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8 best ideas for European islands and peninsulas, or how to spend your vacation in the middle of the ocean
Islands have probably always been a subject of interest – they were usually associated with mystery, exposed fear of the unknown, were a symbol of an idyllic land or a piece of land where scenes straight from the worst horror film were played out. Let's just look: Odysseus on his way to Ithaca visits the island of the Sirens – with their wonderful singing they encourage the man to stay with him forever; the participants of the Polsat production seduce each other Love Island, although rather less sophisticated than the ancient half-women of the Homeric hero; Prospero in Shakespeare's storm he builds his own magical world on the island and the magical world becomes the deserted land that the heroes of the cult series end up on Lost; Robinson Crusoe wants to create an idyllic order in an uninhabited area, and the deconstruction of any order takes place on a piece of land in Lord of the Flies. Examples can be multiplied endlessly, but let's get to the point: islands and peninsulas are worlds where things can happen that are independent of the continental order. Microcosms can and do arise here, often belonging to states, but not necessarily identical to states. A different culture, a different dialect, different architecture and a different climate are just a part of the island's diversity. Islands are often separate countries today - excellent examples in our European backyard are, for example, Iceland or Malta. So is it still possible to visit islands and feel completely different there than when traveling through continental countries? Do small pieces of land still have an unknown quality to offer visitors? What do island luxuries look like and what attractions do the inhabitants provide for tourists? When to go and how to see more than one European island or peninsula during your vacation? The answers below.
Istria and Korcula – Adriatic Chillout
Peninsula Istria It has enjoyed unwavering popularity for a good few seasons, but it is no wonder – everyone who comes here for the first time wants to come back every year (perhaps that is why the number of tourists is growing, after all, new ones come, old ones come back and the holiday procession is getting bigger and bigger). The large number of visitors on the area of 3,5 thousand km² is not a huge obstacle in this case, because the tourist infrastructure is very well developed and everyone feels welcomed by the warm inhabitants. Charming beaches with the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, small romantic towns with their Mediterranean atmosphere (such as Porec and Novigrad and the smallest town in the world, Hum) ancient and Renaissance buildings in the town of Umag, underground caves, waterfalls, the Lim Channel and much more await holidaymakers. Do you like to spend your time actively? You certainly won't be disappointed: the peninsula can be explored on a bike that can be rented on site, and the coast can be wonderfully explored from the water – on a kayak, SUP board or during a cruise on a luxury boat.
If you are looking for a truly Croatian atmosphere combined with a relaxed holiday atmosphere, we recommend the island Korcula. The capital of the Dalmatian island (also Korcula) is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean. You can wander for hours through its narrow streets, discovering more and more beautiful nooks and interesting places (such as the home of the famous traveler Marco Polo). The best way to end the day is in one of the pubs on the seafront, slowly enjoying delicious food and excellent Dalmatian wine, and soaking up the unforgettable view of day turning into the darkness of night. If during luxury holidays in Croatia you are looking for a rest in the bosom of nature rather than in the hustle and bustle of the city – or you want to find a balance between nature and culture – Korcula will be ideal. Here you will find, among other things, sandy beaches in small bays, centuries-old vineyards, fig trees and cypress trees. The island is a good holiday destination for those who like to relax in luxury conditions in the summer – there is no shortage of exclusive resorts and a fantastic hotel base. Both Korcula and Istria are best visited in the summer months from June to September (the warmest then) or in spring and early autumn, when the air temperature is best for active sightseeing Croatia.
Holidays in Croatia are breathtaking landscapes, elegant hotels, fascinating culture and wonderful landscapes, as well as intoxicating wine of the southern Dalmatian coast. During the trip, you will not only see the most important cities of the region - Split, famous for its elegance, and Dubrovnik, bristling with towers - but also relax on the island of Hvar, considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The country of Nikola Tesla and Marco Polo awaits you, permeated with the aroma of lavender, citrus fruits and... rakia!
