Island time: Europe’s off-radar gems

You might think you’ve discovered everything about Europe’s glittering holiday isles. Our Europe expert Cheryl Walker reveals some of those dark horse destinations that hide their light under a bushel.

Whether its families swapping their summer holidays in the sweltering south of Europe for the cooler climes of the Azores or adventurous travellers embarking on an off-peak adventure to La Gomera, across Europe there’s increasing interest in the path less travelled – especially when it comes to the continents natural island settings.

Madeira for example, has recorded a year-on-year increase in overnight stays of 4.4%. “Around 25% of our customers come in and say they are looking for something different,” says Cheryl. The message we need to get across is that you don’t have to fly all the way to Thailand to get that. Some of the best off-the-beaten-track adventures are right under our noses here in Europe, just a fraction of the flight time away.

And while the weather is always a hot topic of conversation, lately there’s also been a rise in travellers looking for somewhere a little cooler. Cheryl says, “Travelling in shoulder season – outside of the main summer months – is a popular choice as prices can be more affordable than during the summer peak, especially for families looking for the best value.”

“Of course, there are still those sun worshippers who want to relax by a pool”, says Cheryl. But the great thing is, you’ll also find unspoiled nature, uncrowded shores, peace and tranquillity, as well as astonishingly fresh seafood.

“It’s great to see the increasing diversification of the European travel landscape and people getting to know some of our most beautiful outposts. When my own children were small, it felt like the only option was to flop onto a beach, but now I would take them to the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus to explore the secret side of the island.

Europe’s secret spots and windswept islands bring the promise of surprising untouched landscapes and the lure of rare, extraordinary hotels. So ditch the car and don the hiking boots – adventure awaits.

For happy hikers: La Gomera

Far from the throngs of revellers in the lively resorts of nearby Tenerife, La Gomera is the second smallest of the Canary Islands and is (quite literally) wildly different from its neighbours.

“For a misty, mountainous feel, this is the one,” says Cheryl. “This is all about walking, bird watching and completely disconnecting.” Christopher Colombus stocked up on water, animals and plants when he dropped anchor in the capital San Sebastian de La Gomera – the starting point for his journey to the New World. Kissed by trade winds, this garden of Eden is one of the most verdant of the Canary Islands, with dramatic volcanic beaches, deep ravines, primaeval forests, soaring cliffs, banana plantations and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Garajonay National Park.

After a day of exploring La Gomera’s hidden depths on one of the many outstanding hiking trails, get a different view over this awe-inspiring landscape from the spectacular vantage point of Hotel Jardin Tecina.

For nature lovers: Madeira

“A beautiful island to visit any time, Madeira has mild and pleasant summers, with little rain and light Atlantic breezes,” says Cheryl. Year-round, balmy temperatures in the semi-tropical Portuguese island draw travellers and the warm Gulf Stream currents and cooling trade winds maintain a blissful weather medium of 18-25°C in this pearl of the Atlantic.

“Summer offers warmer sea temperatures and, although Madeira doesn’t have sandy beaches, there are many beach-style clubs with access to the ocean to take advantage of the warm sea swimming,” she says. “The island is famous for its Levada walks, Monte Palace Tropical Garden, natural pools and stunning views.”

For family explorers: The Azores

An archipelago of nine volcanic islands 1500km off the coast of Portugal in the Atlantic, with dense forests, hot springs, milky blue lagoons and lava caves, the Azores is a land that time forgot in its purest, untouched state. And one which has stayed largely under the radar.

“The Azores are all about the outdoors – whale and dolphin watching trips in the calm waters of the summer, hiking around lakes, waterfalls and volcanic terrain or a tour of the tea plantations,” says Cheryl. “During summer, it can be warm, but the Atlantic wind keeps its very pleasant. July and August are peak times to go, particularly to the islands of São Miguel and Terceira as they have good flight connections from Lisbon.

For serenity seekers: Cyprus

There’s no doubting the coastline credentials of Cyprus. Not only have three of its stretches of sand been ranked in Europe’s top 25 beaches for 2024 by TripAdvisor, but the island is also home to 76 Blue Flag beaches. But Cyprus has a secret. “No one goes to the dramatic Troodos Mountain range,” says Cheryl. “Lush green forests, rustic tavernas, vineyards, ancient villages, wineries, hiking trails and monasteries – this is the lesser-explored, cool heart of the island.”

For a restorative stay, check in to a mountain spa Casale Panayiotis – a once abandoned village, now lovingly converted into a tranquil retreat. The resort’s charming, cobbled lanes are lined by red-tiled houses that are home to plush suites with fireplaces and balconies with breathtaking views.

For mindful travellers: Sardinia

The subtropical Italian island of Sardinia has long been the darling of the jet set in thrall to its swathes of white sands, the clearest water in all the Med, cosmopolitan culture and laidback luxury. This though, is an island of contrasts. Beyond the beachside bliss of cabanas and cocktails is an island bestowed with diverse landscapes, myths and history.

“The island’s wild interior throws you a curveball of rapids, rivers, basalt cliffs, fragrant scrub, desert dunes and an open-air museum of Roman ruins and nuraghe – mysterious, conical Bronze Age bastions of stone that jut out of the rugged landscape,” says Cheryl. “This magical island has one of the highest concentrations of centenarians who thrive on its slow pace and stress-free lifestyle.”

After uncovering the islands inner-most secrets, retreat to the pine-fringed paradise of the Forte Village Resort in Santa Margherita di Pula and savour the local Cannonau wine while musing on the riches served up by this island idyll.

This feature was created on 3rd February 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.