You don’t need to focus your vacation and trip plans solely on mainland Europe – the continent which is home to some of the best islands in the world. Before booking your plans consider these best islands in Europe to explore the ancient history, art, and of course the top beaches in Europe as well. These islands are home to some of Europe’s wonders and can easily be added to your existing European itinerary or be the center of an entire vacation plan. Not all of the islands are warm, typical, or Mediterranean for that matter – consider Iceland for example – there is a lot of variety across Europe’s islands. Below are just some of the few unique and varied climates and cultures you can find across Europe’s best islands.

Crete Island, Greece – If you’re looking for history and variety all in one Crete has most everything you could want in a European island. It’s Greece’s largest island and home to one of the best national park hikes in the Mediterranean. Read more about the island of Crete.

“Emerald Isle” Ireland – Probably not one is the islands you were thinking of when Europe came to mind but the island of Ireland is made up of the Republic of Ireland and North Ireland (part of the UK). You won’t find crystal clear blue waters but there is plenty of color across the Emerald Isle. Read more about the island of Ireland.

The Island of Cyprus – We’re talking about both sides here – the officially recognized Republic of Cyprus to the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north. We’re not here to discuss politics and both a great places to visit. Find out why and read more about the island of Cyprus.

Ibiza, Spain – It’s not just nightclubs and parties, there are plenty of isolated beaches away from the crowds and plenty of places to stay with your family and kids. There is a lot to do whether you want to party until dawn or not. Learn more about the island of Ibiza.

Read More About Some Of The Best Islands in Europe

Rhodes, Greece |   Madeira, Portugal |   Sicily, Italy |   Malta Island

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Gotland Island, Sweden is Sweden’s largest island, the largest island in the Baltic Sea, and a popular tourist destination with visitors from all over the world. The island has an extensive history dating back to prehistoric times, and interestingly, it was not always under Swedish jurisdiction. That said, there is plenty to see and do on Gotland Island. Getting to the island is easy as there are frequent ferries from the mainland which take about 3 hours. Or if you prefer flying, Gotland has its own airline that flies from mainland Sweden to the island.

The medieval town of Visby, also the most populated Gotland town, is a must-see in itself. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Visby is arguably the best preserved city of its kind in the whole of Scandinavia. August is the busiest month to visit the city due to the highly popular annual Medieval Week, consisting of markets, food, jousting tournaments and the like. You can supplement Medieval Week with a visit to one of the many medieval churches scattered around the city.

The Gotland Fornsal Museum in Visby is the most visited museum on the island. The museum houses parts of Stone Age, Viking, and Medieval history, making it the most extensive museum of Scandinavian history. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am until 4 pm. The Gotland Fornsal has exhibitions running for months at a time, and information can be found online before you visit.

Bungemuseet is an open-air museum and one of Sweden’s largest. It consists of farmland and farm houses dating back as early as the 1600s, making it a unique museum to visit. The museum gives insight into peasant life on the island, before the industrial age. For guided tours be sure to call at least one day in advance to make sure you can get a tour. The city of Bunge is also famous for a 14th century fortified church that is worth seeing after your tour of the Bungemuseet.

The Sankta Maria Cathedral is a must-see out of the over 90 historical churches scattered throughout the island. Construction of the Sankta Maria began in the late 12th century, and was originally meant to be used by German merchants passing through Visby’s port.
The St. Nikolai Church ruins in Visby’s city center is one highlight of a trip to Gotland Island. The church was named after the patron saint of merchants in the Middle Ages and now hosts concerts and various cultural performances year round.

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The Spanish Island of Ibiza is known for its summer club parties and house and electronic dance scene that has primarily dominated this Island, off the coast of Valencia Spain. One can lay on gorgeous green blue beaches during the day, hibernate in a local yoga retreat, or frequent local down tempo and jazz clubs at night in Ibiza. Ibiza offers a diverse set of cultural, nature-based and clubber friendly activities for any traveler.

Mallorca, another Spanish beauty, is the second island that is a great place for vacationers looking for idyllic mountain ranges, sunny beaches, and incredible valley gorges. This islands natural bounty is only part of the attraction, for it is also an island with a fascinating history, a place where artifacts of Islamic nature continue to baffle archaeologists and historians.

