Hello and welcome to Bestriptips, the travel website where you will always find original and exciting content for your next trip! Today, we will suggest 7 summer islands in Europe you should visit if you love the sea, warm temperatures, and exquisite food.
Why Europe? Because it offers a great deal of captivating destinations when it comes to islands and crystal clear waters. From the rugged coastlines of the Mediterranean to the fascinating archipelagos of the Atlantic, here you will find helpful information about the best European islands. We will travel from Santorini to Mallorca and the beautiful and wild Madeira. If you are looking for a relaxing beach retreat or an exciting adventure in nature, an island destination in Europe suits your needs. So, let’s begin with our exploration!
The 7 Summer Islands In Europe You Should Visit At Least Once In A Lifetime
Suppose you are considering traveling around Europe to enjoy its stunning islands. In that case, you should know that they are not only a destination to have fun but also exciting places full of history and folklore. They have shaped their identities over the centuries thanks to a unique cultural heritage based on myths, legends, and historical events. And all of that continues to attract visitors from all over the world! What do we mean?
We are talking about the ancient ruins of Greece, the medieval castles of Croatia, and the incredible traditions of Portugal and Italy. On all these islands, you have the opportunity to savor a taste of the past while enjoying new attractions and fun sites that are typical of the present day. Now, please immerse yourself in these stunning islands, their stories and traditions, and choose your next summer destination!
1. Paros, Greece
Paros is a little island in the heart of the Cyclades archipelago: a paradise for beach lovers and history enthusiasts. The most convenient way to reach the island is by ferry from Athens or Mykonos, but you can also reach Paros from any other Greek island. Once there, you will have the opportunity to visit different beaches that you can visit by rental car or boat, enjoying crystal-clear waters and golden sand.
We suggest you take advantage of the unique gems of Monastiri and Kolimbitres beaches. Monastiri is particularly scenic, but don’t expect to be alone there!
Its rocks, white sand, and transparent water attract tourists from all over the island, making it a fun stop if you like to party on the beach.
If you are looking for a bit of tranquility instead, some paths from Monastiri beach allow you to reach some quieter viewpoints with a beautiful view of the gulf and the sea.
Then, we suggest Kolimbitres, surrounded by huge granite blocks carved over the centuries by sea and wind. Did you know? The myth says these rocks represent the Titans that Zeus hit and petrified! But apart from the beaches, in Paros you will also find a lot of history: you can visit the historic town of Parikia or the ancient landmarks such as Paros Marble Quarries and enjoy a walk in the old Paros streets populated by white houses with their typical blue roofs. Now, let’s continue with Greece before visiting other parts of Europe. In the next paragraph, you will discover more about the beautiful Santorini island; keep reading!
2. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a famous island in the southern Aegean Sea because of its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and incredible sunsets. You can reach it directly by airplane because Santorini is one of the leading Greek islands, and it is big enough to host an International airport. Otherwise, you can always take a ferry from Athens or other nearby islands. One particular trait of Santorini is that it is a volcanic island; this is why you will find beaches with black sand there. And about Santorini beaches, take advantage of the famous Red Beach, characterized by high red cliffs and red sand due to a massive concentration of iron in that part of the island.
Another stunning beach in Santorini is Perivolos Beach, which is well equipped and surrounded by nature: its coastline is a long stretch of black sand, grainy and soft to the touch, whose color contrasts with the crystal clear sea and its shades. You can relax or have fun with outdoor activities, practicing various water sports, such as windsurfing and kayaking. In Santorini, you can enjoy crystal waters and wild cliffs or the most breathtaking sunset you will ever see at Oia, one of the principal villages on the island. In Santorini, you can wander through ancient ruins or walk through the narrow streets of old towns while visiting local shops and tasting typical Greek food at small prices. Now, how about moving to Portugal? We have two incredible wild islands to suggest for your next summer vacation. Are you ready? Keep reading!
3. São Miguel, Portugal
São Miguel is the largest island in Portugal’s Azores archipelago: a hidden gem known for its lush landscapes, volcanic craters, and thermal hot springs. You can reach the island by flying into Ponta Delgada Airport or taking a ferry from mainland Portugal or other Azores islands. Once there, you will immerse yourself in a unique scenario where nature and culture are wonderfully mixed. In São Miguel, you can visit natural attractions such as the Sete Cidades crater lakes and the Furnas Valley hot springs, but obviously, you can’t miss some of its famous beaches. Among them, we suggest Praia do Fogo, surrounded by green mountains and characterized by hot waters due to volcanic hot springs. Here, you will find a beautiful natural habitat, but be sure to find a well-maintained area with barbecues, clean bathrooms, and showers. Other stunning beaches are Praia do Populo, which has dark sand and is exceptionally crowded, and Milicias, a quieter beach with a sloping shore and crystal-clear waters.
