Europe’s sun-soaked islands aren’t just for beach lovers anymore, they’re becoming top destinations for hikers, too. A new study by Island Hopping, a guided island-hopping tour company, has revealed the best European islands for hiking in 2025, and the results might surprise you.
The report analyzed more than 20 islands across Europe, ranking them based on trail quality, climate, safety, accessibility, and accommodation costs. The findings were compiled into a Hiking Quality Index, which scored each island to help travelers find the most rewarding outdoor experiences.
At the top of the list is Mallorca, Spain, earning a perfect score of 100. The island boasts over 500 hiking trails, an average rating of 4.6 stars, and excellent marks for both climate and safety. Most trails are moderate and can be completed in about two hours, making it ideal for casual day hikers.
Coming in second is Crete, Greece, which scored 77. Like Mallorca, it offers around 500 trails, but with slightly higher ratings at 4.7 stars and tougher, longer routes averaging 15 kilometers. Crete is also the most affordable island for hikers, with average accommodations costing just $106 per night.
Rounding out the top three is Sicily, Italy, with a score of 70. Known for iconic hikes like the Rocca di Cefalù, Sicily attracted nearly 6.7 million online trail searches last year. With 500 trails, a 4.6-star average, and the same affordable nightly rate as Crete, the island offers adventure, culture, and coastal charm that’s hard to beat.
The top European islands for hiking: The full list
- Mallorca, Spain
- Crete, Greece
- Sicily, Italy
- Madeira, Portugal
- Sardinia, Italy
- Texel, the Netherlands
- Menorca, Spain
- La Gomera, Spain, Canary Islands
- Ibiza, Spain
- Santorini, Greece
