, go sailing in the clear waters, or swim to the nearby island of Espalmador for a mineral mud bath.

Zakynthos, Greece

Greece offers a number of little islands dispersed throughout the Aegean Sea, offering visitors a pleasant place to relax and check in while also satiating their passion for nature. One natural beauty with a rich history to be proud of is Zakynthos. You can discover the entire island's enticing paradise beauty and lyrical secret beauty by visiting Zakynthos, one of the best islands in Europe.

Zakynthos. Image from Unsplash

The Ionian Island of Zakynthos is the third largest. It has an arrowhead-like shape, with the top facing northwest. A rolling hilly plateau with a green tinge that resembles a shining pearl in the sea makes up the western part of the island. Most of the southwest coast is made up of stunning cliffs that never fail to astonish visitors.

One of the most alluring locations is Kolona Beach, which resembles a large harbour divided by a line of golden beaches in the middle. If you want to relax in the sun, this place is a great choice because of its fantastic atmosphere. The island of Zakynthos also has a number of magnificent tunnels that grow naturally into domes that face the water and combine with the colour of the ocean to create an incomprehensible natural beauty. In addition to its excellent beaches with crystal clear water and picturesque surroundings, the island is also known for its lovely villages and historical sites.

Hvar, Croatia

One of Croatia's most stunning islands, Hvar is well-liked by both tourists and famous people. The island of Hvar is known for its nightlife.

Hvar. Image from Unsplash

Take a ferry to the island of Hvar, where you may spend a few days exploring and taking in the scenery.

A fantastic tourist destination is the St. Stephens church, which is located on the seaside. As an alternative, you ought to ascend the slope to the summit and get to the Spanjola stronghold. The hub of Hvar has a vibrant nightlife, but if you take the time to explore the island, you'll discover some more tranquil areas that are great for children.

Brac, Croatia

The most well-known feature of Brac is Zlatni Rat, a beach with a horseshoe shape that is excellent for windsurfing.

Brac. Image from Unsplash

The Adriatic Islands' tallest mountain peaks may be found in Brac, which is great for hikers.

The stunning Mediterranean and the slender stretch of beach can both be seen from Vidova Gora's summit, which accounts for perhaps 90% of travellers' reasons for travelling to this region of Croatia.

There are numerous restaurants and areas to sit and take in the scenery of the island and the water in the harbour in the evening. A remote seashore with many caves to explore is Murvica if you're searching for a more exclusive retreat. Additionally, there are murals that the monks who have resided here from the early 1400s painted.

Corsica, France

Corsica is an idyllic island in the middle of a vast body of blue water, encircled by the romantically inclined France and Italy. Few people are aware that this is also where the military genius Napoleon Bonaparte was born. Corsica is one of the few regions in France that still speaks its native tongue, but it is now a combination of French and Italian.

Corsica. Image from Pexels

Visitors have fallen in love with Ajaccio's natural beauty. With snowy peaks in the background and sandy beaches nearby, this town boasts a magnificent coastal location. Ajaccio is Corsica's largest town and capital, although it maintains a relaxed atmosphere. The home where Napoleon was born is a popular tourist destination. The house is now a museum featuring antique furnishings, armour, pictures, and family records.

Sardinia, Italy

Despite being the second largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and being close to Rome, Sardinia consistently embraces landscapes and traditions that are distinct from those of Italy. Sardinia Island charms tourists with its beautiful white sand beaches, endlessly magical granite hills, lush oak forests, and an open atmosphere with strong winds.

Sardinia, Italy. Image from stock.adobe.com

Due to Sardinia's geological age as one of Europe's oldest regions, the island offers a wealth of historical places to explore. There are numerous examples of "Nuraghi," or prehistoric houses. The Sardinian islands likewise provide a mix of historic and contemporary tourism destinations.

Visit if you want a vacation filled with sunshine, chilly blue beaches, fresh air, and stunning scenery.

Sicily, Italy

Now we’re getting to Sicily.

The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is south of the Italian peninsula and in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, separated from it by the strait of Messina. It makes up an independent Italian province along with the other islets.

