Europe is a continent composed not only of different interesting countries, it is also a multitude of islands scattered around the continent.
Sometimes, thanks to the great explorers of past centuries, they are on the other side of the world.
All these islands, due to their differing geographic attributes, have different climates resulting in divergent landscapes and atmospheres. Why not alternate among various surroundings and visit several of the islands? Here are some suggestions:

The Great North

If you’re in search of authenticity, fresh air, rough, unforgiving landscape, savage and extreme protected habitats, and a bracing climate, then these Arctic islands are made for you.
Huge, isolated plateaus studded with glaciers, geysers and volcanoes? You’re in Iceland. Just as on the high cliffs of Svalbard Islands in Norway, you’ll have the unusual opportunity to live with the Midnight Sun or to see the Aurora Borealis, an amazing spectacle you’ll never forget. And Svalbard will give you the opportunity to meet its fauna :polar bears, reindeers, arctic fox.
The imprint of the fierce Vikings have left its mark on the Faroe Isles (Denmark) and the outerislands of Scotland (United Kingdom): Orkney, Shetland and the Hebrides. These islands, peaceful harbors all, allow you to observe Nordic fauna, such as polar bears, seals and whales.
All these islands, where the sea blends into the sky, to form one luminous ensemble, offer numerous chances for trekking. If you weren’t already a serious environmentalist, you will undoubtedly be one after your sojourn on these islands!

The North Sea and the Baltic

A more clement climate, long, white sandy beaches alternating with pebbly ones, high cliffs, dunes as far as the eye can see, protecting a fragile coast, little villages made up of wooden houses…this is what you can enjoy in the enchanting landscape of Denmark, on the isle of Bornhholm. Likewise in Finland, on one of the 6,500 Aland Islands, as well as on Sweden’s Öland Island, also called the Pearl of Sweden, or Gotland Island, the sunniest in Sweden. Here, between swims, you can take the kids for a ride on a Gotland pony, a breed that still roams free on the island.
The Estonian archipelago in the west has its gems: Saarema, in the island region, mentioned in the Scandinavian sagas, withstood numerous Viking attacks. Since then, with its neighbors Hiumaa and Muhu, it has become a favored destination for Estonians. Why not for you as well?
This part of the North Sea harbors a pan-European region called the FrieslandIslands, situated off the coasts of Holland, Germany and Denmark. The preservation of the natural assets on these islands is a shared effort between the three countries. The romantic atmosphere on the islands of Sylt and Rügen or Usedom (Germany) is utterly seductive. If you choose to stay right next door, on the island of Wolin, you’ll be in Poland. The Wadden Sea is listed by UNESCO. The Wadden Islands spreading between Holland and Denmark, are very popular vacation spots thanks to their pristine condition.
On these islands you’ll find national parks and plentiful bird colonies to observe. Swimming, biking, hiking, and voyages aboard sailboats on the dancing waves are the activities you can enjoy!

The Atlantic

One of the attractions of these islands is the strong personality of their people, colorful and steeped in island culture and tradition.
In Ireland, enjoy the famous Irish welcome on the west coast, with its disarmingly beautiful scenery, in the Ring of Kerry, or on the lovely Dingle Peninsula. Ireland really looks like a postcard, sweeping vistas of incomparable green dotted with picturesque towns and lively pubs.
The north of Ireland has a remarkably steep coast where you can explore the Glens of Antrim, Celtic and extremely mysterious. Don’t miss the Giant’s Causeway, to wonder whether it’s the work of Nature or that of the legendary giant!
Ireland has its own islands to discover as well, amongst which are the still very traditional Aran Islands.
Great Britain, a huge island in itself, is a medley of terrain and cultures. In addition to Scotland (mentioned in the Great North section), there are other fascinating areas such as Wales and Cornwall, with their carved coastlines. Their wildness is a counterpoint to the soft, English landscape elsewhere with its undulating hills and peaceful lakes.
Off the coast, recharge your batteries on the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands. They all promise active vacations in picture-postcard settings.
On the Atlantic coast of France, experience the proud character of the isle of Ouessant, by bike or on foot, the fascinating islands of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, Noirmoutiers, Yeu, Ré and Oléron, their verdant countryside and villages featuring white colored houses with roses. Here you’ll be able to observe bird colonies at your leisure, taste oysters, or make a tour of all the lighthouses of the region.
All of these islands promise a change of scenery, a hospitable welcome, well-preserved nature, and enchanting landscapes.

