Islands & Beaches in Europe

The Aegean’s most spectacular island, its whitewashed, blue-domed towns clinging to cliffs above a flooded volcanic caldera. The sunsets over the sea from Oia are world-famous. Black-sand beaches and ancient ruins add to the allure.

The glamorous, cosmopolitan star of the Cyclades, famed for its whitewashed old town, iconic windmills and sizzling nightlife. Chic beach clubs line the sands by day. Yet quiet corners and Little Venice still charm.

The world’s clubbing capital, but also an island of pine-clad hills, hidden coves and a UNESCO old town. By day, turquoise waters and beach bars beckon. The neighbouring islet of Formentera has some of the Med’s finest sand.

A glamorous rock rising from the Bay of Naples, long a playground of the rich and famous. Its shimmering Blue Grotto sea cave is the star attraction. Chic piazzas and clifftop gardens complete the picture.

The heart of Italy’s dramatic Amalfi Coast, where pastel towns cling to cliffs above the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea. Lemon groves, a grand cathedral and a scenic corniche road define it. Nearby Positano and Ravello are equally beguiling.

A rugged French island of soaring granite mountains plunging to turquoise bays, sometimes called the ‘Isle of Beauty’. It offers world-class hiking, hidden coves and a fierce independent spirit. The GR20 trail crosses its wild spine.

An Italian island ringed by some of the Mediterranean’s most dazzling beaches, from the glitzy Costa Smeralda to wild, empty coves. Its rugged interior is dotted with ancient stone nuraghi. The sea shades through impossible blues.

A sun-baked archipelago packed with history, from megalithic temples to the golden Baroque city of Valletta. Crystal-clear waters and the Blue Lagoon on Comino draw swimmers and divers. English is widely spoken.

An Ionian island famed for Navagio, the postcard-perfect ‘Shipwreck Beach’ framed by sheer white cliffs. Its waters shelter loggerhead turtles and glowing blue caves. Green hills and quiet villages fill the interior.

The lush, green jewel of the Ionian, cloaked in olive and cypress groves with a Venetian old town at its heart. Its beaches range from lively to secluded. Italian, Greek and British influences give it a unique flavour.

A large Dodecanese island where a magnificent medieval walled city, built by the Knights of St John, meets long sandy beaches. Ancient Lindos crowns a clifftop above the sea. It enjoys sunshine almost year-round.

The largest Balearic island offers far more than resorts, with the dramatic Tramuntana mountains, hidden coves and the elegant capital Palma. Cyclists and hikers adore its interior. Its beaches range from busy to blissfully remote.

Mallorca’s quieter, greener sister, a UNESCO biosphere ringed by some of the Balearics’ most beautiful and unspoilt calas. Prehistoric stone monuments dot the countryside. It has a wonderfully laid-back, family-friendly feel.

The sunniest of Croatia’s Adriatic islands, combining a chic harbour town, lavender fields and pine-fringed coves. Yachts fill the marina and beach clubs buzz in summer. Nearby the Pakleni islets offer idyllic swimming.

The Mediterranean’s largest island, a world of its own with Greek temples, baroque towns, smouldering Mount Etna and glorious beaches. Its food is among Italy’s finest. History, volcano and coast combine like nowhere else.

A lush, mountainous Portuguese island in the Atlantic, famed for its levada walking trails, dramatic sea cliffs and eternal spring climate. Volcanic pools and the cosmopolitan capital Funchal add appeal. It is a paradise for walkers rather than sunbathers.

Portugal’s sun-drenched southern coast, where golden cliffs, sea caves and sheltered coves meet some of Europe’s best beaches. Whitewashed towns and world-class golf abound. The dramatic rock formations around Lagos are unmissable.