Island hopping is becoming a major travel trend in Europe. Discover the best island-hopping routes in Greece, Croatia, Spain, and Italy, and learn how much such a trip can cost

In 2026, one of the most noticeable trends in tourism is the so-called island hopping. This travel format involves visiting several islands during a single trip by sea or air, allowing travelers to explore more destinations and enjoy a variety of experiences.

Read on to discover which European island-hopping routes are considered the best and how much such a trip may cost.

Planning a trip without the help of travel agencies is much easier today when you have reliable information at hand. The Tourist Guide by Visit World is a convenient checklist for travelers that includes all the essential details: entry rules for the country, visa requirements, a list of necessary documents, permitted length of stay, and useful travel tips. After purchasing the guide, you will receive all the up-to-date information in PDF format directly to your email within just a few minutes.

Order the Tourist Guide on Visit World and plan your trip easily and without unnecessary hassle!

Why are island hopping gaining popularity?

Unlike a classic vacation in one place, the island hopping format offers a more dynamic journey. Tourists can visit different islands, change landscapes and discover new cultures within the same route.

According to Euronews, the demand for such routes has been growing steadily in recent years, especially after the pandemic. Modern travelers are increasingly looking for a combination of privacy, natural landscapes and a high level of service.

In premium routes, trips between islands may include:

- Transfers on private yachts or catamarans;

- Accommodation in villas by the sea;

- Diving in marine reserves;

- Private dinners on secluded beaches;

- Panoramic seaplane flights.

At the same time, the key element of such trips is not only luxury, but also the opportunity to slowly explore different places. Most often, the optimal duration of the route is 10-15 days, which allows you to visit three or four islands without rushing.

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Greece and Croatia – classic island itineraries

Photo – Freepik.com (Author – anyaivanova)

Greece remains one of the main destinations for island hopping in Europe. The Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea is especially popular, where travelers often combine visits to islands such as:

- Santorini;

- Mykonos;

- Paros.

These locations are known for their picturesque beaches, historical monuments and a developed gastronomic scene.

On one of the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, you can live for free without renting housing and utilities. In our previous article, read more about the living conditions, requirements for participants and who is suitable for this lifestyle.

An equally popular destination is Croatia, where trips to the Adriatic have long become part of the tourist culture. The most popular routes run between the islands:

- Hvar;

- Brač;

- Korčula.

Travelers often travel here on traditional sailing boats – gulets, discovering medieval towns and hidden coves.

Balearic and Canary Islands: Spanish itineraries

Spain also offers several popular itineraries for island hopping.

- In the Mediterranean, one of the most famous combinations is Ibiza and Formentera – these islands are connected by regular ferries, making it easy to combine trips. If you have more time, the itinerary can be expanded by adding Mallorca or Menorca.

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- In the Atlantic Ocean, travelers can explore the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands. A popular route runs between: La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife. Here, travelers can see laurel forests, volcanic cliffs and some of the best stargazing locations in Europe.

Read also: Greenland, a land of glaciers and incredible landscapes, is becoming a new magnet for travelers looking for unique adventures at the edge of the world. Learn about traveling to Greenland in 2026, including how to get there and what to see on the island.

Italian and French islands

In Italy, popular routes are between Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.

Among the most famous islands in this region:

- Lipari;

- Vulcano;

- Stromboli;

- Salina.

They are known for their black volcanic beaches and unique natural landscapes.

A popular combination in France is a trip between Corsica and Sardinia, two picturesque islands in the western Mediterranean.

The Azores and the Scottish Isles for wildlife lovers

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Portugal offers unique routes to the Azores. The most popular destinations for travelers are: São Miguel, Terceira, Pico and Faial.

Volcanic lagoons, UNESCO-listed vineyards and whale watching tours are popular here.

Lovers of rugged landscapes should pay attention to Scotland, where dozens of wild islands are located, including: Skye, Mull, Harris, Lewis. These destinations attract tourists with dramatic cliffs, deserted beaches and an almost mystical atmosphere.

Who among tourists will be interested in a trip between the islands?

According to experts, the following trips are most often chosen by:

- Couples aged 30–45;

- Wealthy older travelers;

- Families traveling with several generations.

How much does an island hopping trip cost?

In Europe, a 10-15-day trip with accommodation in boutique hotels usually costs from 3,000 to 4,500 euros per person. If the route includes renting a private yacht, the budget can be significantly higher.

Experts advise planning the route in advance and not overloading it with a large number of islands - it is optimal to limit yourself to three or four locations to avoid too frequent transfers.

As a result, island hopping is becoming a new way to explore Europe - more flexible, diverse and full of experiences. They allow you to combine a vacation at sea, natural discoveries and cultural routes within one trip.

Even if the route seems simple, when traveling between countries and islands, it is important to take into account visa regulations, permitted periods of stay and document requirements. The travel guide from Visit World will help you quickly deal with all the formalities: the manual contains step-by-step instructions for applying for a tourist visa, rules for filling out the application form, the amount of the visa fee and a complete list of required documents. The guide will also contain useful life hacks and tips that will help make your trip more comfortable. After registration, all the information will be sent to your email in PDF format within a few minutes.

Get a travel guide from Visit World and prepare for a stress-free trip!

Reminder! The tourism organization Visit Sweden has announced an unusual competition, the winners of which will be able to use the real Swedish islands for free for a whole year. We have already talked about the conditions of the competition, the available islands and the rights of their future guardians.

Photo – Freepik.com

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