City of Vis in Croatia
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Small & Beautiful: Four of the most beautiful islands in Europe

From recharging your batteries in Italy to savoir-vivre in France!

25 June 2021


If you can do without the ultimate luxury for a few moments, these islands will provide you with spectacular beaches and breathtaking nature off the beaten tracks.

1. Lipari Islands, Italy

Travellers who avoid big crowds will find their happiness here: the Lipari Islands, also known as the Aeolian Islands, have been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2000. This is due to the breathtaking landscapes shaped by many volcanoes and the population: they developed an awareness of the value of an intact environment early on. But also jetsetters find their happiness here - the island of Panarea is currently the place to be.

The Lipari Islands show Italy from a dreamlike side.

The best hotels and restaurants

To enjoy the island dream for longer, here are two stunning hotels you must see!

Therasia Resort Sea & Spa

Isola di Vulcano, 98050 Vulcanello ME, Italy
Tel: +39 090 9852555
therasiaresort.it

Spectacular view thanks to the best location on the island of Vulcano.

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Therasia Resort Sea and Spa (@therasiaresort).

Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia

Via Faro, 3 - 98050 - Salina Isole Eolie (ME)
tel. +39 090 98 44 330
capofaro.it

Located on Salina, it belongs to the Relais & Châteaux group.

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia (@capofaro).

Antonio Il Macellaio

via san pietro, 20, 98050 Panarea ME, Italy
Tel: +39 090 983258
facebook.com/AntonioilMacellaio/

Unusual concept on Panarea: a steakhouse with an exceptional wine list.

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ANTONIO IL MACELLAIO (@antonioilmacellaio).

Trattoria del Vicolo

Vico Ulisse, 15, 98055 Lipari ME, Italy
Tel: +39 0909811066 
trattoriadelvicolo.info

Authentic cuisine in Lipari.

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Trattoria del vicolo (@trattoriadelvicolo).

2. Porquerolles, France

A little away from the jet-set hustle and bustle around Saint-Tropez, located at the southernmost tip of Provence, the town of Hyères not only offers exciting culture but also scores with an archipelago that is second to none: Porquerolles, the largest of the three islands, is a real natural gem that attracts day-trippers to its crystal-clear beaches. However, these can only be reached on foot or by bike. Conclusion: take time for discoveries!

Hyères is certainly one of the most beautiful places that the south of France has to offer.

The best hotels and restaurants

Experience the French way of life up close! 

Le Mas du Langoustier

2588 Chemin du Langoustier, 83400 Ile de Porquerolles, France
langoustier.com

A little worn yet charming and très authentic - directly on Porquerolles. 

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Le Mas du Langoustier Official (@lemasdulangoustier).

Hotel & Spa du Castellet

3001 Route des Hauts du Camp, 83330 Le Castellet, France
Tel: +33 4 94 98 37 77
hotelducastellet.net

Located in the backcountry; luxurious seclusion makes up for travel hassles. 

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Hôtel & Spa du Castellet (@hotelducastellet)

Le Marais

1366 Boulevard de la Marine, 83400 Hyères, France
Tel: +33 09 54 12 72 09
lemaraisplage.fr

Contemporary beach bar with great flair, located at the marina of Hyères.

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Le Marais Plage (@lemaraisplage)

Le Pradeau Plage

1420 Avenue des Arbanais, 83400 Hyères, France
Tel: +33 04 94 58 29 06
pradeauplage.com

Beach location: With a view of Porquerolles, you can dine on rustic fresh fish here. 

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Doriane (@dxdue).

3. vis, Croatia

Charming because it's authentic and an insider's tip: the island furthest away from the Dalmatian mainland is just as popular with aristocratic free spirits as it is with globetrotters and artists. The former have settled here in the summer months and indulge in the dolce vita in the few restaurants. Those who really want to enjoy the island rent one of the many baroque villas.

The island of Vis is known for its charming atmosphere.

The best hotels and restaurants

Croatia has some hidden addresses that are real highlights.

Hotel San Giorgio

Petra Hektorovića 2, Vis, Croatia
Tel: +38521607630
hotelsangiorgiovis.com

Located in the historic district of Kuta, this small boutique hotel convinces with a lot of charm.

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Hotel San Giorgio (@hotelsangiorgiovis).

Vis Villas

Hrvatskih mučenika 2, 21 485 Komiža
Tel: +385 (0)21 717 239
visvilla.com

If you want to live in style, you will find it here. 

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Alter Natura (@alternatura.komiza)

Konoba Golub

Podselje 12, 21480, Vis, Croatia
Tel: +385 98 965 0327
facebook.com/konoba.golub

Located in the heartland, with surprising compositions.

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Konoba "Golub" (@konoba_golub_vis)

Fort George

Utvrda Sv. Juraj bb, 21480, Vis, Croatia
fortgeorgecroatia.com

Magical place with culinary delights and service to match.

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Fort George Croatia (@fortgeorgecroatia).

4. tabarca, spain

More than just a small island: Tabarca is the only inhabited island in the autonomous province of Valencia, located eleven nautical miles off the coast and by definition an archipelago, and a very unusual one at that: the area has been declared a marine protected area because of its excellent water quality and the biodiversity of the flora and fauna. Snorkel and Co should be packed if you fo there. The best time to visit is away from the high season and the usual tourist crowds.

The sea in front of Tabarca shines with excellent water quality.

The best hotels and restaurants

Here you will experience Spanish flair in a class of its own!

Cala Tabarca Bed & Breakfast

Calle Soledad-tabarca, 12, 03138 Tabarca, Alicante, Spain
Tel: +34 665 26 09 73
calatabarca.com

Rudimentary, but quaint and with a lot of flair; located directly at the water.

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Alicante City (@alicante_city)

Hotel Hospes Amérigo

Calle Rafael Altamira, 7, 03002 Alicante, Spain
Tel: (+34) 914 363 478
hospes.com.

For day-trippers coming from Alicante. Great panoramic view!

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Hospes Hotels, Infinite Places (@hospeshotels).

La Finca

Camí de Perleta, 1, 7, 03295 Elx, Alicante, Spain
Tel: +34965456007
lafinca.es

Excellent quality, created with finesse - top tip in Alicante.

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by LA FINCA RESTAURANT (@lafincaelche).

El Portal

Calle Bilbao, 2, 03001 Alicante, Spain
Tel: +34 965 14 44 44
elportaltaberna.es

Tapas bar that also packs its delicacies for an island trip.

 
 
 
 
 
Check out this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by El Portal Alicante (@elportalalicante)

Credit: mauritius images, Yusef Habib / Unsplash, Getty Images

This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Summer 2021.

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