Lanzarote, Canary Islands Spain off the coast of Western Sahara Africa is another terrific vacation spot in Europe. London flights to Lanzarote are affordable despite its distance from mainland Europe and this getaway spot offers a lot to the whole family. Lanzarote’s subtropical weather and gorgeous green blue beaches and white sand are a huge attraction to most travelers. In addition, Lanzarote offers a diversity of landscapes and natural wonders and is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, great for the natural loving traveler.

The island of Rhodes in Greece is another one of the 5 best islands in Europe for vacationers. The Medieval as well as Turkish presence is strongly felt on this island and is great for the traveler fascinated with ancient history. Another major attraction to the island of Rhodes is the incredible beaches, perfect for sunbathers and purely relaxation-oriented vacationers.

The 5th best island of Europe for vacationers is the island of Cyprus. Cyprus is an island off of Greece and Turkey that offers the vacationer a melange of historical vacation sites as well as sun and fun on the beach. Cyprus is full of water activities for all ages and a great place for a getaway with the whole family.

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Most people just refer to Malta when talking about the Republic of Malta, which is actually a collection of 3 main islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta is located south of Sicily and is one of Europe’s smallest islands in terms of overall area. The capital of Malta is Valletta and while English is common on the island, the main language spoken there is Maltese (an Arabic dialect). Maltese contains many English words and is blended with Italian as well so a grip on either language is a real advantage when traveling in Malta.

Malta is a member of the European Union and Euro-zone and an expensive place to visit. Despite it’s small size, Malta has a relatively high population which drives the prices of goods up – and the number of tourists who visit each year also contribute to the prices. The tourist season also seems to last during more of the year than some of the other best islands in Europe since it’s almost always warm in Malta. There are plenty of flights to and from Malta from Europe’s low-fare airline carriers and routine ferries into one of its three main ports. Malta also has its own airline, Air Malta which flies to several nearby countries. Many cruise ships also stop in Malta, for a taste of Malta restaurants, usually as they make their way across the Mediterranean from Spain and Greece.

Malta is home to the oldest free-standing structures on Earth, the Megalithic Temples, which are also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These Megalithic Temples were built somewhere around 5,000 years from the present, and are a major tourist attraction in Malta. The structures themselves, broken up to include several sites, are extremely well preserved. That’s especially true considering their age and the number of rulers and conquerors Malta has had over its entire history. The temples are absolutely astonishing and you should definitely add these UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Ggantija, Ta Hagrat, TaSkorba, Hagar Qim, L-Imnajdra, and Tarxien) to your travel itinerary.

Aside from these old attractions of architecture, there are also relatively modern ones, including the beaches in Malta, worth your time if you’re deciding on a vacation to the island. The Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta, Malta is where the president of Malta as well as the parliament is housed. It is also a cultural heritage site and tours are available for visitors who want to see this 500 year old palace and a bit of where modern Maltese politics takes place.

St. John’s Cathedral is also another piece of impressive architecture, one that is nearly 500 years old. Aside from the religious aspect of the cathedral, there is a definite military feel, partially because of the way the building is fortified with imposing walls. Built by the Knights of Malta explains this aspect of the cathedral which is unique in the contrast of its exterior versus interior designs. You’ll have to work around the schedule of the church’s sessions and don’t plan on visiting on Sundays as the cathedral is closed. Otherwise it’s an interesting place to visit with a low entry fee that includes a guide to St. John’s Cathedral that will give you more information about the history and facts about the building.

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This archipelago of Portuguese islands that are located on the outer reaches of the European Union are great places to vacation at all times of the year. The climate, atmosphere, and beautiful beaches make it an excellent place to travel and explore. Don’t stick around Lisbon if you’ve got some time in Portugal there are plenty of other great places to visit like Algarve in the south and of course the Madiera islands. You can begin basing your Madiera vacation plans in the capital city of Funchal, the largest city and home to the main harbor on the island. It’s a coastal city where over 100,000 people live with both beaches, cliffs, and rolling hills.

