Looking for a vacation that involves plenty of sand between your toes, fantastic seafood, and the perfect ocean breeze kissing your cheek? Then it’s time to hit a few of Europe’s best islands. But with 2,400 to choose from, the options can feel a little overwhelming. That’s why we went to a few travel experts for their input to help you narrow down the list. Here are their top three picks.
Menorca, Spain
“When clients ask me for ‘quieter, but not boring,’ I send them here,” Jennifer Johnson, a travel designer at Tribù Travel, shared about Menorca. “It’s the place where I actually slow down—no agenda beyond a swim, a simple lunch, and a good walk. I go for scouting and end up staying an extra night more often than I should.”
As for what makes it a top must-see, Johnson noted the island’s “softer rhythm” and natural charms. “You reach many beaches on footpaths that smell like warm pine; the sea is the kind of clear that makes adults behave like kids; and dinner tends to be whatever grilled fish looked best at the market that morning,” she said. “There’s culture without fuss—historic Ciutadella glowing at dusk, a tiny art center you reach by boat in Mahón’s harbor, and old farmhouses turned into small, design-forward hotels.”
While the island is ready to welcome you whenever you wish, Johnson noted that the shoulder season, over May and early June and September, offers “fewer elbows on the sand.”
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia turned up repeatedly on our expert’s suggestions for two very different reasons: its rugged, agriturismo-framed nature and unapologetic glamour.
“What makes Sardinia so special is the unique landscape you find yourself surrounded by. Although the beaches are truly incredible, I wasn’t expecting the mountainous interior that’s far more rugged than I had in mind when planning this Mediterranean getaway,” Kat Smith, cofounder of mammamiaindeed.com, said.
She noted that travelers who are up for something different can book a stay at one of the island’s agriturismo hotels in the mountains to bask in those stunning views and plenty of local food. “Some of the best beaches will just be a quick drive away and a complete change of scenery,” she added.
But when you do want to get on the water, Smith said she highly recommends a boat trip through the Maddalena archipelago. “This cluster of even smaller islands, situated on the northern coast of Sardinia, is truly incredible,” she said. “Rent your own boat or hop on a catamaran or sailboat offering day trips and amble your way through the electric blue waters, enjoying plenty of stops to swim along the way.”
LaDell Carter, founder of Royal Expression Travels, agrees that the island is as special as they get, noting, “When you travel more than 200 days a year, some destinations blur together. Sardinia isn’t one of them.” Carter explained that on her own trip, Porto Cervo “shimmered like a stage set for the world’s most enviable yachts.” One highlight was seeing the pink sands of Spiaggia Rosa from the deck of their yacht, describing it as “an otherworldly brushstroke of color against endless turquoise.”
Croatia’s Island Trio: Brač, Mali Lošinj, and Vis
Croatia‘s islands are so special that not one, not two, but three were mentioned by our pros that we had to share with you. And they all come with a different travel vibe.
Milana Martinović, CEO of Onsite Hub, told T+L she’s traveled the world and her love her homeland, Croatia, is only reinforced. “There’s truly something unique here that can’t be replicated anywhere else,” Milana Martinović, CEO of Onsite Hub.
She said her first choice for an island getaway is Brač. “Over the years, I’ve come to love not just its iconic Zlatni Rat beach, but also the vineyards producing local wines, centuries-old olive groves, and the deep history of its stone quarries—the same white stone used to build Diocletian’s Palace in Split,” Martinović added. “With easy access via Split Airport and hidden spots like Murvica beach, Brač has become a second home for me, and I know its soul as well as its surface.”
Though it’s not the only island Martinović adores, noting that Mali Lošinj is the calming destination we all deserve. “Dubbed the ‘Island of Vitality’, it was chosen for its unique climate, clean air, and reputation for health and wellbeing,” Martinović said. “Lošinj’s turquoise coves, small-town traditions, and stunning clean bays create a sense of calm that’s ideal for both raising children and for visitors who want to truly unwind.”
For a quieter yet adventurous detour, Kanika Puri of Fast Cover Travel Insurance says the island of Vis delivers. “Vis is considered one of the more popular Croatian islands, but because it’s a little more remote, you won’t encounter the same level of crowds as Hvar or Korcula in peak season,” Puri said. “Just about every part of Vis is stunning, but one beachfront stands out above most. That’s Stiniva Beach—a slightly hard-to-reach shoreline that was once voted the most beautiful beach in Europe. While it’s possible to get a boat around the coastline and arrive by water, those feeling a little more adventurous can make the steep descent down the hill before arriving on the beach surrounded by towering cliffs.”
