There are places that seem to hold a universal fascination for travellers. Islands are among them.
Whether they lie in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic or in the middle of the ocean, we continue to imagine them as special places, separated from the rest of the world and capable of offering a sense of discovery that can be harder to find elsewhere.
Perhaps because reaching them means crossing something. Perhaps because the sea creates a physical distance that becomes a mental one too. Or perhaps because islands have often developed remarkably strong identities, shaped by wind, geography, traditions and a unique relationship with the outside world.
For those who love walking, islands offer another unique advantage: they allow you to experience incredibly varied landscapes within just a few days. Mountains, cliffs, volcanoes, forests, small villages, coastal paths and sea views often coexist within the same territory, creating surprisingly diverse walking holidays.
If you're looking for inspiration for your next walking adventure, here are five islands that have captured our hearts, each offering a different way to experience the sea, nature and the joy of walking.
If there is one island capable of containing many worlds within itself, it is Sicily.
Our journey through the Aeolian Islands and Mount Etna takes you across some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Mediterranean. You walk along volcanic trails overlooking the sea, cross islands shaped by fire and discover constantly changing scenery: black beaches, dramatic cliffs, vineyards and whitewashed villages facing the water.
Mount Etna dominates the experience with its imposing presence, constantly reminding visitors that nature here is alive and always evolving.
It is a journey that combines sea, culture, gastronomy and some of Italy's most iconic landscapes.
Ideal for: travellers looking for a journey full of contrasts, dramatic volcanic scenery and a different side of Sicily.
Many people associate the Canary Islands with beaches and seaside holidays. Those who arrive on foot discover something entirely different.
Tenerife surprises visitors with Teide National Park, dominated by Spain's highest volcano, and landscapes that sometimes resemble the surface of the moon. La Gomera, meanwhile, captivates with its peaceful atmosphere and Garajonay National Park, home to one of Europe's oldest and most fascinating forests.
Between ocean, volcanoes, forests and small villages, this trip offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes and natural environments.
It is hard to believe that all of this lies just a short flight from mainland Europe.
Ideal for: travellers seeking powerful nature, unexpected scenery and pleasant weather throughout much of the year.
Madeira is one of Europe's favourite destinations for walkers, and it only takes a few moments on the island to understand why.
Nature seems to flourish everywhere. Mountains rise directly from the ocean, trails follow the famous levadas through subtropical forests, and each day reveals completely different scenery.
You walk along panoramic ridges, through lush green valleys and to viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic. The sea is always present, yet rarely dominates the landscape: it is the mountains that continually steal the show.
Madeira perfectly combines a sense of adventure with the comfort of a welcoming and well-organised island.
Ideal for: those who love lush nature, spectacular walking trails and vibrant green landscapes.
When most people think of the Cyclades, they picture beaches, whitewashed houses and sunsets over the sea.
Andros and Tinos tell a different story.
These are islands where walking remains an integral part of local life. Ancient mule tracks connect villages, monasteries and cultivated valleys, while the trails cross surprisingly green landscapes and reveal a more authentic, lesser-known side of Greece.
Here the journey unfolds through small villages, isolated chapels, terraced fields and landscapes where sea and mountains meet.
It is a quieter, more genuine Greece, far removed from the images that usually dominate travel brochures.
Ideal for: travellers who love local culture, history and authentic Mediterranean landscapes.
Sardinia possesses a unique character.
Some places on the island seem to belong to another era entirely, and our journey between Tiscali and the Selvaggio Blu is a perfect example.
Here you walk through one of the most spectacular and untamed corners of the Mediterranean. Cliffs plunge into the sea, trails cross plateaus and canyons, while the scents of Mediterranean scrub accompany every step.
Alongside nature, history is ever present: the Nuragic village of Tiscali, hidden inside a vast sinkhole, tells the story of an ancient and mysterious Sardinia.
It is a journey that leaves a lasting impression and offers the feeling of exploring a land that remains profoundly authentic.
Ideal for: travellers seeking adventure, wilderness and some of Italy's most breathtaking scenery.
Every island tells a different story.
Sicily captivates with the energy of its volcanoes and the richness of its cultures. The Canary Islands amaze with landscapes that feel almost otherworldly. Madeira enchants with its lush vegetation. The Cyclades invite you to discover a more authentic Greece. Sardinia offers some of the wildest environments in the Mediterranean.
Yet they all share one thing in common: they seem to invite us naturally to slow down.
Perhaps that is the secret behind their enduring appeal.
Walking on an island means leaving the mainland behind, changing pace and embracing the pleasure of discovery. Often, that alone is enough to make us feel truly away.
If you're already dreaming of your next island adventure, we'll be delighted to help you find the one that's calling your name.
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486