Tourism is an important part of the economy in Madeira but it’s not the primary source of income for the local economy. The island has been granted a number of favorable tax incentives to offer businesses encouragement to set up shop in Madeira. This effort by the Portuguese government has paid off and agriculture and industry are growing steadily. One of the major sources of income is the famous Madeira wine produced on the island and you can make some of the local vineyards a part of your Madeira travels. It’s easy enough to hop from island to island in the archipelago via ferry and outside of the Funchal area there are also vineyards on the island of Porto Santo.

For your Funchal plans, the Blandy’s Wine Lodge is right in town and where most people head to taste some of the local wines being produced in Madeira. It’s open on most days and for a small fee you can sample the various wines and also take a tour of the facilities and learn a bit more about them. The experience will last about an hour or so depending on how much wine and conversation you’d like to enjoy. There are also souvenirs, snacks, and of course bottles of wine for sale.

If drinking wine isn’t your thing there’s the Monte Palace Tropical Garden near Funchal which you can get to via the local cable car. Entrance to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is expensive (over 10 Euro and about that much for transportation there) although children are admitted without charge. The gardens are open daily but be sure to check the exact hours of operation as it does occasionally close to the public for special events. It’s really a place that’s great for kids and those who like to be overwhelmed visually. You’ll get a good taste of the flora and fauna that grows on the island as well as some of the wildlife and birds that have thrived in Madeira. There is also a museum on the site where you can learn more about the things you’ve seen and ask questions with local staff. Food and drinks are also available at the Monte Palace Tropical Garden which has been designed to provide a unique and varied experience for everyone who visits.

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Lesbos island (also spelled Lesvos), like Rhodes, is located in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkey. It’s one of the top 5 largest islands in Greece and a popular tourist destination as well. There are two fairly large mountains on Lesbos, Mount Olympus and Mount Lepetymnos, which can be seen towering over the island’s plentiful olive groves. Lesbos maintains a fairly warm temperature in the winter and can be quite hot in the summer months. It’s primarily an agricultural-based economy however it is also a well known place to vacation for lesbians and other homosexuals as well.

On the island of Lesbos there is also a protected national forest of petrified trees. No, they’re not scared but the term refers to the fact that the wood of the trees has fossilized into stone, something that is remarkable to see in person. To forest itself was fossilized some 20 million years ago due to a number of environmental factors and also influenced by an active volcano on Lesbos at the time. You can explore this petrified forest on your own and it is easily accessible to all visitors.

Lesbos is close enough to Greece and the Turkish coast so you can consider taking a ferry there just for the day to visit the forests of perhaps grab a cup of coffee or ouzo, a Greek alcoholic drink made from anise. Ouzo is actually produced in Lesbos since it’s got an ample supply of the primary ingredients and if you can adjust to the bitter taste you should certainly make an effort to have some over a long lunch or early evening dinner. Drinking ouzo is typically and even and sipped over a course of appetizers for several hours making it and ideal way to celebrate or take a break from the mainland. You can also purchase and bring a bottle back with you as you travel on to your next destination.

A good beach to set up shop for a few days is Molivos in the north. Lesbos is an island however much of the focus tends to be inland to the petrified forests and mountain hikes of Mount Olympus or Mount Lepetymnos. Lesbos does have some nice beaches, although the one drawback is that they are gravel based you you’ll need to bring some swim shoes to protect your feet. Some of the more popular beaches also tend to have more garbage on the beach that others. Since Lesbos is in such a narrow shipping lane and clean ups aren’t as frequent as they are on some of the busier islands, make sure to look around before pitching your umbrella or heading into the water.

Aside from the beaches, petrified forests, mountains, and ouzo you can visit one of the many olive orchards and fields in Lesbos. Some of the larger companies will also offer tours for a very low price and if you enjoy the olives you can purchase a fresh local batch. They go great with many meals and especially the drink ouzo, and you can combine the two on your travels around the best islands in Europe.

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Well known for it’s parties and night clubs there is more to this island off the eastern coast of Spain than just good places to dance. The summer dance parties have really made the island popular and a big tourist draw for younger backpackers. While Ibiza is certainly a good place to head to if you want to get a bit crazy on your next holiday, there is also plenty to do there for families and older travelers or those who simply want to experience something a bit more relaxing on their next vacation. Ibiza has a number of quiet local beaches you can find in hotel deals search that are fairly isolated and well away from the big parties in the port district of the island.