Suppose you want to visit the main cities or other historical attractions. In that case, you can reach the northern part of the island where there is Ribeira Grande: a charming town where we suggest you visit the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Municipal Garden, and the various natural views you will find around. Finally, if you are looking for unspoiled nature sceneries, you can move to the northeast, where you will find mountainous regions with stunning landscapes. Be sure to attend Salto de Farinha and the Pico da Vara volcano here! Now that you know more about São Miguel, what do you think of discovering together another incredible island in Portugal? Keep reading and know more about the beautiful Madeira.
4. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is situated off the northwest coast of Africa and is a peculiar island characterized by wild nature and unspoiled landscapes. This is why you won’t find beautiful beaches to relax, but many other incredible attractions here. Madeira has a little airport, so you can reach the island by flying directly into it, but you can also arrive there by ferry from Portugal or other Atlantic destinations. Now, what about the best attractions in Madeira?
At Bestriptips, we suggest you visit the capital city of Funchal to enjoy vibrant markets and historical monuments. In particular, here you can see the Quinta das Cruzes, a typical Madeiran villa with a garden and private chapel, previously the residence of João Gonçalves Zarco, the Portuguese captain who discovered the island.
But still…it isn’t the best part of Madeira! The island is known for its wide variety of hiking trails: you can choose from various trails according to your experience level, but we always recommend booking a guide.
Another thing you shouldn’t miss once in Madeira is the Jardins Botânicos, an 80.000-square-meter area with the most exotic collection of plants in Europe!
But what about the sea and beaches? Another unique experience in Madeira could be visiting its natural seawater pools in the areas of Funchal and Caniço or in Porto Moniz.
These natural pools offer excellent bathing conditions and are the perfect place to relax, swim, sunbathe, or visit the spectacular natural rock formations along the coast!
What do you say? Will Madeira be your next destination? While you think about it, we continue to discuss the 7 summer islands in Europe and take you to…Mallorca!
5. Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, a haven if you are a sun-seeker or an outdoor enthusiast. With its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Mallorca truly offers everything a tourist could ask for! Because it is so big, Mallorca has its airport so you can easily reach it, but you can also get there by ferry from different cities in Spain. Once there, you will notice that Mallorca, Madeira, and other islands we have presented offer various attractions.
Let’s start from the central city: Palma. It is located in the center of the Bay of Palma and is Spain’s eighth-largest city. It is characterized by influence from the Roman Empire, the Muslims, and the Catalans, and it offers different attractions such as the beautiful cathedral, the museum of Mirò, and the castle.
And about nature? Well…you will probably be surprised that one of the most beautiful things not to miss in Mallorca is its mountains! The Sierra de Tramuntana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a mountain range that cuts the island from north to south.
Here, you can find unspoiled nature, hiking or biking trails, and typical villages. But obviously, Mallorca is famous for its beaches, too. And guess what? They are carved into the mountains. Be prepared because there are more than 300 beaches in Mallorca!
Not all of them are famous, and some are very small, but we want to suggest at least Cala des Moro and Cala Pi among them. The first one is about 40 minutes away from Palma. It is carved into the rock, and because of it, its waters are always calm. This is the most photographed beach on the island, but if you are looking for a quieter place, visit Cala Pi. It represents the right compromise for those who want to stay within Palma but want to enjoy a calm day at the beach. What about the next stop? We will take you to Croatia, one of the best places in Europe, to have a wonderful time at the sea!
6. Lošinj, Croatia
Lošinj is a Croatian island in the northern Adriatic Sea, characterized by pristine beaches, lush forests, and one of Europe’s most significant and crystal-clear seas! You can reach the island by flying to Rijeka Airport or taking a ferry from different harbors in Croatia’s mainland. Once there, you will enjoy a vast cultural heritage, visit museums, and engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, sailing, or relaxing on unspoiled beaches. Starting from the cities, Mali Lošinj is the largest town on the island: a bustling hub with a picturesque harbor, colorful buildings, and streets where you can relax at various cafes and shops. If you prefer small villages instead, you shouldn’t miss Veli Lošinj, a fishing village famous for its historic architecture and scenic waterfront promenade!
