The Top 15 Islands in Europe
The Top 15 Islands in Europe
European culture, history, and food only get better when paired with the relaxation quotient of an island. The spectacular coastlines of the best islands in Europe — five of which were also voted among the 15 best islands in the world — showcase a wide range of terrains, from craggy volcanic cliffs to feather-soft sand.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
Greece rules this list with four islands: Santorini, Páros (last year’s No. 1 pick), Crete, and this year’s winner. Crete (No. 2), the largest of the Greek islands, offers the most diverse attractions. Rent a car and drive its winding mountain roads, passing seemingly endless olive groves and stopping in tiny villages where local grocers sell just-picked figs and freshly gathered eggs — before arriving at one of its many magical beaches. The island’s Minoan history and natural beauty make every day an adventure of visitors’ choosing. The decidedly less-wild Santorini (No. 5), famous for its sunsets and whitewashed buildings, has several five-star hotels, while diminutive Páros — cruise ships can’t enter its harbor — offers an intimate chance to explore off the beaten path.
Four of Italy’s islands made this list, including the lesser-known, UNESCO-protected Lipari and the Aeolian Islands (No. 10). The archipelago, located 50 miles off the northern coast of Sicily, feels isolated in the best way possible — all the better to explore its vineyards, lemon groves, dormant volcanoes, archeological sites, and lovely beaches.
European culture, history, and food only get better when paired with the relaxation quotient of an island. The spectacular coastlines of the best islands in Europe — five of which were also voted among the 15 best islands in the world — showcase a wide range of terrains, from craggy volcanic cliffs to feather-soft sand.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
Greece rules this list with four islands: Santorini, Páros (last year’s No. 1 pick), Crete, and this year’s winner. Crete (No. 2), the largest of the Greek islands, offers the most diverse attractions. Rent a car and drive its winding mountain roads, passing seemingly endless olive groves and stopping in tiny villages where local grocers sell just-picked figs and freshly gathered eggs — before arriving at one of its many magical beaches. The island’s Minoan history and natural beauty make every day an adventure of visitors’ choosing. The decidedly less-wild Santorini (No. 5), famous for its sunsets and whitewashed buildings, has several five-star hotels, while diminutive Páros — cruise ships can’t enter its harbor — offers an intimate chance to explore off the beaten path.
Four of Italy’s islands made this list, including the lesser-known, UNESCO-protected Lipari and the Aeolian Islands (No. 10). The archipelago, located 50 miles off the northern coast of Sicily, feels isolated in the best way possible — all the better to explore its vineyards, lemon groves, dormant volcanoes, archeological sites, and lovely beaches.
15. Orkney Islands, Scotland
SIMON BUTTERWORTH/GETTY IMAGES
Score: 84.00
SIMON BUTTERWORTH/GETTY IMAGES
Score: 84.00
14. Malta
GETTY IMAGES
Score 84.15
GETTY IMAGES
Score 84.15
13. Skye and the Hebrides, Scotland
WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES
Score 84.95
WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES
Score 84.95
12. Mallorca, Spain
KRISTIAN BELL/GETTY IMAGES
Score 85.11
Book This Deal
Park Hyatt Mallorca, fivestaralliance.com, rates from $898/night
Includes $100 food & beverage credit, daily breakfast
KRISTIAN BELL/GETTY IMAGES
Score 85.11
Book This Deal
Park Hyatt Mallorca, fivestaralliance.com, rates from $898/night
Includes $100 food & beverage credit, daily breakfast
Park Hyatt Mallorca, fivestaralliance.com, rates from $898/night
Includes $100 food & beverage credit, daily breakfast
11. Ischia, Italy
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 85.50
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 85.50
10. Lipari and the Aeolian Islands, Italy
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 85.71
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 85.71
9. Sardinia, Italy
JULIAN DEWERT/EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES
Score: 85.96
Book This Deal
Hotel Cala di Volpe, fivestaralliance.com, rates from $1605/night
Includes $200 food & beverage credit, sparkling wine welcome, daily breakfast
JULIAN DEWERT/EYEEM/GETTY IMAGES
Score: 85.96
Book This Deal
Hotel Cala di Volpe, fivestaralliance.com, rates from $1605/night
Includes $200 food & beverage credit, sparkling wine welcome, daily breakfast
Hotel Cala di Volpe, fivestaralliance.com, rates from $1605/night
Includes $200 food & beverage credit, sparkling wine welcome, daily breakfast
8. Madeira, Portugal
THOMAS DEMARCZYK/GETTY IMAGES
Score: 86.15
THOMAS DEMARCZYK/GETTY IMAGES
Score: 86.15
7. Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 86.46
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 86.46
6. Sicily, Italy
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 88.12
Book This Deal
Grand Hotel Villa Igiea, fivestaralliance.com, rates from $364/night
Includes €50 food & beverage credit, daily breakfast
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 88.12
Book This Deal
Grand Hotel Villa Igiea, fivestaralliance.com, rates from $364/night
Includes €50 food & beverage credit, daily breakfast
Grand Hotel Villa Igiea, fivestaralliance.com, rates from $364/night
Includes €50 food & beverage credit, daily breakfast
5. Santorini, Greece
GREGORY ADAMS/GETTY IMAGES
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 88.53
GREGORY ADAMS/GETTY IMAGES
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 88.53
4. Páros, Greece
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 89.37
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 89.37
3. Azores, Portugal
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 89.77
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 89.77
2. Crete, Greece
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 90.12
Book This Deal
Elounda Bay Palace, fivestaralliance.com, rates from $427/night
Includes welcome fruit & beverage, complimentary spa, gym, tennis court use
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 90.12
Book This Deal
Elounda Bay Palace, fivestaralliance.com, rates from $427/night
Includes welcome fruit & beverage, complimentary spa, gym, tennis court use
Elounda Bay Palace, fivestaralliance.com, rates from $427/night
Includes welcome fruit & beverage, complimentary spa, gym, tennis court use
1. Mílos, Greece
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 90.50
One of the Cyclades, Mílos is known as the place where the famed Venus de Milo statue was discovered. But visitors today still find their own treasures while exploring this 58-square-mile island. Stroll its cobblestoned streets, hike volcanic craters, wander through ruins, or stretch out on the groomed white-sand beaches overlooking turquoise waters. Even the largest town, Adamantas, which has two museums and a multitude of boutique hotels, remains largely free of the crowds prevalent on the other Greek isles. And, as one fan pointed out, “it’s very affordable.” For embodying the finest qualities that European islands have to offer, T+L readers attest that one can do no better.
GETTY IMAGES
Score: 90.50
One of the Cyclades, Mílos is known as the place where the famed Venus de Milo statue was discovered. But visitors today still find their own treasures while exploring this 58-square-mile island. Stroll its cobblestoned streets, hike volcanic craters, wander through ruins, or stretch out on the groomed white-sand beaches overlooking turquoise waters. Even the largest town, Adamantas, which has two museums and a multitude of boutique hotels, remains largely free of the crowds prevalent on the other Greek isles. And, as one fan pointed out, “it’s very affordable.” For embodying the finest qualities that European islands have to offer, T+L readers attest that one can do no better.
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