Corsica – the island of beauty
Some say that God created Corsica on the seventh day of the week, when he had had enough of inventing a new order and simply combined all the landscape wonders of the world on a piece of land – on the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, visitors can feast their eyes on azure blue waters, high mountain ranges, granite sculptures in shades of orange and pink, and lush green vegetation. However, despite all this, Corsica seems underestimated: for example, Sardinia and Sicily are more popular in the Mediterranean. Unjustly so, because the French island certainly has no shortage of attractions. For example, you can spend hours hiking along mountain trails, sunbathe on one of two hundred rocky or sandy beaches, visit Napoleon's house - the famous Frenchman was born in the Corsican town of Ajaccio - or visit a vineyard and enjoy an exquisite drink with a unique aroma and exceptional depth. As is common knowledge, wine should be matched to meals, and there is no shortage of excellent dishes on the island. We especially recommend the aziminu fish soup, omelette with mint and brocciu, or fig jam with the addition of nuts. When to go to the island? It is best to plan a trip to Corsica in the summer months (from May to September), but April, October and November are also warm, although you should expect more rainfall. Corsica offers attractions for everyone without exception, both for those who spend their holidays in tents and for those who prefer to relax in luxury, top-class hotels.
Greece – mythical lands
Their small areas were the backdrop for mythological events – Theseus set off to Crete to defeat the Minotaur, Mykonos was the battlefield of Zeus and the Titans, and Naxos Ariadne was abandoned. It is no wonder that the Greek islands have aroused interest among Europeans for centuries and have long been one of the most popular holiday destinations. Each island has its own unique character, although they all belong to one country - the island area is as much as one fifth of the entire country! Tourists, depending on their expectations, luxury holiday in Greece they choose quieter or more party-oriented islands, with gentle slopes or jagged cliffs, with wild nature or urban bustle. It also happens that small lands can be noisy and quiet at the same time, inhabited and completely uninhabited, unpolished and developed. Here everyone will rest in the best way for themselves.
We particularly liked several islands: Paros, Naxos, Milos, Korfu, Crete, Mykonos and Santorini. Why these? A trip to Paros is the Cycladic atmosphere of small towns with narrow streets, whitewashed walls of houses and small charming pubs. The island is less visited by tourists than others, so it is easy to find a quiet piece of coast here without the crowds of noisy vacationers. Naxos, the largest of the islands you can visit during Cyclades Island Hopping, is famous for its diverse nature – lovers of relaxation in the midst of nature will certainly not be disappointed. In addition to relaxing on wide sandy beaches, visitors can walk among olive groves, fertile valleys and vineyards, tasting local lemon liqueur or wine produced from local grapes – Naxos is considered the capital of the Dionysian drink. Milos is the most colourful island in Greece not only because of its colourful nature (white rocks falling into azure water, red cliffs and volcanic dark soils), but above all thanks to cheerful port towns and fishing towns with houses in shades that the Pantone sample book would not be ashamed of. Exclusive holidays in Corfu We especially recommend it to those who want to try different forms of island activities – there is no shortage of blue waters and sandy shores flowing into them, but also jagged cliffs and lush nature. Water sports enthusiasts will be pleased with the conditions here, and lovers of city rest during the day will relax with a coffee in one of the local pubs, and in the evening they will taste the island's nightlife. Crete, although known mainly for its historical past, has much more to offer – we recommend the largest island of Greece to everyone without exception, because everyone will find something for themselves here. Suffice it to say about the Minoan palaces, Byzantine churches, wonderful beaches, caves and gorges, but also about parties until the morning, cheerful inhabitants and the island atmosphere. And besides, see for yourself how intriguing it can be luxury trip to Crete! Mykonos is known for its exclusive hotels, fun until dawn, a fantastic base of luxury goods and great restaurants. The island should also be visited by sailing enthusiasts - the sight of yachts and sailboats moored on the coast is not surprising to anyone here. The last island we recommend - Santorini - is associated by some with the mythical Atlantis, maybe because it is fabulously beautiful. Postcard sceneries (where the blue waters perfectly match the whitewashed walls of houses, and the sunsets emphasize the red of the rocks) make Santorini one of the most popular islands among those looking for exclusive holidays in Greece.
