Skiathos is considered top of Lonely Planet’s list of the 12 best islands in Europe for special holidays this year.
In particular, the Greek island that belongs to the Sporades complex is in second place, ahead of Sardinia, Corsica and Minorca, among others.
According to the publication, Skiathos, the birthplace of the great writer Alexandros Papadiamantis and a key location during Greece’s war of independence, has a rich history and unique beauties.
“The small and laid-back capital, Skiathos Town, reveals a patchwork of whitewashed streets and traditional island architecture, while ancient monasteries lie hidden in the quiet mountains and the incredibly beautiful coastline unfolds into a series of gorgeous beaches covered in olive groves,” says Lonely Planet. And it urges travellers to escape to the rugged north coast, whose craggy hills end in secluded coves with silver pebbles, where family-run tavernas have been serving feta salads, crispy potatoes and platters of exquisite fresh seafood for years.
“One of the best features of Europe is the amazing diversity of its landscapes – and this extends to its beautiful islands. Whether you want to admire whitewashed houses clinging to rocky slopes or watch the Northern Lights light up the sky from a snow-covered island, Europe has the perfect spot. We’ve rounded up some unique and beautiful islands across the continent from Lonely Planet’s The Islands Book. Here are 12 of the best,” says the popular travel guide.
The 12 best islands in Europe in 2024
1. Korcula, Croatia
2. Skiathos
3. Sardinia, Italy
4. Corsica, France
5. Minorca, Spain
6. Saaremaa, Estonia
7. Lofoten Islands, Norway
8. Gotland, Sweden
9. Texel, Netherlands
10. the Isles of Scilly, England
11. Isle of Skye, Scotland
12. Inishmore, Ireland
