As spring arrives and summer approaches, travelers seek relaxation on beaches and islands, making Europe the best destination to spend this time of year, with its warm weather, diverse beaches, and exceptional cuisine.
European islands are known for being hot summer destinations, where celebrities have been spending their vacations for a long time.
Europe is an ideal destination for family travel, with its many family-friendly activities and attractions. From exploring historic cities to enjoying water sports on the beautiful beaches, there's something for everyone in Europe.
Many hotels and resorts cater to families, offering amenities such as children's clubs, babysitting services, and family-friendly dining options. With its excellent transportation infrastructure, getting around Europe with kids is also easy and convenient.
Here are the most beautiful European islands to visit this year:
Paros - Greece
This Greek island, located in the Aegean Sea, is a stunning destination and a great alternative to popular party destinations such as Mykonos. Artists and creatives flock to Paros during the summer, and the island boasts beautiful beaches and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Paros, located in the heart of the Aegean Sea and part of the Cyclades Islands, is a must-visit destination for any Greece itinerary. Known for its traditional Cycladic architecture and stunning sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, Paros is a popular holiday destination that won't disappoint. With plenty of exciting activities and attractions, it's no wonder why Paros is one of Greece's top island destinations.
Things To Do In Paros :
- Explore the Cosmopolitan Naoussa
One of the must-visit places in Paros is the vibrant town of Naoussa, known for its buzzing nightlife, luxurious hotels, and fine dining restaurants. Despite its growth in tourism, Naoussa has managed to maintain its traditional Cycladic architecture and authentic charm.
- Visit Monastiri, Kolympithres, and Santa Maria Beaches
These three breathtaking beaches are easily accessible by local bus routes or caique (small traditional boat) from Naoussa's port. Monastiri, Kolympithres, and Santa Maria boast crystal-clear waters, beautiful scenery, and fantastic water activities.
- Take a Stroll in Parikia Village
Parikia is the capital town and main port of Paros, offering a bustling hub of commercial and cultural life. Despite being the largest town on the island, Parikia has preserved its authentic Cycladic architecture, with its Kastro neighborhood featuring whitewashed cubic houses, narrow alleys, and colorful bougainvillea trees.
During your stroll, you can visit small boutique shops, centuries-old churches, ancient ruins of the Frankish castle, and museums such as the Archaeological and Byzantine Museum. Don't forget to visit the major landmark, the Panagia Ekatontapiliani Monastery, located near the port. Additionally, numerous hotels, restaurants, and cafes can be found around the port and inParikia's picturesque neighborhoods."
Majorca - Spain
As the largest island in Spain, Majorca, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is part of the Balearic Islands archipelago and home to beautiful cities. It differs from nearby islands in that it is more relaxed and spacious enough to live on, making it the perfect summer destination. It also features some of the most beautiful mountain villages that offer the best views of the island.
Things To Do In Majorca :
- Visit Cathedral Palma (Catedral de Mallorca)
In the heart of the city of Palma de Mallorca stands the magnificent 14th century cathedral known as La Seu and, as the most emblematic building in Mallorca’s capital, it’s a must-visit.
Built by the Crown of Aragon on the site of a Moorish-era mosque, the cathedral is 121 meters long, 55 meters wide and its nave is 44 meters tall. By way of comparison, the height of the central nave reaches 33m in Notre Dame de Paris.
- Es Trenc Beach in Majorca
With over 300 beaches to choose from, Majorca is a haven for beach lovers. However, Es Trenc is undoubtedly the most stunning of them all. This breathtaking beach boasts a long stretch of powdery white sand, framed by dunes and crystal-clear waters. As a nature reserve, much of the beach remains unspoiled, adding to its allure.
Despite its wild and undeveloped nature, Es Trenc is still a popular destination and can get crowded during the summer months. Some sections of the beach offer rental services for sunbeds, SUP boards, and other water sports equipment, while other quieter sections cater to nudists. It's recommended to bring your own water and picnic, as there is only one bar available on the beach."
Comino - Malta
As the third-largest island in Malta, Comino is a fantastic summer destination that few people inhabit. It's a great place to enjoy water sports such as kayaking and sailing, and it's easily accessible by ferry.
THINGS TO DO ON COMINO ISLAND
- Cominotto Island: A Secluded Paradise
Cominotto Island, also known as Small Comino, is a tiny islet located directly opposite Comino and the Blue Lagoon. Take a swim across the crystal-clear waters to this secluded beach and explore the epic beach cave. Cominotto Beach was even featured in the epic Troy movie. For water sports enthusiasts, you can rent kayaks or SUP boards from the Blue Lagoon area and paddle over yourself.
- Scuba Diving at the P31 Wreck
Malta is considered the best scuba diving location in Europe, and Comino Island is no exception. Explore several cave systems and nearby shipwrecks, including the P31 wreck, also known as Patrol Boat P31 (Pasewalk), situated just a few hundred meters from the southern side of the Blue Lagoon. This beginner-friendly wreck dive boasts a nearly upright wreck at a depth of only 18-20 meters.
