Europe is home to a multitude of islands, each offering its own unique charm and allure. While islands like Mykonos, Ibiza, and Santorini are famed for their vibrant nightlife and picturesque landscapes, there exists a world of lesser-known, yet equally captivating, islands that promise tranquility, natural beauty, and a retreat from the crowds. From volcanic retreats to secluded havens, these hidden gems provide an unparalleled escape into nature's embrace.
Flores Island, Azores: Portugal’s Volcanic Paradise

Tucked away in the remote reaches of the Azores archipelago, Flores Island in Portugal stands out as an idyllic sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. This 55-square-mile volcanic island, home to approximately 3,400 residents, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Accessible via flights from other Azorean islands, Flores Island boasts surreal landscapes featuring deep blue crater lakes, verdant green slopes, cascading waterfalls, and bubbling hot springs.
Flores Island's natural wonders are truly a sight to behold. The island's geological marvel, Rocha dos Bordões, showcases basalt columns adorned with lush vegetation, creating a prehistoric ambiance. Gabriela Silva, a 69-year-old native of Flores, describes the island as a place where one feels transported to another world, free from pollution, stress, and noise. Visitors can dive into the pristine, deep blue sea surrounding Flores, experiencing a sensation akin to being in the abode of gods.
For accommodation, Hotel das Flores in Santa Cruz das Flores, the island’s main harbor town, provides a tranquil retreat with 26 rooms, making it the largest hotel on the island. Vacation rentals scattered across the island offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local charm and serenity. Flores Island is a perfect destination for those seeking to connect with nature and escape the ordinary.
Naustholmen, Norway: A Secluded Nordic Retreat

Naustholmen in Norway is a secluded paradise that requires a unique journey to reach. Travelers first fly into Bodø in Northern Norway and then continue north by boat to this private island owned by Norwegian adventurer Randi Skaug, the first Norwegian woman to conquer Mount Everest. Naustholmen offers an intimate retreat with accommodations spread across three houses on the island.
Guests can indulge in a variety of activities, including kayaking to white sandy beaches surrounded by deep blue waters, hiking nearby peaks for panoramic views of the Lofoten Islands, and enjoying the simple pleasure of swinging in a hammock or sleeping outdoors. Torunn Tronsvang, CEO of travel company Up Norway, describes Naustholmen as a haven for unique moments such as having lunch over an open fire on a beach, embarking on a spectacular hike across the Nordskot Traverse, or enjoying a mini concert in a local cave.
Naustholmen combines serenity and adventure, providing a perfect blend for those looking to replenish their energy and find inspiration amidst nature's beauty.
Isle of Tiree, Scotland: The Hawaii of the North

Situated in the Inner Hebrides archipelago off the west coast of mainland Scotland, the Isle of Tiree captivates visitors with its stunning turquoise and deep sapphire waters, earning it the nickname "Hawaii of the North." This remote island, stretching 12 miles, boasts a mild climate, pristine air, and stunning white sand beaches that rival the Caribbean in photographs.
Tiree is a haven for surfers seeking uncrowded beach breaks, with the eight-room Reef Inn catering to the board-riding community. The annual Tiree Music Festival, held every July, transforms the island into a Scottish folk music extravaganza, drawing up to 2,000 attendees. Beyond the festival, the island offers 46 miles of flat walking and cycling trails, providing ample opportunities for solitude and exploration.
Accessible via four-hour ferry rides from Oban or flights from Oban or Glasgow on Loganair, Tiree offers a tranquil escape where nature's beauty and outdoor adventures await.
Alicudi, Sicily: Sicily’s Wild and Rugged Retreat

For a truly unique experience, venture to Alicudi, the westernmost and most secluded of Sicily's volcanic Aeolian Islands. Alicudi is the least inhabited of the seven islands in this chain, known for its wild and rugged allure. The island's distinctive volcanic cone emerges dramatically from the Tyrrhenian Sea, creating a postcard-perfect setting with colorful fishing boats bobbing along the shoreline.
Described as the wildest island in Sicily, Alicudi maintains a timeless charm where donkeys are still used for transporting goods. Francesco Curione, a Sicilian resident, recommends Alicudi for those seeking tranquility and a castaway feel. With no cars and only around 100 residents, finding a quiet spot on Alicudi is never a challenge. As you ascend the lava stone steps leading up the volcanic slopes, the silence and sense of escapism deepen.
While there are no hotels on Alicudi, villa rentals and Airbnbs provide comfortable accommodations, inviting visitors to savor the unhurried pace of this remote Sicilian gem.
Skyros, Greece: A Serene Aegean Escape

