When we close our eyes and think of being somewhere beautiful, often a sunny island with turquoise water, golden sands and freshly caught fish will float to mind. And European islands don’t get any better than the 20 below as voted by our readers – ranked, from 20 to 1. From the iconic dishes of Sicily to the nightlife of Mykonos, this is the perfect fodder for daydreaming…

These are the best islands in Europe according to the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.

Ca's Patró March, Mallorca Sophie Knight

20. Mallorca, Spain. Score 78.90

This Balearic Island, slung off the mainland’s southern coast, has long drawn creatives, artists and poets. In the past few years, a clutch of fresh stays has opened on the island (see our edit of our favourite Mallorca hotels or, if you’re travelling with a brood en-tow, the best family hotels in Mallorca), drawing a cool crowd to these shores in search of the prettiest places – think glittering coves like Valldemossa and sleepy villages such as Valldemossa sitting snug in the mountains.

Where to stay: Sun Bunyola has been one of Richard Branson’s passion projects for decades, and it’s finally been completed. La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel is a hotel every bit as beautiful as it first looks.

19. Paros, Greece. Score 79.69

This island has carved out a reputation as one of the friendliest Greek destinations in the Cyclades – the beaches are remote, and the fishing villages are largely untrammelled compared to its neighbours Santorini and Mykonos. Still, a string of luxury hotels in Paros have opened along the coast, and Paros restaurants are worth writing home about, too. It’s “a place of half-abandoned marble mines, remote beaches and memorable seafood,” contributor Timothy O’Grady said in his feature on Paros.

Where to stay: The island’s newest and most hotly-anticipated hotel, Cosme, is designed to mimic the island's white-washed villages.

18. Corfu, Greece. Score 79.73

Corfu is Greece’s green island – fringed by pines, mountains and olive groves. Some of the land is UNESCO-protected, and the beaches here are some of the prettiest in the country. This is a foodie island, too; the best Corfu restaurants feature dishes from generations past, such as Octopus Pastitsada, a slow-cooked octopus dish served with pasta.

Where to stay: Domes Miramare was once the summer mansion of shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, but is now a legendary adults-only hotel buried in ancient olive groves. Or see more of our favourite Corfu hotels.

17. Rhodes, Greece. Score 79.93

Scarred by wildfires in the summer of 2023, Rhodes is a firm favourite among our readers. The beaches are beautiful, sure, but there are also ancient towns and tiny Byzantine mountain chapels dotted amongst the interior to be found here.

Where to stay: We love Casa Cook Rhodes, a bleached-out, boho-chic stay (splash out on a suite with a private pool, if you can).

16. Ischia, Italy. Score 81.43

Ischia is Italy’s island with the best beaches. This little volcanic island punches well above its weight, with smart hotels and slick spas dotted among rugged landscapes. This place is probably best seen by boat, where you might spot Castello Aragonese or Mount Epomeo from the water. This is also Italy’s natural spa island, so a dip in the thermal pools is a must-do, too.

Where to stay: We love Casa Cook Rhodes, a bleached-out, boho-chic stay (splash out on a suite with a private pool, if you can).

15. Malta. Score 81.47

The Mediterranean sunshine island, so they say. Malta is so beautiful it’s been used as a film double in Game of Thrones, Gladiator and Murder on the Orient Express. There are 300 days of sunshine a year here, so a visit will likely be sun-soaked and glorious – perfect for spending at beach clubs or swimming in the sea.

Where to stay: From the moment it re-opened under the uber-tasteful eye of Marie-Louise Sciò, Mezzatorre became a magnet to the Italian glitterati.

14. Bozcaada, Turkey. Score 81.59

This island, Turkey, in the northeastern Aegean Sea, is 250 miles from the capital. It can only be reached by boat, and is mentioned in the Iliad and other classical Greek literature, thanks to its crucial positioning in the Aegean sea.

Where to stay: Posthane Hotel, a sweet, affordable guesthouse.

13. Kos, Greece. Score 82.79

One of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, Kos is known for its gorgeous beaches – some of the best in this corner of the Greek islands. Much of the ancient architecture here has been preserved, from 14th-century castles to the Plane Tree of Hippocrates, where the philosopher (supposedly born here) once taught.

Where to stay: We love Oku Kos, a laid-back minimalist property that’s unmistakably Greek.

12. Skiathos, Greece. Score 83.10

Chapel on Sifnos island, GreeceGetty Images

11. Sifnos, Greece. Score 83.25

Sifnos has earned itself a reputation as the most delicious Greek island. “More than 60 miles of trails lace the Western Cycladic isle of Sifnos”, Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveller’s features editor, wrote in our July/August 2023 issue. “Old mule paths that thread the rocky hills and weave down to fishing jetties. This is a tiny, rocky world, just over nine miles from end to end and less than five across. Inland villages and mazy and flower-hung are perched on the island’s spine. Sifnos is the Cyclades, but not as you know them.”

