Europe's 5 most beautiful islands
And Ibiza is not included
The end of the year is approaching, and that means the travel industry is inspiring us with destinations we want to visit in 2026. Today, Conde Nast Traveller came out with the most beautiful islands in the world. Since the Maldives and the Fiji Islands come with issues like a tight budget and ecological footprint, I decided to focus on the European favorites. Here they come:
5. Sicily, Italy
I've been there twice, and it certainly won't stop there. The first time I traveled to Sicily was when we were invited to an Italian wedding in Palermo, and since we were there anyway, we tacked on a week. We drove to Cefalù, to the “mafia villages” Prizzi and Corleone, and to San Vito lo Capo. The second time we went to Sicily, we visited the eastern side of the island. We went to Taormina, Porto Palo (I even wrote this column about it — there's a very special restaurant there, but you have to be willing to make an effort to get there), and ended up in Syracuse via the baroque Noto (if you're there, you must visit Caffé Sicilia). I believe I agree with this place: Sicily is stunning and should be on the checklist.
4. Hvar, Croatia
From personal experience, I can't say anything about Hvar, as I've never been to Croatia. But if it's good enough for Beyoncé, then I think you and I can have a good time there too. It's one of the sunniest islands in Croatia, has many beaches, you can party well and eat delicious food. So Hvar doesn't have a checkmark for me yet, but something tells me that this will happen very soon.
3. 
, Italy
I find it embarrassing to say that, as a big Italy-goer, I've never been to Sardinia. But I can easily rattle off a list of reasons to do so. Because if there's a destination high on our wish list, it's Sardinia. Long beaches, water as clear as that of the Maldives, lemons and oranges, delicious wines, flamingos on the beach near Cagliari, and the tastiest food. And Sardinia is a blue zone, a place where many people live to be a hundred years or older. So a vacation to this destination will definitely be good for your health.
2. Corfu, Greece
Corfu earned this high position due to the combination of nature, beaches, culture, and a vibrant nightlife. The island is known as the “greenest island in Greece” because of the olive trees and has that perfect mix of sights, such as Corfu Town (UNESCO World Heritage), and beautiful nature, beaches, and even mountains. So if you haven't decided where to go next year, choose Corfu.
1. Crete, Greece
Sun, sea, and beach with a rich history and culture. The island offers beautiful beaches, such as Vai and Balos, the Minoan remains, such as the palace of Knossos, and spectacular nature, including the Samaria Gorge. The authentic Cretan cuisine, the hospitality of the locals, and the charming towns and villages are praised by the people of Conde Nast Traveller and they know what they're talking about.
