10 Best European Islands to Visit

Malta has seen its fair share of invaders, from the Romans to the Moors. And although this history is a little gory, we can thank it for producing Malta’s stunning - and varied - architecture. Visit the beautiful island capital, Valletta, to soak up the historic atmosphere. Catch the sun setting over the warm yellow limestone skyline, which cannot be missed.

Malta offers enticing water-based activities like diving and snorkelling, as well as one of the most beautiful spots in the Mediterranean - the Blue Lagoon - where you can enjoy the bluest of waters. Combine that with a mild year-round climate, a strong foodie scene, and easy day trips to Gozo, Malta’s pretty sister island, and you have an irresistible holiday destination.

Corfu is one of the most popular Greek islands for Brits to visit, and it’s no wonder. Not only does Corfu have a UNESCO World Heritage capital city, Corfu Town, but it’s also one of the greenest islands in Greece.

Explore the Old Town and you’ll find historic fortresses, pretty parks, and plenty of museums and cultural pursuits. Explore further afield, and you’ll spot soaring mountains, serene olive groves, and, of course, those unbeatable beaches. And food-wise, Corfu is known for seasonal dining, with much of its produce grown on the island. Corfu really does have it all.

Madeira has long been popular with older visitors. But that's been changing recently, with the development of a food and bar scene that's firmly aimed at a younger audience. Craft beers from Portugal and exciting Michelin-starred restaurants will keep you fed and watered after a day spent exploring the jagged peaks and crashing shoreline of this subtropical paradise.

Madeira is only a 4-hour flight from the UK but feels like another world. It's covered in lush plants and flowers all year round, making the spring flower festival something not to be missed. It's also famous for its delicious fortified wine, Madeira, and the 2,173 km of irrigation channels, called levadas, that crisscross the island.

Long associated with the Mafia, Sicily has become a favourite destination for holidaymakers who are keen to learn more about this enigmatic island. Historical delights await visitors, including the beautiful cities of Palermo and Catania, as well as stunning hilltop towns like Ragusa Ibla and Erice, and coastal destinations like Cefalu and Taormina.

Although Sicily is part of Italy, it has an identity all of its own, and Sicilians are fiercely proud of their island home. With Mount Etna – Europe’s highest active volcano – to the east, strings of tiny islands to the west, and miles of glorious beaches, Sicily is an island that’s perfect for exploring.

Majorca is sometimes overlooked in favour of trendier destinations, but there’s a reason why it consistently brings in the crowds. With year-round mild weather, established tourist hubs and holiday apartments coming out of its ears, Majorca is ideal for a relaxing break in the sun.

But scratch the surface and you’ll discover another side to the island. From Palma’s cosmopolitan yet relaxed vibe to the beautiful curved bay of upmarket Port de Soller, Majorca has more to discover than you might expect. Add to that a busy programme of festivals and some unique culinary delights and you might just see Majorca in a new light.

With Corsica’s location off the coast of Italy, you might think it belongs to its boot-shaped neighbour. But France is proud to call Corsica one of its own. It’s the 4th-largest island in Europe but sees far fewer visitors than many of its rivals, making it one of the few places where you can still get away from it all.

Corsica offers beautiful destinations like Porto-Vecchio, which brings together a 16th-century citadel and an ultra-modern marina. On the west coast is Ajaccio, Napoleon’s birthplace. Explore inland, and you’ll discover fantastic walking opportunities, including the 177-km GR20, one of Europe’s toughest hiking challenges.

The Canary Islands are Europe’s most popular winter sun destinations, and Tenerife is the largest – and arguably the best – of them all. Rarely dropping below 20 degrees Celsius means the volcanic black-sand beaches can be enjoyed whenever you visit. The balmy temperatures also make Tenerife a prime spot for wine production, with plenty of opportunities to sample the tasty local wines.

Tenerife is watched over by the giant Mount Teide, one of the best places for stargazing in dark skies. And, although not demanding much attention on the world stage, Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz, is a great place to spend a night or 2.

Croatia’s Hvar is rapidly climbing the ranks of Europe’s best islands. It has become synonymous with laid-back vibes and upmarket visitors and is a go-to for Instagrammers. But thankfully, Hvar’s authenticity shines through. And although it’s not cheap compared to the rest of Croatia, for effortless cool, it can’t be beaten.

Hvar Town, on the island’s south coast, is the place to be. It’s the main nightlife hub of the island, but the pretty stone buildings and medieval streets appeal equally to visitors who don’t want to party the night away. Try the local wines – you’ll rarely find a bad one – and the gregada fish stew is a must-try.

Adored by honeymooners the world over, Santorini boasts the most picture-perfect vistas of any island in Europe. The western coast of Santorini is where the magic happens, with unbeatable sunsets every night over the famous caldera. All along the steep hillsides, you can also find yposkafa, domed-roof houses dug out of the rock that are unique to the island.

Santorini’s food and drink scene has some outstanding options. Seafood is a speciality here, as you’d expect, and many dishes are served alongside the delicious white wines produced on the island. Santorini isn’t so much a place for doing, as for being. Soak up the blue and white hues of the pretty cliffside towns, wander the narrow streets and relax.

Cyprus has a long and complicated political past, but despite this, it has remained a popular holiday destination for decades. It is a reasonable 4.5 hours from the UK and, on arrival, you'll be offered an enticing mix of beaches, history, and gorgeous landscapes.

Cyprus's most famous tourist resort is Paphos, and Ayia Napa is the standout party destination. However, if you look further inland, you will find places like Nicosia, a unique capital city that is half Greek and half Turkish. There are fragrant pine forests and the Troodos Mountain range to explore, and historical buildings abound – the ancient amphitheatre in Kourion being a prime example.