10 European paradise islands you probably haven't heard of

Telegraph

14-04-2025

There are few stresses in modern life that can't be soothed by the feeling of soft sand underfoot and the sound of waves breaking gently on a shore.
Across Europe, there are spectacularly beautiful islands that seem a world apart from emails, meetings and deadlines. The problem, though, in many cases – you could call it 'trouble in paradise' – is that the cat's well out of the bag, with the likes of Santorini, Mykonos and Capri buckling under the weight of over-tourism, often angering locals, putting pressure on infrastructure, and creating a less-than-idyllic atmosphere for shoulder-to-shoulder tourists.
But dig a little deeper and there are little-known islands where mass tourism hasn't yet taken over, places where you can take in a sunset without selfie-sticks obscuring the view, explore a village without barging your way through crowds, and easily find a spot to put your towel down on a wide-open stretch of sand.
Here are 10 European paradise islands you probably haven't heard of, along with packages to book for 2025.
1. Alonissos, Greece
Up in the north of the Sporades archipelago, far from the hubbub of Mykonos, Zante and Santorini, pristine Alonnisos is proof that a little extra time and effort pays off. The hidden gem is covered with fragrant pine forests, olive groves and wildflowers, with charming towns and villages, including hilltop Chora (the old capital), and pebble beaches.
The island is surrounded by the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades, home to turtles, dolphins and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. There are opportunities for hiking, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving, where highlights include a shipwreck from around 425 BC.
Olympic Holidays (www.olympicholidays.com) offer seven nights on Alonnisos from £1,090pp all-inclusive, including return flights from Stansted to Skiathos, ferries and ground transfers.
2. El Hierro, Spain
You'll have heard of Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. But few people know about El Hierro, the smallest and least visited of the Canary Islands. This underrated island was once considered the edge of the known world. Now a peaceful Unesco Biosphere Reserve, it's great for mountain biking, paragliding and surfing, with hiking trails taking in lunar-like landscapes, woodland, natural swimming pools, and picturesque fishing villages. The basalt coastline features jagged cliffs, caves, arches, secluded coves and uncrowded beaches. El Hierro is also popular among divers, with chances to see turtles, angel sharks and seahorses.
Headwater (www.headwater.com) offers seven nights on El Hierro from £1,639pp half board, including return flights from Gatwick to Tenerife, transfers, ferries and car hire.
3. Coll, Scotland
When Skye's hotspots are overrun and even renowned Luskentyre beach on the Isle of Harris is busy with tourists, you've got to search a little harder in the Hebrides to get your hit of solitude. The tiny, fish-shaped Inner Hebridean island of Coll has outstanding stretches of creamy sand, including windswept Toraston beach, where you can watch seals lazing on wave-battered rocks, and sweeping Feall Bay. You'll find shaggy golden Highland cows across the island, with chances of spotting golden eagles and corncrakes. Far from any light pollution, Coll's also an excellent spot for stargazing.
Ferries depart once a day (twice per day in July and August) from Oban for Coll, with return fares for a car and two people from £166.90 (www.calmac.co.uk). Coll Hotel (collhotel.com) has rooms from £145 per night.
4. Elba, Italy
When Napoleon Bonaparte was forced to go into exile, he probably didn't have too tough a time on Elba, the largest island in what's now the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, off the west coast of Italy. The mountainous island has attractive and often quiet beaches, some golden, others pebbled and a few with eye-catching black sand. In the northern town of Portoferraio, the National Museum of Napoleonic Residences recounts the French ruler's time (1814-1815) here. The towering Volterraio Castle is also worth visiting, not least for its vantage point over the coast and the Gulf of Portoferraio.
HF Holidays (www.hfholidays.co.uk) offers seven nights on its Idyllic Elba & the Southern Tuscan Coast trip, including five nights on Elba, from £1,929pp half-board, including return flights from Heathrow to Pisa, transfers and ferries.
5. Mljet, Croatia
