Whether you’re looking to spend your days lazing in the sun or you plan on hiking the landscape looking for the rarest birds and investigating the indigenous flora. Europe has something for everyone and is just waiting to be explored.
With so many beautiful places to go, you’ll have an endless list of vacation destinations. Here are a few of the top island spots for you to add to the list.
1.Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife is known around the world as the “Island of Eternal Spring.” Its geographical location, included in a hypothetical voyage worldwide, suggests that its appellation isn’t far off the mark. Personally, it’s one of my favourite Spanish Canary Islands due to it’s year round lovely weather.
The beautiful island of Tenerife offers an amazing escape and is known for its culinary delights, taking the best of what Spain has to offer but supersized in terms of taste and luxury.
2.Corsica, France
This lovely French island is known for its beauty and endless sunshine, as well as towering cliffs that the elements have sculpted.
The Calanche de Piana Cliffs are a must-see while you’re here. These already spectacular cliffs, made of brilliant red granite, become even more magnificent as they catch the light from the sunset.
The road here is also incredibly stunning, and there are lots of hiking trails for anyone seeking a more challenging experience. The Maison Bonaparte, Napoleon Bonaparte’s ancestral home, is another popular destination to visit here.
3.Crete, Greece
Crete is Greece’s largest island and is the fifth-largest in the Meditteranean sea.
Crete is also known for being one of Europe’s most southern points, which means it gets a lot more sunshine than the rest of the continent.
This island, which is rich in history, was once the epicentre of Minoan culture, Europe’s oldest recorded civilization.
For those who want to find out more about Crete’s history and culture, The Palace of Knossos, which is said to be the legendary former palace of King Minos of mythological fame, is a must-see. The entire island is steeped in Greek mythology, with a cave thought to be the birthplace of Zeus is said to be located somewhere on Mount Ida.
4.Capri, Italy
Since the Roman era, Capri has been a popular tourist destination, and it’s simple to see why.
Capri is one of Europe’s most well-known and atmospheric islands for getting some well-deserved rest and leisure.
A fashionable destination, Capri is considered to be a local paradise, with its beautiful beaches and pure blue sea, and plenty of opportunities to relax in the sun.
Another must-see is the Blue Grotto, a sea cave that offers tourists a glimpse of unearthly beauty as the rays of sunlight catches the water and illuminates the entire tunnel in a beautiful glow!
5.Sicily, Italy
Sicily is one of those regions in Italy that is so lovely and relaxed that even Italians visit for vacations. When you think of Sicily, you probably think of “idyllic, laid-back Italian vacation,” but there’s a lot more to it than that.
For starters, there’s Mt. Etna. Europe’s highest active volcano! Also known as ‘The Forges of Hephaestus’, home to the Greek deity of blacksmithing. Claimed to be located deep under the bowels of the volcano, here is where the weapons of the Greek gods are made.
There’s also the cuisine – we saved the best for last! Italy is known for its food across the board, but you must eat Arancini, Pasta Alla Norma, and Granita to say that you’ve officially been to Sicily.
6.Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is a group of eight islands, each with its own set of discoveries and memories. Some are wild and desolate with amazing fauna and plants, while others are fringed by lovely golden beaches, making them perfect for a beach holiday.
Discover scenery of exceptional diversity in one of Europe’s best destinations, all year long, in the softness of a subtropical climate.
7.Hvar, Croatia
Many people consider it an actual fairy-tale city because of its architecture, lovely natural surroundings, and warm climate.
When the natural beauty of Hvar is combined with high-quality accommodations and Mediterranean hospitality, and civility, it becomes a beautiful vacation for couples, families, and parties.
For those who like to walk and explore, hiking in Croatia is a treat, and Hvar has some lovely paths. You can walk by fields of sweet-smelling flowers, old trees, and see the blue sea. It’s a fun way to see parts of the island many might miss
8.Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is the largest and most well-known of the twelve Greek Dodecanese islands, and it is unquestionably one of the top Greek islands to visit.
During the Crusades, the Knights of St. John occupied this island, one of many events in this island’s history. There are, of course, stunning beaches to relax on, but the countless ancient sites, such as the Colossus and the Acropolis of Lindos, help to balance things out.
The old town is located in the northwestern portion of the island and is quite well preserved, so be sure to visit it.
9.Iceland
Why not switch things up a bit? This chilly island suits its name perfectly.
Iceland is a country that we’re all familiar with, but if you’re searching for reasons to go, here are a few that are worth noting. The Northern Lights (in the winter), the Midnight Sun (in the summer), volcanoes, ice caves, black beaches, iceberg lagoons, excellent gastronomy, geothermal springs, and the Blue Lagoon are just a few of the attractions.
10.Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are, without a doubt, the most dramatic of the bunch.
Imagine Iceland, but rockier, higher, and windier. The places you’ll find here seem like they couldn’t possibly exist in real life until you see them and realize they do!
The islands are also great places to see puffins, a favourite among most travellers with an interest in birds.
When planning your next holiday, you’ll have lots of options thanks to this list. Whether you want to get away from the cold or vice versa, Europe has you covered and will show you some great sites.
