Top European islands for an escape from the crowds

From world-renowned party islands to remote volcanic getaways, Europe is filled with islands to discover. While places like Mykonos, Ibiza, and Santorini steal the spotlight, there are also lesser-known destinations that offer tranquility and a closer connection to nature, away from the hustle and bustle.

Here are some of Europe's most serene islands, perfect for a peaceful getaway:

Schiermonnikoog, Netherlands

Though the Netherlands is famous for its canals, dikes, and warm Dutch Caribbean islands like Bonaire and Curaçao, it also boasts Schiermonnikoog, a peaceful retreat in the West Frisian Islands. This quiet isle, located off the northern coast across the Wadden Sea, offers a unique escape from the crowds.

With only 950 residents and a single town, Schiermonnikoog—known locally as Schier—is largely a national park, featuring expansive dunes, forests, and some of Europe’s most unspoiled beaches.

“Apart from the stunning natural beauty and wide open spaces, there’s not much to do here. And that’s exactly what makes it so special,” says Annemarieke Romeijn, who has a vacation home on the island and has been coming here her entire life.

Only the locals are permitted to drive on the island, which you can reach from Lauwersoog, a Dutch village on the mainland, via a 45-minute ferry ride. Once on the island, visitors can search for amber along its pristine white beaches, take kitesurfing lessons by the natural sandbanks, or explore the quiet island trails by bike or on foot.

Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland

Heimaey, an island in Iceland’s Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands), is home to more puffins than people. It looks like a scene from a fairy tale, with its emerald cliffs dotted with sheep, a sprawling black sand beach, and dramatic sea caves along the jagged coastline.

“The sight of Heimaey as you approach is simply breathtaking,” says Eyrún Aníta Gylfadóttir from Hotel Ranga, a mainland Iceland hotel that frequently arranges ferry day trips to the Westman Islands, a 40-minute ride. “The harbor is encircled by towering cliffs and is a haven for seabirds, including puffins, northern gannets, northern fulmars, and Manx shearwaters,” she adds.

In 1973, a catastrophic volcanic eruption on Heimaey covered the island in 200 million tons of ash and lava, yet miraculously, only one life was lost. Today, the island enjoys tranquility, offering peaceful hiking trails and stunning ocean vistas.

Vestmannaeyjar, home to just 4,500 residents, shares its space with nearly a million pairs of puffins, making it the largest Atlantic puffin colony on Earth. During the breeding season, from April through late summer, the birds dive from cliffs, delivering fish to their young nestled in burrows on the cliffsides.

Flores Island, Azores, Portugal

Flores, one of the most isolated islands in the Azores, offers a true haven for nature enthusiasts in the westernmost part of the archipelago.

The island, just 55 square miles in size and home to about 3,400 residents, features breathtaking views, including deep blue crater lakes, lush green hillsides, steep valleys, rushing waterfalls, and bubbling hot springs. You can reach this remote paradise via flights from other islands in the Azores.

“On this island, it feels like you’ve entered a different world—no pollution, no stress, no noise,” says Gabriela Silva, 69, who was born on Flores and still lives there near an Airbnb she rents to visitors. “The surrounding sea is crystal clear and deep blue, inviting you to dive in and experience the sensation of being in a divine realm.”

One of the most enchanting sights on Flores is Rocha dos Bordões, a stunning formation of basalt columns, covered in lush vegetation, resembling a prehistoric landscape from a dinosaur movie.

Hotel das Flores, with just 26 rooms, is the largest hotel on the island, located in the main harbor town of Santa Cruz das Flores. For those seeking more private stays, vacation rentals are available throughout the island.

Naustholmen, Norway

To reach this exclusive island, visitors must first fly into Bodø in northern Norway, then continue by boat to this private island owned by Norwegian adventurer Randi Skaug, the first Norwegian woman to summit Mount Everest.

At Naustholmen, guests stay in rooms scattered across three island houses, spending their days kayaking to pristine white sand beaches kissed by deep blue waters, or hiking up nearby peaks for panoramic views of the Lofoten Islands to the north. Alternatively, they can relax in a hammock—or even sleep outdoors—and do absolutely nothing, soaking in the tranquility and natural beauty of this remote haven.

“Enjoy a beachside lunch cooked over an open fire, hike the breathtaking Nordskot Traverse, or experience a mini concert in a local cave,” says Torunn Tronsvang, CEO of travel company Up Norway. “This is a place that recharges your energy and sparks creativity.”

Isle of Tiree, Scotland

The Isle of Tiree, with its crystal-clear turquoise and deep sapphire waters, and perfect surfable waves crashing on the shores, earns its nickname as the Hawaii of the North.

Tiree, the westernmost island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago off Scotland’s west coast, spans 12 miles. Known for its mild weather, fresh air, and stunning white sand beaches, Tiree’s beauty can easily be mistaken for the Caribbean in photos (though the water in August is a brisk 14°C/57°F).

Tiree is a surfer’s hidden gem, famous for its uncrowded beach breaks. The eight-room Reef Inn caters to the surfing community. Each July, the Tiree Music Festival attracts up to 2,000 people for a Scottish folk music celebration. But most of the time, you’ll have the island’s tranquil walking and cycling trails, plus 46 miles of pristine beaches, all to yourself. Visitors can reach Tiree by ferry from Oban (a four-hour journey) or by flights from Oban or Glasgow via Loganair.