When to go to luxury greek vacation? Best from May to October, when the beach conditions are the best, the water is pleasant, and rainfall is not very frequent. Greece is interesting regardless of the season – visitors fall in love with its landscapes, appreciate the charm of its fishing towns, and taste its wonderful food. Above all, however, they lean over its raw beauty, which contains both the madness of Medea and the heroism of Antigone.
White houses, azure waters, postcard-worthy, golden and black beaches, sun shining all year round, tiny, charming churches – go on a unique holiday to Greece and discover the charming Cyclades islands – Milos, Paros and Naxos! In Milos, look for traces of Venus and catch the wind in your sail on a windsurf board, in Paros visit Naoussa, one of the most beautiful Cycladic villages, and finally admire the fairy-tale landscapes of green, undiscovered Naxos. Blissful relaxation awaits you in luxury hotels, boasting exquisite cuisine, typically Greek architecture that delights the eyes, tasteful interiors and a wonderful, island atmosphere. We invite you to an unforgettable trip to Greece!
Greenland and Iceland – snowy wastelands
Greenland is the largest island in the world and at the same time one of the least populated. Living conditions are indeed difficult – the average air temperature in summer does not exceed 10°C, and the further north you go, the colder it gets. Violent and strong winds, night cooling, snowfalls and, on the coast, rain are common phenomena. But that is why you go to a trip to Greenland – to experience real winter, stand on the edge of a glacier, look at vast expanses covered in white snow and consequently appreciate the power of nature, which is overwhelming and fascinating at the same time. What activities should you choose to fully enjoy the land of eternal winter? We propose a traditional dog sled ride (the island's inhabitants have been successfully using this means of transport for centuries), watching the aurora borealis (this one appears in Greenland from October to February), an expedition to whale watching (preferably in summer), a visit to the island's capital and learning about the Inuit culture (which differs significantly from European customs, although the island is politically located in Europe).
When it comes to Europe, it is worth mentioning that expedition to Greenland it's good to combine with a trip to Iceland. The best way to explore the island is by renting a car, which guarantees independence: you plan your own route and stop wherever you want and for as long as you want. And you will certainly stop often, because the natural wealth on such a small piece of land is incredible. For example, there is the largest European glacier - Vatnajökull - similar in size to Cyprus, a huge natural spa created from seawater naturally heated inside the earth, or the so-called The Golden Circle, which is made up of Thingvellir National Park, three geysers and the Gullfoss waterfall. You can also bathe in the hot springs – the ones on the island are used to produce electricity, and in winter they are even used to heat pavements in the cities.
What do Icelanders eat?? The basis of the island diet is dried, salted or smoked products, i.e. those that survive the frosty winter. The national dish is hakarl – fermented shark meat first buried in the ground and then dried for a long time. A popular snack is dried fish, bitafiskur, which is said to be the Icelandic substitute for chips. Skyr, a very thick yogurt with a slightly sour taste, known in Europe, is also popular. However, the most recognizable Icelandic dish is svio – boiled sheep's head served with mashed potatoes and turnip. The appearance of the dish may evoke similar feelings as the landscape of Iceland – it is both repulsive and fascinating.
Ibiza and Mallorca - Hippie House
Let us now move from the frosty lands to completely different lands – the sunny one. Majorca and party Ibiza. Both islands belong to the Spanish Balearic archipelago and have enjoyed unflagging popularity among Europeans for years. Luxury holidays in Ibiza are more likely to be chosen by holidaymakers who associate a successful summer with endless fun, both under the roof of one of the many clubs and under the roof of the sunny sky among the seaside nature. The climate of the island was appreciated only in the 60s by hippies, who found their home here. Although today the Flower Children movement operates mainly in tourist stalls (you can still buy characteristic hippie-style decorations and colorful patchwork clothes), the island has undoubtedly inherited the hippie spirit - visitors claim that the carefree atmosphere not only does not disappear, but constantly dominates the island. The party character of Ibiza does not disappear either, although instead of Janis Joplin, sounds mixed by the best DJs in the world can be heard in the club speakers. But do people come to Ibiza only to party until the morning? Sure, lovers of crazy fun from dusk till dawn will certainly not be disappointed, but Ibiza offers much more. Narrow streets of small towns, Renaissance defensive walls, the historic district of Dalt Vila, listed on the UNESCO list – these are just some of the attractions awaiting visitors to the capital. The nature on the island can also surprise: just go to the Can Marca caves, where stalactites and stalagmites illuminated with colors await tourists. Those looking for luxury on vacation will not be disappointed with the island – it is not difficult to find it on Ibiza. exclusive hotels and premium services.