Amidst the summer hustle on popular Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos, Skyros in the Aegean Sea offers a more secluded and authentic Greek experience. As one of the 24 islands in the Sporades chain, Skyros provides tranquility away from the crowds. Accessible through flights from mainland Greece and ferries connecting to the mainland and nearby Greek islands, Skyros promises a unique escape.
Secluded beaches beckon exploration, while a Byzantine castle majestically presides over the main town and the surrounding sea. The island is also home to the Skyrian horse, an ancient miniature breed found only on Skyros. The lively lead-up to Lent, characterized by Skyros' famous carnival, transforms the island into a nonstop party with parades and costumed revelry. For the rest of the year, Skyros remains a peaceful haven, offering a serene escape into nature's beauty.
Berlengas Archipelago, Portugal: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The Berlengas archipelago in Portugal offers an extraordinary island destination within the UNESCO-listed Berlengas Biosphere Reserve. Accessible by boat for day trips or overnight camping, this captivating cluster of mostly uninhabited islands lies roughly six miles offshore from Peniche, mainland Portugal.
At the heart of the archipelago stands the Fort of São João Baptista, a 1600s fortress on Berlengas Grande, the largest island. The fort houses an inn where rooms can be booked for overnight stays during the summer months. Campsites on Berlengas Grande provide a unique opportunity to sleep under the stars and bask in the solitude of the Milky Way.
Arlindo Serrao of Portugal Dive highlights the arid yet beautiful landscape of Berlengas, where the impressive sight of the Atlantic Ocean crashing around the islands unfolds. Recognized as one of the best scuba diving spots in Portugal, the archipelago benefits from unique currents and a climate influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean. The waters occasionally reveal the majestic ocean sunfish (Mola mola), adding to the allure of this marine wonderland.
Schiermonnikoog, Netherlands: A Tranquil Dutch Haven

Discover one of Europe’s best-kept secrets on Schiermonnikoog, a serene island in the West Frisian Islands off the northern coast of the Netherlands. Home to a mere 950 people and a single town named Schier, the island is predominantly national parkland, adorned with dunes, forests, and some of Europe’s most unspoiled beaches.
Annemarieke Romeijn, a frequent visitor with a holiday home on Schiermonnikoog, attests to the island's charm, emphasizing its beautiful nature and vastness. Cars are a rarity on Schiermonnikoog, as only residents are permitted to drive. Accessible via a 45-minute ferry ride from the mainland Dutch village of Lauwersoog, the island welcomes visitors to explore its wide white sand beaches, offering opportunities to hunt for pieces of amber washed ashore.
For the adventurous, kitesurfing lessons are available along natural sandbanks, while cycling and hiking enthusiasts can traverse the island's extensive network of trails. Embrace the simplicity, tranquility, and natural beauty that define Schiermonnikoog, a hidden gem along the North Sea coast of the Netherlands.
Heimaey, Iceland: A Puffin Paradise in the North Atlantic

Heimaey, located in the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) off the south coast of Iceland, unfolds as a picturesque haven where nature reigns supreme. With more puffins than people, this island exudes a storybook charm, featuring emerald green cliffs adorned with sheep, a sweeping black sand beach, and sea caves that punctuate its rugged coastline.
Eyrún Aníta Gylfadóttir of Hotel Ranga, located on mainland Iceland, describes the breathtaking experience of arriving in Heimaey, where the harbor is surrounded by towering cliffs and serves as a sanctuary for diverse seabirds. Day trips to the Westman Islands, including Heimaey, are a popular excursion, with a 40-minute ferry crossing offering guests a front-row seat to the island's natural wonders.
Despite the cataclysmic volcanic eruption in 1973, which blanketed Heimaey in 200 million tons of ash and lava, resulting in only one reported death, today the island exudes utter peace. Lonely hiking trails beckon exploration, providing breathtaking ocean views that underscore the island's tranquility.
Heimaey boasts the largest Atlantic puffin colony on the planet, with nearly a million puffin pairs calling the island home during the breeding season from April to late summer. Witness the spectacle as these charming birds careen from the cliffs, carrying fish to their young nestled in cliffside burrows. In Heimaey, nature unfolds in all its glory, offering a serene escape and a front-row seat to the wonders of the North Atlantic.
Conclusion: Embracing Europe's Hidden Island Gems
Europe’s hidden islands offer a diverse array of experiences, each providing a unique blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. From the volcanic landscapes of Flores Island in Portugal to the secluded paradise of Naustholmen in Norway, and from the stunning turquoise waters of the Isle of Tiree in Scotland to the rugged charm of Alicudi in Sicily, these islands invite travelers to step off the beaten path and embrace the serenity of nature.
As you explore these hidden gems, you’ll discover that Europe’s lesser-known islands offer a refreshing escape from the crowds and a chance to reconnect with nature. Whether you seek the thrill of outdoor adventures, the peace of secluded beaches, or the charm of quaint island communities, these destinations promise an unforgettable experience. So, venture beyond the familiar, and let the allure of Europe’s hidden islands captivate your heart and soul.
Explore the serene beauty of Europe's hidden gems with Letsjourney.info, your ultimate guide to undiscovered islands and tranquil destinations. Immerse yourself in the art of exploration as we unveil secluded paradises, providing a unique blend of serenity and adventure. Let Letsjourney be your compass to unlock the secrets of these hidden gems, ensuring a journey filled with tranquility and unparalleled discoveries.