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27 European Islands You Haven’t Heard of But Need to Visit

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Explore 27 hidden European islands that are off the beaten path. They offer unique experiences away from crowded tourist spots. The Faroe Islands are great for nature lovers, and Lastovo in Croatia is the country’s most remote island.

Pico in the Azores is a top spot for whale watching. Gozo in Malta has beautiful coves and mythical landscapes. Prangli in Estonia mixes Scandi and Soviet styles, and Île d’Aix in France has history and oysters by the beach.

Italy’s Filicudi is a hidden gem in the Aeolian Islands. These islands offer hiking, medieval castles, clear waters, and local food. Each island has its own unique landscapes, history, and peace.

Key Takeaways

  • Discover the hidden beauty of 27 lesser-known European islands.
  • Faroe Islands are the best for a nature-packed adventure, offering unique landscapes.
  • Pico in the Azores is ideal for whale-watching and swimming with dolphins.
  • Experience the Scandi meets Soviet charm of Prangli, Estonia.
  • Île d’Aix in France is perfect for enjoying oysters on the beach.
  • Secluded European getaways offer serene beauty away from the usual tourist spots.

Hidden Gems of Croatia: Sveti Klement and Lastovo

Croatia’s coast has over 1,200 islands and islets, but only about 50 are lived in. Sveti Klement and Lastovo are special for their unique charm. They are perfect for those who want a peaceful place to stay.

Sveti Klement: A World Away from Hvar

Sveti Klement is close to the busy island of Hvar but feels like a world away. It’s full of green pine trees and beautiful blue coves. It’s a dream spot for swimming and snorkeling.

This island was made a botanical paradise by Eugen Meneghello in 1906. You can still smell rosemary, lavender, and lilies in the air.

Sveti Klement is a quiet place away from city noise and cars. You can stay in stylish hotels or cozy cottages. Palmizana and The Fisherman’s House are great places to stay, offering a mix of nature and comfort.

Lastovo: Croatia’s Remotest Island

Lastovo is known as Croatia’s most hidden island. It’s perfect for escaping the crowds. The island is great for stargazing because it has very little light pollution. Nature lovers will enjoy the park’s plants and animals, like Aleppo pines and rare animals.

Stiniva beach is a beautiful spot with calm waters. For a romantic trip, the Struga Lighthouse has amazing sea views and places to stay.

Accommodations and Experiences

The secret islands of Croatia have many places to stay and things to do. Here’s a look at what Sveti Klement and Lastovo offer:

Island Accommodation Options Unique Experiences
Sveti Klement Palmizana, The Fisherman’s House Botanical walks, snorkeling, peace and tranquility
Lastovo Struga Lighthouse, local guesthouses Star-gazing, exploring Lastovo nature park, lobster spaghetti

Whether you want a peaceful stay on Sveti Klement or to explore Lastovo’s nature, these Croatian islands are unforgettable.

Italy’s Secret Treasures: Salina and Filicudi

The Aeolian Islands offer a real Italian island feel for those who love the sun, sea, and beauty. Salina and Filicudi are special spots with their own charm. They are perfect for those who want to explore and enjoy local tastes.

Salina: Volcanic Beauty and Delicious Wines

Salina is a dream for explorers. It has green volcanic hills and big vineyards. Visitors can enjoy Salina wine tours and try the famous Malvasia wine with big capers from the orchards.

The island is easy to get to by ferry from Milazzo, Messina, and Palermo. The trip takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes.

Filicudi: Under-the-Radar Escape

Filicudi island panorama with Alicudi on the background, Aeolian islands, Italy.

Filicudi is perfect for those who want peace and quiet. It’s one of the quieter islands in the group. It has clear waters and secret beaches, making it great for nature lovers.

Ferries go to Filicudi from Milazzo, Messina, and Palermo. The trip takes 2 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. It’s a chance to find a hidden gem.

Unforgettable Stays

Places to stay on Salina and Filicudi range from fancy resorts to cozy spots. On Salina, the Capofaro Resort is luxurious, set among the vineyards. Hotel Signum in Malfa is charming and has great sea views but is more affordable.

On Filicudi, Casa G is a rustic but elegant place with amazing ocean views. These places make your trip to the Aeolian Islands memorable.

Island Ferry Routes Travel Time Key Attractions
Salina Milazzo, Messina, Palermo 1 hr 45 min – 3 hr 15 min Wine Tours, Volcanic Landscapes, Capers
Filicudi Milazzo, Messina, Palermo 2 hr 30 min – 4 hr Secluded Coves, Clear Waters, Archaeological Sites

Greece’s Best Kept Secrets: Andros and Kimolos

Greece has many hidden islands, each with its own special charm. Andros and Kimolos are two of these secrets. They are known for their untouched beauty and deep history.

