Which islands are considered to be the Safest Islands in Europe for a paradisiacal holiday combining safety & leisure this summer? 

This selection is based on several factors: the low number of Covid-19 cases during the pandemic and at the time of publishing the classification, the existence of health charters put in place by local authorities and the recognition of vaccination certificates. We have also selected destinations that do not require a quarantine for travellers who test negative or have been vaccinated. We continue to recommend prudence and strongly advise frail people to delay their travel until they have received two doses of the vaccine. More information on the vaccination passport here. 

Find out the safest islands in Europe as well as how to get this vaccine passport and how to travel in Europe without a  vaccine passport. The EU site, reopen.europa.eu provides real-time travel regulations for each EU country. 

With islands that remained in the green zone throughout this pandemic, the recognition of the vaccine passport and no quarantine on the outward and return journeys (especially for English travellers) the Madeira islands occupy the top of your ranking followed by the Greek, Croatian and Spanish islands.

1. Madeira

Madeira Islands - Portugal

Did you know that by the end of May all professionals in the tourism sector in Madeira will have been vaccinated? They will be ready to welcome you in the best conditions for a safe & leisure vacation on the island awarded the title of most beautiful island in the world.

Come with your negative PCR done within the previous 72 hours or your vaccination certificate and register on www.madeirasafetodiscover.com. It will take you 5 min and you will be ready to enjoy a holiday combining beach, hiking, shopping, lifestyle, cocktails and lazing on the rooftops with pool of hotels and bars overlooking the sublime bay of Funchal and the mountains area.

Did you know that the government of Madeira offers one free test to all visitors? This means that if you do not use it to enter Madeira (if you already bring your own negative PCR test) you can still, if you want, do a test for free before leaving Madeira (for those countries that require it).

Considered the safest island in Europe, Madeira has remained in the green zone throughout this pandemic. Very quickly, the regional authorities took measures to protect the population (the vaccination rate of the population is one of the best in Europe) and develop innovative health protocols which then inspired other destinations. The regional government of Madeira does not apply a quarantine on travellers with a negative Covid-19 test. This green corridor also includes vaccinated travellers or those who have recovered from Covid-19 within the previous 90 days.

Many outdoor activities on the beach, hiking, surfing or paddle boarding do not require a mask. Hotels labelled "Safe & Clean" are committed to respecting strict hygiene standards to welcome the traveller in the best conditions. A true pioneer in the fight against Covid-19, Madeira appeals to travellers looking for sublime landscapes but also lifestyle on a tropical island they can visit all year round. Exotic, sporty and terribly trendy Madeira is a destination of unique experiences.

Discover the most beautiful beaches in Madeira, the best Instagram spots, the best activities for nature lovers and spend unforgettable holidays in Madeira. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Funchal.

 Where to stay:  "Quinta da Casa Branca" for its lush gardens. "Quinta do Furao" for its views of the cliffs plunging into the ocean. "Socalco Nature Calheta" set in Calheta. Couples particularly like the location of this new hotel located near the most beautiful beaches of Madeira.

 Latest information:  www.madeirasafetodiscover.com

2. Porto Santo

 Madeira Islands - Portugal

For safe holidays combining sun, wellness, beach, sport and relaxation, Porto Santo is at the top of your travel wishlist this year. Awarded for its sublime sandy beach considered the safest beach in Europe, Porto Santo is a unique destination in the world.

With its wellness hotels, therapeutic sand treatments, golf course designed by Ballesteros, restaurants right on the water, offering a sumptuous viewpoint for sunsets, you will feel far from worries and stress on this island destined to recharge your batteries and relax.

Porto Santo offers travellers with negative tests the option of staying without quarantine. The same is true for vaccinated travellers with a vaccination certificate and for those who have recovered from Covid-19 within the last 90 days. You will find all the information you need for your stay at www.madeirasafetodiscover.com.

Porto Santo is part of the Madeira Islands archipelago and is connected to the main island of Madeira by ferry and by plane. You can therefore combine a week's stay in Madeira and an additional 7 days in Porto Santo, to enjoy the many assets of Madeira and Porto Santo.

 How to get there: Book your direct flights to Porto Santo or your flights to Funchal + Ferry or domestic flight to Porto Santo (20 min).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Porto Santo & Spa". This hotel is on a sandy beach and has an infinity edge pool with views of the Atlantic Ocean. "Pestana Ilha Dourada Hotel & Villas" highly rated for its very comfy beds. "Villa Baleira Resort All Inclusive" boasts an outdoor pool, sauna and a spa offering anti-stress treatments. 

