Vacations are always filled with fun and a lot of excitement. If you are making a list of ‘to do’ activities for your off days, then we have some wonderful ideas that will help you along the way. For example, if you are planning a short holiday of about 2-3 days, then you could try out a one day adventure activity like quad biking or blindfold driving. But, if you are planning for a long holiday (for say 2-3 weeks) then visiting a beautiful island could be an option worth trying.
There are many beautiful islands worth visiting in Europe, and some of them are in some wonderfully exotic locations that usually fly under the radar when people plan a vacation.
So, let’s explore those gorgeous places in detail:
1. Corfu, Greece
When we talk about the best isles in Greece, the only names that are known to us are Santorini and Mykonos. But there is one more not so famous but amazing place in Greece – Corfu. You can give this gorgeous place a visit any time of the year, but usually summer is the best time to visit if you plan to take a dip in the turquoise water at Corfu.
Time to visit
This is an ideal spot to enjoy your vacation time, and if you are looking forward to a relaxing time, you should look to visit it in the spring or fall season, as there are fewer visitors during this time of the year, allowing you to fully revel in its beauty.
This isle has several ancient churches and Greek temples and also the remains of Venetian fortresses here are definitely worth the visit. Additionally, a visit to the Nymphes waterfall will leave with you a feeling of mythological wonder.
2. Island of Malta
Want to step back into the 16th century? Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? But what if I tell you that it’s partly possible to achieve this? Malta, which is the capital city of Valletta, still looks like it’s been transported from the pages of history books as it is filled with forts, palaces and cathedrals. But, even then you could call these secondary attractions to the overall beauty provided by the island of Malta. The blue and clean island of Malta is enough to make your heart skip a beat at first sight. The city also boasts the world’s only prehistoric underground temple.
Time to visit
The ideal time to visit this beautiful city is in the month of May and June as the temperature is the most pleasant this time. The summer season is most popular among tourists even though the weather is hot and humid during this time.
And if you visit during the winter season, do not forget to carry an umbrella with you as it often rains in Malta during the winters.
And if you are a fan of the HBO cult favourite ‘Game of Thrones’, then this place is a must visit as several scenes of the series were filmed here. There are tours to take you to the famous locations where the scenes were shot.
3. Isola D’ischia, Italy
When we talk about Italian beaches one name that springs to mind immediately is the famous Amalfi Coast. But let me introduce you to one more coastal spot in Italy which is less popular but a paradise for many visitors.
This beautiful area is surrounded by turquoise water and is teemed with colourful architecture and wonders of nature like historic Roman ruins, medieval castles and also the Maronti beach known for its hot spring.
Time to visit
You could plan a trip to Ischia any time of the year but summer is the best time when the hot weather turns into balmy nights. From April to August, the weather is pleasant and suitable for touring although the month of July and August witnesses some of the hottest temperatures of the year. You would be surprised to know that the largest city of the isle is also named Ischia. The city is divided into two parts namely – Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte.
The first one is the commercial hub of the city and has a lot of bars, colourful restaurants and a shopping centre that acts as a hub for many tourists. You can explore the place by a boat or a scooter. Swimming and sunbathing are the two all-time popular activities here.
We hope the next time you make a list of places to visit next, these islands will make it to the top of your list. So, pack your bag and plan for your next amazing vacation.