Visiting mainland Europe is always exciting but the next time you’re planning to visit, try to find some time and visit some of the continent’s lesser-known islands for some of the best scenery and offbeat activities you can do on your trip. Having visited quite a lot of them on my travels, I am happy to suggest my top 10 islands I’v been to thus far across Europe. Here they are, in no particular order.
1. Sao Miguel
Sao Miguel is the centre of the Azores group of islands. Most visitors will likely make this island their base point to explore the remaining eight islands that make up Azores. Thankfully, there’s lots to see in Sao Miguel too if you’re pressed for time.
Volcanic lakes are the highlight here and a visit to Lagoa do Fogo and Lagoas de Sete Cidades are must-see attractions. Take time to see Furnas Lake and enjoy your lunch cooked in the underground volcanic rock in an au naturel setting and end your visit by plunging into the mineral rich waters of Terra Nostra.
2. Madeira
First things first, get your Cristiano Ronaldo fix at Madeira by visiting the museum shop dedicated to the island’s local boy. Then visit Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest mountain to breathe in some spectacular views. There are quite a few mountain viewpoints that all seem to agree on one thing – Madeira was made to be seen from high above.
End your day by trying Poncha, one of the strongest alcoholic drinks ever. Created by fishermen to keep them at sea for longer, my bartender was so confident of its potency he said, “You have three of these and you’ll start speaking Portuguese better than me!”
3. Pico
Pico had captured my imagination ever since I first read about it. From its indigenous wine culture that’s grown on volcanic sand to the peak of Pico that makes it Portugal’s highest mountain, there is lots to see and do in Pico. I missed climbing Pico because of a scheduling error but I explored the rest of the island and had loads of fun going from one interesting place to another. A definite must-add to any Azores itinerary in my opinion.
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4. Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is the big daddy of all the Canary islands. It might not be your port of call but there’s lots going on in this island to warrant a visit. Stay in capital Las Palmas to see the island’s ancient history and how it contributed to the discovery of the ‘New World’. Then head to Maspalomas for a day to see a quieter side of the island and then my favourite recommendation: visit Bodegas Los Berrazales, a wine and coffee farm that’s not to be missed.
5. Tenerife
From a poor banana-growing island half a century ago to the beating heart amongst all the Canary islands’, Tenerife’s rise has been as spectacular as its highest mountain El Teide, which also serves as Spain’s tallest mountain. Generally, Tenerife gets a bad rap because of rowdy tourists and its unchecked development across its beachfront. Elsewhere though, the pace of life is slower across much of the island. It is also much more enjoyable, especially if you stay away from its innumerable *playas* (beaches).
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6. Lanzarote
This is my favourite Canary island and with good reason – it’s stark, full of volcanic ash and wonderfully undeveloped. For starters, almost a quarter of the island is covered by the Timinfaya National Park, a volcanic park from where you’re not allowed to even pick up rocks. The park is a must-visit just to see some true ‘hotspots’ where certified guides demonstrate just how hot the island is only a few metres from the surface. The other reason to love Lanzarote is Cesar Manrique, a local artist who’s abode is a live example of a James Bond villain’s lair and who’s tireless preservation has given shape to much of the island today.
7. Palma de Mallorca
Honestly, I didn’t know much about Mallorca before I went to its largest Balearic island – except for Rafael Nadal of course. And yet, Mallorca surprised me at every turn. I fell in love with Palma de Mallorca’s charming old quarter, its impressive cathedral, beautifully preserves cuevas and excursions to places like Soller and Manacor. For those of you stuck in the 90s and thinking of visiting Ibiza, I’d suggest Mallorca instead.
8. Isle of Man
Remote location? Check. Known as a tax haven? Check. Has much more to offer? Double check. Isle of Man has a bad rep from those who haven’t been seduced by its remote location, warmth of its local Manx population and some fabulous small seaside towns such as Castletown, Peel and even its capital city Douglas. The best way to arrive here is by ferry from Liverpool in my opinion. It’ll drop you at Douglas, from where getting about anywhere in the tiny island is a breeze.
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9. Guernsey
A British Crown dependency, Guernsey has suddenly caught the spotlight because of the Netflix movie The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society. It’s a good pointer at this Channel Island but its charms extend far beyond the film. A couple of museums are dedicated to the World War 2 occupation of the Channel islands and definitely warrant a visit. Apart from this, staying at St Peter Port makes it possible to walk around the most happening part of the island as well as escape to surrounding Channel islands such as Sark and Herm.
10. Jersey
The largest of all the Channel Islands, Jersey has much more than cows famously named after itself. Apart from military museums, Jersey also has some imposing castles, an explosion of flowers (especially lavender) and if you stay at capital Saint Helier, a history of the island itself as well as a superb waterfront where you can grab a coffee and indulge in people watching.
Which of these islands do you plan on visiting next? Let me know in the comments below.
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