Where to go Island Hopping in Europe

If someone says to you ‘island hopping’, it can be easy to let your mind wander to the furthest regions of the world and forget the magnificent range of islands in Europe that are waiting to be explored. From tranquil and serene escapes to vibrant retreats overflowing with activities and entertainment opportunities, there is an island hopping holiday to suit you.

By combining two luxury hotels, on two exotic islands, into one trip, you can get more out of your holiday.

Our personalised luxury holidays make island hopping in Europe easy and stress free. While we make all the arrangements, you can relax safe in the knowledge everything is taken care of.

Below we have put together some taster island hopping itineraries in Greece, Spain, Italy and Croatia, to illustrate the outstanding island hopping opportunities awaiting you in Europe; feel free to alter the elements of these itineraries, such as the length of time spent at each hotel or the board basis.

Here are some handy links to help you quickly reach the information that is relevant to you:

• Island Hopping in Greece
  • Skiathos & Alonissos
    Skiathos & Skopelos
    Mykonos & Santorini
• Island Hopping in Spain
  • La Palma & La Gomera
    Fuerteventura & Lanzarote
    Tenerife & La Gomera
    Mallorca & Ibiza
• Island Hopping in Italy
  • Sicily & Vulcano Island
    Ischia & Capri
    Sicily & Sardinia
    
  • Island Hopping in Croatia
    Sipan & Korcula
    Sipan & Lopud
    Brac & Hvar

Island Hopping in Greece

With deep blue waters every way you turn, romantic whitewashed houses along with a traditional and laidback way of life, it’s easy to see why the Greek islands have such allure. Island hopping in Greece is a magical way to experience the islands, bringing together a feeling of freedom, a spirit of adventure and the excitement of making new discoveries.

Skiathos & Alonissos:

Kivo Art & Gourmet Hotel & Marpunta Village Club

• Duration: 3 nights & 4 nights
• Board Basis: Bed & breakfast
• Transfer information: Private resort transfer and ferry transfer
• Example price: from £1277pp (2018, including flights from London Gatwick)

The smallest of the Sporades islands, Skiathos is just 12km by 6km and is easily explored by bus or boat. As with many Greek islands, you’ll find friendly tavernas and whitewashed houses lining the quaint, narrow streets, and there are water sports aplenty on the beaches.

Approximately 1.5 hours ferry transfer and you’re onto the next island, Alonissos. Lesser developed, this island boasts an unspoilt natural beauty, with numerous marked walking trails making it easy for visitors to explore by foot. Staying at Marpunta Village Club, you’ll also have access to a pebble beach and beach bar, and there’s a complimentary shuttle to the port area.

Skiathos & Skopelos

Skiathos Princess Hotel & Skopelos Village Suite Hotel

• Duration: 5 nights & 5 nights
• Board Basis: Bed & breakfast
• Transfer information: Private resort transfer and ferry transfer
• Example Price: from £1203pp (2018, including flights from London Gatwick)

Stylish and chic, in a wonderful beachfront setting, begin your Skiathos to Skopelos island hopping holiday at the Skiathos Princess. Enjoy some downtime on the sundeck, sinking into the cushioned sun loungers by the pool with a chilled G & T in hand, or find your spot for the afternoon on the blue flag beach, just footsteps away. Once you have had time to recharge, it is time to escape the hotel and explore Skiathos, famed for its rich culture and religious history, the island holds a myriad of attractions waiting for you to explore.

Your next island, Skopelos, is mesmerisingly pretty and known for its aphrodisiac wine, olive oil and Mama Mia! With long sunny days and spectacular views, the island is perfect for discovering by car, explore the island and pick out the film’s most famous locations such as the Church of Agios Ioannis Kastri, the tiny church atop those winding steps and, Amarantos Cape, the film’s extraordinary scenic 3 trees location.

Mykonos & Santorini

Myconian Imperial Resort & Petit Palace

• Duration: 5 nights & 5 nights
• Board Basis: Bed & breakfast
• Transfer information: Private resort transfer and ferry transfer
• Example Price: from £3,073pp (2018, including flights from London Gatwick)

Gateway to the UNESCO heritage site of the sacred island of Delos and surrounded by the Aegean Sea, Mykonos is also one of the most cosmopolitan islands of the Cyclades and boasts picturesque windmills, traditional white sugar cube houses, excellent sandy beaches and a spectacular nightlife. The Myconian Imperial Resort has an enticing sundeck with twin saltwater pools and the beach area below tempts with its pristine sands.

Ensuring equal luxury for your stay in Santorini, we’ve selected no other than Petit Palace. This wonderful five star boutique style hotel is a hideaway perfect for seclusion and romance, with striking views over the Caldera, insatiable cuisine and attentive service.

Island Hopping in Spain

The fine climate, splendid beaches and diverse landscapes of the Canary and Balearic Islands, attract many holidaymakers time and time again. With each island having its own special appeal, why not visit more than one, on one of our two centre island holidays, with luxury hotels selected as your base in each destination.

