One of the best things about a living or holidaying in Europe is the ability to span borders and cultures, ticking off classic destinations like Spain, France, Italy, Germany and more in one trip. But for the intrepid traveller who has scoured the mainland and is yearning for something more, Europe's abundant islands offer a fresh take on an old favourite.
Sicily and Sardinia
Looking at a map (and using your imagination a little), Sicily is the ball at the end of Italy's boot while Sardinia lies further northwest in the Mediterranean. Less than an hour on the ferry from Italy's south will see you in Sicily, noted for its baroque-style towns, the ominous Mt Etna volcano and some of the world's most beautiful coastline. Lesser known Sardinia is charmingly rustic and rugged, with a number of relaxed port cities dappled with villas and historic piazzas.
Canary Islands
While it is just a few clicks from Africa's Morocco, the scattered Canary Islands are actually a Spanish territory. The largest island in the archipelago, Tenerife, attracts millions of admirers annually, lured by sun, sand and scuba diving. The Canaries are a little rough and tumble, especially when it comes to the scenery – volcanic caves and craters adorn the island of Lanzarote, black sand beaches trace La Gomera and lush forest valleys offer premium hiking on "la isla bonita", La Palma.
Greek Islands
Greece's expansive influence stretches from west to east, the Aegean Sea peppered with offshore Greek isles – hundreds of them, in fact! Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos and Santorini are a given, but your island-hopping adventures can extend in any direction. Spend a little time in the Cyclades visiting party-central Ios or deserted Delos, day-trip to historic Hydra in the Saronic Gulf near Athens or hire a scooter and explore Kalymnos in the Turkey-adjacent Dodecanese.
