1 ) Corsica, France

Corsica… famous for its beauty and seemingly perpetual sunshine, this stunning French island boasts dramatic cliffs beautiful sculpted by the element. When you’re here, definitely want to visit the Calanche de Pianna Cliffs – made from a startling red granite, these already stunning cliffs become even more beautiful as they catch the light from the sunset. The road here is also an absolutely breathtaking drive and there are plenty of hiking trails for those who want more of a challenge. Another popular attraction to check out here is the Maison Bonaparte, the ancestral home of Napoleon Bonaparte.

2.) Crete, Greece

The largest island in Greece and 5^th largest island in the Mediterranean Sea! Crete also has the distinction of being one of the most southern points in Europe – which technically means it’s a lot sunnier than most of Europe.  Rich in history, this island was once the epicentre of Minoan civilization, which is the earliest recorded civilization in all of Europe.

3.) Mykonos, Greece

When we think of the idyllic Greek island, Mykonos (along with Santorini below) is the pretty much the image that pops to mind with its bright blue sea and blindingly white houses. While It does have a reputation for partying and revelry, there is, however, a rich history here and a beautiful side to the island that doesn’t necessarily always get the credit it deserves. (Seriously, it’s so beautiful here).
 

4.) Capri, Italy

Capri has been a resort area since back in the days of the Romans and it is easy to see why! This is one of the most famous and one of the best islands in Europe to sneak away to for some much-needed rest and relaxation. With its gorgeous beaches and clear blue water, this is a veritable paradise, offering plenty of to just kick back in the sun.

5.) Malta

The ruggedly beautiful island of Malta is one of the best islands in Europe to holiday in yet somewhat one of the most under-rated ones! It’s absolutely stunning and one that a deep vault of history that cuts across Europe.

6.) Sicily, Italy

Sicily is one of those places in Italy that’s so beautiful and so laidback that even the Italians go here for holidays. You think of Sicily and you just think ‘idyllic, chilled, Italian holiday” but there is more to Sicily than just that. For starters, there’s the impressive Mt. Etna which, at 3,329 meters tall, is the highest active volcano in Europe! This mountain is rumoured to be the home to the forges of Hephaestus, the Greek god of blacksmithing as deep in the bowls of the volcano is where he is said to fashion all of the weapons for the gods.

7.) Azores, Portugal

The Azores are of nine islands volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic that are amongst the most fascinating and definitely one of the best islands in Europe to visit for anyone even remotely intrigued by our planet’s geography.

8.) Ibiza

The first time I got to find out this part was when we visited out of season with friends and got to realise that aside from being a great place to party, Ibiza is actually a stunning island and arguably one of the most beautiful and best islands in Europe.

9.) Majorca, Spain

Majorca is one of the best islands in Europe when it comes to all-around fun for travellers of all ages. Of course, there are beaches to visit (that’s kind of a given), but there is so much more to do here aside from just sunbathing and sipping on cocktails! (Though I’d happily spend a fair bit of my time here doing just that!)

10) Iceland

We leave all the warm islands to head to our first colder island – the aptly titled Iceland. Iceland is one of those places that we’re all not strangers to but just in case you were looking for reasons to visit here are a fair few – the Northern Lights (in winter), the Midnight Sun (in summer), volcanoes, ice caves, black beaches, iceberg lagoons, delicious food, geothermal springs, the Blue Lagoon… to mention just a few.

Written by - Evita Lopes