When you think of islands in Europe, the first country that springs to mind is Greece. And for good reason.
From azure waters and pretty coastlines to the laid-back feel that only comes with island life, it’s no surprise that 4.5 million Brits flock here each year.
But, as Greek hostpots like Santorini grapple with the effects of overtourism and the threat of earthquakes, many are looking to go off-the-beaten-path and give these areas a chance to recover.
Europe is bursting with islands (the Mediterranean is said to have over 10,000 alone), so we’re spoilt for choice. Whether you’re looking for a classic island experience with sea, sun and sand, or something a little wilder, the continent delivers in spades.
Before you start booking flights to traditional hotspots like Mallorca or Tenerife, we asked Metro readers to share their favourite island recommendations. Here’s what they said.
Metro readers have their say
Sign up to The Getaway newsletter
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
First up, Harry Dinn flies the flag for both Madeira and the Azores. The former – an autonomous region of Portugal – sits off the northwest coast of Africa, and is known for its namesake wine and a subtropical climate.
The latter, also belonging to Portugal, is an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic. Its dramatic landscapes of crater lakes, lush greenery, lava caves and hot springs make it the perfect destination for adventure seekers.
For James Smith, any of Norway’s 239,057 islands are worth a trip. While you’re there, you can also see the fjords, long, narrow inlets with steep sides or cliffs that sit along the Norwegian coast (mostly in the west).
Two of the fjords, Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Many visit by boat; the cruise season runs from May to September.
Jacqui Morgan, Peter B Holloway, and David Gray are just three of our readers who rave about Cyprus, while Frank Vinci says you can’t look past Sardinia in Italy and Corsica in France. Shwamle Browne Gertrude agrees that Sardinia has ‘gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, and rugged inland beauty.’
Matthew Allen and Peter B Holloway opt for Malta and Gozo, the latter of which sits just above the main island. If you’re struggling to decide which to pick as your base, Matthew says both are ‘gorgeous countries.’
They’re also so close to one another that many people head to Gozo on day trips from Cirkewwa or Valetta, Malta’s capital. The Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa to Gozo costs €4.65 (3.97) for foot passengers and takes approximately 25 minutes. From Valetta on a high-speed ferry, prices start from €22.87 (£19.54). The journey takes around 45 minutes.
Further north, Robert Edwin Wareham recommends Langeland in Denmark.
In fact, he loves the island so much that he even has a holiday home there. Also belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark are the Faroe Islands, which David, Erjona Mehilli and Rose Magalona all rave about.
Metro‘s Travel Editor Alice Murphy just returned from a trip to the Faroe Islands, she’ll be writing about that very soon, so keep an eye out.
Over in the Baltics, Mikko Haapanen suggests travellers make a trip to Ruhnu in Estonia. The tiny island is home to around 100 permanent residents. In the summer, it slightly increases to about 150.
The landscape is mostly flat, with sandy beaches and forests. This makes it the perfect location for outdoor lovers, who can hike, birdwatch, and go wild swimming. Historical sites like St. Madeline’s Church and Ruhnu Lighthouse are top attractions, as is the Ruhnu Museum, where you can learn about the island’s history.
Finally, if you’re in the mood for la dolce vita, Adeline Poppito-Tangredi recommends Ischia, a volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples, and Isola Bella, one of the Borromean islands of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. Its name translates to ‘beautiful island.’
Metro readers share their insider tips
What to do in the Azores
Nature lovers and thrill seekers, pack your bags. And then unpack them. And pack them again. The Azores – otherwise referred to as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ – have nine islands, so it’s the perfect place to island hop. Each one is unique, so you get multiple holidays in one.
Whale and dolphin watching tours are available on multiple islands. The Azores are a prime location for spotting various species, because they sit in migratory routes for Blue and Fin Whales.
From Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island (and also the capital of the Azores), spend two to three hours on an open boat for £56.65 per person. If you don’t spot any whales or dolphins, you get a full refund.
