Top 10 island destinations

The European islands are very popular during the holiday season. Aside from providing magnificent landscapes, the sun, sea and sand make for the perfect vacation experience.

Here are the current most popular European islands:

Majorca

Majorca is part of the Balearic Islands archipelago and is the most popular European island. The island has a notorious nightlife and numerous clubs and bars, particularly in the town centre of Playa de Palma and El Arenal. Majorca is well known for its turquoise blue bays, pristine sandy beaches, antique ruins and historical buildings, such as the Cathedral La Seu and the Palacio Real de la Almudaina in Palma. In order to capture the essence of Majorca, travellers should venture into the island. Idyllic villages, local markets and the traditional Majorcan way of life await tourists.

Gran Canaria

The Spanish island of Gran Canaria is also called a mini continent due to its many different climates. It lies 125 miles off the coast of West Africa. In the south of the island the climate is tropical and dry; in the north it is subtropical and dry. The 2,000 metre high mountain Pozo de las Nieves in the centre of Gran Canaria attracts hikers from around the world. One of the main attractions on the island is the dune beach, located near Maspalomas, a town in the south of the island. Culture lovers should visit the capital Las Palmas in the north of Gran Canaria which has magnificent buildings, such as the Cathedral Santa Ana. Another highlight is the old fortress Castillo de la Luz that is currently used as a museum.

Rhodes

The island Rhodes belongs to the Dodecanese islands and has everything that constitutes an idyllic island. In order to enjoy a relaxing beach vacation, travellers should visit the wind protected bays in Kallithea. Rhodes also offers beach culture and an underwater world which is very popular among scuba divers. Another main attraction of the island is Petaloudes: A well known protected area that is visited every summer by countless butterflies and is known as the valley of the butterflies. Rhodes City also deserves a visit: The Master Palace and the Avenue of the Knights in the medieval part of the city are impressive remnants from the middle ages.

Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands. Visitors of this island will discover a diverse landscape: Some of Tenerife’s most remarkable attractions are cliffs overgrown with flowers and pine forests. From Pico del Teide, the highest mountain in Spain which towers over the island at 3718 metres, travellers can view the islands volcanic craters. Tenerife is also known for its rich bird life that visitors can view in the bird park “Loro Parque”.

Ibiza

The Balearic Island Ibiza is a renowned destination for young travellers and is considered a worldwide hotspot in the clubbing scene. In nightclubs such as Pacha, Space or Amnesia, famous DJs and jetsetters live it up during the summer months. Ibiza also hosts the largest nightclub in the world: Privilege, which can accommodate up to 10,000 party people. In addition to the party scene, Ibiza has much more to offer. In the historical old part of Ibiza town, travellers can get lost in the small streets. At the Es Vedrà, which lies across from Cala d‘Hort, one can enjoy spectacular sunsets. The legendary rock rises 382 metres out of the water.

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is known for its strong winds and is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Whether a sailor, surfer or windsurfer, water lovers will find everything that their heart desires. The volcanic island is less than 70 miles from the Moroccan coast and boasts immaculate white beaches as well as black volcanic beaches. The touristic hotspot is Costa Calma in the south of the island; from here travellers can take beach walks along the 20 mile long peninsula.

Corfu

Corfu is one of the most popular Greek islands, and was recognised as a paradise by the poet Homer. Due to its extensive vegetation it is also called „the green island“. The southern part of the island is defined by olive trees, which can grow up to 20 metres tall. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island can be found by Korissia Lake, the largest lake in northwest Corfu. A special gem is the capital Corfu Town, whose architecture is based on the former Venetian rule. In the Paleokastritsa area idyllic bays attract many visitors, as well as the monastery Moni Paleokastritsa, which is situated on a rock.

Lanzarote

At first glance Lanzarote has a sparse landscape that has been shaped over time by volcanic eruptions. Visitors who look more carefully find amazing attractions. In the Timanfaya National Park travellers can experience the volcanic origins of the island, for example the grill in the El Diablo restaurant located in the national park, where food is heated over a volcanic vent. Lanzarote is the second largest of the Canary Islands was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1994.

Menorca

Menorca is the second largest Balearic Island. Aside from the usual amenities for sunbathers the island also offers different terrains for budding archaeologists: The cave systems, ancient ruins and the numerous excavation spots are ideal destinations for excursions. The pretty fishing port Fornells in the north of island is worth visiting just for a meal in a traditional fish restaurant. The highest point of the island is Mount Toro at 357 metres, where a pilgrimage church awaits the tourist. Here travellers get a fantastic view over the whole of Menorca.

Santorini

The Greek island of Santorini is the result of volcanic eruptions, which formed its spectacular landscape. Typical of Santorini are the white houses with blue domes built into the steep cliffs. Some of the most spectacular sites are the sleeping volcano and the excavated ruins of Old-Thera, where visitors can experience ancient Greek history. Holiday makers can walk along narrow paths through the former volcanic craters and enjoy a view of the Cycladic villages. Due to its romantic backdrop, Santorini is a popular destination for couples.

The ranking is based on the most researched European islands on trivago throughout May 2009.

For more information and holiday bookings, visit trivago.co.uk.