La Palma & La Gomera

Parador de La Palma & Jardin Tecina

• Duration: 7 nights & 7 nights
• Board Basis: Bed & breakfast
• Transfer information: Private resort transfer and internal flight
• Example Price: from £1,240pp (2018, including flights from London Gatwick)

Known locally as the Isla Bonita, La Palma is truly beautiful with remarkable scenery ranging from soaring forest-covered mountains in the north, to volcanic lunar landscapes in the south, and black sandy beaches which line the Atlantic shores. Staying at the Parador de La Palma, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty, with stunning Atlantic Views.

A short flight to the neighbouring canary island of La Gomera, and Jardin Tecina awaits; perched on a cliff top, this elegant four star hotel is hugely popular with Classic guests and has splendid distant views of Tenerife’s Mount Tiede; enquire about the ‘Cave for 2’ for an ultimately unique experience.

Fuerteventura & Lanzarote

Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf and Spa Resort & Hotel THe Volcan Lanzarote

• Duration: 5 nights & 5 nights
• Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
• Transfer information: Private resort transfer and ferry transfer
• Example Price: from £1541pp (2018, including flights from London Gatwick)

Second in size to Tenerife and closest to the North African continent, Fuerteventura boasts a relaxed and typically Spanish way of life. Fantastic for water sports enthusiasts, the island enjoys a year-round sunny climate and a fabulous coastline of sandy beaches.

A member of our Classic loyalty rewards scheme, you’ll receive £80 off your holiday to Sheraton Fuerteventura, if you’ve stayed there before.

Lanzarote is the second island in your itinerary, here you’ll enjoy a prime oceanfront location, the exclusive yacht harbour and the delights of picturesque Playa Blanca, just a short stroll away; for increased privacy book an adult only Club Volcan room, where you’ll benefit from pillow and sheet menu and Balinese beds and Jacuzzi.

Tenerife and La Gomera

H10 Costa Adeje Palace & Jardin Tecina

• Duration: 4 nights & 3 nights
• Board Basis: Half board
• Transfer information: Private resort transfer and ferry transfer
• Example Price: from £997pp (2018, including flights from London Gatwick)

Thanks to Tenerife’s temperate climate it rarely dips below 17°c in winter and the trade winds provide a welcoming breeze in the summer, preventing the heat from becoming too oppressive.

While the weather may be predictable, this island is a place of contrasts, with volcanic landscapes, sandy beaches and sprawling mountain scapes.

Combine La Gomera which is much smaller and quieter, with dense forestry, beautiful cedar groves and small villages scattered amongst terraced valley and most of the island is protected by UNESCO.

This one has definitely sparked our wanderlust – has it yours?

Mallorca & Ibiza

Gran Hotel Soller & Iberostar Santa Eulalia

• Duration: 4 nights & 3 nights
• Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast and Half board
• Transfer information: Private resort transfer and internal flight
• Example Price: from £1473pp (2018, including flights from London Gatwick)

The island of Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands grouped in the Mediterranean Sea. Hire a car and explore the island; wander through Palma’s gothic quarter, laze on golden sand beaches or delight in mountain views, either from your car or whilst enjoying the rooftop pool at the Gran Hotel Soller.

We’ve combined Mallorca with its sister island Ibiza. Both offer glorious sunshine and laid-back Spanish charm. Stay at the adults only Iberostar Santa Eulalia, set amidst lovely pine forests, yet right by the sea on one of Ibiza’s finest beaches, s’Argamassa. Perfect for relaxation, the forests provide plenty of shade for lazy afternoons, and the hotel is home to one of the most exclusive chill-out lounges on the anywhere on the island.

Island Hopping in Italy

With over 450 islands, Italy provides the perfect location for island hopping. An abundance of golden sunshine, fresh mouth-watering cuisine and unique island landscapes, make the Italian islands the perfect holiday location. Here’s our top pick for you to begin your Italian island hopping adventures.

Sicily & Vulcano Island

Hotel Villa Sonia & Therasia Resort Sea & Spa

• Duration: 4 nights & 3 nights
• Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
• Transfer information: Private resort transfer and ferry transfer
• Example Price: from £1179pp (2018, including flights from London Gatwick)

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and boasts a fascinating history. Invasion by Greeks, Romans and Arabs has resulted in a unique blend of cultures, and experiences here (music, the arts, food and architecture), may differ from those of mainland Italy.

We recommend the 3.5 hour journey, we’ll take care of the ferry and private taxi booking, to Vulcano Island, where you can experience therapeutic mud baths, hot springs and the tranquillity of Therasia Resort Sea & Spa; its two glorious infinity pools, and location right by the water’s edge on Vulcano island, will leave an imprint of the mesmerising views on your mind, as you gaze out over the Aeolian archipelago.