Back on land, hike across the diverse landscape of volcanic craters, lava caves (like Gruta do Natal on Terceira island), crater lakes (like Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo on São Miguel), and the black sand beach of Capelinhos. Mount Pico on Pico Island is the highest peak in Portugal and is a popular challenge among experienced hikers.
After getting your steps in, relax in the many thermal baths and pools. Furnas and Parque Terra Nostra are popular spots. Most springs charge an entrance fee, but some, like Poça da Tia Silvina, also on São Miguel, are free.
In terms of beaches, Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara is widely regarded as the most beautiful. The 1.5km stretch of coastline is perfect for sunbathing and surfing, as the shallow water but great waves make for ideal conditions.
Out on the ocean, you can explore the Azores by kayak or paddleboard. The calm waters of the twin lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, in São Miguel are favoured, while for canyoning and coasteering, Caloura is the place to be. For £60, you can spend three hours climbing, swimming, rock scrambling and exploring the Azores’ many inlets and caves.
If history is more your thing, Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town dates back to the 15th century and was an obligatory port of call until the advent of the steamship in the 19th century. The San Sebastião and San João Baptista fortifications are over 400 years old and provide examples of unique military architecture.
Finally, no trip to the Azores is complete without trying the cuisine. There’s a strong focus on local ingredients, including fruit, veg, meat and fish. Thanks to the abundant Atlantic waters, fresh fish and shellfish like limpets, barnacles, and tuna are rife. In terms of the dishes, many are influenced by Portuguese traditions, with specialities such as Cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked in geothermal heat. (Did we mention the Azores are volcanic islands?)
TripAdvisor rates Restaurante Tradicional e Típico Quinta do Martelo as the number one restaurant in the Azores. It previously won first place in the Gastronomy – National Heritage competition.
The reviews agree, with many complimenting the service, plentiful portions, and amazing food. At a glance, prices aren’t extortionate. Fried horse mackerel with cake in a pan costs €15 (12.81), while a rump of beef from the farm will set you back €38 (32.45) for two people.
What to do in Corsica
Affectionately referred to as ‘L’Île de Beauté’, or ‘The Isle of Beauty,’ the Mediterranean island of Corsica is a jewel in France’s crown.
A mix of coastal towns, lush forest and craggy peaks, Corsica lies southeast of France, west of Italy, and north of Sardinia.
Its best beaches include Santa Giulia, a shimmering bay with shallow, clear water, Saleccia, a secluded cove with soft white sand and turquoise water, and Palombaggia, complete with azure ocean and pillow-soft sand.
Hike-wise, Corsica ticks all the boxes. The most famous is the GR20, a challenging, long-distance trail that is considered one of the toughest in Europe.
The Bavella Needles are also impressive: rocky spikes of red granite dominate the mountain and can be found in Corsica’s Regional National Park.
As for the Calanques de Piana and Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you have the luxury of choosing between hiking around both, or taking the more relaxed route by boat.
From Porto (not the Portuguese city), join a three-hour Scandola and Girolata boat tour for £39. You’ll sail around the reserve in a hybrid boat, stopping in the remote village of Girolata, which is only accessible from the sea.
Another boat trip worth looking into is the route around the Lavezzi Islands, a collection of islets and reefs that separate Corsica from Sardinia. A half-day tour from Bonifacio starts at £74pp.
After exploring the archipelago, head to the vineyards of Patrimonio to sample local wines. Le Clos Teddi, a wine estate located in the heart of the Agriate desert, offers experiences starting from €15.00 (£12.81). Over half an hour, you’ll taste the winery’s red, rosé and white, plus two vintages.
Due to Corsica’s location, the cuisine is a blend of French and Italian. Local ingredients such as chestnuts, cured meats, and seafood are prominent, with dishes ranging from hearty stews, fresh fish, Corsican charcuterie, and veau aux olives (veal with olives).
Restaurant Santa Margherita takes the top spot on TripAdvisor, serving French and Mediterranean meals. One diner went so far as to call their experience a ‘rare and precious moment’.