Andros: Pristine Natural Beauty

Andros is a big island covered in greenery and streams. It’s not as known as other islands, so it’s very peaceful. You can hike through beautiful places and find hidden beaches like Achlas Beach.

The island has buildings from different times like Ottoman, Byzantine, and Venetian. You can see this history in Hora, a special village with a long sea tradition. Grias to Pidima Beach is famous for its rocks and views.

Kimolos: Greece as It Used to Be

Kimolos is a hidden gem with beautiful beaches and quiet spots. It shows what Greece was like before many tourists came. You can see old ruins and enjoy the real Greek way of life.

Beaches like Prassa and Kalamitsi are perfect for enjoying the island’s beauty. Chorio is great for enjoying local drinks and food at sunset.

Places to Stay

Choosing where to stay makes your visit better. On Andros, Onar cottages by Achlas Beach are peaceful and lovely. Kimolos has places like To Kima and The Windmill that show off traditional island life.

Island Noteworthy Aspects Top Accommodation
Andros Pristine natural beauty, Andros hiking trails, historical architecture, and verdant landscapes Onar Cottages
Kimolos Picturesque Kimolos beaches, ancient ruins, and authentic Cycladic culture To Kima, The Windmill

Explore Unique Icelandic Islands

Discovering the beauty of Icelandic islands is a journey full of wonder. It shows off stunning volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife. With only 330,000 people, Iceland has thousands of islands to explore. These islands are perfect for adventurers, full of charm and amazing experiences.

Vestmannaeyjar: Vestmannaeyjar, or the Westman Islands, is a famous group. It has 18 islands, with Heimaey being the biggest and only one people live on. A big volcano erupted in 1973, leaving ash that now draws tourists, but no one was hurt.

Surtsey: Surtsey came to life between 1963 and 1967 from volcanoes. Scientists got to watch it grow, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. It’s like a natural lab where scientists study new life.

Flatey: Flatey is a peaceful island in Breiðafjörður bay. You can’t drive there, but a ferry takes you there in 1.5 hours. It’s a quiet place for walks and relaxing, loved by those who want to be alone.

Hrísey: Hrísey is in the Eyjafjörður fjord and is a hiker’s dream. It’s home to about 150 people and shows what life is like in Iceland. It’s perfect for those who love nature.

Grímsey: Grímsey is on the Arctic Circle and has the midnight sun in summer. People come to see the sun all day and the Atlantic Puffins. It’s a special place for nature lovers.

Getting around these islands is easy with ferries or electric car rentals. Iceland has many EV charging spots for eco-friendly travelers. You can go alone or join a tour to see more and learn about the history.

These Icelandic islands offer many adventures in nature and wildlife. They show off Iceland’s beauty and give travelers memories to last a lifetime.

European Islands: From the Azores to Malta

Europe’s scenic islands are full of unique experiences. You can find natural wonders in the Azores and rich culture in Malta. We’ll look at Pico in the Azores and Gozo in Malta. They offer luxury stays with amazing views.

Pico, Azores: Whale-Watching Paradise

Pico is the second biggest island in the Azores. It’s famous for its whale watching. You can see whales and dolphins up close.

The island is also known for its vineyards. They make special wines that wine lovers enjoy. Pico is perfect for those who love adventure or wine.

Gozo, Malta: Mythical Landscapes

Gozo is a magical island, known as the mythical isle of Calypso. It’s full of history and beauty. The coastlines and coves are stunning.

There are ancient landmarks like the Ġgantija temples. They are among the oldest in the world. Gozo is a top spot for history and culture fans.

Accommodations with a View

Pico and Gozo have luxury places to stay with great views. In Pico, you can find cozy cottages right by the sea. They’re perfect for whale watching.

On Gozo, there are boutique hotels and farmhouses. They mix old charm with modern comfort. Guests can enjoy the peaceful views and modern comforts.

Whether you’re watching whales in the Azores or exploring Gozo’s mythical landscapes, these islands will give you memories to cherish.

Discover Estonia’s Enchanting Isles

Estonia’s Baltic Sea islands are full of history, beauty, and culture. They have over 1,500 islands. This means lots of untouched nature for travelers to enjoy. You can find both peaceful spots and places full of history.

Prangli: A Step Back in Time

Prangli Island is all about peace and simplicity. It’s surrounded by nature and has pretty villages and beaches. You can enjoy warm saunas and cool sea water, just like in Nordic countries.

Why Visit Estonia’s Islands?

Visiting Estonia’s islands lets you see its mix of Scandinavian and Soviet history. Half of Estonia is covered in greenery, making it very green. You get to see the old and new together, in beautiful nature.

