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Europe’s islands have captivated travellers for centuries, whether it’s the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean or the rugged outcrops scattered across the North Atlantic.
While many of the continent’s best-known islands now draw huge crowds each summer, there are still plenty of quieter escapes waiting to be discovered.
Islands like Tenerife, Santorini and Capri are famous for a reason, but they’re also notoriously overtouristed. Opt for a smaller, lesser-known island and you can get all of the beautiful landscapes and laid back ambiance, but you’re less likely to get caught up in crowds and overcharged everywhere you turn.
These are the best, more under-the-radar European islands to explore now.
Swap Tenerife for La Gomera
La Gomera, the second-smallest of the main islands in Spain’s Canary Island chain, is a near neighbour of Tenerife – but is worlds apart in many ways.
While Tenerife, the most popular Canary Island, attracts some five million visitors annually, La Gomera has far fewer tourists, in part because it’s less set up for mass tourism.
Nevertheless, it has much to recommend it, especially for adventurous types.
It’s famous for its volcanic mountains, crisscrossed with hiking trails, and the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park houses one of Europe’s most impressive cloud forests and the striking Valle Gran Rey gorge.
Black sand beaches are must sees, while flowering cacti are everywhere.
Be sure to try local culinary specialities like almogrote, a rich, spicy goat cheese spread, and the freshest seafood – yellowfin tuna is a favourite.
Swap Hvar for Šolta
Šolta sits just across the water from Split, yet is often overlooked in favour of better-known neighbours Hvar and Brač. Reached in under an hour by regular ferry, it’s one of Croatia’s easiest island escapes – and one of its most underrated.
Life here moves at a gentler pace. Sleepy fishing villages, secluded pebble coves, olive groves and vineyards give the island an authentic Dalmatian feel that’s increasingly hard to find elsewhere along the Adriatic.
Swim in the famously clear blue waters, before drying off in rustic surroundings, and spend time wandering the postcard-perfect harbour at Stomorska.
Explore the picturesque village of Maslinica, and settle in at a waterfront restaurant for a plate of freshly caught seafood, caught daily.
Swap Santorini for Serifos
Serifos offers everything travellers love about the Cyclades, without the crowds that have come to define Santorini.
Reached by ferry from Athens in around two hours, the laid-back island has so far managed to escape mass tourism thanks to its lack of an airport and large-scale resorts.
Instead, you’ll find quiet beaches, whitewashed villages and a slower pace of life that has long made Serifos a favourite among Athenians looking for a weekend escape.
With more than 40 beaches dotted around its rugged coastline, there’s plenty of space to spread out, while the hilltop capital, Chora, is all winding lanes, blue-domed churches and traditional windmills.
As the sun begins to set, grab a drink at one of Chora’s rooftop bars and watch the Aegean turn shades of gold and pink. It’s the quintessential Greek island experience – just without the queues for the perfect photo.
Swap Capri for Procida
Capri is world-famous for its uber-glamorous restaurants, hotels and beach clubs, but it’s also infamous for being wildly expensive.
However, there are alternatives which are just as beautiful – and far more affordable – also located in the Gulf of Naples.
Procida is just a quick, 40-minute ferry from Naples and it boasts all of Capri’s clear waters, stunning vistas, brightly coloured houses and the best of Italian cuisine. Despite that, it’s still relatively unknown and much cheaper than its neighbour, so it’s an ideal place to take it easy and really relax.
The fishing village of Marina di Corricella is a must see, with painterly pastel buildings best viewed from above.
Car numbers are limited here and the majority of tourists are from other parts of Italy. Others are attracted by scenes from the 1999 film The Talented Mr. Ripley, which was filmed in part on the island.
Try fresh seafood, locally-made limoncello and spaghetti alla pescatora povera, a pasta dish made with anchovies, which translates to “poor fisherman’s spaghetti”.
Swap the Isle of Skye for Luing
Tiny Luing, off Scotland’s west coast, is often overlooked in favour of well-known Skye – but that’s all part of its appeal.
Just 16 miles south of Oban and reached by a short ferry from Seil Island, the Inner Hebrides island is home to a close-knit community of artists, makers and just a few hundred residents.
Despite measuring little more than six miles long, Luing packs in plenty to explore. Scenic coastal walks offer sweeping sea views, while the Atlantic Islands Centre is the perfect place to learn about island life.
It’s a wildlife lover’s dream, too.
Otters are common here, as well as both Harbour and Common seals, and you may even see dolphins, whales and porpoises at dawn and dusk.
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