12 of the best islands in Europe

14.06.2024 - 19:53 / lonelyplanet.com

Jun 14, 2024 • 9 min read

One of Europe’s best features is the stunning diversity of its landscapes ⁠— and that extends to its magnificent islands.

Whether you want to take in whitewashed buildings that cling to rocky cliffs or see the northern lights brighten the sky from a snowy isle, Europe has the perfect spot. We’ve rounded up some unique and beautiful islands across the continent from Lonely Planet's The Islands Book. Here are 12 of the best. 

A tapestry of vineyards, olive groves and dense forests blankets Korčula, the greenest of the Dalmatian islands. It lies just 3km (1.8 miles) from the mainland and is understandably busy in summer, but outside the peak season, it’s a serenely beautiful place to visit. The island’s well-preserved medieval towns and villages are awash with historic architecture, from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque palaces of Korčula Town to the simple stone cottages and farmhouses of the interior. It’s a place to hike or bike to small-scale wineries and olive mills; see traditional folk dances, religious processions and musical performances; or better still, laze on a sandy beach, an attraction almost unheard of in Croatia.

Eyes closed, picture the Greek beach of your dreams. A glinting pebble-studded cove? A luscious stretch of powdery white sand? A rocky sea-hugging outcrop at sunset? Skiathos is all this, and much more. Birthplace of the great 19th-century Greek writer Alexandros Papadiamantis and a key location during the Greek War of Independence, this history-rich pine-scented island sits just off mainland Greece, halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki, in the glittering Sporades. The small and relaxed capital, Skiathos Town, reveals a jumble of white-walled streets and traditional island architecture, while ancient monasteries lie tucked away in the hushed mountains and the unbelievably beautiful coastline unfolds in a series of blissful strands backed by rolling olive groves. Escape to the cliff-edged northern coast, whose craggy hills sweep down to secluded silver-pebble coves where family-owned tavernas have been serving up feta-loaded salads, crisp golden chips and platters of super-fresh seafood for years.

How many Greek islands can I see in a week?

The largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, Sardinia is the feisty, brilliantly moody and charismatic offspring of conquest and occupation. Power-hungry masters were numerous prior to the island becoming part of unified Italy in 1861, yet the Sards never let time or the elements erase their brilliant story. The fierce passion and pride in Sardinian culture and heritage, the stubborn fraternity, the infectious zeal for la festa (party) and the slow food ethic that every islander shares is compelling.