Back to grid

Top luxury island resort destinations in Europe

Back to grid
Santorini
Breathtaking Views and Blue Domes
8.8
Akrotiri, a Bronze Age Minoan town buried by volcanic ash, is often compared to Pompeii. Excavations began in 1967. The eruption occurred about 3,600 years ago. Caldera cliffs drop more than 980 feet at their highest. Assyrtiko grapes produce extremely dry white wines with citrus and mineral aromas.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the black sands of Perissa Beach
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic Fira to Oia caldera-edge trail
  • 🌅 Watch the sunset from the iconic village of Oia
Mykonos
Whitewashed beauty and wild nights
8.0
Islanders have elected successors since the death of Petros the Pelican, the official mascot for over 60 years. He settled on the island after a storm in 1954. International jet set tourists arrived in the 1960s. Little Venice has fishing houses with balconies over the sea. Delos lies 1.2 miles away.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Watch the sunset from the iconic Mykonos windmills
  • 🏖️ Relax on the golden sands of Psarou Beach
  • 🏘️ Wander through the whitewashed alleys of Mykonos Town
Capri
Mediterranean Elegance and Natural Beauty
8.8
Villa Jovis preserves the ruins of Tiberius's main villa. He moved to Capri in AD 27 and governed the Roman Empire from the island until AD 37. Upscale hotels, shops and restaurants fill the four square mile island. Monte Solaro rises to 1,932 feet above Anacapri.
Highlights:
  • 🚡 Ride the chairlift to the summit of Mount Solaro
  • 🗿 Walk among the iconic Faraglioni rock formations
  • 🔵 Take a boat tour to see the Blue Grotto
Mallorca
Mediterranean Magic: Beaches & Mountains
8.7
The largest of the Balearic Islands covers about 1,405 square miles. UNESCO inscribed the Serra de Tramuntana as a World Heritage cultural site in 2011. Frédéric Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838 and 1839 in Valldemossa. Palma airport handled 33.3 million passengers in 2024. That ranked it third busiest in Spain.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Platja de Muro beach
  • 🕳️ Explore the stunning caves of Cuevas del Drach
  • ⛪ Visit the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria de Palma
Oia
Sunsets Over Whitewashed Cliffs
8.7
Wealthy ship captains built neoclassical mansions in Oia during the 19th century. Many simpler seamen's houses were carved into the caldera edge. Some have since become guest houses and hotels. The village stretches almost 1.2 miles along the rim. Crowds gather each evening to watch the sunset.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Wander the charming alleys with whitewashed houses
  • 🏊‍♀️ Swim and cliff jump at Amoudi Bay
  • 🌅 Watch the sunset from Oia Castle ruins
Sardinia
Turquoise seas and ancient secrets
8.5
Costa Smeralda, the Emerald Coast, stretches about 12 miles along northern Sardinia. A consortium led by Prince Karim Aga Khan financed development from 1961. Porto Cervo and other towns follow a detailed urban plan. The Sardinia Cup regatta runs each September, with polo near Arzachena from April to October.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Sail around the crystal-clear waters of Maddalena Archipelago
  • 🏛️ Explore ancient Nuraghe Su Nuraxi archaeological site
  • 🏖️ Relax on the stunning white sands of La Pelosa Beach
Ibiza
Mediterranean Energy, Timeless Charm
8.2
Bass from the original clubs Pacha, Amnesia and Es Paradís still pulses after dark. The Renaissance walls of Ibiza Town earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999. Daily ferries link Ibiza Town and Santa Eulària with Formentera. Hï has won DJ Mag's best club award four years running.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Visit Dalt Vila, Ibiza's UNESCO-listed Old Town
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine beaches of Cala Comte and Cala Bassa
  • 🎉 Explore the legendary nightlife at Ibiza's famous clubs
Menorca
Tranquil Island of Hidden Beaches
7.5
Since October 1993 the island has held UNESCO biosphere reserve status. It covers about 269 square miles. Monte Toro, its highest point, rises to 1,171 feet. Mahón became the capital in 1722 under British rule, partly for its natural harbour. Cala Galdana and Arenal d'en Castell are among its beaches.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Cala Macarella beach
  • ⛰️ Climb Monte Toro, the highest point for panoramic views
  • 🏘️ Explore the charming old town of Ciutadella
Feedback