Navagio beach - Zante© Samot - Shutterstock.com
Paradise, desert, sea or ocean: islands are the stuff of travellers' dreams. With their strong identities and unique landscapes, they are ideal for a change of scenery and, above all, relaxation. These bits of land lost in the middle of the sea are a great way to escape the daily grind. Hawaii and the Seychelles are often among the top island destinations. But did you know that Europe is home to a number of splendid islands just a few hours' flight from France? From Madeira to Corsica and Gozo, here are the 10 most beautiful islands to visit in Europe!
1. Wild Mljet
jasmina Mihoc - iStockphoto
It's often difficult to choose between the many islands of the Croatian archipelago (on this subject, don't forget to read our article The 10 most beautiful islands to visit in Croatia). The most southerly, Mljet, will meet the expectations of travellers in search of authenticity. It is very wild, with forest covering almost 70% of its surface area. Mljet boasts a number of picturesque villages, such as Soline, where we strongly recommend you stay. The view of the sea and, above all, the feeling of being cut off from the world are sure to charm you!
See also: Top 10 most beautiful islands to visit in France
2. The Isle of Skye, high in the clouds
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This is the largest of the Hebridean islands in Scotland. There are no coconut palms or white sandy beaches here, just a wilderness of coastal landscapes with jagged cliffs. The Isle of Skye owes its name to its soft, restful colours: skye means "cloud" in Norse. Although these same clouds can sometimes be threatening, the island offers a timeless voyage to those who know how to visit it, all year round. Unquestionably one of the most beautiful islands to visit in Europe!
Read more: Top 15 of the most beautiful islands to visit in Scotland
3. Gozo, underwater
fred
Still untouched by mass tourism, Gozo is the second island of the Maltese archipelago. Divers here will discover exceptional sites of natural beauty and recent shipwrecks. The Blue Hole, a series of underwater reliefs, has been voted "best dive site in the Mediterranean" on numerous occasions. If you're more down-to-earth, there are plenty of short hiking trails accessible to all. To find out more, read our article What to do and see in Gozo? The 10 must-sees.
4. Menorca, the pearl of the Balearics: one of the most beautiful islands to visit in Europe
rsaraiva - iStochphoto
While Ibiza is reserved for the wildest parties and Mallorca for the most visited sites, Menorca remains the quietest of the Balearic Islands. Its very long beaches and turquoise coves are a paradise for travellers who want to escape the summer crowds without giving up their paradise-like landscapes. The Cala Macarella cove, surrounded by limestone cliffs and pinewoods, is a real eye-catcher!
Read more : What to do and see in Menorca in 3 or 4 days? Itinerary tips
5. Jersey, a Channel Island
Mont Orgueil Castle© Maxian - iStockphoto
Brittany? Normandy ? United Kingdom? It's easy to get confused! Just 20 km from the French coast, Jersey is closely linked to the United Kingdom, but it is very much independent! A mythical place, it was praised by Ulysses in theOdyssey, as well as by Victor Hugo, who praised its ever-temperate climate and sheer cliffs. Jersey has a very special atmosphere, a pleasant feeling of always being between two waters: something to discover!
Read more: Channel Islands, charming neighbours!
6. Zakynthos, the island of turtles: one of the most beautiful islands to visit in Europe
Navagio beach© Samot - Shutterstock.com
Also known as Zakynthos, Zakynthos is one of the most important nesting grounds for the loggerhead sea turtle. This endangered species lives in the Mediterranean Sea and every year, at the beginning of June, the females come to Zakynthos to lay and bury their eggs. The National Marine Park protects this spawning area. The island is also one of the most pleasant in the Ionian Sea, where you can go diving, particularly at Porto Zorro.
Read more: The 20 most beautiful Greek islands to visit
7. The Lofoten Islands, land of fjords
iakov Kalinin
In the north of Norway, the Lofoten Islands are now part of Lapland. Here, the fjords are tinged with the blue of the stormy seas that batter them daily. All year round, you can admire whales and killer whales, and above all marvel at the unspoilt natural beauty and impressive diversity of the landscape: from mountains and cliffs to beaches and fertile plains.
Read more: What to see and do in the Lofoten Islands? The 12 most beautiful places and Getting to Lofoten without a plane: itinerary tips
8. Corsica, Isle of Beauty: one of the most beautiful islands to visit in Europe
Restonica Valley© joningall
Its famous nickname is well deserved: the Isle of Beauty has many treasures to reveal! From Cap Corse to Bonifacio, its 1,000km of often wild coastline isthe ideal refuge for city-dwellers in search of nature. Hiking trails, such as the famous GR20, allow you to explore this land of which the islanders are justifiably proud! The Corsicans' warm welcome and their love for their island win over all travellers.
To help you make your choice, have a look at our articles What to do and what to visit in Corse-du-Sud? The 17 must-sees and What to do and see in Haute-Corse? The 15 must-sees.
9. Madeira, a special land
mariusz-Prusaczyk
Just a 3.5-hour flight from France, this Portuguese archipelago enjoys an eternal springtime, with its varied and abundant vegetation. Shaded by pine forests and tropical trees, right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is a mountainous land where Pico Ruivo rises, Portugal's third highest peak. So there'splenty of hiking to be done on this island, where nature is still unspoilt and the inhabitants are warm and welcoming!
Read more: Madeira archipelago: which island to choose for your holiday and What to do and see in Madeira in 4 or 5 days? Itinerary tips.
10. The Aeolian Islands, a Sicilian treasure
© Euge S
Sicily could undoubtedly top this list, but we've chosen to highlight its seven little sisters: the Aeolian Islands. How can you resist the charms of Lipari, Vulcano, Filicudi, Alicudi, Panarea, Salina or the bubbling Stromboli and its still active volcano? You'll find both white and black beaches, and always an azure sea warmed by the sun.
Read more: Visiting the Aeolian Islands: which one to choose? The complete guide
