There are hundreds of places in the world where you can spend your next vacation, but you can feel true peace and unity with nature only on the islands. Find out about the 10 best islands in Europe that attract with their nature, rich history and delicious cuisine

Europe is one of the world's most popular regions for travel, because it has all the mountains, the sea, historical places and fantastic landscapes. In addition, it impresses tourists with the diversity of its landscapes. A separate type of pleasure can be called vacation on the islands, which, by the way, are also quite numerous in Europe.

Where in the region can you enjoy snow-white buildings, strong fortresses and high cliffs? The rating of the best islands for a vacation in Europe follows.

 Korčula, Croatia

Korčula is the greenest island in Croatia, covered with vineyards, olive groves and dense forests, located only 3 km from the mainland. Of course, in the summer it is very difficult to find a free corner to rest here, but in the off-season it is a carefree and very beautiful place that is definitely worth visiting.

The medieval towns and villages of the island impress with their historical architecture, from palaces built in the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles to simple stone cottages and rural houses - the tourist has a lot to see.

- What to do? Go for a walk or bike ride, visit small wineries, watch folk dances, religious processions, musical performances and just relax on the sandy beach.

Skiathos, Greece

Skiathos is a perfect Greek island that attracts travelers with its fantastic shingle beach, sparkling bay, pine scent and rich history.

The architecture of the island is snow-white buildings and ancient monasteries hidden in the quiet mountains. The northern coast is fringed with cliffs, where the hills drop down to secluded bays with silver pebbles. Here, many family-run tavernas have been serving feta salads, crispy golden chips and super-fresh seafood platters for years.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is the largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily, which is proud of its history. It is on the island that there are snow-white beaches that all tourists in the world dream of. Sardinia's nature is also worth noting - amazing bays, coastal paths, rocky mountains, remote hilltop villages and medieval towns full of secrets.

 Corsica, France

Although Corsica is part of France, life on the island is very different from the mainland. Customs, culture, cuisine, language, a unique Corsican identity radiates from each beautiful hilltop village.

The natural landscape of Corsica is kaleidoscopic. Its sandy beaches and golden crescent bays, dense forests and green valleys, mountain ranges and rocky headlands are a true explorer's paradise.

Menorca, Spain

Menorca is an island off the east coast of Spain, which is washed by the waters of the Balearic Sea. In 1993, it received the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so the island is the best place for travelers looking for unity with nature.

Its two elegant cities tell stories of its troubled past: the port capital of Mao (Maon) abounds in British-influenced architecture, while the colorful Citadel adds a more Spanish touch.

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Saaremaa, Estonia

The soul of Estonia is hidden among the vast expanses of the country's largest island, Saaremaa. Here, among oak and juniper forests and rocky sea shores, there are small Estonian villages that still live according to ancient traditions. Above the picturesque town of Kuressaare, the largest settlement on the island, rises one of the country's most amazing castles.

Saaremaa also attracts tourists with its cuisine - from rye bread made according to old family recipes to smoked fish sold in tiny markets, food tourism connoisseurs will find something to please themselves here.

Gotland, Sweden

Known as the 'Queen of the Baltics', Gotland is a magical island where medieval towns and churches collide with sandy beaches and dunes, sculpted sea waves, lush meadows and small villages.

Sweden's largest island is located in the Baltic Sea roughly halfway between mainland Sweden and Estonia - a strategically important place where people have lived for about 8,000 years.

Gotland is home to the narrow cobbled lanes and quaint cottages of Visby, its UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital. Tourists are attracted here by the magnificent early Gothic architecture and long summer evenings.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

It seems that the Lofoten archipelago is located at the very edge of the Earth. It is connected to mainland Norway by ferry or a series of road tunnels and bridges. Tourists are attracted by the extraordinary natural beauty of this place. The landscapes of the Lofoten Islands were also described by the French novelist Jules Verne in his classic science fiction adventure novel "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea".

The local population is mainly engaged in fishing and agriculture. Travelers will be able to enjoy fabulous local landscapes, go kayaking, and in winter ride husky sleds.

Texel, Netherlands

Gorgeous white-sand beaches, wildlife-rich nature reserves, sun-kissed forests and quaint villages are just some of the highlights of Texel, the largest island of the Wadden archipelago that stretches along the North-East coast of Holland.

The island has a rich history, once it was the main stop for ships heading to Asia, Africa and North America. Also, taking into account the flat landscapes, Texel is an ideal place for cycling. Another advantage of the island is the small number of tourists, so connoisseurs of secluded recreation should consider a trip here.

Inis Mor, Ireland

The largest of the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay, Inis Mor (The Big Island) is a thriving Irish-speaking community where traditional music, culture and heritage go hand-in-hand with a lively calendar of festivals and events.

A vast network of hand-built stone walls criss-cross the cracked limestone landscape, and the island's only road is connected by countless lanes and paths leading to ancient monuments, medieval churches, high crosses, holy wells and sturdy lighthouses.

- What to do? Go horseback riding or cycling, attend a traditional pot weaving workshop, eat fresh lobster, play the bodrani (goat skin drum) or sing in the traditional sean-nós style.

The fabulous European islands are the perfect place for a fantastic vacation, so choose a destination and embark on an amazing journey this year.

As a reminder, you can find a selection of world cities that are best suited for walking here. The rating of the most dangerous natural wonders of the world in this article.

Photo: Justin Foulkes/Lonely Planet