There are 79 islands and around 500 islets off Croatia's Dalmatian coast, with the likes of Hvar and Brac already oversubscribed. Tranquil Mljet, though, is still flying well under the radar. One of the greenest islands in the Adriatic, the majority falls within Mljet National Park, a protected area with emerald-coloured forests of pine and oak, saltwater lakes, and immaculate beaches with crystal-clear waters. According to legend, Odysseus Cave on Mljet's south coast is where the legendary adventurer was kept captive by a nymph for seven years after being shipwrecked – you can reach it on foot or by boat.
Tui (www.tui.co.uk) offers seven nights to Mljet, Dubrovnik and Islands in Croatia from £595pp half-board, including flights from Gatwick to Dubrovnik, and transfers.
6. Flores, Portugal
Low-key Flores is the westernmost island in the Azores archipelago and one of Europe's most remote outposts. The green island was made for nature-lovers, birdwatchers and hikers, with lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, lakes in volcanic craters, and tucked-away beaches, such as Santa Cruz. Flores and the surrounding waters are part of a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, with dolphins and sperm, fin and blue whales regularly seen on boat tours, as well as migrating visitors, such as humpbacks.
Regent Holidays (www.regent-holidays.co.uk) offers a 12-day Flores Island Fly-Drive holiday from £2,340pp B&B, including return flights from Heathrow to São Miguel, domestic flights, car hire and a boat trip to nearby Corvo.
7. Kythnos, Greece
On the western side of the Cyclades, Kythnos makes for a serene, authentic Greek island experience. Less than two hours by ferry from Athens, its sandy beaches, such as Kolona, Apokrousi and Kanala, are more laidback than on neighbouring islands. The interior has rolling hills and olive groves, with plenty of options for nature walks. In Chora, the main town, you can find whitewashed houses, vibrant bougainvillea, traditional cafes and family-run tavernas, many selling locally produced cheeses, olives and honey. Kythnos is also known for natural thermal springs, particularly in Loutra, which has bathhouses for visitors to enjoy the therapeutic waters.
Islands Of Greece (www.islandsofgreece.co.uk) offers seven nights in Kythnos from £1,099pp B&B, including flights from Gatwick to Athens, transfers and ferries.
8. Oléron, France
Resting off the west coast of France, Île d'Oléron is a much quieter alternative to popular Île de Ré. It's known for its calming atmosphere, natural beauty and oyster farming. Criss-crossing cycling and hiking trails connect pine forests, dunes, dramatic coastline, colourful fishing villages and other sights, including the historic citadel of Château-d'Oléron. Fantastic beaches range from the family-friendly to surfing hotspots and the wild, windswept Saumonards.
SmoothRed (www.smoothred.com) offers four nights in Cognac, including one night on Oléron, from £3,090pp B&B, including return flights from Gatwick to Bordeaux, transfers, guided tours, tastings at Cognac houses, visits to local oyster farms and a meal at a two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
9. Senja, Norway
The temperatures on Senja aren't a match for the Caribbean, but the island's white-sand beaches, such as the mountain-framed Ersfjordstranda and Bøvær, do a pretty good impression. Positioned between the Lofoten islands and Tromsø, Norway's second-biggest island is known for rugged landscapes, with a wild and mountainous side facing the Atlantic Ocean, sandy bays, fjords, primeval forests, lakes and high moorland. Sitting well above the Arctic Circle, Senja's considered one of the best places to see the Northern Lights (from late August onwards), while summer (May to July) brings the dreamily extended daylight hours of the Midnight Sun.
Discover The World (www.discover-the-world.com) offers a seven-night Drive and Hike Senja holiday from £1,319pp B&B, including return flights from Heathrow to Ostrom, and car hire.
10. Vulcano, Italy
Named after the Roman god of fire, Vulcano is a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, around 20 kilometres north of Sicily, and the southernmost of seven Aeolian islands. The volcanic archipelago is a Unesco World Heritage Site, and there's a whiff of sulphur in the shadow of the island's smouldering volcano and across its craggy landscapes. Travellers can hike up to the summit of La Fossa to check out the main crater and fumaroles (vents), and to take in memorable views of the surrounding islands and ocean. Around the coast, black-sand beaches, such as La Baia Negra, contrast magnificently against the blue ocean hues.