The Mediterranean

Love the sun, gentle in winter and scorching in summer? Then you’ll love the Mediterranean! Destinations where people come to rejuvenate in the winter, in the summer these islands are the places to go for the young people and jet setters, as well as for families.
Gorgeous white sand beaches and rugged interiors of scrubland, vineyards, olive groves and pine glades await you. What to do, then, but relax, sipping the local favorite drink to the sound of the cicadas?
Off the coast of Spain, the Balearic Islands offer simultaneously magnificent hinterland and cultural attractions, but if you’re after lively entertainment, Ibiza is your best address!
A similar marriage of cities bathed in history, of scrubland and cliffs plunging into crystal clear, turquoise water exists in Malta.
Greece and its multitude of islands in the Aegean Sea will sweep party animals into a whirlwind of nocturnal activities, but when day comes, you’ll be face-to-face with history, in the cradle of western civilization. Each island holds treasures, both archeological and cultural. In Crete you can visit the ruins of the palace of Minos, surrounded by pine glades, olive groves, and cypress. On Santorini, imagine the legendary Atlantis, standing on the edge of the cliffs, facing the sea and a submerged volcano, his back to the blindingly white walls and bright blue domes of the villages, the churches topped by bell towers.
Farther south, Cyprus entices you with its archeological sites, Byzantine monasteries, and loads of beaches, one of which was the birthplace of Aphrodite! Search the waves; perhaps the goddess will deign to appear to you in the foam that laps at the shore?
Italy certainly has treasures in store! In Sicily (Italy), the lure of the beaches competes with the pull of its archeological sites. In Syracuse you can visit an amphitheater facing the sea, with Mount Etna in the background, always ready to offer the spectacle of an eruption.
Sardinia is an island of rare beauty, surrounded by incredibly clear water. Along its coast and that of Corsica, the Madeleine Archipelago (Italy) is a national park. The rocky coast and crystalline water are of a beauty so pure it will make you want to weep for joy.
Corsica (France) shares the same coastal beauty, and the people the same depth of national pride, as in Sardinia and Sicily, and it has a sumptuous interior of proud and abrupt mountains with villages perched among them. The Greeks called it “Kallisté” (the most beautiful). Today its second name is “Isle of Beauty”.
In the Adriatic, off the coast of Croatia, is a veritable diamond mine: more than 1,000 islands sparkle in magnificent blue water. Their exceptional setting and undamaged nature have allowed a number of the islands to be designated as national parks, some even on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
All of the islands have in common a rich cultural and historic past, sizzling summers, fabulous beaches and a holiday feeling. More than anywhere else, here you can take the time to live naturally!

Exotic Choices

If the words that come to mind for you are tropical climate, lush vegetation, jagged mountains, volcanoes, and endless blue water, you’re definitely looking for another Europe, the tropical one with the trade winds. In this case you must go to Portugal, to the island of Madeira, a mountain pinned in the middle of the ocean, bursting with exotic flowers, or to the Azores, where you can watch whales and dolphins.
The Canary Islands (Spain) are nicknamed the “Sun of Europe”: seven islands with different kinds of landscape, huge stretches of black and white sand beaches, cliffs and creeks, aquamarine water, sand dunes….
And at last, the Antilles, a real European mosaic! You’ll be in France, strange as it may seem, on the islands of Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St. Barths. If you opt for St. Martin, it’s a double whammy: on one half of the island you’ll be in France, and on the other half in Holland.
The islands of Montserrat, Anguilla, the sublime Turks and Caicos, Bermuda, and the Virgin Islands; names to make you pack your bags, and want to feel the sun on your skin… these are British beaches (United Kingdom)!
Sugarcane plantations, evenings to sip rum drinks while watching the sun set into the sea, Caribbean music playing in the background…is this real life?
Perhaps the currents will sweep you even further away towards islands such as La Réunion and Mayotte, or places you’ve always dreamed of (Polynesia, New Caledonia, the Kerguelen Islands, Wallis and Futuna). Even further south, you’ll reach Antarctica and the South Pole – astonishing, your journey has taken you back to a place like the Great North!