 Latest information: https://madeirasafetodiscover.com  

3. Malta

Considered one of the safest destinations in Europe in 2021 but also one of the best destinations for vaccinated travellers and one of the European destinations with the safest beaches in Europe, Malta is obviously on your podium of the safest islands in Europe.

With one of the lowest severe case rates of covid-19 per 100,000 inhabitants, mile-long beaches, secret little bays, and plenty of outdoor and water activities, Malta is the perfect destination for a change of scenery this year.

Perfect for history buffs, for cultural or religious tourism too, Malta also attracts lovers of nature, walks, diving, lovers of gastronomy or simply lovers of idleness and sun all year round. Also perfect for families, Malta combines relaxation, fun activities, culture, sun and beaches. It will also appeal to couples as it is one of the favourite destinations for lovers on their honeymoon and is renowned for its welcome to LGBTQ+ travellers being ranked for many years as THE best LGBTQ+ destination in Europe.

This year the Maltese authorities are rolling out the red carpet for you with financial assistance of up to 200 euros ($ 240) per stay per person if you book in a 3, 4 or 5 star hotel on the island. The financial incentive is even higher if you stay on the neighboring island of Gozo. Please note that the reservation must be made directly on the hotel website and not on reservation platforms.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Malta.

 Where to stay: "Waterfront Valletta House" offers an outdoor swimming pool and a garden.

 Latest information:  https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/MLT/7002

4. Antipaxos Island

 Greece

The Greek Minister of Tourism, Harry Theoharis has been a driving force for the recognition of a vaccination passport and the creation of clear standards for safe stays in Europe. For the tourist season, Greece has already announced that it will lift lockdowns and quarantines. Travellers with a negative test or a vaccination certificate will be able to stay in Greece and enjoy a holiday, combining sun, gastronomy, crystal clear waters, culture, sports and fun.

There are an incredible number of islands in Greece and we invite you to discover the most beautiful Greek islands and take your pick. For this ranking of Safest Islands in Europe, we used the Covid-19 data to select those that remained in the green zone throughout the pandemic. This is the case for Corfu, but also Antipaxos, a small island south of Paxos and a few minutes by boat from Corfu.

Paradise island with fine white sand beaches, crystal- clear waters and a population of only 20 permanent residents, Antipaxos is the perfect secret island for a Covid free vacation this summer. During the day, you can enjoy the white sandy beaches of Vrika or the pebble sands of Voutoumi and Mesovrika, easily accessible by water taxi from the port of Gaios in Paxos. 

Do not miss to visit the vineyards and taste the local wine, a pure pleasure after a day of idleness. Want exclusivity? There is only one accommodation available on the island and it is a breathtaking villa, "Villa Lover's Nest" boasting a private pool. People who have completed the vaccination within at least 14 days prior to their arrival and who are able to provide the vaccination certificate, are not required to provide a pre-departure negative PCR test.

 How to get there: The easiest way is to book your flights to Corfu and take an "ILIDA" ferry that connects the New Port in Corfu to Paxos (1h). You can then take a taxi boat to Antipaxos from the ports of Gaios, Loggos and Lakka on Paxos Island. Most boats leave from Gaios (the capital of Paxos) in the morning and return in the evening.

  Where to stay: “Villa Lover’s Nest” boasting a private pool.

 Latest information:  reopen.europa.eu/en/map/GRC/7001

5. Corvo Island

The Azores - Portugal

Did you know that Corvo is the world's first 100% vaccinated island (100% of the inhabitants of the island of Corvo have been vaccinated).

If you want to experience ecotourism adventures and immersive cultural discoveries, the island of Corvo is for you.

This small island of landscapes of rare beauty is a paradise for travellers in search of authenticity and who wish to get away from crowded places: Corvo Island is populated by only ... 430 inhabitants.

Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this green & safe paradise is quite easy to access because it is well connected to the island of Flores (40 min by ferry), itself well connected to the other islands of the Azores (regular departure from Ponta Delgada / Sao Miguel Island, 1h30 by plane).

You will adore Corvo if you are an off-the-beaten-track traveller and nature lover. 

To visit the Azores, the SARS-CoV-2 screening test is MANDATORY, within 72 hours preceding the flight from the airport of origin, carried out using the RT-PCR methodology, with NEGATIVE result, making explicit reference to the identification of the person tested, the laboratory, the date of the test and the signature of the person responsible for its performance, which must be presented prior to boarding.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Ponta Delgada where you will stay for a few days (the island is beautiful). You will then take a flight to Flores and a ferry ticket to Corvo (40 min by boat). 

