Top-Rated European Islands According to Our Readers in 2025

The best islands in Europe, according to iBestTravel readers, combine fabulous food, rich history, and beautiful surroundings.

There are few things more delightful than sipping a cold drink while lounging on a remote island, especially when it also involves earning a European stamp in your passport. This year’s list of the best islands in Europe offers no shortage of inspiration, with seaside escapes so glorious that seven of them land on the World’s Best Islands list.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, readers weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.

1. Ischia, Italy

Ischia, Italy
Aerial view of Ischia island, at the Gulf of Naples, Italy. Getty Images

This 18-square-mile volcanic island, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, just offshore from Naples, delights readers with its quaint towns and a plethora of natural hot springs. Many of Ischia’s hotels have their own thermal pools, providing guests a relaxing escape.

Score: 94.61

2. Mílos, Greece

Milos, Greece
Volcanic rock formations on Sarakiniko beach on Milos island, Greece. Getty Images

Score: 92.50

3. Párros, Greece

Paros, Greece
Greek village of Naousa, Paros island, Greece. Getty Images

Score: 90.62

4. Azores, Portugal

Azores, Portugal
Farol do Arnel, Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal. Getty Images

Score: 90.48

5. Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza, Spain
beach in Ibiza, Spain. Getty Images

Score: 89.89

6. Madeira, Portugal

Madeira, Portugal
Pico do Arieiro in Madeira, Portugal. Getty Images

Score: 89.78

7. Crete, Greece

Crete, Greece
Matala beach, Crete, Greece. Getty Images

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 89.40

8. Corsica, France

Bonifacio, Corsica, France. Getty Images

Score: 88.30

9. Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands, Croatia

Hvar, Croatia
waterside in Hvar, Croatia. Getty Images

Score: 87.60

10. Corfu and the Ionian Islands, Greece

Corfu, Greece
Cliff on Corfu, Greece. Getty Images

Score: 87.53

11. Sicily, Italy

Sicily, Italy
View on the main square of the old city of Noto, Sicily. Getty Images

Score: 87.04

12. Cyprus

Port in Kyrenia/Girne during a sunny summer day, Cyprus, Greece. Getty Images

Score: 86.28

13. Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece
Village of Oia in Santorini, Greece. Getty Images

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 86.20

14. Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca, Spain
The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma in Palma, Mallorca, Spain. Getty Images

Score: 86.04

15. Sardinia, Italy

La Pelosa beach in Sardinia, Italy. Getty Images

Score: 85.90

16. Capri, Italy

Capri, Italy
Statue of Tiberius with a view of Faraglioni rocks, Capri, Italy. Getty Images

Score: 85.80

17. Skye and the Hebrides, Scotland

Old Man of Storr
Jess Macdonald/iBestTravel

Score: 85.47

18. Malta

Malta
View of Valletta, the capital of Malta. Getty Images

Score: 84.67

19. Rhodes and the Dodecanese, Greece

Windmills Rhodes Old Town and Fort of St. Nicholas in Rhodes, Greece. Getty Images

Score: 84.59

20. Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos, Greece
view from hill of Mykonos, Greece. Getty Images

Score: 83.63

Back To Top