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Besides being known for its outstanding beauty and glorious and ancient cultural and historical heritage, Europe is also a home to numerous magnificent islands that offer plenty of things to see and explore, even for the most curious tourists. Although many of us seem to be mainly attracted to some of the hot spots, there are many remote and exotic small islands that are perfect holiday retreats especially for all the romantic souls and anybody who is looking for a chance to escape from the bustling streets of the urban area. However, there is something for all the party lovers as well, as these fantastic islands boasts electric nightlife and various exquisite cuisines that will suit everybody’s taste.
Gozo, Malta
Gozo is the second largest island in the archipelago of Malta islands. It’s a smaller and much quieter place, known for its sleepy ambience and charming idyllic pastoral life. There’s a wide range of exciting outdoor activities such as diving, fishing and other water sports that will turn your holiday into an unforgettable adventure. However, it is most famous for outstanding landscape full of breathtaking wild greenery, sun-drenched beaches and some of the oldest religious structures in the world. Despite its remote location, transportation system is rather effective as bus drivers easily navigate all of its roads and turns.
Ibiza, Spain
Most of you must have heard of the legendary Ibiza, a small piece of Paradise where all the party people from different parts of the world gather to experience a part of this festive unique atmosphere. Apart from amazing all-night partying and upscale beach clubs, this fantastic Spanish island is famous for spectacular tropical beaches and dazzling sunsets where you can try most innovative craft cocktails and dance to the music of the world’s popular DJs. For those of you who are looking for more peaceful holiday, there is an uninhabited nature reserve, off the western coast in Cala d’Hort where you can indulge in island’s rich heritage.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini, a precious volcanic Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, is among the most romantic and sought-after destinations in Greece and the whole world. Santorini came into existence after a huge volcanic eruption that immensely changed the whole appearance of the island creating majestic mountains and towering cliffs that overlook the sea. The local traditional food products such as cherry tomatoes, special kind of goat cheese and exceptional savory wines makes Santorini a true culinary heaven. However, Santorini is undoubtedly most well-known for its picturesque village of Oia, where small white houses topped off with blue white doors add to the special charm of this place of divine beauty.
Mallorca, Spain
Another exquisite Island that will make your holiday a truly unforgettable experience is the largest island in the Balearics, a Mediterranean top Europe summer holiday retreat, Mallorca. The beautiful coastline with dramatic cliffs and crystal blue sea shapes formidable and distinctive personality of this exotic Island. You can either spend some time exploring an amazing mountain range the Serra de Tramuntana, or you can take a stroll along vast vineyards and experience some local traditions and customs. This whole western Mediterranean area is an absolute must see, and if you wish to explore it further you can cruise around the islands in the area. You can visit both Mallorca and Ibiza in one go! Give your taste buds a treat and eat out in one of many local restaurants where you can try most wonderful Mediterranean flavours. With a little bit of creativity, traditional Mallorcan recipes have been revived by local chefs whose intention was to adapt them to suit various tastes. If you want to avoid the peak season and the surging crowds of guests, you should visit Mallorca in February when you will have a chance to witness the most beautiful sight of few million almond trees blossoming across broad valleys and plains.
Capri, Italy
Probably the most idyllic place that has been attracting many intellectuals, movie stars and writers from every corner of the world for two centuries now is the Italian magical island – Capri. What makes it so appealing is the striking blue water and numerous uniquely-shaped caves such as Blue Grotto which is the most visited tourist attraction on the Island. There are many historical sites that allure visitors with their extraordinary tales of its colorful past such as Villa Jovis or the Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Anacapri. Various designer boutiques and magnificent villas make it one of the most luxurious tourist destinations in the world.
If you are in a lack of time and would like to visit more than just one island, you can always go for one of those exciting cruises that will give you a wonderful opportunity to feel the unforgettable and unique atmosphere that European islands have to offer.