If you like to spend your vacation in a more peaceful way and the most important thing for you during your vacation is contact with nature, we invite you to luxury holiday in Majorca. The largest island of the Balearic Islands is appreciated by travelers primarily for its kilometres of beaches stretching along the coast, the diversity of landscapes, the favourable weather and the charm of small island towns. Majorca is ideal for fans of active leisure – those interested will easily find diving clubs, kitesurfing and windsurfing schools and beaches suitable for snorkelling. On land, you can rent a bike and travel along routes full of unforgettable views and play a round of golf or mini golf. A good idea might be to combine Ibiza with Majorca, which is a great balance between crazy fun and balanced relaxation.
What do you eat in the Balearic Islands? Island cuisine is simple, dishes usually consist of a few fresh ingredients, and it is not difficult to find culinary similarities to Spanish dishes. Tapas, small appetizers usually served before the main course or with drinks, are therefore popular. Main meals are usually made of pork or lamb, fish and seafood, as well as vegetables and olive oil. Cheese, bread and traditional cold cuts, called sobrasada, are popular. When to visit the Spanish islands? The best time to visit is from May to October, when there is the most sun and the weather allows you to fully enjoy the charms of summer.
Mallorca is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean! Its spectacular coastline, lyrical landscapes, orange and olive groves, charming towns and a cheeky artistic flair have made the island destined for world fame. Our Mallorca holiday offer includes a stay in romantic Valldemossa, exploring the Orange Valley and the west coast of the island and relaxing in high-class hotels, away from the most popular tourist routes.
Malta and Gozo – sand towns
After Ibiza and Mallorca – quite popular island destinations – let's go to Malta, which is rapidly gaining popularity. This small country consists of several islands, but only three of them are inhabited: Malta, Gozo and small Comino (only three people supposedly live on the latter). The largest island – Malta – can be traveled by car in an hour. Its small size does not make it less attractive. In the capital city itself, Valletta, there are as many as 300 monuments. So there is plenty to choose from, but walking the narrow streets among the baroque buildings made of white sandstone is no small pleasure. Also worthy of note is the medieval town of Mdina, which is called the Silent City. Although it was the former capital, today the town is inhabited by only 250 Maltese and only they and public services can move around the city streets by car. There are plenty of traces of old times here, so it is impossible to mention all of them - after all, people settled in the area of today's Malta as early as 5800 years ago, as evidenced by, for example, the remains of the oldest stone buildings in the world. Once you have enjoyed the city's entertainment, take care of the natural attractions. On the island, there are, for example, the Dingi Cliffs, which are considered the highest in southern Europe. The view of the sea from such a height is unforgettable. From the sea, it is best to see the Blue Grotto: you get on a small boat and sail with the helmsman to the rocks. The colors of the rocks are reflected in the water, and the water paints the rocks with a blue shadow and the impression is a bit like from another world. And yet this is still Malta.
