Secret Islands in Europe: Where to Escape the Crowds in 2025

Hidden Gems: 10 Quiet Islands in Europe for Peaceful Escapes

If you ask most people where they'd rather be right now, chances are they'll say: on a deserted island. Who hasn’t daydreamed of lounging under a swaying palm, toes buried in soft golden sand, and nothing but turquoise sea in sight?

But in reality, true deserted islands are rare. Most “idyllic” escapes are now buzzing with tourists and packed beaches. That dreamy solitude? Hard to come by—unless you know where to look.

At Isla Guru, we’ve tracked down the real hidden treasures—untouched islands in Europe that are as crowd-free as they are breathtaking. From turquoise waters to ancient trails, these places are the stuff of castaway dreams. So, grab your swimsuit and wanderlust—we’re about to uncover three of Europe’s best-kept island secrets.

🏝 1. Porquerolles Island, France

Just off France’s Mediterranean coast lies Porquerolles, a croissant-shaped paradise that feels like a dream carved from the sea. With no cars and minimal pollution, it offers unspoiled beaches on its northern shore and dramatic cliffs and secret coves on the southern edge. The island’s charming central village invites you to sip rosé under the sun or join locals in a game of pétanque on the square. You can explore the pine-scented trails by foot or bike, stumble across ancient forts, or swim in crystal-clear waters. Porquerolles is protected as a national park, which means its beauty is preserved—and gloriously free from crowds.

What’s special: One of the world’s least polluted islands, with car-free serenity, protected nature, and Mediterranean charm that feels like stepping into a vintage French postcard.

⛰ 2. Kalymnos Island, Greece

A hidden treasure in the Dodecanese, Kalymnos lies between Kos and Leros and is a sanctuary for nature lovers and climbers alike. Once famed for its sponge divers, today Kalymnos draws adventurers with its dramatic cliffs, scenic trails, and clear waters. You’ll find pebbled and sandy beaches scattered along the rugged coastline, each offering peaceful swims and spectacular sunset views. The main town, Pothia, bursts with character—whitewashed houses climb the hills while boats bob in the pastel-colored harbor. Beyond the coast, ancient ruins and friendly mountain villages welcome the curious traveler seeking more than the typical Greek island experience.

What’s special: A climber’s paradise with authentic Greek charm, uncrowded beaches, and a fascinating sponge-diving legacy that makes every visit a step back into history.

🌊 3. Egadi Islands, Italy

Off Sicily’s western coast, the Egadi Islands—Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo—form a tranquil trio of Italian treasures. These islands offer the perfect blend of raw natural beauty and rich history. Explore ancient Roman villas, dive into some of Italy’s clearest waters, or hike coastal cliffs that plunge into the sea. Favignana is the most accessible and known for its butterfly shape and old tuna canneries-turned-museums. Levanzo is quiet and car-free, ideal for laid-back exploration. Marettimo, the wildest of the three, is a hiker’s dream with its dramatic landscapes and hidden sea caves. It’s all the beauty of the Amalfi Coast—minus the tourist hordes.

What’s special: A trio of untouched islands rich in history, rugged hiking, and crystal-clear diving—all with the rustic charm of old-world Italy.

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🌅 4. Šolta Island, Croatia

Just a quick ferry ride from the buzzing streets of Split, Šolta feels like stepping into another, quieter world. At just 19 km long and 5 km wide, this Croatian gem is wonderfully compact—perfect for exploring by scooter, bike, or even on foot. Life here moves at a gentle pace. Think sleepy stone villages, family-run konobas serving grilled octopus, and secluded coves with aquamarine waters. Maslinica Bay, on the island’s west side, offers stunning sunsets and some of the best swimming spots in the Adriatic. Stomorska, the main port, is postcard-pretty and great for people-watching over espresso. With fewer crowds than nearby Hvar or Brač, Šolta is a serene slice of Croatian island life—unhurried, unspoiled, and unforgettable.

What’s special: A short ferry from Split takes you to peaceful Šolta—where olive groves, quiet coves, and charming fishing villages offer a more authentic Croatian island experience.

🏞5. Elba Island, Italy

Just off the coast of Tuscany, Elba is a dazzling blend of Italian elegance, history, and natural splendor. Best known as Napoleon’s place of exile, Elba is much more than its imperial past. Its rugged coastline hides over 70 beaches—some sandy, some pebbled, all stunning. You can hike the granite peaks of Monte Capanne, explore charming harbor towns like Portoferraio, or dive beneath the waves to discover vibrant marine life and even ancient Roman wrecks. The island is a dream for adventurers and romantics alike, offering winding roads, cozy vineyards, and sea-view cafés at every turn. It’s the perfect Italian island that hasn’t lost its soul to crowds.