Where to stay: Nos has unbeatable views in the Greek Islands plus incredible local cooking. Verina Hotels also has three stylish boltholes to choose from; Verina Astra is the sexy one, while Verina Terra is more family friendly.

10. Canary Islands, Spain. Score 83.35

The Canary Islands archipelago, off the northwest coast of Morocco, combines an irresistible mix of Moroccan and Spanish flavours, stunning landscapes and all-year sunshine. These alluring traits made the isles prime for over-tourism in decades past, and despite being home to delights that would charm even the most poe-faced of travellers, they’ve struggled to shake off their bad rep as a package holiday destination ever since. But those who look past these assumptions will find a smattering of wildly diverse islands.

Where to stay: Check into the Ritz Carlton, Abama in Tenerife, or Finca Malvasia, a vineyard in Lanzarote.

9. Hvar, Croatia. Score 83.86

8. Menorca, Spain. Score 84.42

Three of the four Balearic Islands – Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera and Ibiza – appear on this list, and for good reason. Menorca is the low-key Balearic. The coves that slope into the gin-clear sea are some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, and the main towns of Mahón and Ciutadella are pastel-hued and delightfully snoozy.

Where to stay: Cristine Bedfor Guest Houses in Mahón is a gorgeously laid-back property. Or see more of our top picks for where to stay in Menorca.

7. Santorini, Greece. Score 84.71

Of all the Greek Islands, Santorini might just be the most famed – a romantic, dramatic landscape practically dreamt up for honeymooners. White-washed villages really do hover on the edge of the volcanic caldera; the beaches really are hewn from black sand; and the sunsets really do glow vibrant orange, pink and red. It’s also prone to over-tourism, though – visiting Santorini in winter is a great way to have the island practically to yourself.

Where to stay: Nobu Hotel's traditional Cycladic architecture looks like velvety cubes of white feta against a backdrop of succulents. See more of our top Santorini hotels.

6. Azores, Portugal. Score 85.36

These pretty Portuguese islands are often overlooked in favour of Portugal’s big-hitting city break destinations. But the tides are changing, and this remote archipelago in the Atlantic is gaining favour. The landscapes on the Azores are extraordinary, and much of the tourism here has an eco-focus, from green lodges to nature conservation.

Where to stay: Sete Cidades Lake Lodge hideaway comprises three self-catering lake-side cabins set in a garden of lemon trees and marigolds.

5. Sicily, Italy. Score 85.92

Call it the White Lotus effect, if you must, but Sicily has long been a favourite destination of Condé Nast Traveller readers. No surprise when you consider its sultry cities, next-level food scene and handsome architecture. Plus, here you’ll find some of Italy’s most beautiful hotels.

Where to stay: The best hotels in Sicily include Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel is a graceful estate in Palermo and Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina.

4. Crete, Greece. Score 86.95

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands. Its interior is rugged and, perhaps surprisingly, not very built-up, while the cities in the north and south of the island are more cosmopolitan. Chania is our favourite of the two main metropoles – a surprising urban outpost that hugs the harbour.

Where to stay: Among the best hotels in Crete are Pnoé Breathing Life, a stylish fly-and-flop adults-only designer beach resort with a strong wellness offering, and Domes Zeen Chania, one of our favourites for families.

3. Ibiza, Spain. Score 87.07

There are, really, two Ibizas – the pleasure-seeking megaclub side, where parties go on all day (and maybe even stretch into the following day, too), and the sleepier, hippy side. Somehow, they exist coherently, and both can even be experienced in one trip – follow up a few days on the east of the island with some R&R in the quieter north.

Where to stay: Six Senses Ibiza starred on our 2022 Hot List, while Can Sastre Ibiza is a boutique hideaway 10 minutes from cool Santa Gertrudis. See more of the best hotels in Ibiza.

2. Mykonos, Greece. Score 87.35

Splashy Mykonos is the Greek isle where you go to see and be seen. Glittery beach clubs are the spot for long, lazy lunches that might roll into raucous afternoons, while the town teems with the style-set browsing boutiques. Steamy summer nights, meanwhile, are best spent at the island’s hedonistic clubs.

Where to stay: Worlds away from the madness of Mykonos Old Town, Cali Mykonos is where it’s at if you want to experience Cycladic nirvana without the booze-loving crowds.

Sardinia, ItalyGetty Images

1. Sardinia, Italy. Score 88.08

2,000km of coastline edges Sardinia, adrift in the Mediterranean. Costa Smeralda, in the northeast, is a playground for jet-setting billionaires and celebrities and is probably the best-known settlement here. Still, colourful villages and archaeological ruins also draw travellers here – and keep them coming back.

Where to stay: Less a rambling hotel than a temple complex worshipping Sardinian pastoral culture, we love Su Gologone Experience Hotel – one of the best hotels in Sardinia.

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