Ibiza tends to come to life during the summer months and you notice the change as soon as June rolls around. The frequent flights to the island are full of young party-goers who are there to enjoy the all day and night dance clubs. Parties in Ibiza tend to kick off around noon and go until the early evening when people take a break, nap, or get something to eat. Things then kick off again around midnight with parties doing on until dawn. It’s an exciting and hectic time and lifestyle but can be very entertaining. Just make sure to keep an eye on your belongings when you go out and secure your valuables back at the hostel or hotel room since this is the time of year when theft spikes. People are drunk and away from their rooms making both easy targets and a retractable lock is a good way to secure your valuables.

There’s always the option to party in Ibiza but you can get away from the crowds by exploring some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Cala d’en Serra beach, located in a secluded spot along the northern part of the island. It’s not the most easily accessible place which can be a good thing in a place where you might want a break from the crowds. You’ll need to rent a car or scooter to get there and take the road that leads down from nearby cliffs to this picturesque beach. Remember that parking isn’t allowed on the beach itself so if you’re not prepared to walk down the winding road to get to Cala d’en Serra consider a scooter or hitching a ride with a local mini-bus. Cala d’en Serra has clear, still waters that make it ideal for snorkeling and there are several tour boats available from the shore that will take you out to some of the best secluded spots to see marine life.

The two main cities in Ibiza are Ibiza the town and San Antonio where most of the parties are. You can also take a ferry out to one of the much quieter nearby islands, Formentera. Ibiza does offer quite a bit for travelers and isn’t a party-only place and you’ll be able to find the type of vacation you want there by looking around and booking in parts of the island that aren’t surrounded by the clubs in San Antonio.

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Rhodes is a small Greek island off the coast of Turkey and one of the premier tourist destinations in the Aegean Sea. The island has much to offer all kinds of vacationers and tourists coming from all parts of the world. It’s a close ferry ride from Turkey (although be prepared you’ll need your passport and make sure to check visa requirements) as well as mainland Greece as well. It’s home to a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the wonders of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes. It’s ruins are probably where most tourists end up when visiting Rhodes but well worth the time for the experience.

The actual statue is also to be rebuilt in the coming years but we suggest going before then to see the stones that were laid down so many years before modern construction. No remains of the original statue, thought to be built of bronze and standing as a large monument to the sun god Helios, have ever been found. It’s one of the small mysteries on the island and one you can trace with your own archeological sleuthing. There are plenty of other opportunities to visit ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Rhodes, both places you should certainly visit if it’s your first time to Rhodes.

Most people enter the island through the city of Rhodes located on the north part of the island, which also happens to have an international airport. There are flights from low-cost carriers, many of which really pick up during the summer months. The weather in Rhodes is temperate with cool winters and hot summers. The best way to get around Rhodes is the good bus system that runs frequently throughout the island. It’s fairly cheap and safer than renting your own car as some of the roads are not completely paved and it can be easy to get lost. Most buses now also offer snacks and drinks with some even beginning to provide free wi-fi access as part of your ticket to ride. It’s also a good way to catch up on some sleep and help you remember all the sights you’ll be seeing since naps improve memory.

There are also a number of beaches on the island, like Agathi and Kalathos, where you can enjoy a very lazy few days and lounge by the cool waters of the Aegean. The beaches in Rhodes are mostly pebble so it’s advisable to bring some sandals or swim shoes as well as a good beach towel. During the summer months the sun is also strong here and while umbrellas are for rent, if you’ll be staying for more than a week you can save a bit of money by purchasing your own. From there you can sell it to someone else in your hotel before you leave for half price, it’s a good deal for both parties.

Rhodes’ location and accessibility make it an ideal place to add to your Greek or Turkish coastal plans as there’s plenty of it on this magnificent island.

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The largest island in the Baltic Sea, Gotland is a popular Swedish tourist destination. Both its major town of Visby and coasts are popular with not only Swedes but people from around the world. Gotland has had an interesting history from its time as an independent entity, Danish rule, and now its Swedish heritage. You can catch a glimpse of this history by visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gotland, the medieval town in Visby. There are in fact over 90 medieval churches in Gotland, most of which are still in active use. Many of them will let you visit free of charge as well, provided there are no services going on at the time.