A trip to Malta You can also add a visit to a slightly smaller island – Gozo. It is easy to get there by ferry, which departs from the port of Cirkewwa. It is a good idea to rent a bike on site and use it to explore the small mainland. Gozo is considered a quieter island than Malta, so it may appeal especially to those who love relaxation without the hustle and bustle and crowds, but surrounded by beautiful landscapes, small towns and less crowded beaches. For fans of luxury without tackiness, we recommend an exclusive hotel on Gozo – belonging to the renowned Kempinski chain San Lawrence. There are a number of facilities and several very good restaurants on the premises. However, there is no shortage of restaurants in the island state, and you can order dishes from all over the world. However, we encourage you to try the local dishes, which are a mix of Italian, Arabic and even British influences. You can successfully eat pizza and pasta here, but the proximity of the ocean also guarantees fresh seafood and fish. Soups are popular, such as widow's soup made of vegetables and served with a piece of goat's cheese. Malta's Cuisine it is as diverse as the country's panorama, and its taste is as surprising as the view of the small island towns.
Madeira and the Azores – islands for active people
(We will start with Madeira for one simple reason – Cristiano Ronaldo was born there.) We will start with Madeira for one simple reason – the island is closer to the continent Portugal than the Azores. They say it's the Land of Eternal Spring, and it's hard to disagree: the landscapes are full of green hills, the black fertile lands contrast with the intensely blue sea, and the sun doesn't seem to set. Although it does set, there are also some rains, which is why travel to Madeira It is best not to plan in March, February and October – then the island spring turns into a muddy autumn. What to do during luxury holiday in Madeira? First, walk. There are many trails on the island leading between laurel forests, cliffs and levadas, i.e. the old network of irrigation channels. We also recommend trips to viewpoints, e.g. Cabo Girao or Ponta do Pargo. The landscapes you find there will stay in your memory for a long time. But let's get back to the list: second, enjoy the atmosphere of the island cities, e.g. charming Funchal, the capital of the island. It is said to be a small Lisbon, so there is no shortage of attractions, e.g. a pretty old town, city market, Ronaldo museum, marinas adjacent to the center and something for the body and soul - a visit to Blandy's winery combined with a tasting. Third, sunbathe. There is no typical coast here with white sand and palm trees, but rather dark earth falling into the azure sea and jagged cliffs covered with semi-wild nature. There are also natural rock pools with sea water and the atmosphere of a Gothic novel, in which nature cannot be tamed, but attracts with its power. The whole of Madeira, by the way, probably has two faces: one holiday and pleasant, the other mysterious and not fully understood.
Majestic cliffs and evergreen laurel, meandering streams on mountain slopes and rock caves - Madeira, the island of eternal spring is a true pearl in the Atlantic and the perfect place for an unconventional holiday in Portugal! For centuries, the greatest of this world have rested here, and today exclusive hotels amidst stunning gardens await those eager for respite. A romantic weekend in Lisbon and endless walks among the unique, neoclassical architecture will be a perfect complement to relaxation in Madeira.
And what to expect during exclusive trip to the Azores? In 2007, National Geographic named the islands one of the most attractive tourist regions in the world. Why? Perhaps because the archipelago is an extraordinary oasis of vegetation in the middle of the ocean and, thanks to its mild climate, the intense greenery of nature pleases the eyes all year round. Tourists can admire flowers growing in their natural environment that we grow at home, such as azaleas and hydrangeas. The Azores are also the only place in Europe where tea plantations can be found. Those who enjoy bathing can enjoy it not only on the coast, but also in the interior of the island. Sao Miguel – in the naturally occurring hot springs. Those who enjoy a café break should visit the world's most famous sailing pub, Peter Cafe Sport on the island Faial. Besides, there is no shortage of interesting pubs here, and in them interesting island food. They say that Azorean cuisine resembles continental Portuguese, only more seasoned – and that is a good thing, because Portuguese cuisine can be bland and does not delight the taste buds. During holidays in the Azores of course, you must try the seafood, including the unusual ones, such as scorpionfish and sea snails. The archipelago is famous for its good quality beef, so it is not difficult to find a delicious burger or steak in the restaurants. The locally produced cheeses are perfect for local wine, and if you prefer sweet alcohols, order a fruit liqueur. Madeira and the Azores are a way for everyone to have an exclusive vacation, after all, here luxury is not only manifested in fantastic hotels, but also in nature, which is experienced in a unique way.
