We all enjoy traveling to foreign destinations. What’s more, no matter what time of year it is, don’t we all sometimes dream of that sun-soaked, seaside escape? With that thought in mind, here are the best European islands you may not have heard of yet.

The Best European Islands You May Not Have Heard Of Yet

1.  Pakleni Islands, Croatia

They are sometimes called the Paklinski Islands and are situated just off the coast of the Croatia isle of Hvar opposite to the city of Hvar’s harbor in the Adriatic Sea. The limestone island includes both black and Aleppo pines, crystalline water, peaceful coves, stunning lagoons, and several secluded beaches. Tour the caves and sample some of the local wines too. 

2.  Tenerife, Spain

We’ve briefly mentioned Tenerife before, of course. Still, this is the most noteworthy of all the Canarian islands, with a surprisingly bustling nightclub scene and beautiful beaches. You will find it right off the coast of the well-known Western Sahara. Explore the popular pirate cave Poris de Candelaria and take a cable car ride to the active volcano there as well.

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3.  Gotland, Sweden

Situated off the southeastern coast of Sweden, gorgeous Gotland is in the Baltic Sea. It’s admittedly cooler than a Mediterranean island, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. Promoted as a “Viking-era wonder”, the old city of Visby is an official Unesco World Heritage Site and includes a historic medieval wall and many charming homes swathed in florals and vivid colors.

4.  Comino, Malta

Comino may be Malta’s smallest island, but it’s truly worth seeing. It’s composed mainly of limestone and is under 1.6 kilometers wide and less than 2.5 kilometers long. Booking your accommodations is easy here as there is only one hotel, the Comino Hotel. Nevertheless, this island is becoming quite popular. It features beautiful blue lagoons and is a great remote getaway.

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5.  Faroe Islands, Denmark

This North Atlantic volcanic archipelago is officially an autonomous territory of Denmark found between Iceland and Norway. Be sure to visit the capital city of Torshavn. Veteran visitors say the old-town city center and harbor here is a great summer weekend destination. If you want to get off the beaten path, this is the place to do it.   

6.  Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is the largest of all the Balearic Islands.  There’s a lot to see and do here  in the Mediterranean.  Here you can go boating, hiking, swimming and more. The island also has a high-energy nightlife, beautiful beaches, and rugged, secluded mountains. Be sure to visit the attractive countryside vineyards, hilly, picturesque villages, and the busy capital city of Palma as well.  

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7.  Madeira, Portugal

The island of Madeira is lush and lovely. Here you can experience both the charm of a European town and a tropical vacation. Spend time in the capital city of Funchal. See the Risco waterfall deep within the verdant forest. Take a dip in Porto Moniz’s natural swimming pool and hike up the great Vereda dos Balcões trail and take in the pretty panoramic views.

8.  Gozo, Malta

Go to Gozo and getaway! It is the second largest of Malta’s islands. Less developed than the main island, it is also the perfect place for folks fond of quaint, little places perfect for exploring. Gozo also comes complete with sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches, assorted cultural excursions, and an assortment of eateries offering a variety of exceptional eats. Check out Fungus Rock and Fontana Springs too. 

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9.  Sao Miguel Island, Portugal

In English, the name of this island is Saint Michael. It is the largest and most populous island in all of the Portuguese Azores. The isle is also known as the “green island” due to its ever-present, lush, massive mountains. The archipelago’s largest city is popular Ponta Delgada. Be sure to sample some of the fresh seafood here too!

10.  Menorca, Spain

If you have grown tired of the nearby party islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, this is a quieter place to be. Some travel bloggers say this is a truly “magical beach locale” that is perfect for both nature lovers and honeymooners. Another one of the Balearic Islands, this place is great for history buffs too with its megalithic stone monuments. If you need to interact with others, visit Port Mahon. 

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11.  Isle Of Harris, Scotland

While this scenic setting is referred to as an “isle”, it is actually the southern mountainous area of the largest island in the well-known Outer Hebrides, named Lewis and Harris. Here you will find ancient castles, gorgeous greenery, pristine beaches, and rugged coastlines. If you’re shopping for new wool clothing, this is a great place for it as it is famous for its Harris Tweed.   

12.  Burano, Italy

If you’re in Italy and you grow weary of the crowd of tourists in Venice, take a trip to this island situated in the Venetian Lagoon, near Torcello. You can still enjoy similar, romantic canals and attractive town centers here. See the vibrant, colorful buildings and pick up a sample of their famous homemade lace too. It makes for a perfect day trip.  

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13.  Porquerolles, France

Once a private island, Porquerolles is now largely a nature reserve with a population of about 200. In 1912, François Joseph Fournier gave this isle to his beloved wife as a wedding gift, and they built a vineyard. Now it’s best known for its annual summer jazz festival. If you have a room in the nearby village of Hyères, hop aboard a boat and visit.

14.  Valleta, Malta

If you visit Malta’s main island, you simply must spend time in the capital city, Valletta. Perched on the island’s edge, Valletta is a walled city awash in white. Harking back to the 1500s, this place offers you the opportunity to tour Baroque landmarks and unwind on an island too. So if you’re a sun worshiper who is into history, book your next holiday here.

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15.  Moskenesøya, Norway

If you’re tired of lounging on the beach on some tropical island but still like the idea of being surrounded by water, how about staying on an island where you can see the Northern Lights? Check out this little fishing village on Moskenesøya, one of the remote Lofoten Islands. Visit the fishing village of Hamnøy, go hiking, and take in the views.

