15 Beautiful Islands in Europe You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Ibiza. Capri. Santorini. All these islands come to mind when brainstorming popular European islands. Ones that tourists frequent so often, the island loses its charm, morphing into a tourist destination instead of an authentic European experience. We’re here to pinpoint the unspoiled island regions in Europe tourists haven’t ruined. Yet.
1. Lofoten, Norway
Storybook scenery comes alive in the Norwegian archipelago of Lofoten. Red cabins sit on rocky shores near striking fjords, with lofty mountains lurking in the distance. Outside of these red cabins, visitors partake in fishing, whale watching, and swimming in the green water of the Norwegian Sea. Visitors looking to step out of the water but enjoy its proximity might fancy a horseback ride on the shore.
2. Vagsoy, Norway
Many recognize Vagsoy, Norway, by an iconic, dark, metamorphic rock resembling a mushroom. This unique rock formed its distinct body over years of violent waves molding the shape. Numerous lighthouses occur along the coast for visitors and locals to monitor the water’s flighty conditions.
3. Procida, Italy
Pastel-colored buildings overlook docked sailboats floating in the harbor of Corricella. Procida focuses on preserving its authentic Italian culture, meaning it refrains from developing into a hotspot tourist trap. Due to this method of thinking, the island welcomes fewer tourists and guests each year, allowing it that genuine Italian island aura. Naples, Capri, and Ischia all loom nearby to Procida. However, the tiny island stays under wraps.
4. Filicudi, Italy
Unspoilt is a popular word for describing areas undisturbed by humans. That word sums up Filicudi. Filicudi is one of the seven islands belonging to the Aeolian archipelago. It contains three villages, each connected by a road. La Canna, a towering rock shaped like a hand, juts out of the clear water of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles make appearances in the Filicudi waters.
5. Lastovo, Croatia
Fewer than 800 people call Lastovo home. The municipality contains 46 islands throughout its 20 square miles of space. Lastovo fosters such a remote reputation that guests must board a ferry and arrive via boat to explore the island. Once on the island, miles of greenery (mountains and trees) thread the sides of The Adriatic Sea. The aquamarine water spoils visitors with its charm.
6. Vis, Croatia
Stone buildings populate the shores of this island located on the Dalmatian Coast. Nestled on the Adriatic Sea, Vis contains remnants of older civilizations, what with its bubblegum-pink buildings. Orange-roofed houses peer out over the see-through Adriatic Sea, peeking at notable rock formations around the island.
7. Cies Islands, Spain
This Spanish archipelago lives near Galicia, Spain. The islands comprise three islands: Monteagudo (the northern part), Del Medio (the middle or do faro), and San Martiño (the southern island). In 1980, the breathtaking spot became a reserve, and in 2002, the islands became a part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. These islands ask tourists to camp on the islands for visitation. Rocky terrain borders the islands, framing the cobalt water.
8. Graciosa, Portugal
Within the Azores archipelago, volcanoes formed Graciosa, an island entitled “The White Island” with a distinct oval shape. Aside from viewpoints displaying otherworldly views of volcanic formations, guests adore trips to the Porto Afonso, a fishing port. Anglers tend to catch snapper, grouper, parrotfish, and barracuda during their fishing sessions. UNESCO declared Graciosa as a World Biosphere Reserve, fueling sustainability and biodiverse practices.
9. Prangli, Estonia
A quaint white, steepled church dilly dallies off the coast of this Estonian island. Alongside the church, forestry and pebbled beaches amuse travelers. The Gulf of Finland encircles diverse island. Prangli’s calming air creates a solace for people hoping to step away from fast-paced tourism.
10. Terschelling, Netherlands
People who dwell in Terschelling, the Dutch municipality, use items that wash up on the sandy shores. Instead of tossing the stranded items in the trash, locals use the goods however they please. An article published in 2007 claimed locals discovered sneakers and toys on shore. Terschelling is less of a volcanic island than others on this list and more of a relaxed beachfront.
11. Hiddensee, Germany
Have you ever heard of a car-free island? Hiddensee is a German car-free island with a population of 1,000. A looming white lighthouse stands atop the grassy plains of the Baltic Islands. Trees, lush vegetation, and the sea border the lighthouse, creating a gorgeous backdrop and a perfect hiking destination.
12. Comino, Malta
Smack in the middle of Gozo and Malta floats Comino, a part of the Maltese archipelago. Comino boasts the Mediterranean Sea’s teal water, thus forming a fabulous location for boaters, snorkelers, and swimmers. Divers, in particular, plunge into the Santa Maria Caves for exceptional views of the life below the surface.
13. Gozo, Malta
White sandstone rock formations decorate the landscape within this Maltese archipelago. Gozo suggests ancient civilizations that made the splendid island home. We find proof of these civilizations with the Neolithic Ġgantija Temple ruins, which UNESCO deemed a World Heritage Site. They predate the Egyptian pyramids. Gozo also impresses travelers with salt pans: geometric grids permitting salt harvests and preventing erosion.
14. Bozcaada, Turkey
About 3,000 people call this Turkish municipality home. The triangular island is perched on the Aegean Sea and has a rich history in Greek mythology. It appeared in the Iliad and the Aeneid as an important Grecian hiding spot. Today, the island offers some rocky beaches and fabulous wine-tasting opportunities.
15. Grimsey, Iceland
On the edge of the Arctic Circle, a ginger-hued lighthouse lingers on the edge of a cliff. Waves from the North Atlantic crash against the craggy cliffs. Grimsey homes the millions of black-and-white-furred, orange-beaked puffins native to the Atlantic. Arriving in Grimsey takes a three-hour ferry ride, though the views inside the island make up for the long-distance trek.
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