It’s hard to beat the allure of a tropical island, especially when Americans have the Caribbean so close.
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But what if I told you that Europe has a long list of islands worth visiting? Greece is home to many of them—but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. From islands with dramatic, rugged coasts to warm-weather islands where the nightlife doesn’t end, there are plenty of islands to be wowed by. And, no, I’m not talking about Ibiza.
If you’re interested in exploring Europe while getting further off the beaten tourist path, add a visit to one of these islands to your next trip. I’ve rounded up some of the coolest islands around the continent, from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean.
9 islands to visit in Europe: Italy, Germany, Greece, & Beyond
Capri (Italy)
A small island with dramatic limestone cliffs surrounded by the cotton-candy-colored Tyrrhenian Sea, Capri is perfect for its mix of luxury Mediterranean hospitality and its small-town-esque charm. Just take the ferry from Naples, which leaves twice daily.
- Where is it? Three miles off mainland Italy (close to Naples) in the Tyrrhenian Sea
- What can’t you miss? Blue Grotto, chairlift to Monte Solaro, and Gardens of Augustus
Find a hotel or private rental in Capri. I recommend Villa Calypso.
Crete (Greece)
The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete is a world unto its own. You’ve got a balance of ancient history, gorgeous natural beauty, and unexpected twists on the Greek culture you know and love. You can reach the island by flying from the mainland; Crete has three airports.
- Where is it? Crete is located on the southern edge of the Aegean Sea, south of Greece
- What can’t you miss? Balos Lagoon, Elafonissi Beach, Palace of Knossos, and Spinalonga Island
Find a hotel or private rental in Crete. I recommend Myrion Beach Resort & Spa.
Corsica (France)
You’ve probably heard of Sardinia and Sicily—but do you know about Corsica? This French island is home to unexplored natural wonders, like plunging ravines and crystal-clear waterways. In French, it’s often called L’Ile de Beaute or the Isle of Beauty. If you want to drop off the map with plenty of beaches and hiking trails at your disposal, slip away to Corsica. The easiest way to get there is to fly; Corsica has four airports.
- Where is it? North of Sardinia
- What can’t you miss? Explore Ajaccio (birthplace of Napoleon), Bastia, Monte Bonifacio, and Loto Beach
Find a hotel or private rental in Corsica. I recommend Casa Paradisu.
Lofoten Islands (Norway)
The Lofoten Islands are a dramatic and largely untouched archipelago in northern Norway. The region is home to two towns: Svolvaer and Leknes. You can fly into airports in either town. Parts of Lofoten Islands are north of the Arctic Circle, making them ideal for rugged adventurers who want to hike, cruise, and otherwise explore a peaceful but commanding natural corridor.
- Where is it? Located off the mainland of northwest Norway
- What can’t you miss? Reinebringen hike, Festvagtind for rock-climbing, and Kvalvika Beach
Find a hotel or private rental on the Lofoten Islands. I recommend Unstad Arctic Resort.
Malta
Similar to Crete, Malta is an island in the Mediterranean with tons of ancient history to dig into. In fact, it’s home to some of Europe’s oldest manmade sites. Aside from history, this tiny island also has charming coastal villages, rocky beaches with clear water, non-stop sunshine, and a burgeoning food and culture scene in hotspots like Valletta. It’s also the most accessible of all the islands in Europe that I’ve listed here.
- Where is it? Smack in the middle of the Mediterranean, between Sicily and North Africa
- What can’t you miss? Ggantija, Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Blue Lagoon, Golden Bay, and Ramla I-Hamra
Find a hotel or private rental in Malta. I recommend Grand Hotel Excelsior.
Menorca (Spain)
Forget about Ibiza and Mallorca. Menorca has over 200 coves and beaches, and an island-wide focus on sustainability. History fans are also in for a treat. Menorca is home to over 1,500 cultural and historic sites that date back to the Bronze Age. You can easily fly in from major hubs—like Malta, this is one of the easier islands in Europe to reach.
- Where is it? Northeast of Mallorca in the Balearic Sea
- What can’t you miss? Cami de Cavalls, La Mola Fortress, Monte Toro, Cala Macarella, and Cala Mitjana
Find a hotel or private rental in Menorca. I recommend the Melia Cala Galdana.
Tresco (United Kingdom, Isles of Scilly)
Tresco is the second-largest isle in the Scilly region, and it’s one of the most surprising islands in Europe. Despite its location so far north, Tresco is home to subtropical gardens that stay green year-round, along with white-sand beaches. If you’ve ever wondered what unspoiled nature in the UK looks like, it’s on Tresco.
- Where is it? Less than 30 miles off the coast of southwest England in the Celtic Sea
- What can’t you miss? Tresco Abbey Garden, Hell Bay, and the annual Festival of Wellness
Find a hotel or private rental in the Isles of Scilly. I recommend Star Castle Hotel.
Hvar (Croatia)
The secret is out on Hvar, meaning you might know people who have visited this lovely Croatian island in recent years. While Hvar costs a pretty penny, it’s worth the price if your’e after sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and historic towns. Hvar city’s center dates back to the 1500s, while the Stari Grad Plain is one of the oldest farming regions in Europe.
- Where is it? Hvar is just off the coast from Split, a major city where you can catch a ferry to the island
- What can’t you miss? Spanish Fortress, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Old Town, Robinson Beach, and Palmizana Beach
Find a hotel or private rental in Hvar. I recommend Hotel Moeesy.
Rugen (Germany)
I’ve saved the most unique pick for last: Rugen, Germany. This small island is easily accessible via the Rugen Bridge or via ferry. I recommend going in summer when you’ll have full access to Jasmund National Park. You can hike dramatic cliffs, check out ancient beech forests, and otherwise get to know some of Europe’s lesser-known biodiversity. There are also beaches where you can unwind and listen to the waves lap against the shore.
- Where is it? North of Germany in the Baltic Sea
- What can’t you miss? Cape Arkona, Shmachter See Lake, Prora Complex, and Konigsstuhl
Find a hotel or private rental in Rugen. I recommend the A-Rosa Kurhaus Binz.
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