 Where to stay:  “Casa Via D'Agua” (Flores Island) featuring a restaurant, barbecue facilities and a terrace.

 Latest information: https://www.visitazores.com/en/trip-info

6. Crete

Greece

Less affected by the Covid virus than many regions of Europe, Crete has put in place simple and effective health measures to welcome travellers this summer. 

Chania's Venetian Harbor, Heraklion and its temples, Elafonisi and its pink sand beaches, Vai Beach and its crystal-clear waters, the Samaria Gorge, Rethymnon Old Town or the famous "Balos Lagoon" ... there are only good reasons to visit Crete this year.

For its commitment to sustainable tourism led by the Deputy Mayor for Tourism, Mrs Pepi Birliraki-Mamalaki, we invite you to stay in Rethymno, an authentic destination combining gastronomy, history, nature, beach, slow tourism and protection of the environment.

With a large offer of self-catering villas and self-catering apartments, Crete will also appeal to travelers who prefer small group vacations this year.

 How to get there:  Book your flights to Chania or Heraklion.

 Where to stay: "Pepi Boutique Hotel (Adults only)". The hotel offers easy access to the beach, an outdoor swimming pool with sun beds and showers.

 Latest information:  https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/GRC/7002

7. Flores

The Azores - Portugal

The island of Flores is the ideal destination for a safe holiday & a digital detox. Fairly easy to access from the main island of Ponta Delgada (1h15 by plane), Flores is with Corvo, the westernmost island of the Azores archipelago.

Cascata da Ribeira do Ferreiro (Poço da Alagoinha) is a must-see during your stay in Flores. Meditate with your eyes wide open, watch the different shades of colours, the thousand variations of green, the sunrays or clouds that can change the landscape in the blink of an eye. Garden of Eden? Jurassic Park? don’t think too much about what that might look like or surf the Internet, just go (be sure to wear the right shoes)!  Park your car upstream, walk for a while then sit on a tree trunk or the luscious grass and watch the landscape: you will remain speechless. 

To visit the Azores, the SARS-CoV-2 screening test is MANDATORY, within 72 hours preceding the flight from the airport of origin, carried out using the RT-PCR methodology, with NEGATIVE result, making explicit reference to the identification of the person tested, the laboratory, the date of the test and the signature of the person responsible for its performance, which must be presented prior to boarding

Want to live real adventures and connect with nature? Book your stay in the Azores, Europe's safest destination.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Ponta Delgada (Island of Sao Miguel) as well as a domestic flight to Flores (1h15 - 90 €). 

 Where to stay: "Aldeia da Cuada", all units come with a patio with ocean views.  

 Latest information: www.visitazores.com/en/timetoazores 

8. Corfu

Greece

Greek actress Angela Gerekou, now President of the Greek Tourist Office, describes the island of Corfu where she was born as a “destination in contact with nature, a destination for unique and authentic experiences, a destination that has shown the way to a sustainable tourism growth that respects the environment".

Throughout the pandemic, Greece has remained in the green zone and has been seen as one of the safest destinations. Renowned for its sublime landscapes, crystal-clear waters, gastronomy and a culture which has profoundly influenced the world, Greece is a must-see destination this summer.  Corfu offers all that, and, along with Madeira and the Azores, is one of the paradise European destinations which has been relatively preserved from Covid-19.

Come and discover this rich historical past, rest on its paradisiacal beaches, taste its wine and virgin olive oil and treat yourself to unique experiences, such as a private Corfu full-day wine tasting excursion or a 5-hour private Corfu & Achillion Palace tour. Your negative Covid test carried out maximum 72 hours before your arrival or your vaccination certificate, will allow you to stay on the island without quarantine.

 How to get there:  Book your flights to Corfu.

 Where to stay: "Greco Mare" is in a prime location, 300 m from the beach.

 Latest information:  reopen.europa.eu/en/map/GRC/7001

9. La Gomera

Canary Islands

If you long for sun, unspoilt nature, wild beaches, crystalline waters, exotic plants, active holidays mixed with lazy afternoons, diving or walking, La Gomera is one of the destinations’ trends for 2021.

