Alonissos, Greece: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Escape
Located in the northern Sporades archipelago, Alonissos offers an authentic Greek island experience far removed from the chaos of more famous destinations like Mykonos or Santorini. Known for its pine forests, olive groves, and charming villages, Alonissos is perfect for travelers seeking peace and natural beauty. The island is also home to the National Marine Park of Alonissos, which protects endangered species such as the Mediterranean monk seal.
Travelers can enjoy activities such as hiking, kayaking, and diving in crystal-clear waters, with highlights including a shipwreck from around 425 BC. For those looking for a place to unwind, Alonissos offers a range of small villages and quiet pebble beaches, where one can enjoy the serene environment without the constant intrusion of tourists. Packages for this peaceful haven start at £1,090 for seven nights, including return flights from Stansted to Skiathos, ferries, and ground transfers.
El Hierro, Spain: A Peaceful Paradise in the Canary Islands
El Hierro, the smallest and least visited of the Canary Islands, offers a respite for travelers looking to escape the more crowded islands like Tenerife and Lanzarote. Once considered the edge of the world, El Hierro is now a peaceful biosphere reserve, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring its natural beauty. Its basalt coastline features dramatic cliffs, caves, and secluded beaches, while its inland areas boast scenic volcanic craters, lakes, and tranquil swimming pools.
For divers, El Hierro is a hidden gem, with opportunities to see turtles, angel sharks, and seahorses. With its mix of rugged landscapes, pristine beaches, and peaceful atmosphere, El Hierro is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Travel packages to El Hierro start from £1,639 per person, including half board, return flights from Gatwick to Tenerife, transfers, ferries, and car hire.
Coll, Scotland: Solitude in the Hebrides
Coll, a small island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, offers travelers a true escape from the modern world. With stretches of sandy beaches like Toraston and Feall Bay, Coll is an idyllic destination for nature lovers. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, golden eagles, and corncrakes, making it a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts.
What sets Coll apart is its lack of light pollution, making it one of the best spots for stargazing in the UK. Travelers can take a ferry from Oban to Coll, and once there, they’ll enjoy quiet beaches, rugged landscapes, and charming Highland cows roaming the island. Packages for a stay on Coll start at £145 per night for a room at the Coll Hotel, with ferries departing from Oban.
Elba, Italy: A Blend of History and Natural Beauty
Elba, the island where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled in 1814, offers a unique combination of natural beauty and rich history. The island is home to quiet beaches, including some with golden and black sand, and scenic hiking trails through its mountainous terrain. In Portoferraio, visitors can explore the National Museum of Napoleonic Residences to learn about Napoleon’s time on the island.
Elba is less crowded than many Italian islands, making it a perfect destination for those looking to enjoy a peaceful Mediterranean getaway. The island is also home to Volterraio Castle, which offers panoramic views of the coast. Travel packages for Elba start at £1,929 per person for a half-board trip, including return flights from Heathrow to Pisa, transfers, and ferries.
Mljet, Croatia: A Hidden Gem in the Adriatic
Mljet, one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic, remains largely undiscovered by the masses, offering an escape into nature. The island is mostly covered by Mljet National Park, home to lush forests, saltwater lakes, and immaculate beaches with crystal-clear waters. According to legend, Mljet is where Odysseus was kept captive by a nymph for seven years, and visitors can explore the site of Odysseus Cave on the island’s south coast.
Mljet’s untouched beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect destination for travelers looking to avoid crowds. For those interested in history and nature, Mljet offers an unforgettable experience. Seven-night packages to Mljet, including flights from Gatwick to Dubrovnik, transfers, and local tours, start at £595 per person.
Flores, Portugal: Nature at Its Best in the Azores
Flores, located in the westernmost part of the Azores archipelago, is a haven for nature lovers. With its lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, volcanic lakes, and secluded beaches, it offers the perfect escape for those seeking tranquility in nature. The island is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with opportunities for whale watching, birdwatching, and hiking through its pristine landscapes.
Dolphins, sperm whales, and blue whales can often be spotted off the coast, making it a prime destination for marine life enthusiasts. A 12-day fly-drive package to Flores starts at £2,340 per person, including flights, car hire, and a boat trip to nearby Corvo.
Kythnos, Greece: An Authentic Greek Island Experience
For those looking for an authentic Greek island experience, Kythnos in the Cyclades offers the perfect retreat. Less than two hours by ferry from Athens, Kythnos boasts sandy beaches like Kolona, Apokrousi, and Kanala, all of which are more laid-back than their counterparts on nearby islands. The interior of the island features rolling hills, olive groves, and charming whitewashed houses.
Kythnos is also known for its natural thermal springs, especially in Loutra, where visitors can enjoy the therapeutic waters. A seven-night package to Kythnos, including flights from Gatwick to Athens and transfers, starts at £1,099 per person.
Oléron, France: A Quiet Alternative to Île de Ré
Île d’Oléron, located off the west coast of France, offers a more peaceful alternative to its more famous neighbor, Île de Ré. Known for its natural beauty, including pine forests, dunes, and colorful fishing villages, Oléron is perfect for those seeking relaxation in a less touristy environment. The island is also famous for its oyster farming, and visitors can explore the local oyster farms and enjoy fresh seafood.
Cycling and hiking trails crisscross the island, offering visitors a chance to discover its hidden gems. A four-night package in Oléron, including flights to Bordeaux and guided tours, starts at £3,090 per person.
Senja, Norway: A Northern Escape with Majestic Landscapes
Senja, Norway’s second-largest island, offers travelers a chance to experience stunning landscapes far from the crowds. Known for its rugged mountains, sandy bays, fjords, and pristine beaches, Senja is an excellent destination for those seeking a quiet, nature-filled escape. The island is also one of the best places to see the Northern Lights from late August onwards and experiences the Midnight Sun during the summer months.
Packages to Senja, including flights and car hire, start at £1,319 per person, with opportunities for hiking and exploring the island’s vast natural beauty.
Vulcano, Italy: A Volcanic Island Getaway
Vulcano, the southernmost of Italy’s Aeolian Islands, offers a unique volcanic landscape and plenty of outdoor adventures. The island is known for its smoldering volcano, La Fossa, which visitors can hike to for spectacular views. The island’s black-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for relaxation and water sports.
For those looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, Vulcano offers both, with the added bonus of exploring the volcanic terrain. Seven-night packages to Vulcano, including flights to Palermo and ferries, start at £1,696 per person.
Europe’s Hidden Islands Offer the Perfect Escape for Travelers
Europe’s hidden islands provide the perfect solution for travelers seeking peace, beauty, and tranquility away from the crowds of over-touristed destinations. From Greece’s Alonissos to Italy’s Vulcano, these lesser-known islands offer a blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and unspoiled beaches that remain under the radar for many tourists. Whether you’re looking to explore nature, hike volcanic peaks, or simply relax on a secluded beach, these European islands promise a more intimate and authentic travel experience. For those willing to venture off the beaten path, these islands are the ideal paradise retreats.
Tags: El Hierro, Spain, Vulcano, Italy, Oléron, France, Senja, Norway, Flores, Portugal, Kythnos Mljet, Croatia, Alonissos, Greece, Coll, Scotland
