Whether the journey is boring or exciting depends on you.
You, of course, heard of Corsica, Ibiza and Santorini.
But do you know about the existence of Islands such as Formentera, YUST and Saaremaa? They don’t often come to the attention of tourists, but they just need to visit those who are tired of traditional vacation destinations in Europe.
Even if you don’t too often travel around Europe, these amazing Islands worthy of your attention. They can boast of the original culture, quiet charm and unspoiled nature. All of this is you are unlikely to find on the European land.
So grab a camera and get ready for adventure.
1. YUST (Germany)
YUST is one of the seven inhabited East Frisian Islands, located on the border of the German part of the Wadden sea. Miles of natural beaches, where reign a soft wind, received the unofficial title of “Töwerland” (“magic earth”). Although the Wadden sea is cool, the leisure activities, like walks on the beach and thalassotherapy, will not leave you indifferent.
2. Formentera (Spain)
If Ibiza is the eldest sister, is known for its wild parties, Formentera her cheerful younger sister. Although these two Islands are separated by only an hour ferry ride away, the atmosphere there is significantly different.
On Formentera you can enjoy the pristine Spanish beaches. Explore local wildlife, skiing on spotless water or swim to a nearby tiny island Espalmador, where you can plunge into the mud.
3. Sardinia (Italy)
Located in front of Corsica, Sardinia, combines the best Italian food and vibrant culture with the island Paradise. Walk near the sunken ancient Roman ships, explore the old lighthouses or swim in the sapphire ocean, surrounded by high hills. Then try the excellent food at one of the beach restaurants and then drink down its local Limoncello.
4. Colonsay (Scotland)
If you are looking for peace and tranquility, the island of Colonsay in the archipelago of the Inner Hebrides is the perfect place for you. The length of the island is only 13 km and a width of only 5 km. It is truly a secluded place dominated by nature.
Listen to the waves lapping on the Golden sand or take a walk on the little hills at about 90 meters. Here you will completely forget about the modern world.
5. Saaremaa (Estonia)
The largest Estonian island brings visitors in the days of pirates and Vikings that once called it their home. It is easy to imagine them in the dense coniferous forests, houses with a thatched roof and the beautiful villages that serve as a window into the past.
And don’t forget to visit the beaches – Estonian mild climate means that the summers are ideal for swimming water.
6. Hydra (Greece)
Although it is easily accessible from Athens, Hydra looks like another world. The island banned cars and motorcycles, therefore the Luggage of tourists through the winding streets of cobblestone carry donkeys. In addition to lovely beaches, crowded bars and restaurants, Hydra boasts luxury shops and numerous Maritime museums.
7. Mljet (Croatia)
With a population of about 1 100 people sleepy Mljet seems to be a place of calm and serenity. Almost 90% of the island is forest, and a large national Park offers miles of scenic Hiking trails.
Interesting fact: the only hotel on the island is named after Odysseus, the hero of Homer’s Odyssey, which is said to witchcraft lingered here for seven years.
8. Graziosa (Canary Islands)
Tiny Graziosa in the Spanish Canary Islands is home to many fishing trips. The island is not far from its noisy neighbour, Lanzarote. Caleta del Sebo is the island’s only village, where the whitewashed houses and roads with sand seem far removed from modern life.
Dive in the crystal clear water, bordering a marine Park, and slowly immerse yourself in the Spanish culture of the island.
9. Mykines (Faroe Islands)
Mykines is the place where you can enjoy solitude. In addition to flocks of hatchets, here lives less than 20 people.
Among the local attractions to highlight the bright houses with roofs of moss and steep rock, which allows to enjoy amazing landscapes from the Atlantic ocean to Iceland. On Mykines is accessible from Woara by ferry or helicopter.
10. Faial (Portugal)
Luxury Faial island is the westernmost point of Europe. A volcanic origin has created its striking landscape with hills and craters. Here you can find a lot of opportunities for walking, Cycling, Canoeing and horse riding.
Visit in the summer will leave an unforgettable experience on the island bloom with thousands of hydrangeas, Faial staining in blue.
11. Gozo (Malta)
Picturesque Gozo near the main island of Malta. This charming rural area, which size can be compared with Manhattan. Ancient temples of the island are considered one with the oldest in the world. Also Gozo is one of the best places for diving in the Mediterranean sea.
Don’t forget to look at the rock, the Azure window, which has become one of the locations of “Game of thrones”.
12. Tran (Norway)
If you like more cool resorts, go to TREN – archipelago, consisting of about 1 000 tiny Norwegian Islands, among which only four are inhabited.
Look at the stunning caves and grottos, and in July you can visit the famous music festival in TREN, which is held under the light of the full moon.
13. Belle-île-EN-Mer (France)
Belle-Île-en-Mer, literally translated as “Beautiful island at sea”. It’s a cosy hideaway near the coast of Brittany is fully consistent with the title. The island is known for its buildings painted in pastel shades, and 60 stunning beaches. In addition, there live music festival that gathers the best Opera singers from around the world.
14. Alderney (United Kingdom)
Being 40 minutes from the UK, the most northerly of the channel Islands invites you to explore Britain with a touch of French chic. Explore green meadows, rocky cliffs, and a winding street road, lined with pavers. Don’t be afraid to get lost – the length of the island is just 5.5 km and width 2.5 km.
15. Vis (Croatia)
Vis – the most distant from mainland Croatian island, known for its incredibly delicious wine, fresh sea food and nightlife. Its delightful landscapes resemble the atmosphere of the epic James bond.
Swim, kayak through caves, explore bays and coves, and then inspect the whole island from the top of mount Hum.
16. Stromboli (Italy)
Play hazard on the Italian island of Stromboli, which is home to one of the most dangerous volcanoes on the planet. Eruptions happen here very often, but don’t worry – they are very weak and barely care about the inhabitants of the island. Enjoy the unique black sand beaches by day and look at the eruption of Golden lava at night.
17. Inishmore (Ireland)
The island’s attractiveness lies in its high cliffs and fabulous landscapes. Inhale the salty air on a steep site, book a tour with horse and carriage, enjoy the taste of freshly caught mackerel. You can also see colonies of seals, for which the island is home.
