9 paradise islands in Europe you don't want to miss

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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?

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