![\"Buildings](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-596290999-fcc1.jpg\")
\n\t\tReady to find your new favourite island? (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tReady to find your new favourite island? (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
When you think of islands in Europe<\/a>, the first country that springs to mind is Greece<\/a>. And for good reason.<\/p>\n From azure waters and pretty coastlines to the laid-back feel that only comes with island life, it\u2019s no surprise that 4.5 million Brits flock here each year.<\/p>\n But, as Greek hostpots<\/a> like Santorini<\/a> grapple with the effects of overtourism and the threat of earthquakes<\/a>, many are looking to go off-the-beaten-path<\/a> and give these areas a chance to recover.<\/p>\n Europe is bursting with islands (the Mediterranean is said to have over 10,000 alone), so we\u2019re spoilt for choice. Whether you\u2019re looking for a classic island experience with sea, sun and sand, or something a little wilder, the continent delivers in spades.<\/p>\n Before you start booking flights to traditional hotspots like Mallorca or Tenerife, we asked Metro<\/strong> readers to share their favourite island recommendations. Here\u2019s what they said.<\/p>\n Metro readers have their say<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/p>\n Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n First up, Harry Dinn flies the flag for both Madeira<\/a> and the Azores<\/a>. The former \u2013 an autonomous region of Portugal<\/a> \u2013 sits off the northwest coast of Africa, and is known for its namesake wine and a subtropical climate.<\/p>\n The latter, also belonging to Portugal, is an archipelago of nine volcanic islands<\/a> in the North Atlantic. Its dramatic landscapes of crater lakes, lush greenery, lava caves and hot springs make it the perfect destination for adventure seekers.<\/p>\n For James Smith, any of Norway\u2019s 239,057 islands are worth a trip. While you\u2019re there, you can also see the fjords<\/a>, long, narrow inlets with steep sides or cliffs that sit along the Norwegian coast<\/a> (mostly in the west).<\/p>\n Two of the fjords, Geirangerfjord and the N\u00e6r\u00f8yfjord, are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Many visit by boat; the cruise<\/a> season runs from May to September.<\/p>\n Jacqui Morgan, Peter B Holloway, and David Gray are just three of our readers who rave about Cyprus<\/a>, while Frank Vinci says you can\u2019t look past Sardinia<\/a> in Italy and Corsica in France<\/a>. Shwamle Browne Gertrude agrees that Sardinia has \u2018gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, and rugged inland beauty.\u2019<\/p>\n Matthew Allen and Peter B Holloway opt for Malta<\/a> and Gozo<\/a>, the latter of which sits just above the main island. If you\u2019re struggling to decide which to pick as your base, Matthew says both are \u2018gorgeous countries.\u2019<\/p>\n They\u2019re also so close to one another that many people head to Gozo on day trips from Cirkewwa or Valetta<\/a>, Malta\u2019s capital. The Gozo Channel ferry from \u010airkewwa to Gozo costs\u00a0\u20ac4.65 (3.97) for foot passengers and takes approximately 25 minutes. From Valetta on a high-speed ferry, prices start from \u20ac22.87 (\u00a319.54). The journey takes around 45 minutes.<\/p>\n Further north, Robert Edwin Wareham recommends Langeland in Denmark<\/a>.<\/p>\n In fact, he loves the island so much that he even has a holiday home there. Also belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark are the Faroe Islands, which David, Erjona Mehilli and Rose Magalona all rave about.<\/p>\n Metro<\/strong>\u2018s Travel Editor Alice Murphy<\/a> just returned from a trip to the Faroe Islands, she\u2019ll be writing about that very soon, so keep an eye out.<\/p>\n Over in the Baltics, Mikko Haapanen suggests travellers make a trip to Ruhnu in Estonia<\/a>. The tiny island is home to around 100 permanent residents. In the summer, it slightly increases to about 150.<\/p>\n The landscape is\u00a0mostly flat, with sandy beaches and forests. This makes it the perfect location for outdoor lovers, who can hike, birdwatch, and go wild swimming. Historical sites like St. Madeline\u2019s Church and Ruhnu Lighthouse are top attractions, as is the Ruhnu Museum, where you can learn about the island\u2019s history.<\/p>\n Finally, if you\u2019re in the mood for la dolce vita, Adeline Poppito-Tangredi recommends Ischia, a volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples<\/a>, and Isola Bella, one of the Borromean islands of Lake Maggiore<\/a> in northern Italy. Its name translates to \u2018beautiful island.\u2019<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tMetro readers share their insider tips\t\t\t<\/p>\n What to do in the Azores<\/p>\n Nature lovers and thrill seekers, pack your bags. And then unpack them. And pack them again. The Azores \u2013 otherwise referred to as the \u2018Hawaii of Europe<\/a>\u2019 \u2013 have nine islands, so it\u2019s the perfect place to island hop. Each one is unique, so you get multiple holidays in one.<\/p>\n Whale and dolphin watching tours are available on multiple islands. The Azores are a prime location for spotting various species, because they sit in migratory routes for Blue and Fin Whales.<\/p>\n From Ponta Delgada on S\u00e3o Miguel Island (and also the capital of the Azores), spend two to three hours on an open boat for \u00a356.65 per person. If you don\u2019t spot any whales or dolphins, you get a full refund.