Which is the best European Island for your next Holidays
Take the Quiz and find out what to Consider when choosing

Can’t decide which European Island to visit for your next holidays? Well, there are a lot to choose from and there are some big differences between them too!

I mean, according to Wikipedia there are about 500 islands in Europe of at least 50 square kilometers in area. Other estimates suggest numbers between 20,000 and over 50,000 islands.

So I’m here to help you – as someone who visited over 15 of those islands in the last 15 years.

This quiz will help you narrow down the list of potential island destinations based on your personality and lifestyle.

I developed this “Which is the best European Island for your next Holidays Quiz” specifically because my email inbox is full of people who can’t decide and ask for help.

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Which is the best European Island for your next Holidays

Island Quiz

Considerations on how to pick an island in Europe for your holidays

Here are some considerations to help you pick the perfect island in Europe for your holidays:

Interests and Activities

Relaxation and Nature: Look for islands with beautiful beaches, calm waters, and opportunities for hiking, biking, or exploring nature reserves. (Examples: Azores, Gotland, Chios, Gozo)

Cultural Exploration: Choose islands rich in history and heritage, with ancient ruins, charming towns, and museums to visit. (Examples: Malta, Hvar, Cyprus)

Adventure and Adrenaline: Opt for islands offering fantastic outdoor activities like rock climbing, windsurfing, or diving. (Examples: Mallorca, Tenerife, Lanzarote)

Nightlife and Entertainment: Select islands with a vibrant nightlife scene, bars, clubs, and lively local events. (Examples: Mallorca, Mykonos, Ibiza).

⇨ You may want to read my comparison between Malta and Sicily to help decide on your next holiday destination.

Climate and Season

Mediterranean Climate: Warm Summers and Mild Winters

Islands in the Mediterranean such as Sicily, Rhodes, and Crete are famed for their warm, sunny summers and mild winters. This makes them ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the sea.

Summer: Temperatures in the summer months (June to August) are typically quite warm. For instance, Sicily can see temperatures averaging around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), often climbing higher in the peak of July and August. The sea temperatures are comfortably warm, making it perfect for water activities.

Winter: Winters are much milder compared to northern Europe. Average winter temperatures in these islands hover around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). This mild weather is perfect for exploring historic sites and enjoying outdoor cafes without the bustling summer crowds.

North Sea Climate: Cooler and More Temperate

Islands in the North Sea, such as those around the UK, and the northern parts of Europe, offer a cooler alternative which is great for those who prefer active holidays involving hiking, cycling, and exploring nature without the intense heat.

Summer: Summer temperatures are generally mild, making these islands ideal for outdoor sports and activities. For example, average summer temperatures on the Scottish Isles might range from 11°C to 19°C (52°F to 66°F). These islands rarely experience extreme heat, ensuring comfortable conditions for physical activity.

Winter: Winters can be quite brisk and wet. Temperatures often range from 1°C to 5°C (34°F to 41°F). While it’s cold, the winter landscape is often lush and offers dramatic views, perfect for photography and enjoying cozy indoor settings after a brisk walk.

Mild, Temperate Climates: Year-Round Pleasant Weather

For a climate that strikes a balance between the Mediterranean warmth and North Sea coolness, consider islands like the Azores, the Canary Islands and Madeira. These islands offer a moderate climate year-round.

Summer: In the Azores and Madeira, summer temperatures are mild, typically ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). The weather is warm enough to enjoy the beaches yet cool enough to comfortably explore the lush green landscapes.

Winter: Winters remain mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C (50°F). This makes them ideal for winter escapes that allow for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty without the chill of a northern winter.

I, for example, love visiting Mallorca every winter to go hiking and to enjoy some peace and quit.

Two people walk along a beach on a sunny day in Ibiza, with one person wearing a dark top and shorts and the other in a light sweater and jeans. They stroll by the water’s edge, where seaweed is scattered on the sand. In the background, the calm sea sparkles under a clear sky, bordered by a distant hill and buildings lining the shore. The best island in Europe for your holidays. — Empty beaches but warm weather in Ibiza in November

Travel Style

Budget: Consider how much you’re willing to spend on accommodation, transportation, and activities. Island destinations can vary significantly in cost. If traveling on a budget, I can highly recommend Trusted Housesitter to stay in awesome places for free.

⇨ If you have no idea if that is for you, read my article about how to become a house sitter to find out.

Accessibility: Think about how easy it is to reach the island. Some islands are easily accessible by ferry or plane, while others might require more complex travel arrangements.

Islands like Mallorca, Malta, Tenerife, Sicily and Crete have daily flights from lots of international airports within Europe. Other islands, like Elba, the Croatian and lots of small Greek islands, may only be reachable by national flights (if at all) or ferry.

Family-Friendly: If traveling with children, choose an island with amenities and activities suitable for families. You will want to look for long sandy beaches instead of rough coastlines.

Couples Retreat: For a romantic getaway, look for islands offering secluded beaches, luxurious accommodations, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Personal Preferences

Landscape: Do you prefer sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, lush mountains, or charming villages? European Islands offer all kinds of landscape to decide from.

Cuisine: Explore islands known for specific culinary traditions and fresh seafood.

Language: Consider if you’d like to experience a new language or prefer a destination where English is widely spoken.

The image captures a picturesque mountain village nestled in the lush greenery of Gran Canaria. White houses with red roofs contrast beautifully against the rugged, dark peaks surrounding them, under a blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds. Terraced agricultural fields and a small reservoir add to the scenic rural charm of this tranquil setting, a great European island for holidays. — Village in Gran Canaria

Conclusion: Which is the best European island for your holidays Quiz?

If you did not yet take the Quiz, now that you’ve considered all of these factors, it’s time to find out what island in Europe is best for your next trip!

I designed this best European Island for your next vacation quiz to answer the questions “which island in Europe to visit next?”, “which European Island is best for holidays?”, and “which is the best European Island for holidays?” all while keeping in my YOUR specific preferences and needs!