White sand beaches and aquamarine waters help make some European islands feel surprisingly tropical. Fruity cocktails with little umbrellas add to the charm. Are these islands tropical by definition? No. However, are these islands tropical in spirit? Absolutely.
Booking.com’s Travel Predictions for 2026* found that 43% of travellers would vacation specifically to feel closer to the natural world. A quarter (25%) would choose “quieter” hobbies on vacation that prioritize patience, reflection and stress relief. For the perfect backdrop to this growing style of exceptionally serene travel, explore 10 surprisingly tropical European islands to consider for a lesser-known beach getaway below.
Rhodes, Greece
Blending the beauty of nature with rich history, Rhodes in Greece is one of the best tropical islands Europe has to discover. If warm summers and mild winters are your thing, Rhodes certainly won’t disappoint. Just off the coast of Turkey, Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands. Here, you’ll be able to saunter from sandy beaches to Medieval City of Rhodes – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rhodes has an array of extremely beaches, similar to those of traditionally known places like The Bahamas and Barbados, perfect for a summer in the sun. If you’re after tranquillity, Tsambika Beach’s velvety sand and outstanding views will suit you just fine. For more of a lively atmosphere, Faliraki Beach is popular for watersports, boasting sandy shores with warm water.
Porquerolles, France
With a population of around 300 people, this quaint island in the Îles d’Hyères, Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France, should make your list of islands in Europe to visit.
If you’re after serenity on your next holiday, the beaches that surround Porquerolles will be your perfect match. Explore the eucalyptus and pine tree-lined Plage Notre Dame, dubbed one of the best beaches on the Riviera.
As Porquerolles is part of Port-Cros National Park in France, it’s useful to know that there are some rules to be aware of on your visit. For example, you can’t visit in a car or pick flowers on the island. Giving the island a unique charm, Porquerolles is the perfect destination for a reset.
Sardinia, Italy
With the perfect, warm atmosphere and relaxing beaches, Sardinia in Italy is an outstanding island to visit in Europe.
The white sand beaches of Sardinia have an undeniably tropical charm. Some standout beaches include La Pelosa, Cala Mariolu and Spiaggia La Cinta, all of which offer stunning views and clear seas.
Gozo, Malta
Despite being the second-largest island on the Maltese archipelago, travellers tend to bypass Gozo in favour of its bigger neighbour. Be assured though, Gozo deserves just as much press. With mesmerising sunsets and unique architecture, make sure to add this to your list of tropical islands to visit in Europe.
For architectural and cultural must-sees, the Mysterium Fidei Monastery & Secret Garden in Valletta, Casa Rocca Piccola palace & museum, Ħaġar Qim Temples, the Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens, and the Blue Grotto, and more, will knock the socks off of even the most travelled culture lover.
For the water baby visitors, the Malta: Gozo, Comino, Blue lagoon Tour with Cave Tripsprovides life jackets and snorkelling equipment, plus has a sea water slide, sundeck, and more – a perfect combination of relaxation and exploration.
Madeira, Portugal
The variety of terrain and landscape on Madeira makes it possible to fit multiple holidays into one trip. You could undertake strenuous mountain climbing one day and lounge on the beach the next. You’ll find it especially difficult to tear yourself away from the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula due to its cliffs, rock formations and expansive views.
Most of the sandy bays here are only accessible via kayak but it’s worth the journey if you want to go marine diving or to spend a few hours sunbathing in near complete seclusion.
At 32° north latitude, Madeira is also an excellent destination for stargazing. Fans of the astros report that The Milky Way is high in the summer sky, when dark nights last about nine hours (eleven hours in winter). According to Booking.com’s Travel Predictions for 2025**, almost two thirds (62%) of travellers consider visiting darker sky destinations for starbathing experiences (72%), star guides (59%), once in a lifetime cosmic events (59%), and constellation tracking (57%), like the constellation of Scorpio, which has been reportedly visible in full in Madeira.
Elba, Italy
If you love having a choice of beaches, Elba should most definitely be included on your list of tropical European islands to visit.
With over 100 sandy shores to choose from and clear blue skies, the tranquil scenes are something straight from a magazine. Spiaggia di Forno is particularly popular, with plenty of opportunities for diving. Stay at Hotel Danila, Booking.com Genius property, just steps from three of the most beautiful beaches on Elba Island, with a large garden and panoramic terrace.
Ksamil Islands, Albania
Close to the Albanian town of Ksamil in the Ionian Sea, the Islands of Ksamil can only be reached by boat and make for a scenic day trip. Some of the islands are connected by a raised sandbank and all of them are surrounded by flowing forests of seagrass. Meanwhile on land, evergreen forests can be found above clear, aquamarine waters, offering shade from the midday heat.
Mljet, Croatia
The greenest of Croatia’s islands, Mljet is a sensory delight. Dark green Mediterranean woodland is dotted with sun-baked olive orchards and vineyards. Only a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, you’ll discover the Benedictine Monastery of Saint Mary, perched atop the islet at Big Lake.
Visitors can rent a car and drive around the whole of Mljet as the island is just 37 km long and has a single main road without any traffic lights.
La Graciosa, Canary Islands
One of the best tropical islands to visit for a secluded break is La Graciosa. Saunter through the streets of whitewashed houses in Caleta del Sebo before visiting the north of the island to see some volcanoes. For more of an ultra-relaxed break, the beaches of Playa de las Conchas boast light sands and a warm sea that will lull you into blissful tranquillity.
La Graciosa also has a renowned food scene. Having the freshest seafood, you’ll be able to eat delicious dishes such as grilled octopus, seafood stews and locally caught fish.
The Isles of Scilly, UK
You wouldn’t typically think of tropical and UK in the same sentence. However, the Isles of Scilly are an unexpected exception. As the southernmost part of the UK, the Isles of Scilly are warmer than the rest of the country, making for an arguably tropical atmosphere. Here, you’ll find clear, vibrant waters, white sand and secluded spots. Perfect for a unique and tranquil off-the-beaten-path tropical escape.
Methodology
*Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,009 from Argentina, 1,005 from Australia, 500 from Austria, 1,013 from Belgium, 1,008 from Brazil, 1,018 from Canada, 1,009 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,010 from France, 1,003 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,007 from India, 509 from Ireland, 507 from Israel, 1,005 from Italy, 1,003 from Japan, 1,003 from Mexico, 1,019 from The Netherlands, 1,033 from New Zealand, 1,006 from Portugal, 500 from Singapore, 1,003 from South Korea, 1,009 from Spain, 511 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1,001 from Thailand, 501 from the UAE, 2,003 from the UK, 2,010 from the US and 505 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2025.
**Travel Predictions 2025 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,713 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,016 from Argentina, 1,002 from Australia, 502 from Austria, 1,003 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1,006 from Canada, 1,007 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 501 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,011 from France, 1,009 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,002 from India, 506 from Ireland, 501 from Israel, 1,014 from Italy, 1008 from Japan, 1,013 from Mexico, 1011 from The Netherlands, 1003 from New Zealand, 504 from Portugal, 508 from Singapore, 1004 from South Korea, 1,008 from Spain, 509 from Sweden, 500 from Switzerland, 507 from Taiwan, 1,009 from Thailand, 503 from the UAE, 1,012 from the UK, 1,006 from the US and 1,016 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2024.
