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The most amazing Mediterranean islands for a summer escape
From the Balearics to Sicily, the Mediterranean is simply teeming with beautiful islands
There are more than 10,000 islands dotted across the Mediterranean Sea. Aside from the more obvious hot spots like Mallorca, Sardinia and Sicily, there are hundreds of lesser-known islands like the super-exclusive Cavallo off the coast of Corsica and boho Formentera in the Balearics.
Whether you're looking for ancient relics, world-class beaches or a unique dining experience, there's always a Mediterranean island that fits the bill. Discover the hidden beaches of Hvar, marvel at the mountains of Malta or succumb to the sensational cuisine of Sicily.
With more than 200 inhabited islands, Greece is often the first place you think off when looking for an island escape. Bumble around the many beaches of Corfu or Crete, wander through the white-washed villages in Kos or Kefalonia, or learn about the ancient history in Hydra and Lefkada.
From the dazzling islands of the Dalmatian Coast to sultry Santorini, we've picked ten of the most amazing Mediterranean islands for a marvellous holiday.
And for further island holiday inspiration, take a look at our full collection over on Good Housekeeping Holidays.
Hvar, Croatia
Lavender fields, olive groves and secluded white-pebble beaches, it's easy to see why Hvar is one of Croatia's most popular island destinations. Known as the Queen of the Dalmatian Islands, Hvar's stylish waterfront restaurants, secret coves and heavenly aquamarine waters are like catnip to the celebrity crowd flocking to its shores each summer.
While it's fun to bimble around the harbour star-spotting, don't miss a wander up to Fortica, the fortress which sits above Hvar Town and offers far-reaching views across the islands.
How to visit: As the land of a thousand islands, the best way to explore Croatia archipelago is on a cruise. Good Housekeeping's small-ship cruise holiday takes in some of Croatia's prettiest islands and regions, including Hvar, Korcula and Mljet. Departing from Split, the seven-night trip bounces around some beautiful islands and secret coves, stopping off in many ports and waterfront towns along the way.
Vis, Croatia
Staying in Croatia, Vis also deserves a place on this illustrious list. With a gorgeous rugged coastline, traditional stone villages and lush beaches, it's easy to see why Vis was cast as a Greek island in the movie Mamma Mia! 2. The most westerly of the Dalmatian islands, it's also the most fascinating – up until 1989 it was completely tourist-free and used as a Yugoslavian naval base.
Now the gorgeous island with its authentic stone villages and spectacular beaches draws the glitterati who come to relax on Stiniva Cove, regularly voted Europe's most beautiful beach.
Where to stay: Pretty as a postcard and tucked away in a quiet lane a short stroll away from the sea, Hotel San Giorgio is the boutique name to know on Vis. Choose from a double room or suite and get ready to enjoy views of the historic town from any of them. Warm and friendly, the hotel will pick you up from the ferry port, offer you a welcome drink, give you a guided tour of the island and give you complimentary breakfast the next day. There's also the hotel's excellent Boccadoro restaurant to check out in the evenings.
Sicily, Italy
Sicily's ancient ruins, year-round sunshine and world-class cuisine makes it an ever popular choice for an island escape. Lying quietly under a smouldering Mount Etna, the Med's largest island recently starred as the backdrop to hit TV show The White Lotus.
Although brimming with Greek temples, Phoenician ruins and beautiful beaches, it's the incredible food which really sets Sicily apart from other Italian islands. A pioneer of the slow food movement, Sicily's millennia of cultures and civilisations all meld to form one of Europe's most interesting cuisines.
Where to stay: If you're heading to Catania, don't miss the small yet mighty Elle Dimora di Sicilia. This romantic spot only has two rooms, but each have amphitheatre views – and interiors that will rival the historic sights outside. Many of the unique touches are made by local artisans, adding authenticity to the contemporary feel and trend-led design. A Sicilian spread awaits guests at breakfast time, while a roof terrace is this place's crowning glory.
