Seven heavenly European islands you’ve never heard of

FORGET the tourist hordes in Europe. From an island with a population of just four, to one which crams in more than 100 ancient sites, these are the places where the locals go.

The rauk "The dog" in sunset on Fårö on Gotland, Sweden.

SICK of Santorini? Tired of Tenerife? Why not expand your island horizons and escape the tourist hordes?

Here are seven heavenly European islands that you’ve probably never heard of, but are worth a visit, according to Skyscanner.com.au.

1. Gotland, Sweden

With 800 kilometres of beautiful Baltic coastline, Gotland is well-known to Swedes, yet despite being the largest island in the country, tourists are still thin on the ground. Visby, the capital, is a UNESCO world heritage site with more than 100 medieval churches and prehistoric sites for you to explore.

There’s plenty to see in Gotland.

The rest of the island offers a national park and over 100 nature reserves. It’s ideal for outdoor lovers — go hiking, biking and horse riding. Or just kick back on the beach.

There’s a lot to see.

2. Holy Isle, Scotland

Sitting off the west coast of Scotland, Holy Isle is now a spiritual retreat run by a Buddhist Lama.

Visitors can come for a day or more, to either wander the land or enrol on more spiritual endeavours by taking a course in meditation, yoga or even “lucid dreaming and mindfulness”.

A lighthouse at Holy Isle. Picture: Secretlondon123

You could even take a chopper if you’re in a rush to get there.

It’s a great escape.

3. Traena, Norway

The jagged peaks and lush grass of Traena, an island 65km off the coast of Norway, would likely be little known if it wasn’t for Trenafestival which has been deemed the ”World’s most remote music festival”.

Traena is picturesque.

Once a year, performers come from all around the world to this island to play on some unusual stages, including one in a cave.

Ready, set, packed! Picture: Manu el Loco

Getting here requires dedication; you’ll need to fly to Bodo, then take a six-hour boat trip to reach Traena. But it’s worth it; expect a warm welcome from the island locals, top-notch gourmet food, and probably the most stunning setting for a gig you’ll ever find.

It’ll take time, and patience, to get here. Picture: Manu el Loco

4. Bozcaada, Turkey

Once known as Tenedos, this small island is most definitely a Turkish delight. Sitting in the serene Aegean Sea, it’s a landscape of low hills, beautiful bays, lavender fields, vineyards and cobblestone alleys.

Time to chill.

Welcome to life in the slow lane, where Turkish old-timers play backgammon in shady spots, and there’s always a glass of island wine on offer.

View from window of Tenedos Castle in Bozcaada, Turkey.

Relax.

5. Poros, Greece

See ya Santorini! Poros is the perfect bolthole to escape the backpacker crowds and package holiday-makers you might typically bump in to in the Greek islands. This heavenly retreat in Greece’s Saronic Gulf is where the locals go for a break.

A pretty good view, in Poros. Picture: A TripAdvisor traveller

Visit the Lemon Forest, a hill covered in more than 30,000 lemon and orange trees, and lounge on its beaches which stretch uninterrupted around the coastline. Poros is quiet, yet cosmopolitan; there’s plenty to entertain you after dark in the cosy cafes and taverns where the locals come out to play, yet seclusion is easy to find on this most authentic Greek Island.

A small, quiet bay on Poros island, Greece

6. Elba, Italy

Sitting not far off the coast of the Italian mainland, Elba is part of the Archipelago Toscano National Park. Although it’s the third largest island in Italy (after Sicily and Sardinia) it’s not particularly well-known to many.

The view from Elba.

Known as “Tuscany’s Island”, the area has a splendid mix of history, coastline, mountains and forest, making it ideal for an active break.

Torre degli Appiani, ancient tower in Marciana Marina, Elba Island.

Try your hand at windsurfing, sea kayaking, diving, climbing and mountain biking here.

You can either be active, or soak up the sun.

7. Comino, Malta

Comino is a tiny island that forms part of Malta. Known for its tranquillity and isolation, it has a permanent population of just four (yes four!).

The Blue Grotto on Comino in Malta.

The island is car-free and a paradise for divers, windsurfers and walkers. Comino’s best asset is probably its Blue Lagoon — a sheltered inlet of aquamarine sea over white sand, which could easily get work as a stunt-double for the Maldives. To get here, fly to Malta then just hop on a ferry.

The water is a really cool colour. Picture: Simon

More travel inspiration at Skyscanner.com.au.