Sicily. Image from Unsplash

On the Italian island of Sicily, Palermo is a popular summertime destination known for its fresh seafood and the vivacity and friendliness of the locals. Riding in one of the city's characteristic horse-drawn carriages allows visitors to step back in time. And it's challenging to ignore the markets after seeing Palermo. This is where locals and tourists go to buy fresh fruit, fish, and cheeses with the vivacious, soulful sales way of the Mediterranean people.

Crete, Greece

Greece's largest island, Crete, is well-known to tourists for the legends surrounding the Minotaur monster from Greek mythology. As the nation's tourism haven, Crete and Santorini are gaining popularity. Agios Pavlos, Preveli, Plakia, Ligres, and many other lovely beaches may be found in the south if you enjoy the water. Before exploring tranquil fishing villages with rustic life or appreciating historic castles like Kastelli in Chania, Fortezza in Rethymno, Heraklion, Kazarma castle in Sitia, and Monte Forte in Lassithi, visitors can take pleasure in sunbathing and swimming.

Crete. Image from Unsplash

Since Crete has approximately 1000 kilometres of coastline, beautiful beaches are always enticing to tourists. One of Crete's most stunning and well-known beaches is Bali Beach. This beach is in the northern region of Crete, and Bali Beach's natural surroundings are untamed, serene, and romantic. In close proximity to the beach is a small, tranquil village with a picturesque setting. You will be immersed in this cool sea water while learning about the way of life and culture of the locals.

Chania, the second-largest city on the island, is a thriving, modern metropolis. This city boasts a bustling waterfront and historic lanes brimming with interesting things for us to explore. Chania also boasts a number of enduring ancient buildings, including the Turkish mosque and the Faros lighthouse.

Capri, Italy

The most famous island in Italy, Capri, is known for having it all, including breathtaking azure waters, excellent cuisine, world-class shopping, and spectacular scenery. The mythical island of Capri in Italy has a breathtaking landscape and beauty that stretches from the rock caverns encircling the island to the horizon and has long been a source of inspiration for poets, lovers, and tourists. The Grotta Azzurra, or "Blue Grotto," is the most famous name for this Italian tourist attraction, which is today a swimming area for Romans. This lagoon stands out due to its gorgeous turquoise colour.

Capri. Image from Unsplash

People who are curious about the past of this saltwater cave have been attracted by it. The bulk of tourists are drawn to Capri because of its well-known shopping districts, Marina Piccola, and Piazzetta, two renowned locations. From here, visitors can take the elevator to the summit of Monte Solara, which provides panoramic views of the entire island. Anacapri is considerably more numerous and dispersed. What could be more soothing than lounging on a sun lounger and admiring the stunning Mediterranean waves? The wind, water, and lack of sand have carved scant, slender beaches onto the rocky shoreline of Capri. Family get-togethers are made possible by beach amenities like fantastic fish and seafood restaurants, which let you unwind all day long.

Milos, Greece

Any compilation of the most picturesque islands must include Milos at the top. The island's distinctive beaches, little settlements, mouthwatering regional food, and relaxed atmosphere have all contributed to its recent growth in popularity.

Milos. Image from Unsplash

Milos is an island with unique beaches, eateries, boutique hotels, and small towns where you may explore a lot. With only a few modest taverns and clubs, this area is quiet at night.

There are many hotels on Milos, the paradise island, from which to choose and relax. Choose an Airbnb with a regional flair; there are several villas with lovely and tranquil sea views. The Tania Milos estate, which is situated in the historic town of Pollonia, also offers accommodations with views of the island's stunning beaches at sunrise and sunset.

Visitors will find it equally fascinating to stroll through the towns and cities of Milos, which are brimming with the country's distinctive blue and white-painted structures. The capital of the island, Plaka, is a wonderful and historic area that visitors should explore. There are attractive gift shops, quaint cafés, and pubs with views of the beautiful sea.

Folegandros, Greece

Folegandros is a lovely little island situated between Paros and Santorini in Greece. In spite of being next to two of Greece's most international islands, Folegandros retains its unique charm. For foreign visitors, the island of Folegandros remains largely pristine while maintaining its allure of being untouched.

