7 Beautiful Islands To Explore In Europe

Europe isn’t as blessed as Asia when it comes to the abundance of islands. Still, the variety of landscapes and cultures on Europe’s archipelago’s leaves the vast majority of wanderers in awe. From the icy cliffs of the Faroe Islands to the sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean, Europe’s collection of islands is exceptionally diverse.

# Sicily, Italy

With its delectable cuisine, a magma-spitting volcano, spectacular architecture, and enjoyable beaches; Sicily packs heaps of ingredients most people love about Italy, plus this comes with a Mediterranean breeze. Before you start exploring, try some cannoli – a delicious cream-filled pastry that originates from Sicily. There are endless possibilities on the island, but soaking up the rugged landscapes of Mount Etna and the alien white cliffs at the Stairs of the Turks will likely end up on your list of favourites. Sicily’s interior is also charming, with stonehouse communities and fertile pastures.

# Lofoten Islands, Norway

This chain of little islands in northwest Norway draws adventure travellers and photographers from all over the globe. This is due to its unmatched natural beauty and charismatic fishing villages. Enjoy the peaceful inlet Trollfjord, take a moment to inhale the magic of Bunes Beach, and admire the colourful houses on stilts at the iconic viewpoint of Hamnøy.

# Malta

On the map, Malta is nothing more than a tiny dot in the Mediterranean Sea. When zoomed in, Malta has three main islands full of architectonic jewels, beautiful nature and incredible history. Many people start their trip in the capital of Valletta, but the former capital Mdina is visually more appealing. This fortified city with its stunning baroque St. Paul’s Cathedral and Vilhena Palace with its precious ornaments certainly is an eye-catcher.

# Azores, Portugal

The Azores aren’t the most accessible island destination in Europe, but those who set their first foot on this remote archipelago will soon realize it was worth the journey. All the islands of the Azores are created by the forces of nature, and signs of their volcanic past are visible everywhere. One of the Azores’ most adored sight is the Lagoon of the Seven Cities on the island of Sao Miguel (seen below). Here, a blue and green lake are located within a massive caldera of an extinct volcano. If you’re in good shape and up for a challenge, try to tackle Montanha do Pico on Pico Island. With its 2351 metres, this is the highest peak in all of Portugal.

# Fuerteventura, Spain

Fuerteventura belongs to the Spanish Canary Islands and you’ll find it encompasses the volcanic character of all the islands in this archipelago. Therefore, travelling to Fuerteventura sometimes seems more like an expedition to the moon. In Rural Park Betancuria and Cuchillos de Vigan, a barren landscape of stones and rugged peaks make for epic walks and photo opportunities. But heaps of travellers don’t come to Fuerteventura for the volcanic scenery, but for the grandiose beaches glued to the coastlines. Cofete is – second to none – the most spectacular shoreline: this strip of sand lies directly at the end of a sloping mountain range.

# Faroe Islands

Thundering waterfalls, snow-covered bluff, and vibrant wooden houses with grass on the rooftops; the Faroe Islands provide the kind of scenery outdoor-minded travellers crave for. This autonomous region within the Kingdom of Denmark consists of roughly eighteen main islands and can best be described as ‘wild’. This is displayed sublimely at the viewpoint at the Múlafossur waterfall. Here you can see the waterfall dropping straight into the ocean, with a tiny village and fantastic mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. Another thrilling place is the Mykines Holmur Lighthouse (see below), where the cliffs are astonishing, and thousands of puffins breed in the summer months.

# Milos, Greece

While Mykonos and Santorini are the most notable of the Greek islands, Milos certainly is an underdog between the tourist magnets. However, the limestones rocks and the white-plastered houses are present in abundance. Visit the multicoloured fishing village Klima for a taste of both traditional Milos and the best food the sea has to offer.