Five of Europe's Best Accessible Island Escapes for a Change of Pace
From the Venetian lagoon to the sparkling Mediterranean, these island getaways provide a welcome change of pace just a short hop from the mainland. Offering grassy dunes, white sands, and tranquil settings, they are perfect for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle.
Sylt, Germany: A North Sea Gem
Connected to the German mainland by a single rail causeway, Sylt is just over three hours from Hamburg by direct train. As the largest of the North Frisian islands, it slices through the North Sea and the Wadden Sea, featuring salt marshes and mudflats to the east and 25 miles of white sands along the western coast, with grassy dunes buffering the bracing winds.
Relatively unknown to UK visitors, the island has long been a popular destination for Germans and appeals to an affluent crowd, although not exclusively. Luxury hotels and pioneering health resorts sit side by side with multistorey apartment blocks, modest campsites, and laid-back surfing schools.
Trains from Hamburg – soon to be upgraded with the new intercity (ICE L) fleet – arrive in Westerland, the largest town on the island, which expanded significantly during the 60s and 70s. Alternative bases include well-heeled Kampen or Keitum, the latter known for its maritime history and traditional thatched houses. Designated nature reserves cover other parts of the island, from the shifting dunes in List to the vast Braderup Heath, partly managed by a hardy breed of sheep.
Grab a coffee from Kaffeerösterei Sylt, order the herring sandwich from Hafenkiosk 24, and don't miss the salty Sylter Royal oysters from Germany's only commercial oyster farm. The restaurant Oma Wilma focuses on hearty fare, while the shop and bistro Käseklub, located on an old goat farm, serves a curated selection of cheeses.
Where to stay: Villa Klasen is a recently renovated boutique hotel in a charming art-nouveau style building with doubles from €120 B&B.
Sherkin, Ireland: Tranquillity Off West Cork
It takes an hour and three-quarters by car, plus another 10 minutes by ferry, to get from Cork city, with its lively markets and revelrous pubs, to the relative tranquillity of Sherkin, one of the seven inhabited islands off the coast of West Cork.
None of these islands is especially large – the biggest, Bere Island, takes up about seven square miles – but they are all remarkably different, from sheltered little Garinish with its fine Edwardian gardens, to the ruggedness of Dursey, exposed to the elements at the tip of the Beara peninsula.
Sherkin is known for its simple but appealing retreats, such as Sherkin North Shore, where visitors can enjoy sailing courses, saunas, and communal dinners. The island has three marked walking trails, leading through lush interiors to white-sand beaches and a stunning horseshoe-shaped cove. The Jolly Roger pub serves chowder and toasties, with music sessions in busier months, and artists' studios dot the landscape.
Where to stay: Sherkin North Shore has rooms from €65 a night per adult, €30 for under-13s, and camping from €80 for a bell tent, €15 for a pitch.
Torcello, Italy: A Venetian Lagoon Escape
After exploring Venice's attractions, many seek an escape from the crowded canals. For a real change of pace, take a smaller boat from Burano to the sparsely populated island of Torcello, at the northern end of the Venetian lagoon.
The first thing that strikes you is the sense of space. A wide path through the centre of the island leads past green fields and quaint houses to the Ponte del Diavolo, or devil's bridge, a rare example of an old Venetian bridge without parapets. Stop at Taverna Tipica Veneziana for fried seafood and vegetarian meals, with views of goats and guinea pigs in the garden.
The main attraction is the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639, with stunning 11th-century mosaics inside. Finish with an ice-cream by the water's edge before retracing your steps or staying overnight to enjoy the peace after day trippers leave.
Where to stay: Junior Suites Venezia has a restaurant, coffee shop, garden, and doubles from £183 for a two-night stay.
Frioul Islands, France: Wild Beauty Near Marseille
Just 20 minutes by boat from the Vieux Port of Marseille, the Frioul islands, part of the protected Calanques national park, make a great day trip – but staying longer allows you to enjoy the wild beauty.
The two main islands, Rattoneau and Pomègues, are linked by a 19th-century dyke, with hiking trails winding across white limestone landscapes to secluded swimming coves, pretty creeks, and viewpoints back across the sparkling Med to town. The ferry arrives at Rattoneau, where restaurants like Ou Sinon offer fresh seafood, including organic sea bass farmed on Pomègues.
Saint-Estève is the biggest beach on Rattoneau, good for snorkelling, while historical sites like Hôpital Caroline and old forts reveal the islands' strategic importance. Across on Pomègues, hike to the remote cove Calanque de la Crine for picturesque views.
Where to stay: Accommodation is limited mainly to rental apartments near the harbour, such as La Daurade du Frioul, a one-bed apartment right on the beach from £70 a night.
Cíes Islands, Spain: A Caribbean-Like Break on a Budget
For a Caribbean-like break on a camping budget, the car-free Cíes islands in north-western Spain are hard to beat. This archipelago off the Galician city of Vigo features white-sand beaches, turquoise sea, and exclusivity, as visitor numbers are limited in this national park, with overnight stays allowed only at Easter and in summer.
To reach the islands, visitors must request a free authorisation code up to 90 days in advance, then use it to buy a boat ticket. Daily crossings from Vigo to Monteagudo island take 45 minutes, with Rodas beach a short walk from the pier, offering kayak and snorkel rentals. Seven quieter beaches can be discovered along hiking trails, linking lighthouses, viewpoints, forests, and a bird observatory.
Restaurante Playa de Rodas specialises in seafood like scallops and razor clams, paired with local albariño wine.
Where to stay: Camping Islas Cíes on Faro island has an excellent restaurant, tents with beds, and pitches from €10.90, plus €10.90 per adult, €7.90 per child, with booking essential.
