Year after year, when T+L readers vote on the best islands in #Europe, #Greece emerges as a favorite destination. True to form, the country holds seven spots on this year’s list. And while plenty of beloved isles in #Scotland, #Italy, #Portugal, #Spain, and #Croatia also made the list again, it’s clear that new horizons are also being explored.
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.
Returning to the list are Greece’s Rhodes and the Dodecanese islands (No. 10), which last appeared in 2017. Rhodes, which at 541 square miles is the largest of these isles, is particularly rich in historic sites, including ancient ruins and a medieval Old Town that is a #UNESCO World Heritage city. Beach lovers have a plethora of options, from Agathi, a small sandy stretch, to the more populated Faliraki, which is dotted with restaurants and hotels. Wrote one voter, “A favorite island to visit — chock-full of history, views, beaches, food, and many other delights!”
Readers are equally complimentary toward #Croatia’s #Hvar and the #Dalmatian #Islands (No. 5). These 79 islands abound with vineyards, olive groves, verdant forests, and, of course, beautiful beaches. For those whose idea of a perfect vacation includes chic boutique hotels and a nightlife scene, Hvar is a beloved spot — look for the Four Seasons opening on the island’s Brizenica Bay soon — while Korčula, Mljet, and Lastovo remain largely untouched, with deserted beaches that are easy to find.
As you might expect, the Greek Isles duked it out for the No. 1 spot, with last year’s winner (Mílos) coming in second and Páros returning to the top of the Continental heap. Below, the full list of the best islands in Europe.
1. Páros, Greece
Paros, Greece
Score: 90.55
“More Grecian magic,” one T+L reader enthused about Páros, which also holds a spot on the World’s Best Islands list. This 76-square-mile haven has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, stretches of white sand embraced by craggy cliffs on one side and turquoise waters on the other. Inland, it charms visitors with its traditional Cycladic architecture, small villages, and ancient monuments. Those looking for nightlife will be pleased with the island’s many clubs, while relative recluses can indulge in massages and early bedtime at Yria Boutique Hotel & Spa.
2. Mílos, Greece
Plaka, Panaghia Thalassitra from castro castle, Milos island, Cyclades, Aegean islands, Greece.
Tsigrado is one of the most beautiful southern beaches of Milos, Greece.
Milos, Greece
Score: 90.33
3. Sicily, Italy
Sicily, Italy
Score: 88.62
4. Azores, Portugal
Azores, Portugal
Score: 88.42
5. Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
Score: 88.35
6. Crete, Greece
Crete, Greece
Score: 88.20
7. Ischia, Italy
Ischia, Italy
Score: 87.76
8. Mallorca, Spain
Majorca, Spain
Score: 87.58
9. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira, Portugal
Score: 87.58
10. Rhodes and the Dodecanese, Greece
Rhodes, Greece
Score: 86.63
11. Santorini, Greece
Santorini, Greece
Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 86.37
12. Orkney Islands, Scotland
Orkney Islands, Scotland
Score: 86.09
13. Shetland Islands, Scotland
Shetland Islands, Scotland
Score: 85.92
14. Gozo, Malta
Gozo, Malta
Score: 85.60
15. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia, Italy
Score: 84.53
16. Canary Islands, Spain
Canary Islands, Spain
Score: 84.52
17. Skye and the Hebrides, Scotland
Skye and the Hebrides, Scotland
Score: 84.33
18. Corfu and the Ionian Islands, Greece
Corfu, Greece
Score: 84.33
19. Capri, Italy
Capri, Italy
Score: 84.12
20. Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos, Greece
Score: 82.28
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