*Guest Post*
Roxana is a travel enthusiast from Sydney and she loves to write about her adventures. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. Being a typical Aussie, she often hits the waves and loves beaches and sunshine! You can find her articles on HighStyleLife and StyleByAsia.
You may remember Roxana from her previous post about Australia’s Most Amazing Wonder of Nature and How To Have The Best Food Experience Abroad (if not, go check it out!).
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This is a great little list that I’m going to bookmark because unbelievably (as I am European) I have only been to one of them (Mallorca). I would most like to go to Capri I think as my parents went there many years ago and loved it. But I also really like the sound of Gozo as it sounds so peaceful.
What a great post. I’m afraid I’ve only been to Capri for half the day but I’d love to explore more of the Greek Islands. The thing I like about islands is, they each have their own character eventhough they are part of the same country.
All of these islands are very beautiful. I’ve been to most of them and all I can say is that they’re all very beautiful. You simply have to be there to really appreciate them. I couldn’t even pick my favorite among them as I do love them all!
I am def the off beat kinda person, well actually a 50-50 mix of touristy and off beat spots. Great list. Just when I was thinking of going to gozo for summer 2017, I read this 🙂 Sweeet! Looks like its a great place, eh? Do you have any posts focused around Gozo only? Would love to check em out.
It’s a lovely short list with a nice mix of lesser known (Bozo) to more famous (Capri) destinations. To be fair, there are many more European islands big and small worth visiting. By the way, my personal favorite is Sicily.
Cute post featuring some of the most talked about islands that are there in Europe. Have been to a few and my only negative would be that over the years they have become tourist hot spots and some of the local charm has been lost in that. Still, there’s lots to do and the beauty is amazing. Thanks
Santorini is definitely one of my favourites and I really need to add Malta to my list. So many wonderful spots listed here. Just wish I lived much closer to them all.
Don’t we all love islands! These look like a world away from being in a large city. Santorini would be my top pick.
I’m living in Dublin right now and it’s getting a bit cold. Visiting Malta or one of these islands in Spain, Italy, or Greece sounds pretty amazing right now.
I’m living in Dublin and it’s starting to get cold. Visiting one of these islands sounds like it would be amazing right now.
Lovely recommendations. I have only been to Santorini and it is amazing. Gozo I think will be my next destination
How can I not have been to even one of these islands?! It’s almost criminal, particularly given that I’m British. I’ve always been tempted by Ibiza, not for the non-stop clubs (those days are long gone, I’m afraid!) but because it really is supposed to be spectacularly beautiful. One day!
Ok, you just gave me some serious wanderlust! I always love exploring islands–Santorini was one of our favorites. I would especially love to visit Mallorca, Spain, and Capri, Italy, but all of these spots look fantastic. Great suggestions!
You highlighted some magnificent islands. The Mediterranean has some great places to visit, both on the continent and on the islands.
I haven’t yet been to any of these islands yet, though I’ll be in Capri next month. Thanks for the excuse to visit Europe more often!
There are so many great island destinations listed. What is really capturing me is Gozo and its “sleepy” ambiance. Thanks for sharing!
Gozo, Malta is calling my name! Every single island looks to be colorful and full of beauty. Any place with all of this color is my kind of destination. Great inspiration to get out of the arctic tundra, otherwise known as Iowa in the U.S.
I love island vacations! They are my favorite! Thanks for putting this list together!
[…] may remember Roxana from her previous post about Australia’s Most Amazing Wonder of Nature, European Must See Islands, and How To Have The Best Food Experience Abroad (if not, go check it […]
These islands have stolen my heart. They are so beautiful. I am really looking forward to visit Malta and Santorini. The others are stunning and have been added to my travel list.
Beautiful shots and nicely written Mags! Im off to Greece in three weeks with time in the islands, your post makes me look forward to it that much more!
[…] may remember Roxana from her previous post about Australia’s Most Amazing Wonder of Nature, European Must See Islands, How To Have The Best Food Experience Abroad, and The Best Trips and Places to Recommend to Your […]