These European Islands Are Gaining Popularity Among Canadians

Everyone knows Santorini for its beautiful, whitewashed houses, white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters — making it the supermodel of European islands. But a date with a supermodel doesn’t come cheap, both in travel and hotel costs. Plus, you’ll have to battle through throngs of tourists to enjoy this sunny destination.

Not to worry, as there are plenty of other choices for European isles that Canadians can add to their travel bucket list. From Portugal’s Azores to the far away Cyprus, we’re sharing our top picks for up-and-coming vacation destinations.

Note: the majority of destinations on this list require at least one stopover to reach from Canadian cities, with connections from many major European cities.

An overhead shot of the waters of Corfu, Greece

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Corfu, Greece

Canadians can skip Santorini and still enjoy the Greek Isles. A great alternative is Corfu, a beautiful beach destination that requires just one stopover from most Canadian cities (which is often the case with smaller island destinations) with direct flights offered from both London and Paris.

Corfu has a relaxed small coastal town vibe and plenty of beaches for those looking to getaway for sand and sun. Plus, enjoy the fantastic local wine and olive oil.

An image of young people carrying surfboards on a beach

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São Miguel, Portugal

In just under six hours on a direct flight from Toronto, you’ll find the the almost-paradise Portuguese island of São Miguel. Here you’ll find lush landscape and a slower pace that’s a welcome break from city life.

The Azores region of Portugal is often called “Little Hawaii”, but here you won’t find the same crowds. Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy nature, hikes and hot springs, all at an affordable price for a European getaway.

A shot of an empty garden with table and chair

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Mallorca, Spain

Escape to the Mediterranean and explore the beautiful coast and Moorish history that can be found in Mallorca. For those looking for a more lively vacation, this spot is also known for its nightlife.

While there are currently no direct flights from Canadian cities, there are plenty of connections from major European cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam and many more. For cheaper prices, look for dates in the off season, between November and February.

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Malta

The small country of Malta is another lovely destination for Canadians looking to jet off to a European Island. Just over 300 square kilometres, you’ll have the ability to see as much as you’d like of the beautiful country, even in a short visit.

Malta is well loved for its beautiful beaches, where you can dive and explore countless shipwrecks.

A shot of a small fishing boat in clear blue waters

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Crete, Greece

History buffs shouldn’t miss Crete, the largest of all the Greek Islands. With four airports offering flights from various European ports, it’s one of the easiest islands to find a flight deal to.

Here, you’ll be able to explore countless ruins while also enjoying the natural beauty of the Greek beaches. This one is the total package for sun lovers.

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Sicily, Italy

It’s no secret that Italy is one of the top destinations for food lovers, and the Italian island of Sicily is no exception. Because of its geography, Sicilian cuisine heavily features seafood, plus you’ll find desserts like cannoli and granita.

Besides delighting your stomach, Sicily also features Mount Etna, one of the few active volcanoes in Europe. With beautiful natural landscapes and rich culture, you can expect all your senses to be delighted by a getaway here.

An overhead shot of a harbour with boats docked

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Corsica, France

More on the splurge end of this list is the beautiful French island, Corsica. If you’re looking to book a getaway here, you’ll need to transfer through a major European city and fly into one of five airports on the island (tip: Bastia Poretta Airport is generally the cheapest).

Known as the Isle of Beauty, a vacation to Corsica will delight the whole family — or be the perfect choice for a romantic getaway for two. Sandy beaches cover the coastline, and you’ll have your pick of great local wines from the nearby vinyards.

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Cyprus

While technically located in the Middle East, Cyprus is a culturally and politically European island country. This underrated vacation pick has a variety of terrain to enjoy, from mountainous regions to sandy beaches.

It’s one of the most unique and off-the-beaten path European islands on this list — and though fairly easy to get to with one stopover, it may involve a more costly flight.