Europe's Top 5 Holiday Islands

[Velimira Velikova]

Europe’s most popular holiday islands draw major tourist crowds to its well-known charms, but with a bit of insider info, you can hit these islands and have an entire-beach-to-yourself getaway.

Island 1: Ibiza

About half the island, and especially the still fairly untrampled northeast areas are covered by thick forests, almond and fig groves.

Island 2: Mallorca

High-rise tourist development is something you don’t see so much in the medieval centre of Palma, whose old quarter oozes history in its twisting lanes, Gothic churches and baroque palaces.

Island 3: Lanzarote

Unesco declared the entire island a biosphere reserve in 1993, meaning any development is balanced against the need to preserve the island’s heritage and environment.

Island 4: Rhodes

If you’re not taken in by its World Heritage listed Old Town with its labyrinthine streets and medieval fortifications, you will be by its deserted beaches, snaking mountain roads and wild interior.

Island 5: Cyprus

Floating on the waters of the European Mediterranean, but pointing towards the shores of Syria, Turkey and Lebanon, Cyprus is a beguiling cultural blend.