<\/p>\n Back on land, hike across the diverse landscape of volcanic craters, lava caves (like Gruta do Natal on Terceira island), crater lakes (like Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo on S\u00e3o Miguel), and the black sand beach of Capelinhos. Mount Pico on Pico Island is the highest peak in Portugal and is a popular challenge among experienced hikers.<\/p>\n After getting your steps in, relax in the many thermal baths and pools. Furnas and Parque Terra Nostra are popular spots. Most springs charge an entrance fee, but some, like Po\u00e7a da Tia Silvina, also on S\u00e3o Miguel, are free.<\/p>\n In terms of beaches, Praia do Areal de Santa B\u00e1rbara is widely regarded as the most beautiful. The 1.5km stretch of coastline is perfect for sunbathing and surfing, as the shallow water but\u00a0great waves make for ideal conditions.<\/p>\n Out on the ocean, you can explore the Azores by kayak or paddleboard. The calm waters of the twin lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, in S\u00e3o Miguel are favoured, while for canyoning and coasteering, Caloura is the place to be. For \u00a360, you can spend three hours climbing, swimming, rock scrambling and exploring the Azores\u2019 many inlets and caves.<\/p>\n If history is more your thing, Angra do Hero\u00edsmo on Terceira Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site<\/a>. The town dates back to the 15th century and was an obligatory port of call until the advent of the steamship in the 19th century. The San Sebasti\u00e3o and San Jo\u00e3o Baptista fortifications are over 400 years old and provide examples of unique military architecture.<\/p>\n \t\t Finally, no trip to the Azores is complete without trying the cuisine. There\u2019s a strong focus on local ingredients, including fruit, veg, meat and fish. Thanks to the abundant Atlantic waters, fresh fish and shellfish like limpets, barnacles, and tuna are rife. In terms of the dishes, many are influenced by Portuguese traditions, with specialities such as Cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked in geothermal heat. (Did we mention the Azores are volcanic islands?)<\/p>\n TripAdvisor rates Restaurante Tradicional e T\u00edpico Quinta do Martelo as the number one restaurant in the Azores. It previously won first place in the Gastronomy \u2013 National Heritage competition. <\/p>\n The reviews agree, with many complimenting the service, plentiful portions, and amazing food. At a glance, prices aren\u2019t extortionate. Fried horse mackerel with cake in a pan costs \u20ac15 (12.81), while a rump of beef from the farm will set you back \u20ac38 (32.45) for two people.<\/p>\n What to do in Corsica<\/p>\n Affectionately referred to as \u2018L\u2019\u00cele de Beaut\u00e9\u2019, or \u2018The Isle of Beauty,\u2019 the Mediterranean island of Corsica is a jewel in France\u2019s crown.<\/p>\n A mix of coastal towns, lush forest and craggy peaks, Corsica lies southeast of France, west of Italy, and north of Sardinia.<\/p>\n Its best beaches include Santa Giulia, a shimmering bay with shallow, clear water, Saleccia, a secluded cove with soft white sand and turquoise water, and Palombaggia, complete with azure ocean and pillow-soft sand.<\/p>\n Hike-wise, Corsica ticks all the boxes. The most famous is the GR20, a challenging, long-distance trail that is considered one of the toughest in Europe.<\/p>\n The Bavella Needles are also impressive: rocky spikes of red granite dominate the mountain and can be found in Corsica\u2019s Regional National Park. <\/p>\n As for the Calanques de Piana and Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you have the luxury of choosing between hiking around both, or taking the more relaxed route by boat.<\/p>\n \t\t From Porto (not the Portuguese city<\/a>), join a three-hour Scandola and Girolata boat tour for \u00a339. You\u2019ll sail around the reserve in a hybrid boat, stopping in the remote village of Girolata, which is only accessible from the sea.<\/p>\n Another boat trip worth looking into is the route around the Lavezzi Islands, a collection of islets and reefs that separate Corsica from Sardinia. A half-day tour from Bonifacio starts at \u00a374pp.<\/p>\n After exploring the archipelago, head to the vineyards of Patrimonio to sample local wines. Le Clos Teddi, a wine estate located in the heart of the Agriate desert, offers experiences starting from \u20ac15.00 (\u00a312.81). Over half an hour, you\u2019ll taste the winery\u2019s\u00a0red, ros\u00e9 and white, plus two vintages.<\/p>\n Due to Corsica\u2019s location, the cuisine is a blend of French and Italian. Local ingredients such as chestnuts, cured meats, and seafood are prominent, with dishes ranging from\u00a0hearty stews, fresh fish, Corsican charcuterie, and veau aux olives (veal with olives).<\/p>\n Restaurant Santa Margherita takes the top spot on TripAdvisor, serving French and Mediterranean meals. One diner went so far as to call their experience a \u2018rare and precious moment\u2019.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-1334180352-9bbb.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe Azores have featured on prestigious \u2018must travel\u2019 lists for 2025 (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/GettyImages-1835223911-bd20.jpg\")
\n\t\tSandwiched between France and Italy is the breathtaking island of Corsica (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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