If you have been to Tenerife before, you may have already seen La Gomera Island from Los Gigantes, the Masca Valley or the Costa Adeje. Less touristy than Tenerife or Gran Canaria, La Gomera appeals to nature lovers as well as celebrities looking for tranquillity away from the crowds. With its ancient subtropical forest of Laurisilva (laurels), its cliffs and wild beaches, La Gomera is a biosphere reserve of rare beauty and one of the most important unspoilt natural ecosystems in the world. 

Here stress vanishes and troubles are forgotten, as you enjoy a mild and pleasant climate all year round. Do you like active holidays? More than 600km of trails await you to discover rare plants that disappeared from other places on the planet long ago and can only be observed here. Visit the villages of El Cedro and Chejelipes and stay in one of the rural accommodations available on the island.

 How to get there:  Book your flights to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) and go to the port of Los Cristianos in Tenerife for a ferry transfer to La Gomera.

 Where to stay: "Apartamentos Los Telares" to enjoy a nature break.

 Latest information:   reopen.europa.eu/en/map/ESP/7001

10. Korcula

Croatia

Under the leadership of Mrs Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Croatia is positioning itself as a safe & welcoming destination for this summer 2021.

The project developed by the Minister is clear: highlight the "Croatian Islands as a Covid -free zone". A map hosted on www.safestayincroatia.hr effectively shows that the Croatian islands have remained in the green zone during the pandemic.

With 78 islands and 524 islets to choose from, you will spend safe holidays in Croatia. Korcula Island is our first choice for a holiday combining sun, beach, nature, sports activities, leisure, gastronomy and history. Known as the "Little Dubrovnik", Korcula is a perfect destination for those looking for a more secluded holiday. 

Fancy a day of relaxation and idleness? From Vela Luka you can take a taxi boat to the paradisiacal Proizd island. There is nothing there other than nature, crystal clear waters, beautiful forests and a small restaurant for light refreshments. 

A PCR test or rapid antigen test is all you need to stay in Croatia. If your stay lasts more than 10 days, a second test will be requested on the tenth day from the date of issuance of that test.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Split. There is a daily car ferry service with the Jadrolinija company from Split to Vela Luka (western side of Korcula Island). The trip lasts 3h30.  In summer, every day, twice a day, the Jadrolinija’s coastal catamaran takes you to Korcula from Dubrovnik (1h45 min).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Korkyra" offering an outdoor pool and a wellness center with Turkish baths and saunas.

 Latest information: reopen.europa.eu/en/map/HRV/7001

11. Menorca

Spain

More than ever, we need to escape to a natural and calm environment. The city breaks are abandoned in favor of calm, sunny destinations geared towards nature. Menorca is still unspoiled by mass tourism and the local authorities have always kept an eye on the preservation of nature, by giving it precedence over the economic and tourist development of the island.

Menorca is a unique destination for those who love nature and walking or shy away from gigantic and impersonal resorts blaring out entertainment from morning to night.

Regarding Covid, Menorca has remained safer than mainland Spain and even safer than Mallorca, its neighboring island. With a large offer of private villas with swimming pools, Menorca will suit those who want a holiday away from big resorts.

A negative test or a vaccination certificate will allow you to travel to Menorca and enjoy a holiday combining safety & leisure.

 How to get there:  Book your flights to Menorca.

 Where to stay: "San Colomban" boasting a private pool and a garden.

 Latest information:  reopen.europa.eu/en/map/ESP/7001

12. Cyprus

Cyprus' Deputy Tourism Minister, Savvas Perdios, has taken matters into his own hands, to ensure that this must-see destination in Europe can welcome travellers this summer 2021, with security measures and simple understandable rules.

From May 10, travellers from over 60 countries around the world will be able to stay in Cyprus, without quarantine upon arrival. To do this, you just need to bring your negative test (max. 72 hours before your arrival) or your vaccination certificate.

This includes all the countries of the Schengen Zone as well as our friends from the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, and Australia, among others. Vaccinated people will not even have to provide negative Covid tests and will not have to quarantine.

Cypriots are eager to meet travelers from the UK as they are historically the main holidaymakers on this island paradise.  Come and bathe in the "Aphrodite Bath", take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Cape Greko or kiss your loved one on the "Bridge of lovers" near Agia Napia. Treat yourself to lazy days on the most beautiful beaches of Cyprus, the famous Nissi beach, Konnos beach, Coral beach in Paphos and Aphrodite Rock Beach.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Larnaca International airport as well as your accommodation, tours and activities in Cyprus.

 Where to stay:  "Villa Violanta" located in Ayia Napa. This holiday home has a private pool and a garden.

 Latest information: reopen.europa.eu/en/map/CYP/7001