Europe · Islands
The most beautiful islands in Europe
White villages on a volcano, volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, Caribbean-like water in the Mediterranean, the island of lavender and mountains rising from the sea above the Arctic Circle: the most beautiful islands in Europe.
Updated 20 October 2026 · How we make our guides
Mediterranean
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GreeceSantorini
White villages above a volcanic caldera and sunsets in Oia.
What to see in Santorini -
GreeceCrete
Knossos, gorges, pink sand beaches and the Venetian harbour of Chania.
What to see in Crete -
GreeceCorfu
A Venetian-style town, fortresses and turquoise coves in the Ionian Sea.
What to see in Corfu -
ItalySardinia
Caribbean-like water, coves between cliffs and prehistoric nuraghi.
What to see in Sardinia -
MaltaVictoria
Greener and quieter than Malta, with the Citadel of Victoria and coves for diving.
What to see in Victoria -
CroatiaHvar
The island of sunshine and lavender, with a lively harbour and coves to explore by boat.
What to see in Hvar -
SpainMenorca
Unspoilt coves, the Camí de Cavalls trail and Talayotic monuments in a Biosphere Reserve.
What to see in Menorca
Atlantic
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PortugalAzores
Nine volcanic islands with crater lakes, whales and very green meadows.
What to see in Azores -
PortugalMadeira
Green cliffs and a mild climate all year round in the middle of the Atlantic.
What to see in Madeira -
SpainLa Palma
La Isla Bonita: the Caldera de Taburiente, laurel forest and observatory-grade skies.
What to see in La Palma
The north
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NorwayLofoten Islands
Mountains rising from the sea and red fishermen's cabins above the Arctic Circle.
What to see in Lofoten Islands -
United KingdomIsle of Skye
Black peaks, cliffs and fairy pools in the Scottish Highlands.
What to see in Isle of Skye
Frequently asked questions
What are the most beautiful islands in Europe?
Santorini, Crete and Corfu in Greece; Sardinia, Gozo, Hvar and Menorca in the Mediterranean; the Azores and Madeira in the Atlantic; and Lofoten and Skye in the north.
Which islands in Europe have good weather in winter?
Madeira and the Canary Islands, with mild temperatures all year round.
When to go to the Mediterranean islands?
In May, June and September: good weather, a pleasant sea and fewer people than in high summer.
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Reviewed 20 October 2026. Dates and seasonal warnings: the same data the Bagintravel app uses. Sources and method.
Cover photo: Norbert Nagel (CC BY-SA 3.0), Wikimedia Commons.