9 Unspoiled Islands To Visit This Summer
GOZO, MALTA
Lined with beautiful beaches and lush greenery, Gozo is thought to be the legendary Calypso’s isle of Homer’s Odyssey. Quieter and more rural than its neighbours, there’s a relaxed, laidback lifestyle to be enjoyed here, as well as some of the best diving spots in Europe. From Malta itself, it’s an easy boat ride that’s worth it for the prehistoric Ggantija temple alone.
Where To Stay:
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz
This five-star resort offers excellent value for money. Tucked away just outside the traditional Gozitan village of San Lawrenz, guests can stay in simple but chic rooms with minimalist interiors, or residences with kitchenettes. There are three restaurants with outdoor terraces, as well as a tennis court, spa and indoor and outdoor pools. Dwejra Bay, a marine conservation area with a beautiful coastline, is a short walk away.
From £150 per night.
Visit Kempinski.com
PROCIDA, ITALY
Forget Ischia and Capri, Procida is where Italians escape to for their summer holidays. Just off the Bay of Naples, this small island has bucketloads of charm, with its pastel-coloured buildings, volcanic beaches and old towns. It’s a great option in September when the sea is still warm and holidaymakers have returned to work. The waterfront has several seafood restaurants supplied hourly by local fishermen, as well as boutiques and gelaterias to explore. Take a boat trip to discover some of the island’s craggy beaches including Pozzo Vecchio with its black sand and crystal waters.
Where To Stay:
San Michele
This small hotel in Corricella has 12 chic and minimalist rooms – the décor is all about whitewashed walls, rattan shades and ocean views. Rooms are spacious and bright, and range from doubles with balconies to suites with views of the dramatic cliffs. There’s a relaxed restaurant overlooking the water with a concise menu of sharing dishes, plus a basement spa with a pool.
From £150 per night.
Visit SanMicheleProcida.com
SKYROS, GREECE
Greece has over 6,000 islands to explore, each offering a slightly different take on relaxed Mediterranean life. Skyros is a top choice, but it’s often overlooked in favour of places like Sifnos and Antiparos. The island is less touristy, with rolling hills, lakes and mile-long beaches. It’s also home to rare Skyrian horses (the conservation centre is worth a visit), as well as beautiful cliffside ruins and small villages. For a traditional Greek meal, head to Taverna Mouries where you can sit under mulberry trees and order salads, seafood and homemade ice-cream.
Where To Stay:
Ammos Hotel
You’d be hard-pressed to find a hotel on the island that offers better value for money than Ammos, a relaxed family-run establishment in a whitewashed, waterfront hamlet. The building overlooks a beach, with a mountainous nature reserve to the east. Inside, interiors are simple and unfussy, with immaculate white rooms and compact bathrooms. Guests can relax on cabanas or day beds by the saltwater pool before enjoying sundowners at the small wine bar.
From £65 per night.
Visit SkyrosAmmosHotel.com
TAVIRA, PORTUGAL
You’ll find some of the best beaches in the Algarve on Tavira, a seven mile-long island where the Portuguese head to really enjoy summer. In and around the main town, visitors can discover the ruins of a hilltop castle, an old Roman bridge and a range of charming seafood restaurant and guesthouses. Other highlights include Santa Luzia, a small village famous for its octopus, the protected marshes of Quatro Águas which is home to birds including flamingos, and the beautiful sands of Praia de Santa Luzia. For modern Portuguese dishes in a relaxed setting, book a table at O Tonel.
Where To Stay:
Pensão Agrícola
One of the most stylish hotels on this list, Pensão Agrícola offers relaxed luxury at a reasonable price. Set in a whitewashed building, there are just six rooms, all looking out over the heated outdoor pool and rows of olive trees. Interiors are simple but chic, with rustic furniture, woven rugs and contemporary artwork. Guests can order meals cooked by the hotel owners in advance (expect simple dishes made with produce from the garden) and rent a Vespa or convertible to explore the island.
From £175 per night.
Visit PensaoAgricola.com
BRIJUNI, CROATIA
The Brijuni are a group of two main islands and 12 islets off the coast of Istria. Catch a ferry from Fazana to Veliki Brijun, the largest of the 14 with breath-taking scenery. The island is car free, so it’s worth hiring a golf cart or bike to get around. Visitors can take boat trips to explore the islands and their azure waters, and head to the national park with its beautiful beach and ancient ruins (the whole island is steeped in history). It's also worth spending a day in Pula to see a performance at the ancient Roman amphitheatre.
