With its diverse and beautiful coastlines, Europe is a premier destination for island hopping holidays. From the Cyclades to the Balearics and the Azores, Europe is a treasure trove of cruising destinations, boasting crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches and historic seaside towns.
In this article, we’ll dive into the 5 best European destinations for island hopping cruises. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture or relaxation, these spots offer something for every sailing guest to explore and enjoy.
Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are part of the Spanish archipelago, consisting of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera. Each island offers unique experiences and stunning scenery, making them perfect for a summer cruise holiday.
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic islands and boasts golden beaches and mountainous landscapes. After a day at sea, dock in Palma, a vibrant city with a historic castle and cathedral, and explore the quiet village streets in Valldemossa.
Ibiza is known worldwide for its vibrant nightlife and electronic music scene, but don’t let that put you off! This historic island also has a peaceful side, offering secluded coves, traditional towns like Santa Eulalia and a charming UNESCO-listed Old Town called Dalt Vila.
Photo by Valentin Perret
Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten islands are one of Norway’s most stunning and rugged archipelagos, located above the Arctic circle. Known for their dramatic fjords, picturesque fishing villages and abundant wildlife, these islands offer a unique cruising experience for those seeking adventure.
Reine is a must-see spot in the archipelago, a beautiful village surrounded by mountains and Haukland beach with its pristine white sand and turquoise waters. This is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis, especially if you’re cruising from late September to early April.
There are plenty of fun outdoor activities to enjoy during a cruise around the Lofoten islands. Whether it’s hiking to Reinebringen peak, kayaking in the hidden sea coves or bird watching in the Røst Islands, there are endless opportunities for adventure on a cruise around these magnificent Norwegian islands.
Photo by Tobias Bjørkli
Greek Islands
The Greek archipelago is made up of over 200 inhabited islands scattered across the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas. With its traditional whitewashed villages, volcanic landscapes and glistening heat, it’s a perfect destination for an island hopping cruise.
Santorini is one of the most romantic islands in the Greek Cyclades, known for its vibrant sunsets and blue-domed churches. The towns of Oia and Fira are incredible for panoramic views, as well as ancient sites like Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement, making Santorini great for history lovers too!
If you want a touch of glamour, Mykonos is your next stop. This island is famous for its lively nightlife, luxury resorts and iconic windmills, making it a hotspot for partygoers and those seeking a more cosmopolitan experience.
There are plenty of lesser-known Greek islands too if you’re after a low-key cruising experience. Traditional islands like Paros, Naxos and Milos are great for a quiet escape, with fewer crowds, plenty of history and attractions to explore.
If you’re seeking a relaxing Greek island hopping cruise, there are some fantastic providers who take you to the most stunning regions. Relax in luxury suites, indulge in fine dining and soak in the sun on rooftop decks as you sail around this magnificent archipelago.
Photo by Ben Prater
Dalmatian Islands
The Dalmatian Islands are located along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, which lies between Italy and the western Balkans. These islands are part of Croatia, renowned for their Caribbean-like waters, mountainous landscapes and historic towns.
Hvar is one of the most luxurious of the Dalmatian islands, famous for its glamorous nightlife. Here, you can enjoy a vibrant party scene with exclusive clubs and rooftop bars, or if you prefer a dash of culture, venture to the 16th century Fortica Fortress for a beautiful walk through time.
Korčula, a historic island known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, is filled with medieval streets and Venetian architecture. This island is the perfect getaway, offering stunning beaches, vineyard wine tastings and an immersive dive into Croatian culture.
If you’re seeking Croatia cruises in 2025, there are some amazing liners available. Taking you to the classic hotspots like Korčula and Hvar, as well as more hidden gems such as Vis and Mljet, you’ll experience the best this region offers.
Photo by Jan Tang
The Azores, Portugal
The Azores are an archipelago of 9 volcanic islands located off the coast of Mainland Portugal. Waterfalls, geothermal springs and dense forests make the Azorez a true paradise, perfect for cruise guests who love the outdoors.
Pico Island, known for Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal, offers incredible hiking trails and scenic vineyards that are UNESCO-listed. The island is ideal for adventure seekers and wine enthusiasts, with opportunities for whale watching in the surrounding waters.
Faial is celebrated for its vibrant blue hydrangeas and the dramatic Capelinhos volcano. The island also features charming towns like Horta, known for its beautiful historic marina. It’s a great spot for history, culture, and stunning landscapes, making it a must-see on a cruise around the Azores.
Photo by Svetlana Shemetiuk
Island hopping cruises offer a seamless way to explore multiple destinations in one single trip. Simply hop on the boat and hop off at the most stunning destinations that Europe has to offer! From the volcanic landscapes of the Azores to the crystal-clear waters of the Balkans and the charming historic towns of Greece, you’re never far from natural beauty when sailing through the waters of this stunning continent.