Rhodes, Greece
The largest of the Dodecanese islands in Greece, Rhodes truly has it all: endless sun, fascinating history, beautiful beaches, ancient sites, mountain villages, museums, sprawling resorts, and tonnes of bustling tavernas, bars and restaurants to boot. There's also an international airport, so getting here is a seriously smooth affair.
Must-visits while you're on Rhodes include the medieval old town that's a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the excellent Archaeological and Byzantine Museums; ancient Lindos with its stunning acropolis, traditional white houses and excellent beaches, and the beautiful area of Kallithea in the north.
Where to stay: Neilson's Levante Beach Club is tucked away on Afandou Beach, with the nearest small village of Kolymbia located about 1.5km away. Here, you can enjoy the feeling of being far away from the hustle and bustle, while still being close enough to Rhodes' main sites if you're itching to explore. The all-inclusive resort boasts six pools, excellent sports facilities and perfect conditions for sailing and wind-surfing too.
Corsica, France
With a thousand kilometres of coastline, 200 beaches and a quirky single track railway, Corsica has a firm spot on the list of the Med's most amazing islands. Once ruled by the Republic of Genoa, the island has a distinctly French-Italian influence. Part of France since the 18th century – it's famously the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte – the island is renowned for its colourful markets, fresh fish and abundant wine scene.
While most come for the beautiful beaches, historic cities and to ride the rails, don't miss a visit to one of the seven remaining citadels found in Corte, Calvi and Porto-Vecchio, the latter which has sweeping views along the coastline.
Where to stay: Hôtel Casa Mea is a relative newcomer to Corsica (having opened in 2024) but it's already found its place as a humble yet beautiful hotel close to Miomo Beach and the charming village that is home to the bay. There are 18 bedrooms to choose from – half of which have sea views, so try to reserve one of those if possible – as well as a bar and restaurant.
Cyprus
The third largest of the Mediterranean islands, Cyprus, in the southernmost corner of Europe manages to combine ancient history, Middle Eastern temperatures and beautiful beaches lapped by the Med's ubiquitous aquamarine waters. Visit the ancient city of Paphos, wander around the byzantine streets of Nicosia's Old Town or visit the birthplace of Aphrodite. While resorts like Ayia Napa and Protaras have a somewhat lively reputation, they also offer swathes of white-sand beaches, safe, clear waters and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
One of the best things about Cyprus - bar the year-round sunshine and fabulous beaches – is its incredible food, from glorious platters of mezzos, heavenly grilled meats to freshly caught seafood, there's little chance of going hungry.
Where to stay: Tucked away in the countryside but within easy reach of Coral Bay and Paphos, Cap St Georges is a gorgeous luxury resort is a tranquil escape from the crowds. It offers a fantastic state-of-the-art spa, a 50-metre pool, plus gastronomic delights by visiting Michelin starred chefs.
Malta
Located just south of Sicily, Malta brings a touch of home to the southern Mediterranean. The tiny island was under British rule until the Sixties and still has plenty of Anglo influence. The capital Valletta, a fortified city and now UNESCO World Heritage Site, is packed with historic charm, elaborate baroque architecture and vast gold-laced churches, like St John's Co-Cathedral, where the Pope serves mass when in Malta.
Malta has dozens of fine beaches, both rocky and sandy, but every one lapped by clear aquamarine seas and popular with the diving and snorkelling crowd. For sandy swathes, head to the neighbouring island of Gozo.
Where to stay: For a proper beach holiday, stay at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz on Gozo, an extensive beach resort which runs the full gamut of multiple pools, tennis courts, a spa and varied dining options.
Alternatively, The Xara Palace in Mdina offers a luxury boutique stay in a 17th-century palace within the city walls. It has just 17 suites and two restaurants, including one with Malta's first Michelin star.