Gotland is easily reached by one of the frequent ferries going back and forth from Sweden, usually from the port cities of Nynäshamn or Oskarshamn. Gotland also has its own airline with flights from the Swedish mainland as well however ferry remains the most popular way to get to the island. Adding Gotland to your Swedish itinerary will give you another perspective on Swedish culture and teach you about the unique culture and way of life in Gotland.

Many people arrive in Gotland to go shopping, something the island is very well known for. For vintage handmade crafts it’s a shoppers delight. There are many shops there lined up in the heart of Visby and you’ll be among many looking for that good deal. Most people come to Gotland for its unique crafts and relatively lower prices (compared to mainland Sweden). The atmosphere is also laid-back and the pace of life slow making Gotland a nice place to visit for older travelers who want to take in the island at their own pace.

Outside of Visby there are also many villas and guest houses to spend a relaxing anniversary or vacation, particularly if you like the outdoors and some privacy or seclusion. It’s also a great place to bring your pets, which is easy for European citizens. For those of you in the US looking to bring your pets it’s not impossible to either so long as you start preparing a few months in advance. Traveling with your pets from the US to Europe requires a few visits to the veterinarian as well as filling out a few forms and papers. You’ll also need to inform the airlines you plan on flying at least 2 weeks in advance of your flight for them to make the necessary arrangements. Once you’re in a EU member state, like Sweden, you can cross borders with your cat or dog much easier.

You can get access to and find out the specific travel requirements by checking out the Swedish embassy website for you nearest embassy or consulate. We also recommend you check the luggage limits and see what particular baggage requirements your airline has.

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The island of Cyprus located in directly south of Turkey has a complicated political structure. Internationally when people refer to “Cyprus” they are typically talking about the entire island which has been split since 1974. Since a Greek-backed coup the island has been divided although only Turkey recognizes the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Politics aside, it’s important for travelers to know the distinction to find out what it means to your trip planning. First of all the south (Greek) part of the island is a member of the European Union (EU) where as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) relies heavily on trade with Turkey. Since the TRNC is not recognized internationally there is limited trade with it limiting its economy. This fact does make the TRNC considerably cheaper and less crowded than the south.

Tourists visiting (south) Cyprus are under that same restrictions they would be entering most other EU member states. For most visitors this is a 90-day tourist visa and the north has similar requirements as well. You can visit the TRNC from the south or visa-versa through the capital of the island, Nicosia (in Turkish Lefkosa) usually for one day. You’ll be required to show your passport and get a stamp so don’t show up empty-handed or you’ll be forced to come back another day. If you’re focusing your travels on only the TRNC you’ll need to take a flight or ferry over from Turkey. Since the north is not recognized internationally and only by Turkey, you must go through the country to get there.

Cyprus is a tropical island with hot summers, and cooler, rainy winters. The northern edges and higher elevations have been known to get the occasional flurry but don’t be fooled. The early spring and late fall months are the best times weather-wise to visit as the humidity and heat dissipates leaving crisp mild air for your to enjoy, with many fewer tourists as well. The waters are typically fairly calm with mild waves which makes many of Cyrus’ beaches some of the most popular for European vacationers.

One of the most beautiful beaches on the north part of the island is Girne. It also happens to be a major port for the TRNC and where many of the ferries from Turkey come to dock. The ferries come and go every 2 hours or so and leave run throughout the day. Staying in Girne also known by its Greek name, Kyrene, will not only save you money but introduce you to many sights and sounds most tourists haven’t experienced. You can visit the 500 year old Kyrenia Venetian Castle or visit the local shipwreck museum there. It’s a fun and interesting place to visit for all ages since many of the wrecks are hundreds if not thousands of years old. Cyprus’ location in the middle of one of history’s biggest shipping lanes means many ships sailed and sank off of its coasts.

In and around Girne is also St. Andrews Church with tombs more than 1,000 years old. It’s a short bus ride from town and doesn’t cost much to get there or visit. Hiking is also popular in Cyprus in the small mountain range that makes its way across the island.

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