The best islands in Europe: Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 – Cond Nast Traveller

Where to stay: Domes Miramare was once the summer mansion of shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, but is now a legendary adults-only hotel buried in ancient olive groves. Or see more of our favourite Corfu hotels.

Scarred by wildfires in the summer of 2023, Rhodes is a firm favourite among our readers. The beaches are beautiful, sure, but there are also ancient towns and tiny Byzantine mountain chapels dotted amongst the interior to be found here.

Where to stay: We love Casa Cook Rhodes, a bleached-out, boho-chic stay (splash out on a suite with a private pool, if you can).

Ischia is Italys island with the best beaches. This little volcanic island punches well above its weight, with smart hotels and slick spas dotted among rugged landscapes. This place is probably best seen by boat, where you might spot Castello Aragonese or Mount Epomeo from the water. This is also Italys natural spa island, so a dip in the thermal pools is a must-do, too.

Where to stay: We love Casa Cook Rhodes, a bleached-out, boho-chic stay (splash out on a suite with a private pool, if you can).

The Mediterranean sunshine island, so they say. Malta is so beautiful its been used as a film double in Game of Thrones, Gladiator and Murder on the Orient Express. There are 300 days of sunshine a year here, so a visit will likely be sun-soaked and glorious perfect for spending at beach clubs or swimming in the sea.

Where to stay: From the moment it re-opened under the uber-tasteful eye of Marie-Louise Sci, Mezzatorre became a magnet to the Italian glitterati.

This island, Turkey, in the northeastern Aegean Sea, is 250 miles from the capital. It can only be reached by boat, and is mentioned in the Iliad and other classical Greek literature, thanks to its crucial positioning in the Aegean sea.

Where to stay: Posthane Hotel, a sweet, affordable guesthouse.

One of Greeces Dodecanese islands, Kos is known for its gorgeous beaches some of the best in this corner of the Greek islands. Much of the ancient architecture here has been preserved, from 14th-century castles to the Plane Tree of Hippocrates, where the philosopher (supposedly born here) once taught.

Where to stay: We love Oku Kos, a laid-back minimalist property thats unmistakably Greek.

The smallest of the Sporades islands is also the most popular. Beaches such as Koukounaries are much-loved for the turquoise sea, while those on the west coast, such as Elia Beach, are quieter. The harbour is dotted with buzzing little restaurants, some of which spill onto the sand (we particularly like the taverna at Sklithri).

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The best islands in Europe: Readers' Choice Awards 2023 - Cond Nast Traveller