Capri, Sardinia and Sicily – not just the mafia
When we think "Sicilia”, images of gangster families, the rule of the Camorra and the moral code of the Corleone family often appear in our heads. It is not without reason that the Italian island is associated with the mafia – after all, this is where the Italian crime syndicate had its beginnings, the greatest activity of which dates back to the 19th century and which quickly became a model for other countries (see the American La Cosa Nostra). There is no clear answer to the question of where the idea of organized crime in Sicily came from, but there is no doubt that its emergence is connected with the resistance movement against the Spanish occupation. In addition to the Spanish, the island was also conquered by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs, Vandals and Normans. Today, the coexistence of traditions from many corners of the world has become a hallmark of the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. What is worth visiting while spending luxury holiday in Sicily? There is no shortage of both urban and natural attractions. The cities differ greatly from each other, just like the regions of Sicily. You definitely can't miss Palermo, the capital of the island. This town, hated by locals and loved by tourists, attracts with its bustle, monuments and streets smelling of history. It is worth visiting the botanical garden, the church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti and the Capuchin Catacombs - these are the resting places of the embalmed bodies of monks and lay people from several centuries ago, displayed for public viewing. A walk between them encourages reflection, reminding passers-by of the fact that death makes no exceptions. To relax the atmosphere, it is good to go to a more relaxing place, e.g. to the south of Sicily, where you can supposedly sunbathe on the most beautiful beaches on the island. Sicilian cuisine is also quite a treat, with its mark left by the different communities that have lived here for centuries. The most popular snack is arancini, which are deep-fried rice balls stuffed with vegetables or meat. As a main course, we recommend spaghetti al nero di sepia, which is pasta dyed black with squid ink. For dessert, you can choose the famous Sicilian ice cream, famous for its excellent taste - served in a sweet brioche bun.
If the Sicilian atmosphere is not quite to your taste, we recommend exclusive holidays on tiny Capri. It is considered one of the most luxurious European islands, not only thanks to its excellent hotel base, the best restaurants and a large group of celebrities who vacation here. The island has gained a good reputation mainly due to its amazing landscapes, which include mountainous terrain, azure waters and small bays around the coast, which can sometimes only be reached from the water. The easiest way to get to Capri by ferry from Naples. The journey takes about 50–80 minutes depending on the carrier and takes passengers to a small port, ironically named Marina Grande (large harbor). What to do after reaching your destination? We especially recommend the popular cruise around the island, during which you will see, for example, the famous Grotta Azurra (a cave with water in a rarely seen blue color) and the steep cliffs and rock formations of the coast. In search of beautiful views, it is worth going to the top of Monte Solaro - no one comes down from it disappointed. During a coffee or meal break, sit at a table in one of the many pubs in Capri or the smaller Anacapri. The cuisine on the island is sensational, and the restaurants have maintained their level for years, which is why even the simplest dishes, such as caprese salad or caprese ravioli, taste very good. Capri can be visited relatively quickly, mainly because its area is small.
If you want to visit a larger Italian island, head to luxury trip to Sardinia. Experiences that will stay in your memory for years await you on 1800 km². It is worth starting with one of the greatest natural attractions – the Gennargentu National Park. Here you will find, for example, an oak forest that has never been cut down, the highest peak in Sardinia (1834 m above sea level) and the deepest ravine in Europe. Sunbathing enthusiasts will certainly appreciate the Sardinian beaches, especially La Pelosa with its long and wide coastline and Berchida in the shape of a crescent stretching for a distance of 5 km. Sardinia it is not only beautiful fauna and flora, but also small towns, where walking is quite a pleasure. The capital of the island is Cagliari, located in the south, and in it the historic district of Castello, which is impossible to pass by indifferently. On the western shore of the island, the houses in the fishing town of Bosa surprise with the intensity of colors. Besides, in Sardinia it is not difficult to find pleasant surprises and positive surprises. However, in order not to be disappointed, it is best to plan a vacation on the island in the period from May to June, when it will be sunny outside and rainfall will not spoil the vacation plans.







































