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Coconuts, palm trees, beach cocktails and endless sunshine – few things capture the feeling of a summer holiday quite like an island escape.
With the mainland left behind, islands offer the chance to truly switch off, whether that means sprawling out on a white-sand beach, swimming in turquoise seas or hiking through dramatic mountain landscapes.
And Europe has no shortage of places to do just that. From Greece’s much-loved holiday hotspots to under-the-radar gems in Croatia, Italy and beyond, there are countless corners of the continent waiting to be explored.
We’ve rounded up some of the best islands for a European escape, from the spectacular to the little-known.
Here’s our guide to where to go, how to get there and what to do when you arrive – that is, if you can tear yourself away from the beach…
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia, Italy regularly tops best island lists, with its immaculate sands and seas
The Caribbean-style beaches and seas combined with incredible scenery and quality gastronomy bring Sardinia to the top of best island lists on a regular basis.
La Maddalena Archipelago is a particular highlight, a national park featuring seven main islands, home to granite coastlines and pretty towns.
For a great beach, Capo Testa in Sardinia is known for its incredible views and rocky terrain – and is adored by all who visit, dubbed 'one of the most fascinating beaches in Sardinia' by one tourist.
Alternatively, head to UNESCO-listed Su Nuraxi di Barumini, one of the best examples of Bronze Age defensive structures in Europe.
Food here is distinct from mainland Italy. Try porceddu (slow-roasted suckling pig), potato pasta parcels called culurgiones and of course, this being an island, lots of seafood.
HOW TO VISIT: Sardinia has three main airports, depending on which part of the island you want to visit. For La Maddalena Archipelago, the nearest is Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport – flights from Stansted with Ryanair start from £19 one-way.
Corsica, France
The jagged cliffs of Corsica make it an appealing island getaway fro Europeans
'La Corse' is slowly gaining traction among tourists outside of France but has, for a long time, been a favourite among French families lusting after quiet beaches and impressive scenery on their lengthy summer holidays.
Often dubbed L'Île de Beauté (the Island of Beauty), it's not as simple as pretty beaches and calm seas – it's far more dramatic than that.
Cliffside architecture in medieval towns such as Bonifacio, wild hiking treks and huge towering peaks add to its unique appeal.
One of the best beaches here is Plage de Saleccia. Be warned, it is difficult to get to – you’ll need a 4x4 to tackle the track, a taxi boat or to hike – but if you make the effort, you'll be rewarded.
With ivory sands, clear seas and dense forestry behind you, it feels like a tropical paradise. Well worth the hassle.
HOW TO VISIT: Flights from London Luton to Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport in Corsica start from £47 each way.
São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
Lagoa das Sete Cidades on São Miguel island in the Azores is a crater-sized lake
São Miguel is the largest island in Portugal's Azores, a favourite among locals – and with far less tourist attention than the likes of the Algarve.
'The Green Island', as it is nicknamed, is best known for its dramatic volcano crater lakes, hot springs and emerald landscape.
Unique experiences can truly make a break here. Why not try your hand at geothermal cooking, enjoy a spot of whale watching or embark on a challenging hike?
For a stay in the heart of the island's thermal heritage region, book a night or two at Octant Furnas from £154 per night for a double – located in the Furnas Valley, one of the most geothermally active areas of São Miguel, the 55-room hotel is built around thermal wellness, with indoor and outdoor geothermal pools.
HOW TO VISIT: Flights from the UK to Ponta Delgada Airport start from £160 each way, or £257 direct with British Airways.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Picturesque villages line the water of the fjords in the Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands are a spectacular archipelago in northern Norway known for dramatic peaks and crystal-clear fjords.
Here travellers find the Midnight Sun in summer and it is also a great spot for hunting the Northern Lights from September to April.
It's also home to one of Europe's best beaches – hidden within Norway's dramatic Lofoten Islands, Kvalvika Beach is a remote Arctic bay where golden sands meet turquoise waters beneath towering mountain peaks.
Accessible only via a challenging hike, the untouched beach offers complete seclusion and spectacular scenery that feels worlds away from civilisation, making it especially popular with adventurous travellers and wild campers.
HOW TO VISIT: You'll need to fly to Bodo, likely via Oslo from the UK. Flights from London Stansted to Oslo start from £25 each way. Then take a ferry to Moskenes (torghatten.no).
Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye in Scotland is one of the best UK islands to visit
Rugged beauty is the hallmark of Scotland’s Isle of Skye, where dramatic landscapes and extraordinary natural landmarks await around almost every corner.
The Fairy Glen, for instance, may not have any real mythology attached to it – but that doesn't make it any less magical.
The green hills and jagged landscape were created by an ancient landslip – and have been smoothed over time to create this mystical glen. It's more than just ancient, too – it dates back more than 100,000 years.
Alternatively, head to the Old Man of Storr, a mountain peak and hiking path steeped in folklore. Legend says the pillar is the thumb of a giant who was buried on the ridge.
HOW TO VISIT: The Isle of Skye is best visited by car, but the nearest major airports are Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Elba, Italy
Porto Azzurro in Elba promises all the charm of a fishing village
Italy's island of Elba is often overlooked in favour of its better-known counterparts, Sicily and Sardinia. Those in the know, however, opt for this historically fascinating enclave.