If you want to enjoy nature instead, you can hike along the scenic trails that crisscross the island, enjoying breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and Mediterranean vegetation. We suggest you explore the marvelous Lošinj Aromatic Garden. Here, you can discover a variety of aromatic plants and herbs native to the region. For a truly unique experience…visit the Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation! Here, you can discover more about the island’s rich marine life and participate in dolphin-watching excursions.
Now, we have talked about Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Greece…can we miss mentioning Italy’s enchanting islands? We know there are lots of them, and in this article, we decided to put aside the most famous one and suggest a hidden gem in the Aeolian archipelago instead. Keep reading and discover the last of the 7 summer European islands you should visit: Salina!
7. Salina, Italy
As we mentioned, Salina is Located in the picturesque Aeolian archipelago off the coast of Sicily and is a tranquil oasis characterized by stunning landscapes, breathtaking viewpoints, and secluded beaches. Because we are in Italy, Salina is also famous for its delicious cuisine. Take advantage of locally-produced products such as capers and Malvasia wine once there! To reach Salina, you can take a ferry from Sicily and immediately find yourself immersed in a picturesque scenario where you can enjoy nature and historical areas. For example, we suggest you relax at “Spiaggia di Pollara” or “Spiaggia di Rinella.” Spiaggia di Pollara is fascinating because the beach is accessible by a steep staircase. This path is about thirty minutes from the town of Pollara and offers a stunning view of the landscapes. On the other hand, Spiaggia di Rinella is known for its dark volcanic sand and shallow waters: it is a family-friendly beach, perfect for relaxing and enjoying water activities such as snorkeling and paddleboarding.
What about the cities? Santa Marina Salina is the main port town of Salina, a charming village with colorful houses, narrow streets, and a bustling harbor where you can explore the local shops and galleries. Then there is Malfa, situated on the island’s northern coast: a quaint village known for its vineyards, citrus groves, and traditional architecture.
To enjoy other beautiful and historical attractions, you should visit Lipari Castle and the Ancient Bronze Age Village of Portella. Lipari Castle is accessible by ferry from Salina: it dates back to the Norman era, and its internal museum hosts artifacts from the Greek, Romand, and medieval periods. The Ancient Bronze Age Village of Portella is located near Leni village. Here, you can taste the island’s prehistoric past: you will explore the ruins of stone dwellings, tombs, and other archeological remains that date back over 3000 years!
Well, congratulations, because you have reached the end of this article.
But before we say goodbye, we want to share some curiosities about these 7 summer islands in Europe. What do you think about it? Keep reading below!
4 Curiosities About The 7 Summer Islands In Europe You Should Visit
We have discussed what you can see on some of the best European islands, but did you know that some of them hide incredible secrets? Here are four little curiosities you should know if you decide to visit one of the islands listed above:
- Madeira is known for its unique levada system: a network of narrow irrigation channels that crisscross the island. They were built in the 16th century to distribute water from the wetter regions to the drier areas and to use it for agriculture. Today, these levadas offer scenic hiking trails through the forests of Madeira!
- Paros is famous for its high-quality marble. It has been mined on the island since ancient times and used to create masterpieces such as the Venus de Milo, one of the most famous sculptures in the world, now in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
- Mallorca is home to one of the deepest underwater caves in the world: the “Cova de Coloms” or “Columbus Cave,” which descends to a depth of over 240 meters (790 feet) below sea level!
- Santorini is actually a volcanic caldera: it formed from a massive volcanic eruption around 3.600 years ago, shaping its distinctive crescent shape and rugged cliffs.
Are You Ready For Your Next Trip?
So, we discovered 7 summer islands in Europe to enjoy nature, relaxing beaches, fascinating historical monuments, and nightlife. We have traveled together from the volcanic landscapes of São Miguel to the charm of Salina. Each island we discovered is characterized by its unique blend of natural beauty and adventure opportunities. If you are looking for your next destination for a summer escape, one of these islands would be the perfect getaway to immerse yourself in unique sceneries and local folklore.
Whether you choose to relax in the sun or explore unspoiled natural areas, the sure thing is that these European islands will offer you a journey filled with activities that perfectly suit everyone’s needs. This is because at Bestriptips, we always try to suggest destinations that are less famous but can still offer you an unforgettable moment. If you liked this article, don’t hesitate to come back to discover other beautiful places for your next vacation!