Ischia & Capri

Grand Hotel Excelsior Terme & Villa Marina Capri Hotel & Spa

• Duration: 3 nights & 3 nights
• Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
• Transfer information: Private resort transfer and ferry transfer
• Example Price: from £2172pp (2018, including flights from London Gatwick)

Underground, bubbling thermal springs, perfect for revitalising and nourishing both body and mind, are a feature of, and testament to, Ischia’s volcanic origins. The island also boasts fine, sandy beaches. Staying at the Grand Excelsior Terme, allows you wonderful views of the Bay of Naples.

Combine a stay in Ischia with time on the beautiful sister island of Capri, reached by Hydrofoil in about an hour. The town of Capri is famous for its sophistication. Here boutiques and cafes surround the Italian piazza’s, delightful distractions for a lazy afternoon. We recommend Pulalli; take the steps to the clocktower in the Piazza and you’ll discover this gem of a wine bar and restaurant, perfect for combining authentic pasta and people watching.

Sicily & Sardinia

Hotel Villa Sonia & Hotel Costa Dei Fiori

• Duration: 4 nights & 6 nights
• Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
• Transfer information: Private resort transfer and internal flight
• Example Price: from £1481pp (2018, including flights from Gatwick Airport)

We’ve selected Hotel Villa Sonia as the perfect base in Sicily for island hopping holidays. We love its genuine Sicilian hospitality; and the views of Mount Etna are sensational.

It’s easy to take the hydrofoil to Capri, or in this instance, the short flight (about 1 hour 20 minutes) to Sardinia for a relaxing beach stay.

From the Hotel Costa Dei Fiori in Santa Margherita di Pula, Sardinia, it’s but a short car journey to reach the Teulada Nora beaches, some of the island’s most stunning.

Island Hopping in Croatia

Croatia’s coastline is a thing of beauty. With our Croatian island hopping holidays, you can discover it. With stark blue, clear waters, verdant shores and quaint medieval towns, it’s here for the taking. But with over 1,000 islands, where do you begin? We’ve created some itineraries, which we think’s a very good place to start, including possibly one of the most popular island combinations, of Brac & Hvar.

Sipan & Korcula

Hotel Sipan & Hotel Liburna

• Duration: 4 nights & 4 nights
• Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
• Transfer information: Private resort transfer and ferry transfer
• Example Price: from £1272pp (2018, including flights from Gatwick Airport)

Sipan is the largest of the Elaphiti Islands and boasts an unspoilt lush landscape. Once favoured by the Dubrovnik aristocracy, the island is home to numerous 16th century residences as well as over 30 churches. The charming Sipanska Luca is the main town and has a harbour, sandy beach and palm lined seafront. Also, head to the east coast and wonder through Sudurad, a small, sleepy fishing village where time appears to have stood still.

A ferry ride to the island of Korcula and onto Hotel Liburna, surrounded by lush vegetation and set right by the shore of the Adriatic Sea, this popular hotel boasts many returning guests and offers modern comforts and splendid views of the old town of Korcula, just a ten minute walk away.

Sipan & Lopud

Hotel Sipan & Lafodia Sea Resort

• Duration: 4 nights & 4 nights
• Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
• Transfer information: Private resort transfer and ferry transfer
• Example Price: from £1044pp (2018, including flights from London Gatwick)

With breathtaking surroundings, near a quiet, sheltered beach, and taking advantage of its convenient setting, the hotel offers half and full day excursions to Dubrovnik and its surrounding area; explore Sipan’s fields and olive groves by bike or foot, or take to a kayak and explore the island from the water.

The traffic-free island of Lopud is the second part of your holiday, staying in the four star Lafodia Sea Resort with its beautiful views across the Adriatic Sea. Relax on the sandy beach of Sunj, walk the island in a half-hour stroll or take the ferry to Dubrovnik – it’s just an hour away and another opportunity to explore the the gothic town, if you missed it whilst in Sipan.

Brac & Hvar

Villa Vela Luka & Pharos Hvar Bayhill Hotel

• Duration: 5 nights & 5 nights
• Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
• Transfer information: Private resort transfer and ferry transfer
• Example Price: from £889pp (2018, including flights from Gatwick Airport)

Brac (pronounced Bratj) boasts the highest peak of the Croatian islands, Vidova Gora at 778 meters and the home to Bol, with Croatia’s best known and arguably most stunning beach. Here you’ll lose yourself in the romantic squares and the cobblestoned streets and the waterfront location in the bay of Vela Luka, with the islands longest sand and pebble beach just a few steps away, is where you’ll stay.

Queen of the Dalmatian Islands, beautiful Hvar is favoured by wealthy Croatians and discerning Italians whose luxury yachts anchor off the coast during the summer months. Set amidst olive trees, vineyards, rosemary and wild lavender, there are palaces and churches, and, lined with delightful cafe’s, restaurants and bars, the Riva, the central thoroughfare, leads from the picturesque harbour to 16th century Stephens’s Cathedral which dominates the main square, and up to the Fortica Fortress. Inspired?