- Elephant Head Rock
Elephant Head Rock, also known as Elephant Arch, is one of Comino's most unique natural attractions. This massive limestone arch is located on the eastern cliffside and can only be seen from a boat or kayak. The natural rock formation resembles an elephant's head, complete with its trunk, making it a great photo opportunity."
Procida - Italy
Located off the coast of Naples, Italy, Procida is a colorful and vibrant island that was named Italy's capitalof culture in 2022. It's home to multi-colored buildings, diverse cuisine, and beautiful volcanic beaches with fascinating rock formations.
THINGS TO DO ON PROCIDA ISLAND
- Visit the Colourful Marina Corricella
Make sure to visit Marina Corricella, Procida's postcard-perfect spot. This charming village dates back to the 17th century and is the oldest fishing village on the island, with colourful houses spilling down the hillside to the harbour and the Terre Murata fortress towering above. The buildings were painted in bright shades of pink, yellow, blue, and green so that fishermen could spot their houses when they were at sea. It's still a working fishing port, with nets hanging in the harbour and boats unloading their catch in the early mornings.
- Climb up to Terra Murata
Set on a rocky crag above Marina Corricella, the fortified medieval village of Terra Murata offers breathtaking views across the Bay of Naples and towards neighbouring Ischia. Its defensive position and thick stone walls were designed to protect it from invaders. Explore the backstreets with traditional houses and panoramic terrace viewpoints, or visit several different buildings in Terra Murata.
- Discover Casale Vascello
Tucked away in the streets below Terra Murata, Casale Vascello is a historic fortified town built in the 16th century. It has two entrances on Via Principe Margherita and Via Salita Castello, which could be closed off to protect the residents from Saracan raiders. Inside is a tranquil courtyard surrounded by traditional Procidanhouses, tall terraced buildings painted in bright colours with distinctive outside staircases and arched windows. Although still lived in today, the courtyard is open for visitors to explore and is also used for theatre performances in the summer."
TENERIFE - CANARY ISLANDS
The largest of the Canary Islands in Spain, Tenerife is famous for having the best stargazing spots in the region, Michelin-starred restaurants, and the best volcanic lava tubes in Europe. With moderate water temperatures year-round and warm weather, Tenerife is also an excellent diving spot.
THINGS TO DO ON TENERIFE ISLAND
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife
As the capital city of Tenerife since 1833, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a must-see destination. Take a free tour to explore the top attractions, including the historic city center's narrow streets and La Rambla. Don't miss the Our Lady of Africa Market and the iconic Adán Martín Auditorium, as well as Palmetum, Europe's largest collection of palm trees.
- Puerto de la Cruz
Puerto de la Cruz is known for its old-town charm and artistic flair, maintaining its seafaring traditions while embracing modern advancements. Take a free tour (in Spanish) to learn about the town's history and visit the San Felipe Castle, Botanical Garden, port, and Playa Jardín. Don't miss the La Paz Viewpoint and Plaza del Charco natural pool.
Watersports enthusiasts should head to Martiánez Beach, where surfers catch waves and lessons are available. Puerto de la Cruz is also a great base for exploring other popular Tenerife attractions in the northern part of the island, with plenty of lovely hotels to choose from.
Capri: - Italy
This Italian island is a destination for the rich and famous and a favorite among travelers. Capri has become an alternative destination to crowded places like the Amalfi Coast, which becomes overcrowded during the summer.
THINGS TO DO ON CAPRI ISLAND
- Blue Grotto
You can’t go to Capri without seeing the Blue Grotto. The Blue Grotto is one of the most beautiful natural wonders on Capri Island and a fantastic place to visit.
It is a sea cave that is illuminated electric blue by light reflecting through an underwater cavity. The contrast between the dark cave and bright blue water is jaw-dropping, and the Blue Grotto completely embodies the phrase natural beauty. The cave is sixty meters long and twenty-five meters wide. You glide through the cave, with the only light source the glowing water underneath you.
Some tours used to allow swimming in the Blue Grotto, but we caution you against this. As the Blue Grotto is set in a cliff face on the open sea, it can get quite choppy, especially at high tide. There is a risk of swimmers being washed up against the cave walls when the sea gets strong. Therefore, it is now prohibited to swim in the grotto. We think it is pretty and memorable enough to admire the water from the boat anyway.
The Blue Grotto is only accessible by boat trip, and you can rent a private boat or jump on a group boat tour. The only boats that can enter the Blue Grotto are typically traditional fishing boats, with sides so low that you can almost touch the water. The guides row the boats through the tiny, meter-tall entrance to the Blue Grotto, and you have to lay back to squeeze through.
- marina grande
Marina Grande is the boating hub of Capri. Most Capri boat tours depart from Marina Grande, and it is also the welcome point for ferries arriving from the mainland. Marina Grande is probably your start, middle, and end location when visiting Capri.
However, Marina Grande is much more than a place to jump on a boat tour or catch a ferry. The marina is a small residential hamlet, recognizable by its colorful houses and the shape of Monte Solaro in the background. Once a fishing village, Marina Grande still holds a sense of small community hospitality and is a great place to spend half a day in Capri.
