Island life truly has a je ne sais quoi that slows you down, awakens your sense of wonder and naturally disconnects you from the rest of the world. At Backroads, we also love islands of all shapes, sizes and climates! Here’s a list of our European island trips to consider for your next getaway.
One Island at a Time
Azores
Isolated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this volcanic archipelago feels remote. Your leaders will show you the magic of São Miguel Island, the biggest of the nine islands that form the Azores. Let the blue of the ocean be your compass through the week. After challenging yourself on the trail, bike or kayak, soak in hot springs and refuel on delicious local cuisine. And despite our preference for the back roads, we won’t let you leave the island without seeing the famous Sete Cidades crater lakes. Bring the kids on the Multi-Adventure and they’ll get to try their hand at chocolate-making. Or visit Europe’s oldest tea plantation on the Hiking & Walking trip. Either way, the breathtaking shoreline and lush landscapes will make you wish for more time in this paradise.
Cyprus
Our new Cyprus trip is sure to take you out of your comfort zone, in the best way! This lesser-known Mediterranean island is a unique blend of Turkish and Greek cultures with a sunny coastline all the way. Challenge yourself with some great climbs, including along the island’s highest mountain, Mount Olympus, explore World Heritage ruins and enjoy forests, vineyards and island cuisine every step of the way. A beautiful blend of cultures and languages, a rich history and an extended summer season are all great reasons to give in to your curiosity and come on our Cyprus Bike Tour.
Iceland
By far the largest—not to mention coldest—island listed in this article, it nonetheless merits its place in this list because it is a guaranteed thrill. From experiencing all four seasons in one day, to walking on a volcanic black-sand beach, seeing puffins, soaking in a natural hot spring or snacking on dried fish, you will no doubt experience something new when you visit Iceland. With its unique landscape, you will often feel like you are on another planet or even the moon! Whether you decide to visit in the summer, make it a winter adventure or explore via a superyacht on an Ocean Cruise, make sure to visit this incredible island at least once in your life.
Madeira
This island is currently trending, and it is no surprise as to why! The “Pearl of the Atlantic” has so much to offer in terms of lush flora and fauna, stunning views and hiking trails, including the famous “Stairway to Heaven.” Try the black scabbardfish, stroll on the levadas (the trails along the historic irrigation channels) and celebrate your vacation with a strong poncha, the local cocktail. Backroads offers a Hiking & Walking trip that combines challenging hikes, Premiere Hotels and a relaxing island pace. Its unique location in the Atlantic makes this mountainous Portuguese island a year-round paradise!
Sicily
Backroads has a long history in Italy, and there is a trip for everyone in Sicily! Whether you are looking for biking, hiking, multi-adventure, family-friendly or women-only, consider this Italian island for your next vacation. Home to Mount Etna, the biggest active volcano in Europe, Sicily boasts breathtaking landscapes from mountain tops to sea-level villages. Add in a culture that was shaped by the Ancient Greeks and Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish, and six days is not enough to soak it all in. Trust Backroads to guide you to the must-see locations, always by the roads less traveled.
Two Islands, Twice the Fun!
Canary Islands
Be one of the first to experience our new Canary Islands Multi-Adventure Tour. Hike, bike and kayak your way around this remote Spanish volcanic archipelago. To get a real sense of the Canaries and their culture, we will island-hop between two of the Canary Islands’ seven islands: Tenerife and La Palma. Hike to remote traditional villages and bike on the slopes of a volcano. And with only two hotels on this trip, you will spend less time packing and more time enjoying the dramatic volcanic terrain. With a year-round mild climate, you can go on this trip almost any month of the year!
Mallorca & Menorca
It’s an undeniable fact: Mallorca is a cycling mecca! Smooth roads, many popular climbs closed to car traffic in the summer, viewpoints at every corner, long rewarding descents and plenty of coffee shops to refuel. A short flight brings you to Menorca where, with a tenth of Mallorca’s population, you will find tranquility, empty roads and rugged land. If you’d rather travel by your own two feet, we have a Hiking & Walking trip where you can also visit both islands. Combining both islands in one week brings you a deeper dive into the fascinating and warm Balearic culture.
Sardinia and Corsica
Our Sardinia and Corsica Multi-Adventure trips are unique as they combine two islands from two different countries! This is where the French and Italian cultures meet, linked by the Mediterranean lifestyle—a just-right combination of slow-paced living, fresh cuisine and passionate locals. From land to sea, this perfect shoulder-season destination is one you will never forget.
In the end, these islands’ mix of scenery, culture and adventure speaks for themselves. You truly cannot go wrong with any of the options above. Be ready to give in to the slower pace of island living and explore some truly remote corners of our beautiful planet!