With its diverse and beautiful coastlines, Europe is a premier destination for island hopping holidays. From the Cyclades to the Balearics and the Azores, Europe is a treasure trove of cruising destinations, boasting crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches and historic seaside towns.
In this article, we’ll dive into the 5 best European destinations for island hopping cruises. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture or relaxation, these spots offer something for every sailing guest to explore and enjoy.
Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are part of the Spanish archipelago, consisting of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera. Each island offers unique experiences and stunning scenery, making them perfect for a summer cruise holiday.
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic islands and boasts golden beaches and mountainous landscapes. After a day at sea, dock in Palma, a vibrant city with a historic castle and cathedral, and explore the quiet village streets in Valldemossa.
Ibiza is known worldwide for its vibrant nightlife and electronic music scene, but don’t let that put you off! This historic island also has a peaceful side, offering secluded coves, traditional towns like Santa Eulalia and a charming UNESCO-listed Old Town called Dalt Vila.
Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten islands are one of Norway’s most stunning and rugged archipelagos, located above the Arctic circle. Known for their dramatic fjords, picturesque fishing villages and abundant wildlife, these islands offer a unique cruising experience for those seeking adventure.
Reine is a must-see spot in the archipelago, a beautiful village surrounded by mountains and Haukland beach with its pristine white sand and turquoise waters. This is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis, especially if you’re cruising from late September to early April.
There are plenty of fun outdoor activities to enjoy during a cruise around the Lofoten islands. Whether it’s hiking to Reinebringen peak, kayaking in the hidden sea coves or bird watching in the Røst Islands, there are endless opportunities for adventure on a cruise around these magnificent Norwegian islands.
Greek Islands
The Greek archipelago is made up of over 200 inhabited islands scattered across the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas. With its traditional whitewashed villages, volcanic landscapes and glistening heat, it’s a perfect destination for an island hopping cruise.
Santorini is one of the most romantic islands in the Greek Cyclades, known for its vibrant sunsets and blue-domed churches. The towns of Oia and Fira are incredible for panoramic views, as well as ancient sites like Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement, making Santorini great for history lovers too!
If you want a touch of glamour, Mykonos is your next stop. This island is famous for its lively nightlife, luxury resorts and iconic windmills, making it a hotspot for partygoers and those seeking a more cosmopolitan experience.
There are plenty of lesser-known Greek islands too if you’re after a low-key cruising experience. Traditional islands like Paros, Naxos and Milos are great for a quiet escape, with fewer crowds, plenty of history and attractions to explore.
If you’re seeking a relaxing Greek island hopping cruise, there are some fantastic providers who take you to the most stunning regions. Relax in luxury suites, indulge in fine dining and soak in the sun on rooftop decks as you sail around this magnificent archipelago.
Dalmatian Islands
The Dalmatian Islands are located along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, which lies between Italy and the western Balkans. These islands are part of Croatia, renowned for their Caribbean-like waters, mountainous landscapes and historic towns.
Hvar is one of the most luxurious of the Dalmatian islands, famous for its glamorous nightlife. Here, you can enjoy a vibrant party scene with exclusive clubs and rooftop bars, or if you prefer a dash of culture, venture to the 16th century Fortica Fortress for a beautiful walk through time.
Korčula, a historic island known as the birthplace of Marco Polo, is filled with medieval streets and Venetian architecture. This island is the perfect getaway, offering stunning beaches, vineyard wine tastings and an immersive dive into Croatian culture.
If you’re seeking Croatia cruises in 2025, there are some amazing liners available. Taking you to the classic hotspots like Korčula and Hvar, as well as more hidden gems such as Vis and Mljet, you’ll experience the best this region offers.
The Azores, Portugal
The Azores are an archipelago of 9 volcanic islands located off the coast of Mainland Portugal. Waterfalls, geothermal springs and dense forests make the Azorez a true paradise, perfect for cruise guests who love the outdoors.
Pico Island, known for Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal, offers incredible hiking trails and scenic vineyards that are UNESCO-listed. The island is ideal for adventure seekers and wine enthusiasts, with opportunities for whale watching in the surrounding waters.
Faial is celebrated for its vibrant blue hydrangeas and the dramatic Capelinhos volcano. The island also features charming towns like Horta, known for its beautiful historic marina. It’s a great spot for history, culture, and stunning landscapes, making it a must-see on a cruise around the Azores.
Island hopping cruises offer a seamless way to explore multiple destinations in one single trip. Simply hop on the boat and hop off at the most stunning destinations that Europe has to offer! From the volcanic landscapes of the Azores to the crystal-clear waters of the Balkans and the charming historic towns of Greece, you’re never far from natural beauty when sailing through the waters of this stunning continent.
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