Berlengas Archipelago, Portugal

The Berlengas archipelago, a group of largely uninhabited islands within the UNESCO-listed Berlengas Biosphere Reserve, offers a unique getaway. Visitors can explore the islands on day trips or camp overnight, immersing themselves in this surprising Portuguese island destination.

About six miles off the coast from Peniche, Portugal, the Berlengas archipelago is best known for the Fort of São João Baptista, a 17th-century fortress perched atop a rocky outcrop on Berlengas Grande, the largest island. The fort’s inn offers rooms for overnight stays during the summer months.

Berlengas Grande offers summer campsites where visitors can sleep under the stars and enjoy the serenity of the islands beneath the Milky Way.

“The landscape is barren yet stunning, and the sight of the Atlantic waves crashing against the islands is truly breathtaking,” says Arlindo Serrao of Portugal Dive. He notes that the archipelago is one of the best diving spots in Portugal, thanks to its unique currents and climate shaped by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean.

Mola mola, also known as the ocean sunfish, can occasionally be spotted in the waters surrounding the islands, which are also one of the most significant breeding grounds for seabirds along mainland Portugal's coast.

Alicudi, located in Sicily, Italy, is a remote paradise that offers an authentic escape from the crowds.

Skip the crowded scenes of Taormina and head to Sicily’s westernmost Aeolian Island, Alicudi, for an experience that offers solitude and natural beauty away from the mainstream.

Aliduci, the wildest of the seven volcanic islands that make up the Aeolian chain off Sicily’s northern coast, is a rugged and remote getaway, with its closest neighbors including Stromboli and Lipari.

“It’s the wildest island in Sicily, where donkeys are still used to carry goods,” says Francesco Curione, a local Sicilian. “If you crave peace and a true castaway vibe, Alicudi is the place for you.”

Alicudi's striking volcanic cone rises dramatically from the Tyrrhenian Sea, framed by vibrant fishing boats gently rocking in the waves. Purchasing freshly caught fish directly from local fishermen is a must-do experience.

With only about 100 residents and no cars, peace and solitude are guaranteed on Alicudi. As you ascend the ancient lava stone steps leading up the island's volcanic slopes, the quiet grows deeper, offering the perfect escape.

While Alicudi lacks traditional hotels, villa rentals and Airbnbs provide a cozy base for anyone wanting to stay longer and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Skyros, Greece, offers a peaceful alternative to the more tourist-heavy Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos, where summer crowds can overwhelm. For a quieter and more secluded Greek island experience, head north to the Aegean and discover Skyros.

Unlike the overcrowded islands of the Cyclades, Skyros in the northern Aegean offers a serene escape. Skip the tourist traps and enjoy a true Greek island experience with far fewer crowds on Skyros.

Skyros, one of the 24 islands in the quiet Sporades archipelago of the northwest Aegean Sea, can be accessed by flights from mainland Greece or by ferry from the mainland and nearby islands.

On Skyros, you'll find pristine beaches, a Byzantine castle overlooking the main town and the sea, and even a unique breed of miniature horse, the Skyrian horse, which roams wild exclusively on the island.

Except for the period leading up to Lent, when the island’s famous carnival transforms it into a lively, parade-filled celebration with Athenians flocking to join in, Skyros remains a tranquil haven.

Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland, stretches six miles in length and is just one mile wide, with a permanent population of only around 150 residents.

Located off the coast of Northern Ireland, Rathlin Island’s lush, green landscape offers peaceful isolation with its modest population of just 150 people, making it a hidden gem.

A short ferry ride from Ballycastle on the mainland takes visitors to Rathlin Island, where dramatic sea cliffs are home to thousands of nesting seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, and razorbills. The island’s remote inlets also shelter colonies of harbor seals and grey seals.

The island’s hiking trails wind through its rugged, picturesque landscapes, and experienced divers are drawn to the many shipwrecks lying just offshore, including the HMS Drake, which was sunk by a German U-boat during World War I.

Make sure to visit Rathlin West Light, an unusual lighthouse built upside down on the rocks to better cut through the thick fog that frequently shrouds the island.

Fasta Åland, Finland, is located in the Gulf of Bothnia, nestled between Sweden and Finland. The Åland archipelago consists of over 6,500 islands, with only about 60 of them inhabited, offering plenty of space to unwind and connect with nature.

Stretching across the Gulf of Bothnia between Finland and Sweden, the Åland archipelago boasts over 6,500 islands, but only around 60 are populated. It’s an ideal destination if you’re looking for wide open spaces and fresh Baltic Sea air.

Although part of Finland, the Åland Islands are located just 25 miles from Sweden, where Swedish is the official language, giving the region a unique blend of Finnish and Swedish culture.

Fasta Åland, the largest island in the archipelago, serves as a perfect base for exploration. You can bike across nearby islands, connected by ferries and bridges, or simply unwind at a vacation rental or hotel, complete with a sauna and stunning sea views for ultimate relaxation.

For a truly private getaway, HavsVidden on northern Fasta Åland offers secluded villas, each with its own sauna and breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, providing the perfect escape from the crowds.