Small & Beautiful: Four of the most beautiful islands in Europe
From recharging your batteries in Italy to savoir-vivre in France!
25 June 2021
If you can do without the ultimate luxury for a few moments, these islands will provide you with spectacular beaches and breathtaking nature off the beaten tracks.
1. Lipari Islands, Italy
Travellers who avoid big crowds will find their happiness here: the Lipari Islands, also known as the Aeolian Islands, have been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2000. This is due to the breathtaking landscapes shaped by many volcanoes and the population: they developed an awareness of the value of an intact environment early on. But also jetsetters find their happiness here - the island of Panarea is currently the place to be.
The best hotels and restaurants
To enjoy the island dream for longer, here are two stunning hotels you must see!
Therasia Resort Sea & Spa
Isola di Vulcano, 98050 Vulcanello ME, Italy
Tel: +39 090 9852555
therasiaresort.it
Spectacular view thanks to the best location on the island of Vulcano.
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Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia
Via Faro, 3 - 98050 - Salina Isole Eolie (ME)
tel. +39 090 98 44 330
capofaro.it
Located on Salina, it belongs to the Relais & Châteaux group.
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Antonio Il Macellaio
via san pietro, 20, 98050 Panarea ME, Italy
Tel: +39 090 983258
facebook.com/AntonioilMacellaio/
Unusual concept on Panarea: a steakhouse with an exceptional wine list.
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Trattoria del Vicolo
Vico Ulisse, 15, 98055 Lipari ME, Italy
Tel: +39 0909811066
trattoriadelvicolo.info
Authentic cuisine in Lipari.
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2. Porquerolles, France
A little away from the jet-set hustle and bustle around Saint-Tropez, located at the southernmost tip of Provence, the town of Hyères not only offers exciting culture but also scores with an archipelago that is second to none: Porquerolles, the largest of the three islands, is a real natural gem that attracts day-trippers to its crystal-clear beaches. However, these can only be reached on foot or by bike. Conclusion: take time for discoveries!
The best hotels and restaurants
Experience the French way of life up close!
Le Mas du Langoustier
2588 Chemin du Langoustier, 83400 Ile de Porquerolles, France
langoustier.com
A little worn yet charming and très authentic - directly on Porquerolles.
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Hotel & Spa du Castellet
3001 Route des Hauts du Camp, 83330 Le Castellet, France
Tel: +33 4 94 98 37 77
hotelducastellet.net
Located in the backcountry; luxurious seclusion makes up for travel hassles.
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Le Marais
1366 Boulevard de la Marine, 83400 Hyères, France
Tel: +33 09 54 12 72 09
lemaraisplage.fr
Contemporary beach bar with great flair, located at the marina of Hyères.
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Le Pradeau Plage
1420 Avenue des Arbanais, 83400 Hyères, France
Tel: +33 04 94 58 29 06
pradeauplage.com
Beach location: With a view of Porquerolles, you can dine on rustic fresh fish here.
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3. vis, Croatia
Charming because it's authentic and an insider's tip: the island furthest away from the Dalmatian mainland is just as popular with aristocratic free spirits as it is with globetrotters and artists. The former have settled here in the summer months and indulge in the dolce vita in the few restaurants. Those who really want to enjoy the island rent one of the many baroque villas.
The best hotels and restaurants
Croatia has some hidden addresses that are real highlights.
Hotel San Giorgio
Petra Hektorovića 2, Vis, Croatia
Tel: +38521607630
hotelsangiorgiovis.com
Located in the historic district of Kuta, this small boutique hotel convinces with a lot of charm.
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Vis Villas
Hrvatskih mučenika 2, 21 485 Komiža
Tel: +385 (0)21 717 239
visvilla.com
If you want to live in style, you will find it here.
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Konoba Golub
Podselje 12, 21480, Vis, Croatia
Tel: +385 98 965 0327
facebook.com/konoba.golub
Located in the heartland, with surprising compositions.
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Fort George
Utvrda Sv. Juraj bb, 21480, Vis, Croatia
fortgeorgecroatia.com
Magical place with culinary delights and service to match.
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4. tabarca, spain
More than just a small island: Tabarca is the only inhabited island in the autonomous province of Valencia, located eleven nautical miles off the coast and by definition an archipelago, and a very unusual one at that: the area has been declared a marine protected area because of its excellent water quality and the biodiversity of the flora and fauna. Snorkel and Co should be packed if you fo there. The best time to visit is away from the high season and the usual tourist crowds.
The best hotels and restaurants
Here you will experience Spanish flair in a class of its own!
Cala Tabarca Bed & Breakfast
Calle Soledad-tabarca, 12, 03138 Tabarca, Alicante, Spain
Tel: +34 665 26 09 73
calatabarca.com
Rudimentary, but quaint and with a lot of flair; located directly at the water.
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Hotel Hospes Amérigo
Calle Rafael Altamira, 7, 03002 Alicante, Spain
Tel: (+34) 914 363 478
hospes.com.
For day-trippers coming from Alicante. Great panoramic view!
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La Finca
Camí de Perleta, 1, 7, 03295 Elx, Alicante, Spain
Tel: +34965456007
lafinca.es
Excellent quality, created with finesse - top tip in Alicante.
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El Portal
Calle Bilbao, 2, 03001 Alicante, Spain
Tel: +34 965 14 44 44
elportaltaberna.es
Tapas bar that also packs its delicacies for an island trip.
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Credit: mauritius images, Yusef Habib / Unsplash, Getty Images
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Summer 2021.
