Top 10 European islands to escape overtourism this summer
Discover the 10 least crowded islands in Europe for a peaceful getaway. From Norway’s Svalbard to Greece’s Chios, explore quiet, scenic, and offbeat island escapes away from the tourist crowds.
Tired of tourist-packed promenades and overbooked beach bars? Europe may be a top holiday destination, but not every island is bursting at the seams. While hotspots like Ibiza and Santorini dominate the summer crowd, a quieter, more serene side of Europe is calling. Based on data from the European Commission and analyzed by BookRetreats, these top ten lesser-known islands offer a rare gift in high season: space to breathe. Whether you're craving solitude, nature, or something a little more soul-nourishing, these under-the-radar destinations are just the break you need. (Image: Canva)
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1. Svalbard, Norway – Europe’s Final Frontier Located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is the very definition of remote. Think snow-capped peaks, blue-tinged glaciers, and wildlife like polar bears and Arctic foxes. This frozen wilderness is tailor-made for those who want their travel to feel like true exploration. With almost no crowd in sight, it offers a raw, untouched beauty that’s becoming rarer in the modern world. (Image: Canva)
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2. Åland Islands, Finland – Baltic Bliss Drifting quietly in the Baltic Sea, the Åland Islands are a cluster of nearly 6,700 islets—most of which are uninhabited. These autonomous Finnish isles offer peaceful nature trails, wooden cottages, and a slow rhythm of life. Ideal for cycling, kayaking, or just soaking in the silence, Åland’s charm lies in its unspoiled simplicity. (Image: Canva)
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3. Gotland, Sweden – Medieval Towns and Wild Coastlines Gotland is Sweden’s secret summer escape—beloved by locals but still off the radar for most tourists. Its crown jewel, the UNESCO-listed town of Visby, is a medieval gem with cobbled streets and rose-covered ruins. Beyond the town, you’ll find limestone cliffs, wild beaches, and the kind of quiet that lingers long after sunset. (Image: Canva)
4. Chios, Greece – The Unsung Hero of the Aegean While Greece’s more famous islands play host to party-goers and cruise ships, Chios remains largely untouched. Known for its mastic trees, Byzantine monasteries, and traditional villages, Chios offers an authentic Greek experience rooted in history and nature. It’s a place where you can wander sun-baked alleys and stumble upon beaches where the only footprints are your own. (Image: Canva)
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5. Euboea (Evia), Greece – The Oversized Island Nobody Talks About Despite being Greece’s second-largest island, Euboea doesn’t make many headlines—and that’s a good thing. Just a couple of hours from Athens, it offers an easy escape into dense forests, mountain gorges, and rustic seaside tavernas. The island’s thermal springs, dramatic cliffs, and quiet fishing villages make it a hidden treasure for slow travel. (Image: Canva)
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6. Lesvos & Limnos, Greece – Quiet Corners of the North Aegean These two islands in the North Aegean archipelago are proof that there’s more to Greece than Mykonos and Santorini. Lesvos boasts vast olive groves, vibrant artisan culture, and hot springs, while Limnos enchants with volcanic landscapes and empty golden beaches. Rich in mythology and meaning, both islands promise soulful retreats without the crowds. (Image: Canva)
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7. El Hierro, Spain – The Canary Island Time Forgot El Hierro is everything the other Canary Islands are not—uncrowded, eco-conscious, and untouched by mass tourism. With its rugged cliffs, lava fields, and winding hiking trails, this little island feels like another world. Whether you’re diving in marine reserves or stargazing in complete silence, El Hierro is as raw and real as it gets. (Image: Canva)
8. Funen, Denmark – A Fairytale Island with Room to Breathe The birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Funen (or Fyn) is Denmark’s answer to rural charm. Rolling countryside, thatched-roof cottages, and storybook towns like Odense make it perfect for a romantic road trip. With more fields than ferries and more castles than cafés, Funen invites you to slow down and step into a simpler time. (Image: Canva)
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9. The Azores, Portugal – Volcanic Beauty in the Mid-Atlantic Rising out of the Atlantic like green fortresses, the Azores are one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. This Portuguese archipelago combines dramatic volcanic scenery with sustainable tourism. Hike crater lakes, bathe in hot springs, or spot whales off the coast—without bumping elbows with selfie-stick-toting tourists. It’s nature at its wildest and most welcoming. (Image: Canva)
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10. Bornholm, Denmark – The Baltic’s Artistic Hideaway Tucked away in the Baltic Sea, Bornholm is an island where creativity and calm collide. Famous for its artisan ceramics, smokehouses, and windswept cliffs, it’s a haven for both artists and nature lovers. With coastal bike trails and peaceful fishing villages, Bornholm offers a quiet kind of freedom that stays with you long after you leave. (Image: Canva)
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These ten European islands remind us that paradise doesn’t need to come with packed beaches and overbooked resorts. From Arctic tundras to Aegean hideaways, they offer travellers a rare luxury: space. So if your idea of the perfect summer getaway includes solitude, authenticity, and unfiltered beauty—skip the crowds and sail toward the quieter side of Europe. (Image: Canva)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
