Looking for an escape from real life? Then an island getaway could be the solution. Remote and wonderfully isolated, all islands have developed their own personalities and you don’t even have to be that far from home – if you live in Europe that is.
Mallorca, Spain
Some would say that Mallorca is the jewel of the Mediterranean. The beautiful Serra de Tramuntana Mountain range runs along the islands western coast. It offers loads of fun activities like cycling, hiking, and mountain biking. There are many stunning beaches and hidden coves, and you’ll find many cosy villages that have preserved the traditional Mallorquin way of life.
Madeira, Portugal
This stunning island second name is “the Hawaii” of Europe, and it is truly stunning. Madeira wine is a big export of the island, and you can go on vineyard tours and wine tastings while on this island. But don’t skip out on the lush landscapes, as they are absolutely incredible. You can try out windsurfing, hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding on this island. Another interesting activity is the dolphin spotting boat trips, which is also a great way of admiring the islands intriguing topography and black sand beaches.
Corsica, France
Even though Corsica belongs to France, the islands culture and cuisine has more resemblances of Italy’s. wander through the color’s coastal cities, snorkel in the azure blue sea, hike the clifftops, and don’t forget to indulge in civet de sanglier and loup de mer – the 2 signature dishes of Corsica.
Malta
Valetta in Malta has been described as ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world’ by UNESCO. There is so much to explore here, we’d suggest going around with an expert guide who can explain some of its history. You can find incredible ancient temples and intricate churches. If you want to discover more of its beaches and dive the underwater world, then head to Gozo which is a beautiful island of Malta.
Elba, Italy
Elba is an Italian island that is not as well-known as some of the other islands, but it is definitely worthy of being on the list! The island is best known for being the place of exile of Napoleon in 1814, a very interesting history. Besides its interesting past, Elba has beautiful waters, beaches and incredible sea-food dishes.
Hvar, Croatia
Croatia has an incredible collection of islands – 698 islands and 389 islets to be exact! Hvar is one of the most popular Croatian islands and is often considered to be the most beautiful. Besides admiring the stunning scenery, you can tour the traditional farms and admire the sunset over Hvar Harbour from the deck of a sailboat.