It's perhaps most famous as the place where French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was first exiled in 1814, and you can even visit his former residences on the island, including the Villa dei Mulini.
Popular fishing resort Porto Azzurro is a great place to start, with beaches to explore, towns to mooch through and diving opportunities in the water.
HOW TO VISIT: Getting to Elba is not always easy. You'll need to make your way to Piombino where you can cross with a ferry. You can fly to Pisa or Florence, and then take a train or drive to Piombino.
Syros, Greece
Views of Ermoupolis and Ano Syros in Syros prove the island rivals better-known alternatives
Syros is an alternative Greek island offering culture, food and fewer crowds than the region’s better-known islands, Santorini and Mykonos.
The compact island is located in the centre of the Aegean Sea and 70 miles from the port of Piraeus.
Some of the best towns to explore are Ermoupolis and Ano Syros, the latter being a medieval hilltop spot with incredible sea views.
There's an added bonus for cat lovers, too – the Greek island is offering free accommodation to look after rescued cats, as it is home to around 3,000 stray felines.
HOW TO VISIT: You can either fly to Athens then catch a domestic flight to Syros (flights from Birmingham to Athens start from £69 one way with Jet2), or fly to nearby Mykonos or Santorini and cross with a ferry.
Mljet, Croatia
Croatia's Mljet island and National Park are perfect for those seeking a quieter getaway
Croatia's 'greenest island', as it is known, is worth more than a fleeting day trip.
Just an hour from Dubrovnik, the natural paradise is quiet and with greenery and beaches that are much more relaxed than better-known islands such as Hvar.
Most significantly, it is home to Mljet National Park, a lush haven that borders two saltwater lakes and is worth a day at minimum.
Saplunara village, on a quiet bay with sandy shores, is a fabulous place to stay, with PineTree Boutique Apartments ideal accommodation. Don't miss the hotel's terrace and try peka at dinner, a traditional Croatian slow-cooked dish made with lamb, octopus or veal.
HOW TO VISIT: Flights from Manchester to Dubrovnik start from £18. You can take the ferry from Dubrovnik to Mljet (tp-line.hr/en/).
Menorca, Spain
Sea views and the rocky coast of Cala Galdana on the Spanish island of Menorca draw in tourists in their hordes
Beaches on Menorca are part of what draws in so many tourists to this magical part of Spain.
Impressive white-sand beach Cala Galdana in Menorca has a cove-like structure, making it a picture-perfect backdrop for a summer holiday.
Its water quality and safety features – such as lifeguards during the peak season – contribute to its ranking among Spain's Blue Flag beaches.
Meanwhile, the longest beach in Menorca, at 2.5km, Son Bou has everything you might want during a summer holiday, with blue waters, sandy shores and imposing cliffs framing the scenery.
It won't break the bank either – it has been listed as the fourth-cheapest European family holiday destination.
HOW TO VISIT: Flights from Newcastle to Menorca start from £37 each way with Jet2.
Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal
Porto Santo beach is quieter than some of Portugal's more popular choices
A quieter alternative to Madeira’s busier resorts and mainland Europe's popular beach destinations, Porto Santo is known for its golden sands and relaxed pace.
In Porto Santo, you'll get all the beauty of popular spots – but without the crowds.
With a 9km stretch of golden sands, it's great for a crowd-free getaway. Meanwhile, for more adventurous types, check out the trails such as Vereda do Pico Branco, Pico do Castelo and the small but mighty Zimbralinho Beach Trail.
Head to Praia do Porto Santo first and foremost, but then check out the only town, Vila Baleira, which is also home to the Christopher Columbus House Museum.
Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa offers an oceanfront retreat on the island – from £258 a night.
HOW TO VISIT: TAP Air Portugal and easyJet offer direct flights from Lisbon and Porto from £26 each way.
Corfu, Greece
Corfu is a classic, popular with families and couples thanks to its incredible beaches
Classic Mediterranean favourites have seen a massive spike in interest in the wake of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey – led by Corfu.
Corfu's UNESCO-listed old town is a highlight – with Venetian architecture, narrow streets to explore and incredible food.
A beach to add to your bucket list is Porto Timoni, which has a striking peninsula flanked by two beaches.
The rugged beach is difficult to get to, only by hike or boat – but the coves and views upon arrival are worth it.
For an excellent place to stay, check out the beachfront Domes Miramare. Seven-night package holidays start from £988 per person.
HOW TO VISIT: Flights from London Stansted to Corfu start from £16 each way with Ryanair.
Heligoland, Germany
Rounding out the list of Europe's best islands to visit is Germany's Heligoland
'Germany' and 'island' appear to go together like oil and water – but across the North Sea, Heligoland is a red sandstone destination with Germany's smallest nature reserve, Lummenfelsen.
The island bans regular cars, so the air is fresh and clean.
Historically, the island belonged to the British, but was ceded to Germany in 1890 in exchange for Zanzibar.
Nowadays, nature is the main appeal – from the famous Lange Anna sea stack to neighbouring Dune Island
HOW TO VISIT: You'll need to fly to Hamburg Airport (departing Stansted from £15), then take a train to the coastal towns of Cuxhaven or Büsum. Then you can take a ferry to Heligoland.