5 of the best lesser-known islands to visit in Europe | Europe holidays

Karpathos, Greece

The mountain’s meringue peaks tattooed on a deep blue sky are a dramatic backdrop to Karpathos’s deserted beaches. It’s early July and I’m discovering this Dodecanese island, 27 miles – or four hours’ ferry ride – from Rhodes, for the first time.

The island stretches for about 30 miles, from the windsurfing beaches of Makrigialos and low-key capital Pigadia in the south to the remote seaside resort of Diafani and the traditional village of Olympos in the north. Most of it is mountainous, which means roads (there aren’t many) can be nail-bitingly steep and narrow, but the views from tiny mountain villages are spectacular.

From Apella’s sandy shore backed by high cliffs to dune-strewn Diakofti’s more remote coves, Karpathos has a plethora of beautiful beaches, along with plenty of feet-in-the water seafood tavernas. When it comes to accommodation, however, lively Pigadia is the best choice: a boutique beauty close to the sea, with pool, restaurant and friendly vibe, is Afoti beach hotel (doubles from €74 B&B).
Heidi Fuller-Love

Inishmore, Aran islands, Ireland

Inishmore is the largest and most visited of the three Aran Islands that sit at the mouth of Galway Bay, where Irish is still the main language of the nearly 900 residents. As soon as the long, stony outcrop comes into view on the 40-minute ferry ride from Rossaveel, I fall under the spell of this mythical place that has drawn people for over 2,500 years.

On arrival, I always rent a bike and pedal to the other end of the island to swim at the Worm Hole (Poll na bPéist), perhaps one of the most striking tidal pools in the world.

Nearby blue-flagged Kilmurvey beach is also great for a swim, and it’s conveniently located just down the road from Kilmurvey House (doubles from €120), my favourite place to stay on the island.

I also love the glamping pods recently opened at the Aran Islands camping and glamping site near the tiny airport. Local crab and fish pie are served at thatched Teach Nan Phaidí, which will set you up for the climb to Dún Aonghasa, a stone fort dating from 1100BC, dramatically perched on the lip of a 300-foot cliff. Hundreds of day-trippers visit the island every day of the summer but it’s easy to escape the crowds by striking out for lesser-known ancient sites, including Dún Eochla and the Black Fort. Brothers Pádraig and Aonghus Hernon will introduce even more of the island’s secrets on their four-hour Land Rover tour of lonelier spots (adult €45, child €30).
Fergal McCarthy

Flores, Azores, Portugal

I have been going to the Azores since childhood. This hauntingly beautiful chain of nine small volcanic islands rises from the depths of the North Atlantic, and romantic Flores has always been top of my list.

Remote, pineapple-shaped and just 10.5 miles long (by eight miles wide), it’s a place of extreme natural beauty, with sparkling lagoons, Eden-like waterfalls and dramatic green-carpeted cliffs. It is also a…