March 4, 2026, 5:00 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Sardinia, Crete, Mallorca–everyone knows these islands, and in some cases, overtourism has already become a problem there, as well as on many other European islands. However, there are also many beautiful but lesser-known islands waiting to be (further) discovered. In our big vote, we are searching for the most beautiful hidden gem island in Europe. Cast your vote!
There is certainly room for debate about which places on Earth can still be called a true “hidden gem.” However, there are definitely those that have significantly fewer visitors compared to “classic” mass tourism destinations. At TRAVELBOOK, we have often introduced islands across Europe whose names and locations are not widely known. From this list, we have selected our favorites and added new ones.
The European islands up for voting are an editorial selection. Additionally, they are all inhabited islands that are relatively easy to reach and where you can spend a vacation, meaning there are accommodations for tourists and a bit of variety, such as culture/sights, cuisine, and/or nature.
A Brief Overview of the Islands Up for Voting
Skopelos, Greece
Island of the Northern Sporades, offering numerous beautiful bays and beaches with white sand and turquoise sea. Numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking are possible, along with sightseeing and culture in Skopelos Town.
São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
Volcanic island with crater lakes, waterfalls, green mountain walls, and hot springs, perfect for hikers. Beautiful old town in Ponta Delgada with restaurants, cafes, bars, and numerous shopping opportunities.
Cres, Croatia
Adriatic island with great bays and beaches, idyllic towns and fishing villages, delicious food, and friendly locals.
La Graciosa, Canary Islands, Spain
Smallest inhabited Canary Island with only a few accommodations, but wide sandy beaches and turquoise waters with a lively underwater world for diving and snorkeling. Fish is among the local specialties.
Elba, Italy
Located in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park in the Tyrrhenian Sea, once Napoleon’s exile, with beautiful beaches, steep cliffs, and a range of attractions.
Ikaria, Greece
Island in the Northern Aegean with wild, romantic landscapes, rugged mountains, hidden beaches, and natural thermal springs. Considered one of the few “Blue Zones” worldwide, where people live particularly long and healthy lives.
Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal
The “little sister” of Madeira, with a huge, 9-kilometer-long sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and old grain mills.
Gozo, Malta
Malta’s lesser-known smaller sister with rocky bays, a blue lagoon, ancient temple sites, vineyards, olive groves, and a cozy fishing village.
Tabarca, Spain
Mediterranean island off Alicante with only a few inhabitants and some small guesthouses. Mainly visited by Spaniards, there are good restaurants and a beautiful beach.
Vote Now for Your Favorite!
Note: You can vote once per device (computer, smartphone, etc.).