Formentera, Spain
Pristine white beaches and martini-clear waters, the tiny island of Formentera is one of the Med's best kept secrets. An easy boat ride from its hedonistic sibling, Ibiza, with its quiet resorts, secret coves and relaxed boho vibe, it offers some much needed peace and tranquility in this corner of the Mediterranean.
The best way to explore the island is by bike. Visit the white-washed villas in San Francisco, the grand-sounding capital, which in reality is little more than a confident village – and kick back in Es Pujols and La Savina, the main resort towns, where you'll find the hip beach bars and cosy restaurants which make up Formentera's low-key nightlife.
Where to stay: Treat yourself with a night or two at the first and only five star hotel on Formentera. A short walk from Es Pujols beach, Five Flowers Hotel and Spa is inspired by the Balearics' Sixties and Seventies boho vibe. Be pampered in the luxe spa or kick back with a cool sundowner in the Sky Cocktail Bar, which has 360-degree views over Formentera and Ibiza. Add in chic and serene rooms, a heavenly fine dining restaurant and a yoga deck, and you might never want to leave.
Lefkada, Greece
Pristine beaches, tepid turquoise waters and flocks of pink flamingoes flying overhead, Lefkada is called the Caribbean of Greece. One of the lesser-known Ionian islands, it was originally a peninsula on the mainland's western coast until it was clipped off by a narrow channel dug by the Corinthians in the eighth century.
Studded with pine and olive groves, the island is easy to explore – there's pretty much one road which circumnavigates it – and you'll find pink-hued hillside villages dotted with custard-coloured houses, crumbling chapels and tiny harbours clinking with visiting yachts. Surrounded by calm clear waters, Lefkada attracts a loyal sailing crowd, many who come to sail near Skorpios, the private island retreat of Aristotle and Jackie Onassis.
Where to stay: Tucked away in the wooded pine hills above Lefkada Town, Katouna Suites is a beautiful boutique hotel perfect for a romantic week away. Spend days exploring or relax by the quiet infinity pool and just drink in the views over the Ionian Sea. There are only 10 suites, all spacious and stylishly decorated, and all with private terraces and sweeping views over the island.
Santorini, Greece
Considered the most cosmopolitan of all the Greek islands, Santorini has to make it on the list of the Mediterranean's most amazing islands. Famous for its white-washed villages and blue-domed churches, this volcanic island in the Aegean Sea has everything from Minoan ruins to ancient vineyards to sate even the most dedicated of Greek island fans.
Take a hike around the island's caldera, a sunken cater caused by an eruption more than 3,000 years ago. Sample assyrtiko wines grown in the volcanic vineyards on one of the island's wine trails and finish off with a sundowner in Oia, the village famous for its heavenly sunsets.
Where to stay: Boasting some of the finest views on Santorini, the Andronis Arcadia Hotel on the fringes of Oia is a super stylish spot. Spend chilled days on an overwater bed by the infinity pool overlooking those views, while evenings can indulge in the finest cuts in the Beefbar, a hip dining concept from Monte Carlo, which overlooks the sweep of the Aegean Sea.
Cavallo, France
If you're looking for an island with more exclusivity, head south of Corsica and visit the tiny French island of Cavallo. Once owned by a Parisian club magnate in the Sixties, this exclusive island is still popular with visiting celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Bono and Beyoncé, earning it the nickname the Mustique of the Med. But now mere mortals can stay in a handful of hotels, villas and beach houses across the island.
Cavallo is also popular with the Med's glitzy sailing crowd. The two-kilometre-long island with its heavenly beaches, electric blue waters and colourful diving sites teeming with marine life offer a real desert island escape.
Where to stay: Combining both Italian and French style, the super-exclusive Hotel & Spa des Pêcheurs on Cavallo is a proper island retreat. It has just 50 rooms, all plushly decorated with views over the sea; some have overwater balconies with views of the Lavezzi Archipelago. Dine on the freshest seafood at the Antica Mesa Mare beach restaurant, relax in the luxe spa or even play a game of golf at the Hotel's Sperone Golf Club.
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