Are you thinking about a vacation on an island? Then you probably quickly think of the popular classics: Mallorca, Sylt, Capri or Mykonos.
But they are often very crowded in the popular travel months. It’s good that there are great alternatives in Europe that are even nicer.
The Portuguese island of Flores has earned a place in the list of the most beautiful islands in Europe. This is mainly due to their impressive flora and fauna. The small island could just as easily have emerged from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest.
In fact, Flores belongs to the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores in the Atlantic.
Beautiful beaches, picturesque lakes, fantastic waterfalls, crashing waves and impressive cliffs – Flores particularly delights travelers who like to be out in nature. By the way, you can also go hiking here pretty well! If you like hiking, you shouldn’t miss the hiking trail to Miradouro Do Ilhéu Furado. The hiking trail takes you to the highest viewpoint on the peninsula. And if you’ve always wanted to see a waterfall up close, you should definitely take a hike to Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro.
Forget Capri and Ischia, which are already completely overcrowded. Better take a look at the neighboring island of Porcida and its pastel-colored houses.
Procida lies in the Gulf of Naples. The island is beautiful and a little quieter than Capri and Ischia. The pastel-colored houses and the dignified lifestyle give Procida its incomparable charm that everyone succumbs to.
Anyone who gets out of bed early in the morning will be rewarded on Procida: the Abbazia di San Michele is a magical place that is best visited early in the morning. The interior of the church is very artistic and elaborately designed. The catacombs contain books that are up to 500 years old.
The journey to Terra Murrata, the former fortress of Procida, is worth it in every respect. Houses worth seeing and interesting shops are waiting for you here. Once at the top, a fantastic view of the fishing harbor awaits you.
The Palazzo D’Avalos is located on Terra Murata, the highest point in Procida. Not only does spectacular architecture from the 16th century await you here, but also fabulous views.
Cyprus is worth a trip, especially in spring and early summer. Then the beautiful island turns into a blooming paradise: almonds, cherries, poppies, tulips, hyacinths and asphodels show off their most beautiful side.
But Cyprus, one of the most beautiful islands in Europe, is also a fantastic travel destination during the rest of the year. For example, there is the archaeological site of Kourion, the capital Nicosia, where wonderful food awaits you, or the rock of Aphrodite.
After Sardinia and Sicily, Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and ideal for everyone who wants one thing above all on vacation: sun. The weather is usually very sunny – especially on the south coast. Beach fans definitely have to go to Golden Beach on the Karpas Peninsula. It is probably the most beautiful of the island’s untouched beaches. This is also home to the largest population of water turtles in Northern Cyprus.
If you like hiking, you shouldn’t miss Cape Greco at the easternmost point of Cyprus. Here you will find a national park whose special highlight are the underwater caves.
Ibiza may be known as a party destination, but the Balearic island has much more to offer. Above all, relaxation, pure nature and lots of Spanish hospitality.
The picturesque village square of Santa Gertrudis is lined with many great cafés, bars and small shops. You can spot wild flamingos in the Ses Salines Natural Park. And the Cueva de Can Marçà stalactite cave is a great experience for the whole family.
Kos is very diverse and perhaps for this very reason it is not only one of the most beautiful islands in Europe, but also one of the most popular. The island is no longer an insider tip. However, it is still worth a trip.
In Kos town you will find boutiques and shops as well as cozy taverns and bars. The small fishing town of Kardamena is really worth seeing. Incense blows through the small streets where there is a lot to discover. Agios Stefanos Beach is probably the most spectacular beach on Kos. From the ruins of an old basilica you can look directly onto the island of Kastri with its blue and white chapel.
The original for this article “It’s not Mallorca! These five islands are even more beautiful” comes from FürSie.