Dinogo Readers’ Top 15 Islands in Europe for 2024

For those envisioning an idyllic island escape that simply involves lounging under a cabana with a mai tai in hand, there are many accessible options. However, if you yearn for sun-soaked mornings followed by afternoons of art exploration, historical adventures at new locales, or dreaming about your next exceptional meal, Europe’s islands await your visit.

How the Voting Process Works

Each year, T+L invites its readers to participate in the World's Best Awards survey, sharing their experiences and opinions on the finest hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers cast their votes, contributing to more than 700,000 total votes across 8,700 properties including hotels, cities, cruise lines, and more.

Islands were rated based on the following criteria:

Natural wonders/beaches
Activities/attractions
Culinary experiences
Local friendliness
Overall value

Respondents rated each characteristic as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent the average of these ratings.

What Captivated Our Readers

Every island on this list received acclaim from readers for its breathtaking landscapes. If you’re seeking spectacular views, these destinations won’t disappoint. While sun-drenched islands in the Mediterranean topped the rankings, a few unique locations made their way onto the list: Madeira (No. 8), the Azores (No. 12), and Skye and the Hebrides (No. 9). One reader described the latter as an “exceptional destination,” while another succinctly noted, “just beautiful. Tranquil. Welcoming.”

Supporters of Sardinia were equally straightforward, with many voters labeling it as simply “perfect,” while others highlighted its stunning natural beauty, particularly its countless beaches. Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands surprised visitors with their charm, leading one unexpected fan to declare it “one of my most cherished destinations.” Another passionately remarked on the region’s allure: “You will instantly fall in love. The beauty of the beaches and islands will leave you in awe of nature’s gifts. The food will nourish your soul. The locals are warm and treat you like family. You’ll yearn to return.” This sentiment seems to resonate universally for all the locations on the upcoming list — read on for the complete overview.

The Champion

Mílos, Greece

Amanda Blackard/Dinogo

This surprising victor surged from ninth place last year to claim the top position on this year’s list. Located at the southwestern tip of the Cyclades, Mílos offers pristine beaches, stunning whitewashed buildings, and incredible tavernas, all with far fewer visitors compared to popular islands like Santorini and Mykonos. This was a significant attraction for one reader, who noted, “Mílos was beautiful and much less crowded.” They added, “The food was fantastic, and there was so much to explore. Everyone was incredibly friendly, and we absolutely loved it.” Another voter echoed this sentiment about the food, saying “the cuisine is outstanding” and highlighting that despite its compact size, Mílos boasts “a range of beaches to enjoy.” For many T+L readers, voting for Mílos was an obvious choice: “Hands down, the best island in the Cyclades.”