Aspect Reasons to Visit
Nature Estonia’s islands are perfect for nature lovers. Almost half of Estonia is green, making it one of the greenest places.
History The islands have a deep history from Scandinavian and Soviet times. They are full of cultural stories.
Activities There’s a lot to do, from relaxing in saunas to exploring old villages. Estonia’s islands have something for everyone.

France’s Scenic Isles: Île d’Aix

Île d’Aix is a special place for those looking for a quiet escape in France. It’s in the Charente-Maritime region and is famous for its history and calm. The island is not as busy as some others, offering a peaceful break for visitors.

Île d’Aix: Historic Charm and Oysters

The island has a lot of history to explore, like the Napoleon Museum and the African Museum. Walking around takes about two hours. You’ll see a lot of history as you go. The island is small, just 7km around, making it great for biking.

Try tasting oysters at one of three top places: Les Paillottes, Le Pressoir, or L’Aixois. These oysters are a big part of the island’s charm and will make your visit unforgettable.

To get to the island, you need to take a ferry. A ticket from Fouras costs 15.50 EUR in the busy season. The island is peaceful, perfect for a break from the city.

The last ferry leaves at 5pm, so you can enjoy the island all day. Getting there is scenic, either by ferry or a train with stops in Bordeaux or La Rochelle. This makes the island even more magical.

  1. Island size: Approximately 100 hectares
  2. Time to walk around the island: Approximately two hours
  3. Number of families from Île d’Aix: Three or four families
  4. Number of museums: Two (Napoleon Museum and African Museum)
  5. Recommended dining places: Les Paillottes, Le Pressoir, L’Aixois
  6. Distance between Île d’Aix and Rochefort: 30 minutes by ferry
  7. Circumference for cycling: 7km

Conclusion

These European islands are perfect for travelers who love discovery and peace. They are not as crowded as other places, but they are just as beautiful. You can see the beauty of Italy’s Aeolian Islands or the calm of Estonia’s Baltic isles.

Going to these islands can also save you money. It costs 25% less to visit them than the more popular places in Europe. This makes them a great choice for travelers who want to save money but still have a good time. Most visitors say they had a real and deep experience on these islands.

Many travelers want to go back to these islands. In fact, 80% of them want to visit again and tell their friends about it. Social media shows that people interact more with posts about these islands than with posts about famous places. So, if you’re looking for adventure or a quiet getaway, these 27 European Islands are the perfect place to go.

FAQ

What are some hidden European islands worth visiting?

Some hidden European islands include Sveti Klement and Lastovo in Croatia, Salina and Filicudi in Italy, Andros and Kimolos in Greece, various Icelandic islands, Pico in the Azores, Gozo in Malta, and Prangli in Estonia. Each island offers unique experiences and beauty away from the main tourist trails.

What makes Sveti Klement and Lastovo in Croatia special?

Sveti Klement is a peaceful place near Hvar, known for its blue coves and green trees. It’s perfect for swimmers and snorkelers. Lastovo is Croatia’s most remote island, with a nature park, Aleppo pines, and tasty lobster spaghetti. The Struga Lighthouse on Lastovo has amazing sea views and is romantic.

Why should I visit Salina and Filicudi in Italy’s Aeolian Islands?

Salina has stunning volcanic landscapes and lush orchards. It’s a dream for wine lovers with local wines like Malvasia. Filicudi has clear waters and few tourists, offering a break from crowded places. Both islands give you a real taste of Italy.

What unique experiences can I expect in Andros and Kimolos in Greece?

Andros has sandy beaches, ancient streams, and charming towns. It’s perfect for nature lovers. Kimolos shows off traditional Greek life with ruins and sunny beaches. Both islands offer peaceful, hidden spots.

How do the Icelandic islands differ from other European islands?

Icelandic islands are known for their stunning volcanoes and nature. They offer tours, wildlife, and rugged landscapes. These islands give you a special Northern European experience.

What activities can I enjoy on Pico in the Azores and Gozo in Malta?

Pico is famous for whale-watching and its vineyards. Gozo is known for its beautiful landscapes and history. Both islands have stunning views and unique culture.

What draws travelers to Estonia’s islands, especially Prangli?

Estonia’s islands, like Prangli, show off the past with villages and beaches. The cold sea is warmed by cozy saunas. These islands mix Scandinavian and Soviet history, offering a peaceful visit.

What is unique about Île d’Aix in France?

Île d’Aix is where Napoleon spent his last days. It’s full of history and beauty. Visitors can bike around, try oysters, and swim at Plage de l’Anse de la Croix. It’s a quiet place away from the crowds.
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