What’s special: A blend of Tuscan beauty and Napoleonic history with beaches, mountains, and timeless Italian charm all packed into one perfectly preserved island retreat.

🍷 6. Bozcaada, Turkey

Located in the Aegean Sea, Bozcaada is one of Turkey’s best-kept secrets—an island where time slows down and traditions run deep. With whitewashed houses, cobblestone lanes, and bougainvillea in bloom, it’s as picturesque as it is peaceful. Once a Greek island, Bozcaada blends cultures in its architecture, food, and daily rhythms. It’s famed for its 2,000-year-old winemaking tradition—especially the Corvus Winery, where local grapes are turned into liquid poetry. There are few cars, fewer tourists, and a warm, authentic vibe. Walk the medieval castle walls, sip local wine by the sea, and enjoy seafood fresh from the morning catch. No luxury resorts here—just laid-back bliss.

What’s special: An Aegean dream of wine, waves, and whitewashed homes—Bozcaada is Turkey’s hidden cultural jewel with deep history and zero tourist crowds.

🌿 7. Oaxen Island, Sweden

Nestled just south of Stockholm, Oaxen is a quiet Swedish island known for its scenic beauty and world-class cuisine. Covered in birch and elm, it feels like a Nordic fairytale. Oaxen rose to global fame with the restaurant Oaxen Krog, a minimalist culinary haven where local, seasonal ingredients are elevated to art. Think wild salmon, forest herbs, and dishes that echo the landscape. Beyond food, visitors can explore trails, paddle through calm waters, or visit the nearby royal Tullgarn Palace with its English gardens. It’s a serene escape that combines Swedish nature, royal elegance, and serious foodie cred.

What’s special: A peaceful island hideaway with royal flair and one of Scandinavia’s most acclaimed restaurants—Oaxen is where nature and gastronomy meet in harmony.

🌲 8. Hiiumaa Island, Estonia

In the northern reaches of the Baltic, Hiiumaa is Estonia’s second-largest island and a true treasure trove of wild nature and Nordic charm. Known for its lush forests, long empty beaches, and quirky, welcoming locals, Hiiumaa offers a wonderfully low-key escape from modern life. Visit the iconic Kõpu Lighthouse—one of Europe’s oldest—or explore Tahkuna Lighthouse, shipped from Paris in 1874. The island is also home to rare wildlife and thriving plant life, with prime spots for birdwatching and forest hikes. Hiiumaa’s culture is equally rich—picnic at the open-air Mihkli Farm Museum and try a traditional smoked sauna experience for the full Estonian island vibe.

What’s special: A forest-covered island filled with historic lighthouses, wild beaches, and Estonian culture untouched by mass tourism—perfect for tranquil, nature-based escapes.

🚲 9. Åland Islands, Finland

Floating between Sweden and Finland in the heart of the Baltic Sea, the Åland Islands are an archipelago of more than 6,000 islands—and a peaceful paradise for outdoor lovers. With its Swedish-speaking locals, Viking heritage, and charming red granite cliffs, Åland offers a unique cultural twist within Finnish territory. Rent a bike and cycle the quiet roads between islets, stopping for picnics in blooming meadows or along quiet shores. Discover ancient burial sites, windmills, and lighthouses, or kayak through calm, glassy waters under the midnight sun. Best visited in late August when crowds vanish and prices drop, Åland is a masterclass in slow, scenic travel.

What’s special: An archipelago of over 6,000 islands offering cycling adventures, Viking lore, and magical, crowd-free summers bathed in endless golden light.

🌋10. Corvo Island, Azores, Portugal

Tucked away in the vast Atlantic, Corvo is Europe’s most remote and smallest inhabited island—a volcanic speck in the Azores that feels truly untouched by time. With just one village, Vila do Corvo, the island covers a mere 17 square kilometers and is home to fewer than 400 people. Its dramatic volcanic crater, Caldeirão, is a must-see—offering sweeping views and an eerie, otherworldly beauty. Life here is slow, local, and deeply rooted in tradition. There are no traffic lights, no big hotels, and very few tourists. Most visitors explore the island on foot or by bike, breathing in the salty air and silence. If you’re after authentic, off-grid solitude, Corvo is the place to find it.

What’s special: Europe’s most remote inhabited island, with volcanic landscapes, just one village, and a sense of deep, mystical seclusion you won’t find anywhere else.

Your Secret Island Escape Awaits

Whether you're a history lover, foodie, adventurer, or peace-seeker, Europe still holds secret corners where the crowds haven’t reached and the beaches remain quiet. From volcanic cliffs in Portugal to whitewashed charm in Turkey and culinary artistry in Sweden, these underrated islands promise the castaway experience you’ve been craving—without the long-haul flight. So next time you're planning an island escape, skip the obvious and sail toward the extraordinary.