The three secret island gems of Europe that you absolutely have to visit!

The three secret island gems of Europe that you absolutely have to visit!

Europe's islands attract millions of travelers every year, but some of these paradise places remain undiscovered. Recent research by Avis found that some islands are less visited due to lack of infrastructure, remoteness or low profile. Among these is Lesbos in Greece at the top of the list of the most unpopular islands in Europe.

Lesbos, located in the northeast Aegean Sea near the Turkish coast, is often mistakenly neglected. The island is known for its picturesque villages, olive groves and the cultural tradition surrounding the birthplace of the poet Sappho. Despite its diverse landscape with hills, bays and hot springs, it is considered the least popular travel destination among the European islands.

Lesbos: A hidden gem

Lesvos, pronounced Lesvos (Λέσβος) in Greek, offers a peaceful atmosphere and is ideal for a relaxing holiday. With only 7 kilometers from the Turkish coast, the island is easily accessible. Mytilini International Airport offers daily flights from cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as international connections from Northern Europe. Alternatively, there are ferry services to the mainland, including a popular route from Piraeus to Mytilene which takes around 12 hours.

The island is ideal for travelers who want to relax away from the crowds. Lesvos offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy the authentic Greek way of life. From picturesque towns like Molyvos, known for its castle-like architecture, to charming towns like Petra, as well as the lively capital Mytilini, there is plenty to explore.

Activities on Lesbos

Lesbos offers numerous activities for adventure seekers and those interested in culture. Here are some recommended things to do:

• Besuch des malerischen Molyvos mit seinem markanten Schloss
• Wanderungen, Radfahren oder Reiten in der Umgebung von Molyvos
• Scuba-Tauchen zur Erkundung von Schiffswracks
• Glasbodenboot-Touren entlang der Küste
• Entspannen in den heißen Quellen bei Therma
• Erforschung des Museums zur industriellen Olivenproduktion

For nature lovers, Lesbos has over 350 kilometers of coastline with various beaches, including the popular Eftalou Beach and the tranquil skala Kallonis Beach. The island also has rich flora and fauna, ideal for bird watching in the wetlands.

Unknown beauties of Europe

In addition to Lesbos, the list of the most unpopular islands in Europe also names Porto Santo in Portugal and Symi in Greece. Known for its beautiful golden-sand beach, Porto Santo has a tranquil atmosphere, while Symi delights with its picturesque harbor and neoclassical architecture. Other less visited islands are Skopelos in Greece, Cres in Croatia as well as Brac, Karpathos and Thassos.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lesvos attracts travelers with its rich history, culture and natural beauty. Despite its classification as an unpopular island, it offers countless opportunities to explore and therefore a relaxing break in an intact environment. If you are looking for a special destination, you should consider Lesbos.