These European islands will capture your imagination!

Escaping to an island is, above all, an experience of stepping into a different geographical and sensory world. Beyond the seaside clichés, Europe’s archipelagos offer striking geological and botanical diversity, ideal for extended adventures. From the Atlantic’s basalt cliffs to the white limestone trails of the Aegean Sea, each destination has its own rhythm and character. At Grand Angle, we have been exploring these far-flung places for over 40 years to create treks in Europe that focus on immersion and discovering lesser-known trails.

Islands to visit in Europe!

• Madeira and the Canary Islands
• The Mediterranean
• Scandinavia
• From the Baltic to the English Channel
• How to choose an island to suit your travel style

Madeira and the Canary Islands

Off the African coast, the islands of Macaronesia reveal landscapes of extraordinary volcanic power. Here, hiking takes on a vertical dimension, with wonderfully mild climates throughout the year.

Madeira, the floating garden

A true basalt fortress rising from the ocean, Madeira is a paradise for walkers. Explore the island by following the levadas, the historic irrigation channels that wind along its mountainsides. You will pass through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed laurissilva forest, where tree ferns and giant heathers create a mystical atmosphere. For experienced hikers, the grand traverse of Madeira links the central peaks, including Pico Ruivo, with panoramic views over a sea of clouds that often clings to the ridges.

The Canary Islands: Lanzarote and La Gomera

Away from the tourist bustle, Lanzarote surprises visitors with its stark volcanic beauty. A cycling route on Lanzarote reveals lunar landscapes, where black lava contrasts with the white of traditional villages. Further west, La Gomera offers terrain carved by barrancos (deep ravines) and an ancient, humid jungle. It is a prime destination for a trek in the Canary Islands, combining Spain’s highest peak (Teide) with the forest trails of Garajonay.

The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean basin is home to islands with strong personalities, where ancient history blends with wild nature, often protected by strictly managed national parks.

The Cyclades

There is more to the Cyclades archipelago than blue and white. Each island has its own geological signature. On Naxos, granite peaks rise above fertile valleys, while the steeper island of Amorgos offers dizzying ridge trails overlooking the deep blue sea. For full immersion, the Cyclades in 15 days gives you time to appreciate the nuances of each island, away from the seasonal crowds, particularly on a trek in the Cyclades in spring, when rockroses and aromatic herbs are in bloom.

Corsica and Sardinia

In France, Corsica remains the ultimate destination for multi-day walking and cycling journeys. While the GR20 is famous for its technical difficulty, the coast has just as much to offer. A walking tour of Cap Corse reveals isolated Genoese towers and coastal patrol paths perched between sea and mountains. Just to the south, Sardinia offers a more pastoral experience. Exploring Sardinia by electric bike is ideal for tackling the hills of the interior and reaching the limestone cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei.

Mallorca and Menorca

The Balearic Islands hold hidden treasures for those seeking tranquillity. On Mallorca, the Serra de Tramuntana offers striking mountain terrain, ideal for our self-guided walking holiday Mallorca, radiant and secret. Its neighbour, Menorca, has remained wilder. You can explore it along the Camí de Cavalls, a historic trail that circles the island. It is a perfect destination for a self-guided walking holiday on Menorca, between turquoise coves and megalithic sites.

Scandinavia

Northern Europe offers a radically different island experience, shaped by striking contrasts in light and untamed nature.

The Lofoten Islands

Beyond the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands rise like granite walls above the North Atlantic. Here, travellers alternate between white sandy beaches worthy of the tropics and alpine peaks. Fishing villages with red cabins (rorbu) serve as bases. Whether you choose a 8-day trek in the Lofoten Islands or explore the Lofoten Islands by bike, the pure air and sheer landscapes make a lasting impression.

The Stockholm archipelago

With its thousands of islands and islets, the Stockholm archipelago is a labyrinth of granite and pine trees. This is the home of “slow living”. Travelling between the islands is easy, revealing nature reserves where seabirds reign supreme. It is a prime destination for a trek in Sweden combining walking and boat transfers.

From the Baltic Sea to the English Channel

Some lesser-known islands in northern and western Europe offer wonderfully peaceful walking and cycling routes.

The Channel Islands: Jersey, Guernsey and Sark

Just a few miles off the French coast, these islands offer a distinctive change of scenery. Between lush botanical gardens (thanks to the Gulf Stream) and jagged cliffs, there is an extensive network of trails. A tour taking in Jersey, Guernsey and Sark reveals a way of life blending Norman traditions with British elegance.

Rügen

In Germany, the island of Rügen is famous for its chalk cliffs, immortalised by the painter Caspar David Friedrich. It is an ideal playground for cycling, with paths crossing vast beech forests and passing seaside resorts with “Belle Époque” architecture. A cycling tour of Rügen is an excellent option for those seeking gentle terrain and soothing scenery.

How do you choose an island to suit your travel style?

Your choice of island destination depends on what you are looking for in terms of elevation gain, climate and how you want to get around:

• For active travellers seeking elevation gain: Choose Madeira, Corsica or the Lofoten Islands. These islands involve some challenging climbs, rewarded with 360° views.
• For culture and history enthusiasts: Sicily and its Aeolian Islands or Crete offer major archaeological sites along the trails.
• For families and cycling: Denmark, with a cycling tour of Funen and Ærø, or the Netherlands are perfect thanks to their flat terrain and safe infrastructure.
• For a complete escape: The small islands of the Cyclades (Amorgos, Sifnos) or Sark in the English Channel, where cars are banned.

Whatever your destination, island travel requires careful logistical planning. As a travel agency specialising in walking holidays, we take care of transporting your luggage and selecting authentic accommodation, leaving you free to focus on walking or cycling.

Ready to set sail? Explore our self-guided holidays now or join one of our group holidays to discover these exceptional landscapes with our expert guides. If you have any questions or would like to plan a tailor-made holiday in Europe, please contact us.