Europe’s top island destinations

Quiet spots of calm, bustling sporting hubs, perfectly contained party centrals – you’ll find everything you could desire in the islands of Europe.

#1 Rhodes

For an idyllic, historically fascinating trip, there are few destinations that could compete with the Greek island of Rhodes. It’s home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and in its World Heritage old city you’ll find many gorgeous remnants of Middle Age buildings and structures. Rhodes flights aren’t only popular among history buffs though, it’s also a perfect place to enjoy a sunny beach holiday and the scuba diving sites are sublime.

#2 Menorca

Whether you prefer lounging on a beach or scrabbling through underground caves, you’ll find entertainment to suit on the second largest Balearic island. Menorca has some excellent cave systems, excavation spots, and ancient ruins and you can book fascinating guided tours and excursions to explore them. More man made beauty, the Mola Fortress and Museu de Minorca are sure to wow, and once you’ve learned about the island’s past, you can enjoy its present on one of its many beaches.

#3 Fuerteventura

A haven for water sports enthusiasts, Fuertventura boasts some healthy winds that make it a favourite for those who love sailing, surfing and windsurfing. This Canary Island offers something for a more chilled out traveller too however, with its fabulous combination of pristine white sands and impressive black volcanic beaches. With three thousand hours of sunshine a year, the Spanish island is often visited by sun seekers and with more than 150 beaches for them to choose from, you can expect to find somewhere quiet to lay your towel after your Fuerteventura flight.

#4 Skye

What this Scottish island may frequently lack in blistering sunshine, it more than makes up for in misty, romantic charm. It’s especially attractive to keen walkers, with the Cuillin Hills, the Red Hills and Blaven offering some spectacular and memorable climbs and hikes, while the coastline offers plenty more sedate strolls. The island’s wildlife and flowers are beautiful and the Gaelic culture and heritage provide a lovely connection to Scotland past and present, whether you arrive on the island via the Skye Bridge or on a ferry, you’ll feel as though you’re stepping into another world.

#5 Ibiza

While this lovely Spanish island has a well-deserved reputation as the top party spot for young folks, there’s plenty to be enjoyed by travellers of all ages, including some beautiful natural wonders and peaceful nature reserves such as the tiny, uninhabited island of Es Vedrà 2km from Ibiza’s western coast. That said, the island’s clubs remain world class, favourites being super-clubs like Pacha, Space and Amnesia, and you can expect to see summer flights to Ibiza packed with celebrities, famous DJs and people looking for fun.