European islands include some of the most beautiful family vacation destinations in the world. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult deciding on which of the European Islands to visit. Although equally beautiful, each island has something different to offer. In no particular order, we’ve narrowed it down for you with our top 5 recommendations:
Santorini, Cyclades
With beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, eclectic cuisine and ancient cities, Santorini is undoubtedly the most popular island in Greece. The island hosts 1.5 million tourists annually and has a range of gorgeous family-friendly beach resorts – Perissa and Kamari Beach being the most popular. Today, Santorini is the only inhabited Caldera (volcano cauldron). The whitewashed buildings on the multicoloured cliffs, perched 300m over from the caldera is a glorious sight to behold. Santorini is also known for its stunning sunsets, especially in Oia, where the sky lights up with shades of lilac, deep purple, orange and red. There are many things to do in this fascinating island – roam the black-sand beaches, hike from Oia to Fira, go on a boat tour or splash around at Santorini Water Park in Perissa.
Madeira, Madeira Islands
Madeira is a Portuguese island in the Atlantic, west of the Mediterranean. It’s known for its namesake wine and warm, subtropical climate. Madeira has an influx of tourists each year, and has some great landscapes, gardens and flowers. It’s capital, the picturesque city of Funchal, is a modern and cosmopolitan city with top-class restaurants, water sports and stunning beaches. Calheta, located on the southwest coastline, is one of Madeira’s hottest tourist spots. It is home to amazing stretches of golden sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for watersports like canoeing and windsurfing.
Sicily, Italy
Sicily is located in the mediterranean and is the largest of the Italian islands, making it one of the largest European Islands. Sparkling seas, stunning cathedrals and mountain scenery all adorn this stunning island. Indulge in the delicious food and gelato, climb Mount Etna (an active stratovolcano) for the best views of the island, visit the historic cities of Palermo, Catania and Siracusa, or soak up some sun on its beautiful beaches. The beaches in Sicily are among the best in the Mediterranean, including white sand beaches, peaceful pebbly coves, unspoilt nature reserves and striking volcanic shores. Cefalu and Mondello Beach are popular with families, as it’s spacious and offers excellent facilities. Sicily is blessed with a mild climate, which makes it an attractive destination for much of the year.
Crete, Greece
Crete, the largest island in Greece, has so many beautiful things to uncover – from exquisite 14th and 15th century chapels and ruined Minoan palaces and towns, to sun-drenched beaches and vibrant cities. If you want to experience the best Crete has to offer, take a hike down the Samaria (Europe’s longest gorge), visit the cave where Zeus was born, drink Cretan wine in Iraklio or snorkel in Elafonisi’s crystalline waters. The island has a rich culture and history – with archaeological museums of Minoan artefacts, medieval old towns, the famous Palace of Knossos and gorgeously restored Renaissance mansions. Don’t forget to visit Chania, an old town and harbour famous for its narrow cobbled streets, stunning Venetian architecture and mouth-watering Cretan cuisine.
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca, the largest island in the Balearics, is a magical tapestry of family-friendly beach resorts, remote mountains, lively towns and stunning landscapes. It’s undoubtedly one of the most popular European islands. Palma, the island’s largest city and cultural hub, is the perfect base for exploring some of the island's favourite attractions – pristine expanses of coastline, water sports, chic restaurants and a thriving arts scene. Mallorca has natural wonders aplenty, including unspoilt coves with turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs with gasp-inducing views and World Heritage Site, Serra de Tramuntana. This mountain range, running down the west of Mallorca, can be explored by bike or foot. The island is also famously known for having some of the best beaches in Europe. Playa de Muro and Port d'Alcudia are the most popular family-friendly blue flag beaches as it boasts clear shallow waters with flawless and breathtaking scenery as far as the eye can see.
Which European Islands stand out for you? If you ever find yourself in Mallorca and want a hotel that can perfectly accommodate your family’s needs, make sure to contact Ferrer Hotels. We have a range of stunning family-friendly Mallorca hotels that will make your stay extra enjoyable.