Folegrandos. Image from Unsplash

The island of Folegandros is small, charming, serene, and romantic. It is largely undeveloped and has charming beaches perfect for relaxing and soaking up the Aegean sun, as well as nearby bakeries and restaurants, breathtaking views of the coastline, etc. This is the best place to find pristine beaches, unwind, and discover the native way of life.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, commonly known as Thira, is an island in the Cyclades archipelago. Santorini, Greece, is one of the most beautiful islands in Europe. This is without a doubt one of the most appealing Greek tourist attractions that every visitor would like to visit. Santorini is a Greek island in the southeast.

Satorini. Image from Unsplash

Santorini is a stunning Greek island known for its romantic beauty and gorgeous backdrop of whitewashed towns and blue domes. For those who enjoy delectable cuisine, distinctive hotel experiences, ambling through cobblestone streets or shopping, it is the ideal vacation spot. There is also much more to discover on this beautiful island.

The two towns of Fira and Oia are the most well-known in Greece because of their rough positioning perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the azure ocean below. Do not miss the local church, which alternates between the two dominant colours of white and blue, if you have the chance to travel to Europe and visit Santorini.

A wonderful addition to your trip is Thera Museum in Fira, where visitors may view famous frescoes including Spring, The Monkeys, and The African. When visiting Santorini, visitors can indulge in traditional Greek cuisine in addition to admiring the island's breathtaking scenery and delicate yet dazzling paintings.

Madeira, Portugal

In the Atlantic Ocean, between Portugal and Morocco, sits the Portuguese island of Madeira. One of those magnificent and still mostly unexplored places is Madeira, with its untamed eucalyptus trees, lovely cities, and breathtaking landscapes. Madeira, a Portuguese island, is a small place with lots of things to do and places to discover. It is advised that you travel the island for at least a week.

Madeira. Image from Unsplash

The biggest city of Madeira, Funchal, is where most tourists stay while they are there. It is Portugal's sixth-largest city despite being cut off from the mainland. The first settlement took place there in the fifteenth century, giving it a significant history.

Due to its historic landmarks, it is one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in the nation. Funchal combines the inspiring energy of the island with the ambiance of the historic town. For those who enjoy the atmosphere as well as history and architecture, visit Funchal Old Town. At night, the Old Town comes to life as street performers create an original ambiance. The city's pubs and eateries cordially invite visitors to enjoy a wonderful glass of Puncha.

Malta

Malta is a real life embodiment of “good things come in small packages”. You'd be dead wrong to assume that it's boring. This gorgeous archipelago is worth visiting for more than only its breathtaking coastlines, historic buildings, and delectable cuisine.

Malta. Image from Unsplash

As the 2018 European Capital of Culture, Valletta, the capital of Malta, will stage a yearlong celebration of fascinating events. Take your time touring Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua as you're going from one event to the next. Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon's stunningly blue waters or wander along the charming Valletta waterfront if you're in the mood for some wildlife. Apart from its wide range of attractions and extensive history, Malta is distinguished from other Mediterranean vacation spots by its English-speaking populace, with the language being the second most widely spoken in the country.

Mallorca, Spain

The largest island in the Balears archipelago and most visited tourist spot in Spain is Mallorca. The Spanish royal family makes this island in the Mediterranean region with its year-round nice and dry weather, their summer home.

Mallorca. Image from Unsplash

Visitors to Mallorca frequently go hiking and mountain biking, especially in the western coastal Serra de Tramuntana range, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, there are a number of wineries on the island of Mallorca where visitors can sample regional wines.

The largest city on the island, Palma de Mallorca, is typically ignored by tourists who come to Mallorca in search of the island's beaches, wine, and nightlife. With its beautiful beach promenades, tree-lined boulevards, and narrow, winding streets teeming with life, Palma is sometimes compared to Barcelona.

There we have it. Some of the most fascinating islands in the world. What do you guys think? What is the island, or islands, that you’re tempted to visit?

Khoa Pham