Europe is rich and diverse in monuments of history and culture, natural attractions. This time we will talk about the islands. If islands such as Capri, Skye and Rhodes - well-known and quite popular with tourists - seem too crowded and hectic for you, then here are ten options for a quieter vacation.
Mljet, Croatia
Some Croatian islands have acquired a high status and fame: the names of Braฤ and Korcula are known to the whole world, but Mljet remains in the shadows. From time to time, a couple of dozen tourists get here by ferry from Dubrovnik, but that's all. The reason is that there is no one attraction that could be included in the list of must-see sites for tourists - just a couple of villages, several pretty medieval churches, scenic paths leading to a lake in the middle of the island, among the rocks. It is close to idyll - but nothing more.
Alonnisos, Greece
The Greek islands tend to be in the spotlight, especially the islands in the south of the country. But just north of Euboea is the Sporades archipelago : 14 islands, of which only four are inhabited. One of them, Alonnisos is a nature lover's dream. The only national marine park in Greece is located here, and the wetlands serve as a refuge for birds. Going out to sea by boat, you can see dolphins, rare monk seals and gliding falcons.
Andros, Greece
Even among the most famous Greek islands, there are those that are often overlooked, often undeservedly. Cyclides are easily accessible, can be reached by ferry from Athens, and every day crowds of tourists flock to Ios , Mykonos , and the most romantic ones to Santorini .
However, the second island of the group, Andros , the closest to Athens, is practically not reflected in the guides and itineraries. Although it is equally indented by valleys and ancient hiking trails, it is still attractive for hiking! The main town, Chora, is full of eclectic and beautiful mansions of local shipowners, but the main charm lies among the olive trees in the interior of the island.
Aland, Finland
The Åland Islands are part of Finland, but the locals speak Swedish. There is no industry here, the population is small, so the islands have no choice but to stick out in a heap of rocks in the middle of the Baltic, with which they have been successfully coping for more than one thousand years.
The main island, Åland , has a pancake-like relief, making it a great place for cycling. There are also several museums here, allowing you to get acquainted with the history and rich traditions of fishing and navigation of the inhabitants of the archipelago, but the main local entertainment is to wander aimlessly among the wooden houses under the shade of lindens.
Mainland, Scotland
The Western Isles of Scotland have attractive landscapes, but the Orkney Islands in the northeast are second to none in terms of cultural heritage. Over the years, several Neolithic settlements have been discovered on the largest island known as Mainland , or the Continent. Maes Hau is a 5,000-year-old Stone Age tomb and Skara Brae is the best-preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe.
However, these are not all the old things - there is also the Highland Park distillery and one of the best places for diving in cold water in the world - Scapa Flow , one of the largest natural harbors in the world.
In the harbor in 1919, by the decision of Admiral von Reuter, the German High Seas Fleet was flooded. Subsequently, most of the ships were raised and cut into metal, but seven hulls, including three dreadnoughts and four cruisers, still lie at the bottom of the bay.
It is also the best place in Scotland to watch whale migration.
Ilha de Tavira, Portugal
Ilha de Tavira , part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park in southern Portugal, turns photographs of Algarve beach upside down. Usually Portugal is quaint bays surrounded by colorful rocks, where you walk to the roar of the Atlantic surf.
With Ilha de Tavira it is completely different. This is a vast 11-kilometer strip of almost white sand, which is softly licked by the waters of a calm sea, like a pond with Medvedev's ducks. Sun loungers and bars sit next to the ferry dock, but you don't have to walk far to find yourself on the beach alone - tourists rarely indulge this place with their attention.
Fermentera, Spain
Among the Spanish-owned Balearic Islands, Menorca is the island of traditionalists, Majorca is the largest and most versatile, and Ibiza has an enduring reputation as an empire of hangouts and parties. And the Fermenter is forgotten, only occasionally viewing it as a refreshing shower after the carnival disgrace of Ibiza.
If you are into a traditional beach holiday, then this is the place for you. There are few activities, no bars, parties and museums, so tourists have no choice but to warm their belly in the sun.
Elba, Italy
Elba , known mainly as the island where Napoleon was imprisoned, still extols this legacy today. Villa dei Mulini , where the crowned prisoner was kept, is a rather luxurious place that enjoys well-deserved attention from tourists.
But the rest of the island is dotted with beaches and coves that can only be reached by going down a steep staircase carved into the rocks. This place is also great for the production of olives and wine. Tenuta La Chiusa is one of the oldest wineries in Europe, and it's best to stay here overnight to extend the tasting for a day or two.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Cruise ships heading north usually pass by the Lofoten Islands . It is a very impressive archipelago, piercing the sky with rocky jagged peaks sticking out of the sea like a crown.
The four main islands are connected by bridges, each offering one or two steep cliffs. No less interesting will be the impression of a speedboat ride along the narrow straits between the islands. The Ice Museum is another local attraction.
Gozo, Malta
Malta's smaller cousin, Gozo , boasts several narrow rocky coves and coastal caves; it is ideal for snorkelling and diving. All this is flavored with a thick cultural layer. The administrative center of the island, the city of Victoria , offers an old castle and a majestic cathedral, as well as the megalithic temples of Ggantija , whose age archaeologists estimate at least five millennia. It is not easy to get here, but this is a guarantee of peace and quiet, which, alas, Malta cannot boast of.
