Today we offer you nine paradise islands in Europe that you won't want to miss. These are islands where nature is wild and beautiful, the water is crystal clear and the beaches are inviting. It's dark and cold in Sweden right now, so why not dream away to some of Europe's most paradisiacal places?
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Paradise islands in Europe
When you hear the word paradise island, you might think of Asia or the Caribbean, but there are also plenty of fantastic paradise islands in Europe. This time of year it's a little too chilly for sunbathing, but for much of the year southern Europe's finest islands offer sunshine and warmth. Sometimes the best way to enjoy the experience is to visit these islands just before or just after high season.
What are Europe's best paradise islands? Of course, there are plenty of islands we haven't visited, and we hope you'll tell us about them! Here are the nine most magical islands in Europe that we've had the privilege of visiting.
1. Corsica, France
If you read our post on the finest beaches in Europe the other day, you already know that we love Corsica. This French island offers not only amazingly charming beaches, but also incredibly wild nature. The mountains are high, the vegetation is lush, and the motorways are sometimes so dramatic they leave you gasping for breath. Wild boar roam freely in the forests and birds of prey circle the island. How much more of an island paradise can you get?
2nd Brac, Croatia
On the island of Brac in Croatia there is perhaps the clearest and most turquoise waters we have ever seen. The Zlatni Rat (Golden Headland) beach, although covered in fine gravel rather than actual sand, is incredibly beautiful where it extends into the sea like a long narrow tongue.
Along this beach, up to the village of Bol, there is a nice promenade overlooking the sea. On the island you will also find mountains with viewpoints, green nature, charming villages and restaurants that serve lamb as it should be tasted.
3. Porquerolles, France
The island of Porquerolles is one of the three so-called golden islands off the south of France, and definitely one of the paradise islands in Europe. Here you'll find Notre Dame beach, once voted the most beautiful beach in Europe, as well as many other beautiful beaches.
There are no car roads on Porquerolles, and instead you cycle. There are plenty of bike hire companies, and just as many cycle paths that wind around the entire green island. Perhaps the most common option is to take a boat trip here for the day, but there are also hotels for those who want to stay overnight.
4. sardinia, Italy
The Italian island of Sardinia is full of fine beaches framed by beautiful rock formations. There are also plenty of rock formations and caves. Outside Alghero, for example, the Grotta di Nettuno has large halls of stalagtites and stalagmites, and on the eastern side is the magically beautiful Cala Gonone.
Here the small beaches are framed by mountains so high that the only way to reach them is by boat. A day here, with a packed lunch and a swim in the crystal clear waters, is as close to paradise as you can get.
5. Île Sainte-Marguerite, France
If you are in Cannes, France, you are closer to an island paradise than you realise. After a smooth 20-minute ferry ride, you'll find yourself on Île Saint-Marguerites, an island filled with trails and intense wildlife.
Sure, there are a few upscale restaurants where the fancy people drink champagne and eat seafood, but if you prefer, you can also have a packed lunch on the rocks. Either way, you have a great view of the sea and the luxury yachts outside!
6. Gozo, Malta
Malta is a beautiful island in its own right, but if you're looking for paradise, you might want to head to its sister island, Gozo. On Gozo you'll find rural tranquillity, with sheep and goats, and farmers growing tomatoes and making their own olive oil. Here you can enjoy locally produced food, check into a spa hotel, or maybe just relax on one of the island's beaches. The island is also perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking or even scuba diving.
7: Île du Levant, France
Speaking of paradise islands, don't forget to mention Europe's only naturist island, Île du Levant, one of the French 'golden islands', which can be reached by boat from Hyères or Le Lavandou in the south of France.
Here you can walk naked on the forest paths, down to one beach after another, unless you prefer to jump in directly from the rocks. On the island there are several small restaurants, a very bohemian campsite, and a nature that gradually seems to take over and frame everything built by man.
8. La Maddalena, Italy
The island of La Maddalena in Italy is an island within an island. Situated just off the coast of Sardinia, La Maddalena offers fantastic beaches with fine white sand and emerald green water. On the island there is a charming little village with nice fish restaurants and small clothes shops. As soon as you roll out of the village, you are met by white cliffs and low, intensely green bushes. There are also a few campsites here.