You can relax on Marina Grande Beach, people watch while sitting al fresco at one of the cafes, or pick up souvenirs from the local shops and stands. Marina Grande is a soulful spot, and visiting it is one of the best things to do in Capri to get a feel of the island’s cultural and community atmosphere.
- Green Grotto
You’ll soon find out that grottos are going to make up a substantial part of our guide on things to do in Capri. It is with good reason, we promise.
Prefer your emeralds to your sapphires? Like the Blue Grotto, this grotto is a spot of stunning natural beauty. Instead of electric blue, the light reflection in the Green Grotto turns the ocean a deep, emerald green color.
The grotto is easy to enter – no ducking or laying back involved. It is also quieter than the Blue Grotto, so you’ll have a much more relaxing experience, especially if you visit Capri off-season.
Chasing colors is one of the most beautiful things to do in Capri. And, the best thing about the Green Grotto is that you can swim here. Swimming is permitted on boat tours, so wear a swimsuit under your clothes and pack a towel. After a day in the Capri Sun, a dip in the cool waters of a sea cave is the ideal fix.
- Gardens Of Augustus
Botanical gardens are always amongst the top recommended things to do, regardless of which part of the world you visit. The Gardens of Augustus are no exception to this rule.
The Gardens of Augustus were designed by Emilio Mayer and commissioned by a wealthy German industrialist Frederich Alfred Krupp. Krupp had a sizeable mansion in Capri but wanted an area of outdoor solace and a flora display. The Gardens of Augustus remained Krupp’s private property until his death in 1902, when the gardens were donated to the general public of Capri.
Now, visitors can walk the flora-filled terraces of the Gardens of Augustus for just one euro. The gardens open from 9 am until an hour before sunset on a seasonal basis, and you’ll easily spend about an hour exploring and admiring the botany and views. The Gardens of Augustus have some of the best views in Capri, and we recommend visiting the 180-degree vantage point. This lookout has views of Marina Piccola, Mount Solaro, and the Faraglioni rock formations.
If you want a gentle walk with views and botany, visiting the stunning Gardens of Augustus is one of the best things to do in Capri.
- Villa Jovis
The word villa is misleading, as Villa Jovis is no typical residence. The attraction is the remains of a Roman palace built by Emperor Tiberius in AD 27. The ruins are incredibly preserved, and you can wander through and clearly imagine the grandeur that the crumbling bricks once held.
Although Villa Jovis was damaged by an earthquake, there are still original features throughout the grounds. You'll find marble steps and the remains of an advanced water tank system.
Explore independently or take a guided tour to learn about Emperor Tiberius and the palace's minute details. Be warned, some stories are disturbing, such as the legend of 'Tiberius's Leap.' The Emperor is said to have ordered people to be thrown from the cliff-face next to the palace if they displeased him. Slaves, advisors, and even unwanted visitors are rumored to have met this brutal fate.
Despite the darker history, Villa Jovis is an excellent place to learn about Roman history and early architectural advancements.
Hvar - Croatia
This Croatian island possesses the best harbor views on this side of Europe, sharing the Adriatic Sea with Italy. Its crystal-clear blue waters make it a fantastic destination for swimming and diving, making it an ideal spot for a different European experience."
Things to Do in in Hvar :
- Party the Night Away
Hvar is known for its vibrant party scene, so it's no surprise that it's a top destination for nightlife. From beach bars to boat trips and nightclubs, there are plenty of options to choose from.
- Enjoy a Romantic Candlelight Dinner in Humac
Humac is a charming abandoned stone village that offers a unique dining experience. In the evening, you can enjoy a deliciously atmospheric candlelit dinner in a traditional setting that is sure to create a romantic and unforgettable evening.
- Experience the Natural Beauty of Hvar's Beaches
Hvar is also renowned for its stunning beaches, which are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. With crystal-clear waters and picturesque coves, Hvar's beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Some of the must-visit beaches include Dubovica, Zlatni Rat, and Stiniva. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a more vibrant atmosphere, Hvar's beaches have something to offer everyone.
Santorini - Greece
Santorini Island Greece is a stunning paradise that needs no introduction. Known for its iconic blue-domed churches and bright white buildings, Santorini has earned a reputation as one of the most luxurious Greek islands. It's no surprise that it is one of the most popular destinations among Mediterranean islands. The combination of its upscale atmosphere, exciting activities, and iconic status makes Santorini a must-visit destination.
Santorini's unique geographical layout is a result of a volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago. The remnants of the volcanic rock create a striking contrast against the island's glossy white buildings.
Things to Do in Santorini :
- Visit Red Beach
Red Beach is a must-visit destination on Santorini, with its trademark burnt red color. It's a perfect spot for a unique beach day experience.
- Explore Three Bells of Fira
Among the blue-domed churches of Santorini, Three Bells of Fira stands out as a top choice. This Catholic Church is located on a scenic clifftop overlooking the ocean."
Conclusion
Whether you're traveling with young children or teenagers, Europe is sure to provide a memorable and enjoyable family vacation. So pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready to experience all that Europe has to offer!