Where To Stay:
Brijuni Hotel Istra
For a group trip, you’ll find a good selection of three to six-bedroom Airbnbs and villas dotted on the islands. For a couple’s holiday, check into Brijuni Hotel Istra, the smartest hotel in the area. Set in the middle of the national park, there are beautiful views and you can also hire golf buggies and bikes.
From £120 per night.
Visit Booking.com
BELLE-ÎLE, FRANCE
Skip the crowds along the French Riviera and visit Belle-Île, a small island off the coast of Brittany. The island is known for its quiet beaches, towering cliffs and lush countryside. The towns of Sauzon and Le Palais both have lively quays with restaurants, cafés and bars, while the views at Grotte de l’Apothicairerie are some of the best on the island. Make a beeline for Plage des Grands Sables, the main beach, and hire bikes to explore the coastal path that circles the island.
Where To Stay:
Castel Clara
This chic hotel is a great choice for families or those looking for a bit of R&R. Set on a cliffside with sea views, there are 66 rooms, ranging from simple doubles to family suites. There’s a spacious spa which specialises in thalassotherapy (it also has a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and relaxation areas overlooking the sea) as well as a destination seafood restaurant, The 180°. The hotel can also help you book activities like horse riding, sailing and kayaking.
From £170 per night.
Visit Castel-Clara.com
FOLEGANDROS, GREECE
If you like the look of Santorini’s breath-taking views, blue domed churches and cliffside restaurants, Folegandros is its quieter and less expensive counterpart. Set on the southern side of the Cyclades, the island is only 12km long, so you can easily see the highlights during a weekend. Set aside time for the beautiful church of Panagia, with its winding steps that overlook the Med, Agios Nikolaos cove, and Katergo beach which is a great spot for swimming. For seafood dishes like stuffed squid, grilled seabream and baked sardines, book a table at Kalymnios restaurant by the port, or Pounta is a lovely neighbourhood alternative.
Where To Stay:
Anemomilos Boutique Hotel
Anemomilos has an enviable location, on top of a cliff with one of the best vantage points on the island. Made for guests wanting a slow holiday, studios and suites have whitewashed walls with blue pops of colour and balconies for al fresco dining, and all meals are served at the poolside restaurant. Be sure to book a boat trip to explore the surrounding coves.
From £130 per night.
Visit AnemomilosHotel.com
PORTO SANTO, MADEIRA
Porto Santo is a 90-minute ferry ride away from Madeira’s main island. It’s most famous for its beautiful beach, where the sand is comprised of tiny pieces of coral. Flatter and less rugged than Madeira itself, the island can be walked across in a few hours. Highlights include Vila Baleira, where you’ll find restaurants, bars and boutiques; the windmills at Miradouro da Portela, which have beautiful views; and Miradouro do Pico Castelo, the island’s volcano-shaped peak. The island is also a hotspot for kayakers and snorkellers.
Where To Stay:
Beach Tree House
There isn’t a huge choice of hotels on the island, but there are plenty of modern Airbnbs that are perfect for a long weekend in the sun. We like this holiday home which is right by the beach and within walking distance of a supermarket and restaurants. With space for four guests, the building has been built around a tree which cascades from a central atrium. Guests can cook meals in the open-plan kitchen/diner, or fire up the BBQ in the garden.
From £130 per night.
Visit Airbnb.co.uk
MLJET, CROATIA
One of the most stunning Croatian islands, Mljet is two-thirds covered in forest, most of which is a national park. Much of the area remains untouched, though the seaside villages of Sobra, Pomena, Polace and Saplunara are popular with tourists. Mljet is easily reached from Dubrovnik via a 45-minute ferry. Once you’re there, a day can be spent visiting the park – with its rugged coastline, ancient ruins, and shady cycling and walking tracks – and trying local seafood. The family run Konoba Maestral has beautiful sea views and serves tasty plates like octopus carpaccio, shellfish ceviche and black spaghetti with shrimp.
Where To Stay:
PineTree Boutique Apartments
This family run hotel is by Saplunara Bay on Mljet’s southern tip. There’s a lovely beach just a two-minute walk away, while Dubrovnik is easily reached by catamaran. Guests can relax in the infinity pool before retiring in an airy room or self-catered apartment. An excellent restaurant serves traditional Dalmatian cuisine made with local produce from the surrounding islands.
From £175 per night.
Visit PineTreeMljet.com
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