16.  Mykonos, Greece

Also known as “The Island of the Winds” because of the strong winds that often blow there, Mykonos is in the Cyclades. It spans a total area of 85.5 square kilometers. While the biggest crowds of tourists are on Santorini, here you can admire the iconic architecture, dive into the entertaining nightlife, soak up the sun on the beaches, and partake of unparalleled Greek food.

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17.  Ischia, Italy

Ischia is a volcanic isle nestled off the coast of Naples in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The best time to visit is between late June and September. If you want to experience life on an Italian island free of the tourists that travel to Capri, head for this Amalfi destination. It’s a guarded favorite due to its unpretentious air, ancient castles, and delicious, world-famous spaghetti.

18.  Eysturoy, Denmark

Eysturoy is one of the Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean, is an autonomous territory of Denmark. With a total area of just under 287 square kilometers, it is the second largest of the Faroes in size (and population). Its rocky, jagged cliffs seem to beckon more adventurous hikers. It’s also an exceptional location for bird-watching and aficionados of rowing competitions.

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19.  Budelli, Italy

This is a photogenic island within the Maddalena archipelago. Located off the northern coast of popular Sardinia, it is also one of seven different islands that make up the attractive Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park. Veteran visitors say that its pretty pink-sand beaches are picturesque and that the place epitomizes the best of Italian “beach bliss.”

20.  Herreninsel, Germany

Believe it or not, this itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny 238-hectare island is actually located in Germany’s land-locked state, Bavaria. More specifically, this isle is situated in Bavaria’s largest lake, Chiemsee. Take a day to explore the unfinished palace and the eighth-century convent. Visit Fraueninsel (in English “women’s island”), which is a bit smaller, but has a stunning Gothic bell tower that will certainly “a-peal” to architecture aficionados.

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21.  Terceira, Portugal

This is one of the smaller Azore islands. Here you’ll discover the charming village of Angra do Heroismo. Terceira is also one of the country’s Unesco World Heritage sites. This is due to the wonderful patchwork meadows and the colorful town. If you decide to stay on the more populous Sao Miguel Island, you can visit this isle on a day trip.

22.  Guernsey, Channel Islands 

Guernsey is a hidden gem and the second largest of the Channel Islands in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy. A sovereign state of the United Kingdom, it has a rich mixture of Anglo, French, and Norman cultures and histories. Highlights here include Castle Cornet, St. Peter’s Port, St. Martin, and the Guernsey loophole towers. 

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23.  Zakynthos, Greece

Zakynthos, in the Ionian Seas, is the third largest of the Ionian Islands. Here you can see more than the towering limestone cliffs and turquoise water. Thanks to the under-30 crowd, this is quickly becoming both a place of beauty and excitement. The once quiet villages of Laganas and Alykanas are now hot spots complete with bars, clubs, and assorted attractive eateries. Be sure to check out the shipwreck beach at Smugglers Cove too.

24.  Corfu, Greece

This is another one of the Ionian Islands in the Ionian Sea just off the northwest coast of Greece. It includes magnificent mountains and numerous resorts along its shores. If you appreciate culture and history, be sure to seek out the impressive Palace of St. Michael and St. George, the Municipal Theatre of Corfu, and the old Venetian fortresses. 

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25.  Faial Island, Portugal

Faial Island, a.k.a. Fayal, is one of the Azore Islands. Perhaps the most popular attraction here is the Capelinhos Volcano. The best time to visit is in the summer. For it is then that the island’s many hydrangeas bloom. It’s also a great time to explore the beautiful marinas and attend several secular and religious festivals.

26.  Hoy, Scotland

Hoy is the second-largest island in Scotland’s Orkney archipelago. It can be accessed via a ferry from the mainland. Complete with striking coastlines, it’s known for its variety of birds, and such landmarks as the distinctive Dwarfie Stane, an actual rock-cut tomb. Music fans might know the Eurythmics’ 1984 video “Here Comes the Rain Again” was shot on this isle.

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27.  Paros Island, Greece

This Greek island in the Aegean Sea has beautiful beaches, charming, traditional villages, multiple marinas, and more. If you enjoy swimming in coves, be sure to visit Kolymbithres  Beach. After you dry off, see such landmarks as the Panagia Katapoliani, a stunning Byzantine-era church, and the Archaeological Museum of Paros.

28.  Hvar, Croatia

The best time to visit this history-drenched Croatian island is in the summer. This popular summer resort is surrounded by 13th-century walls and comes complete with an ancient fortress and main square, as well as the renowned Hvar Cathedral. Not into history? Go kick back on the island’s striking beaches and see the lovely lavender fields further inland.

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29.  Formentera, Spain

If you visit Ibiza, you really must see the scenic albeit small isle known as Formentera. You can take a ferry right to the neighboring island. It is reportedly popular for its beaches and clear water and is a great place for sailing, snorkeling, and swimming. Veteran visitors recommend the Ses Illetes and Calo des Mort beaches.

30.  Lanzarote, Spain

Last but not least on this list is Lanzarote located off the coast of West Africa. One of the Canary Islands, it is considered to be a part of Spain and thus, Europe. The best time to visit this island is any time you can because the weather is great all year long. Highlights include Cueva de los Verdes caverns, Timanfaya National Park, and the ravishing resort town, Puerto del Carmen.

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