Lesbos, Porto Santo, Symi, Skopelos, Cres, Andros, Karpathos, And More, The Best Ten European Islands For A Secluded Beach Holiday

Published on August 26, 2025

Lesbos, Porto Santo, Symi, Skopelos, Cres, Andros, Karpathos, and more, these 10 proven and innovative European islands connection nan cleanable getaway for those seeking serene beaches and unspoiled landscapes. Unlock nan serenity of secluded shores, rich | taste heritage, and tranquil environments acold from nan crowds. Whether you want to acquisition authentic traditions, research hidden gems, aliases simply bask a quiet escape, these islands supply nan perfect retreat from nan busier, much celebrated destinations of nan Aegean and beyond.

While Mallorca, Crete, and nan Canary Islands stay celebrated summertime destinations, their fame has led to overrun beaches and a deficiency of tranquility. As tourism surges, it tin beryllium challenging to find a serene retreat amidst nan crowds. However, location are still hidden gems successful Europe’s land offerings that supply sun, sea, and serenity without nan overwhelming masses.

Global car rental marque Avis analyzed online hunt trends and Instagram hashtags to place Europe’s astir sought-after islands and their lesser-known, underrated counterparts. These replacement destinations stay peaceful, authentic, and beautiful, offering a refreshing break from nan engaged hotspots.

1. Lesbos, Greece

Lesbos, pinch its organization of conscionable 86,000, is often overshadowed by nan much celebrated Santorini. Known for its UNESCO-listed petrified wood and complete 200 earthy basking springs, Lesbos offers an flight for quality lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The land boasts a assortment of landscapes, featuring volcanic hills that are cleanable for hiking and wetlands adjacent Skala Kallonis, making it a premier spot for birdwatching. Lesbos remains nether nan radar for galore travelers, preserving its charm and offering plentifulness of quiet spaces to explore.

2. Porto Santo, Portugal

3. Symi, Greece

A specified hr by ferry from Rhodes, Symi is simply a picturesque land that boasts neoclassical harbor houses that climb nan hillsides supra nan sea. Many of these charming homes day backmost to nan 19th century. The land offers quiet beaches, accessible only by boat, and scenic hiking paths that upwind done nan hills. Despite its beauty, Symi receives acold less visitors than its larger neighbors, making it a serene alternative. The Panormitis Monastery, perched connected nan island’s confederate shore, is simply a celebrated taste spot for those seeking a blend of history and tranquility.

4. Skopelos, Greece

Skopelos, renowned arsenic nan backdrop for Mamma Mia!, continues to beryllium a serene retreat contempt its movie fame. In opposition to nan lively ambiance of adjacent Skiathos, Skopelos offers a sanctuary for quality enthusiasts. With complete 80% of nan land blanketed successful lush conifer forests, it invites visitors to observe its rich | history, featuring much than 360 churches and monasteries scattered crossed its landscape. One of nan astir iconic landmarks is nan Agios Ioannis chapel, perched atop a cliff pinch sweeping views. Skopelos has nary airport, meaning it avoids wide tourism, and visitors tin only scope it by ferry, preserving its tranquil environment.

5. Cres, Croatia

Cres, 1 of nan largest islands successful nan Adriatic, is little frequented by visitors compared to nan much celebrated islands of Krk aliases Hvar. The land is location to Lake Vrana, a uncommon freshwater reservoir located connected an island, arsenic good arsenic a medieval municipality showcasing stunning Venetian architecture. Cres is besides location to nan endangered Eurasian griffon vulture, which nests connected its cliffs. With its remote, unspoiled landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, Cres offers a serene acquisition for quality enthusiasts and those seeking an flight from nan crowds.

6. Andros, Greece

Just a two-hour ferry thrust from Athens, Andros offers complete 180 kilometers of hiking trails, known arsenic nan Andros Routes, making it an fantabulous prime for outdoor adventurers. The island’s vibrant greenery offers a striking opposition to nan rugged, sparse charm of galore Cycladic islands. With earthy springs, waterfalls, and forests, Andros remains little developed and much authentic. Its slower gait and preserved traditions make it an perfect spot for those seeking a quiet retreat.

7. Karpathos, Greece

Situated betwixt Crete and Rhodes, Karpathos retains its accepted characteristic and taste richness. The upland colony of Olympos still sees women wearing handmade accepted dresses daily, and nan island’s dialect reflects ancient Greek influences. With much than 100 beaches, galore only accessible by ft aliases boat, Karpathos is cleanable for those seeking a quiet, earthy environment. The land is besides a celebrated windsurfing destination acknowledgment to nan beardown Meltemi upwind that sweeps crossed nan land successful nan summer.

8. Brac, Croatia

While Brac is champion known for its Zlatni Rat (“Golden Horn”) beach, nan land besides offers serene villages specified arsenic Pucisca, celebrated for its achromatic limestone quarries. These quarries person a fascinating history, supplying chromatic for landmarks specified arsenic nan White House successful Washington, D.C. Brac offers a operation of stunning beaches and quiet, humanities villages, making it a awesome replacement for those looking for a much relaxed land experience.

9. La Maddalena, Italy

La Maddalena, a mini group of islands disconnected nan seashore of Sardinia, is an undiscovered paradise for travelers seeking earthy beauty. Travelers tin research a 20-kilometer picturesque loop, dive into nan crystal-clear waters of a protected marine reserve, aliases hop connected a ferry to nan adjacent land of Caprera, location to nan depository located successful Giuseppe Garibaldi’s erstwhile residence. The islands are taxable to strict improvement regulations to guarantee that their pristine earthy beauty remains intact, offering a sustainable destination for those seeking an authentic escape.

10. Thassos, Greece

Located disconnected Greece’s bluish coast, Thassos is simply a lush, greenish land known for its conifer forests, oliva groves, and marble quarries. The land offers a operation of ancient ruins, specified arsenic nan Agora of Thassos, and sleepy sportfishing villages that statement nan coast. A little car ferry travel from Kavala, Thassos offers a serene escape, providing a quieter replacement to nan much crowded Aegean islands Its Giola Lagoon, a earthy stone pool, and scenic beaches for illustration Paradise and Golden Beach supply a cleanable flight for those seeking tranquility.

Lesbos, Porto Santo, Symi, Skopelos, Cres, Andros, Karpathos, and more, these 10 hidden European islands connection quality, serene escapes pinch untouched beaches, rich | heritage, and a serene ambiance acold from nan crowds. Unlock nan cleanable getaway pinch tranquil shores and authentic charm, distant from nan hustle of much celebrated destinations.

These lesser-known islands connection a peaceful, authentic acquisition distant from nan crowds, combining earthy beauty, taste heritage, and serene landscapes. Whether hiking done lush forests, exploring ancient ruins, aliases simply relaxing connected secluded beaches, these hidden gems supply an perfect flight for those successful hunt of a quieter, much individual relationship pinch Europe’s stunning islands.