The most beautiful European islands for your boating holidays | Europe

Looking for an idyllic boating vacation? Europe has an extensive palette of islands at its disposal, from rugged islands with rock formations to tranquil, paradisiacal islets. Read on to find out what the most beautiful islands in Europe are for a boating vacation. Time to update your bucket-list!

Corsica, France

Corsica, the island where Napoleon Bonaparte was born, is known in France as “Ile de Beaute. This means “the island of beauty,” and Corsica certainly lives up to this name. On this island, you can expect nothing but beauty, with spectacular cliffs and beaches that are nothing short of stunning. Hiking enthusiasts have nothing to complain about here either, with beautiful natural parks, such as on the magical Scandola peninsula. In Corsica, there is more to do during your boating vacation than just enjoy nature and sail along the beautiful beaches: you can admire beautiful Roman and Greek buildings in the beautiful towns and villages.

Sicily, Italy

Sicily should not be left out of our list. This Italian island has everything you need on a boating vacation: beautiful beaches to sail along, a rich history and, of course, delicious Italian food. If that's not enough, you can also climb the volcano Etna, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views after a long hike up to the top. Renting a boat in Sicily gives you the opportunity to experience a wonderful boating vacation.

Santorini, Greece

Of course, the beautiful island of Santorini, one of Greece's gems, cannot be left off the list. Rent a boat on the west coast of the island, and marvel at the cliffs and steep cliffs, with the typical Greek houses. The moon-shaped island sits on the edge of what was once a volcanic crater. The unusual volcanic landscape is special in combination with the charming Greek villages. You will also come across spectacular volcanic beaches on Santorini, which contrast sharply with the azure blue sea. It is also a suitable sailing destination for wine lovers, because of the volcanic eruptions the soil is extra fertile and this produces delicious wine.

Azores, Portugal

The island archipelago the Azores also gets a well-deserved place in the list of most beautiful islands in Europe. This spectacular sailing destination a perfect place for a sailing vacation, as there are multiple islands to explore. All nine islands are of volcanic origin, and each has its own charm. One island has the white beaches, clear blue seas and vineyards, the other cute little towns with colorful houses and green hills and lakes. Go on a two-week sailing vacation and you'll have plenty of time to explore all the islands!

Fish, Croatia

Croatia, a country where there are an awful lot of beautiful islands. In this top 10 we choose Vis, because it is the hidden pearl of Croatia. Because the island paradise has not yet been discovered by mass tourism, you find yourself in an oasis of tranquility, and the island is popular among sailors. Beautiful, dreamy coves surrounded by cliffs and vineyards are found here at every turn. Rent a boat in Croatia, and sail to Vis and the beautiful islands nearby. If you feel the need to completely unwind, Vis is definitely recommended for a boating vacation!

Bozcaada, Turkey

Located on the Aegean Sea, lies the idyllic Bozcaada, a small island full of history and nature. You can enjoy beautiful hidden sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Rent a boat in Bozcaada and discover its charming coves! Fun markets, cute streets and beautiful sunsets are also daily fare in Bozcaada. In addition, the cuisine there is special because of the mix between Greek and Turkish cuisine, and while walking through the old town you will come across numerous tasty restaurants. The local wines are also excellent, as the island is covered with vineyards. There are countless fun activities to do on the island: hiking, diving, swimming, kite surfing and it is even a popular spot among scuba divers!

Faroe Islands

Located between Scotland and Iceland, this group of islands has varied landscapes with rugged nature on offer. It is the ideal vacation destination for nature lovers and adventurers, because on the islands you will encounter impressive rock formations, waterfalls, ominous cliffs and beautiful valleys. For example, you have the spectacular 60-meter-high Múlafossur waterfall, in a special location among the cliffs. There are also beautiful lakes to explore, such as the Sørvágsvatn. A surreal place, and you can spot a waterfall there too. Many villages on the Faroe Islands are set among spectacular nature, and the Viking culture is still palpable. With favorable weather conditions, you even have a chance to see the Northern Lights on the Faroe Islands!

Minorca, Spain

Minorca is one of the pearls of the Balearic Islands. This island is an oasis of tranquility and nature along with the rocky, hilly landscape, hidden coves and azure sea make it a place where you can enjoy and discover while sailing. You will also find vineyards and authentic towns where you can stroll through. Another advantage: the island is not yet super well known to mass tourism, unlike the other Balearic Islands.

Spain, Ibiza

Of course, the versatile Ibiza cannot be left out of the list. Rent a boat in Ibiza and get a taste of the relaxed hippie atmosphere on the island. For example, take a visit to Benirras beach, where there is drumming, dancing, drinking and eating. Of course, Ibiza is also known for its vibrant nightlife, and you can party all night here. There are also beautiful natural parks and reserves to explore on the island, and you can relax on its beautiful beaches. For example, the viewpoint on es Vedrá is one of the highlights in Ibiza, here you will be rewarded with a magical view of the islet. Ibiza has it all!

Besides the islands on this list, there are so many other beautiful islands to discover in Europe. Tubber wishes you lots of sailing fun this summer!