9th Port-Cros, France
Last but not least, we must mention the island of Port-Cros in the south of France. This is the third of the so-called 'golden islands', and the one that is perhaps most reminiscent of the Caribbean. I don't know if it's the palm trees and wild nature or if it's the colourful drinks in the simple bars, but this doesn't really feel like France. Or maybe we just didn't realise that France could be this deliciously exotic!
Let's hear it! What are your top tips for paradise islands in Europe?
Ama de casa says:
There are many wonderful islands in Europe! I'd like to add Menorca, and why not Ile de Ré off La Rochelle on the French Atlantic coast? The seafood plateaus can hardly get any fresher... 🙂 .
In addition, the bridge over (very expensive, but free in return 😉 ) makes it easily accessible for happy campers with both motorhomes and tents 😀.
01 December 2018 - 9:41
Helena says:
Definitely curious about Menorca at this point! 😉 We have actually visited Ile de Re. Considered including that island in this post, but did not experience it as paradise (which iofs may have to do with the fact that we were there in January;)). But it was nice! Surely even nicer in the spring / summer! (And then I thought maybe there was a bit of a surplus of French islands in my post already;))
01 December 2018 - 19:08
Role o Carina says:
We like the islands of the Canary archipelago!
Happy 1st Advent....
01 December 2018 - 14:54
Helena says:
Yes, there are many nice places there! It's been a long time since we were there, and we still have a lot to discover. Thanks for the same!
01 December 2018 - 19:09
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
It just makes you realise how much beauty and fun we have left to explore. The only one on the list we have been to is Brac and it was really cosy!
Sardinia and Corsica are on the wish list.... and some motorhome trip down to the south of France will probably also be in the future.
01 December 2018 - 15:00
Helena says:
There are so many amazing places in Europe! Certainly many that we haven't seen yet too!
01 December 2018 - 19:10
BP says:
Thank you for these lovely pictures on this grey November day. Hardly saw a cloud. Thanks:-)
As I said, Menorca is my suggestion. Hel in Poland is also incredibly nice, although it is "only" a peninsula.
01 December 2018 - 18:06
Helena says:
We are very hungry for Menorca by now! 🙂 I also like Hel, but it will probably have to be included in a "best peninsulas / country tongues" post then, haha 😉.
01 December 2018 - 19:15
Ann-Louise says:
Oh, what wonderful islands. I immediately want to escape the rain here at home and travel to all these places. ? I really like Malta but we never got to Gozo when we were there so must go back and discover that island too. Especially since everyone says it's even more beautiful.
01 December 2018 - 19:22
Ninny says:
Oh, what wonderful pictures...want to leave the darkness and greyness NOW! Would like to visit all these islands...!
We have been thinking about going to Corsica for a long time, and reading about your experiences from this island makes me even more eager to do so.
I have been to several Greek islands, and I can recommend a favourite, Kefalonia! Very beautiful, with high mountains, beautiful beaches, cosy villages, green and lush. Our favourite island in Greece!
02 December 2018 - 8:34
Renate's travels says:
So many beautiful places! Of these, I have only visited Gozo, and when I think about it, I have not really visited any particularly paradisiacal islands in Europe. Maybe the island of Kolocep in Croatia then, where it was just beautiful, and (for me) a real paradise.
Dreaming of Corsica and Sardinia!
02 December 2018 - 10:25
Daniela | Discovering The Planet says:
Wow, only visited one island on your list :). Corsica which we just loved. But all the French islands on your list are tempting.
02 December 2018 - 17:03
Ann says:
I have heard very good things about Gozo, or yes, I have heard very good things about Malta =)
It's one of those destinations that has been on my bucket list for a long time, but never seems to materialise.
03 December 2018 - 6:55
Maria's Memoirs says:
Brac and Sardinia look absolutely fantastic 🙂 Port-Cros is also a place I hadn't expected to find in Europe.
04 December 2018 - 17:22
Lena - good for the soul says:
Wonderful to share these lovely pictures on a dark morning! There are so many beautiful places to visit!
Hug Lena
07 December 2018 - 6:09