Lonely Planet names 5 tiny islands in Europe accessible only by boat

The smallest European islands accessible only by boat

According to УНІАН — Туризм: Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel publisher, has presented five tiny European islands that can only be reached by boat. These unique places, distinguished by their natural and historical features, are located in various corners of Europe and offer visitors the chance to enjoy natural beauty and cultural heritage.

• Tabarca Island, Spain

  This island is considered the smallest inhabited island in the Mediterranean and is located less than 5 km from the Spanish coast. Ferries to Tabarca depart from Alicante port, and the journey takes about an hour. It is also possible to reach the island from Sant Pola del Este on a speedboat, which takes only 25 minutes. Tabarca is perfect for a picnic on the beach.

• Cape Clear, Ireland

  This island belongs to the Hebridean archipelago. The Irish language is still actively used here as a native language. Cape Clear Ferries operate to Cape Clear year-round from Baltimore, with the trip taking about 1 hour. During the off-season, there are one or two trips per day, making this place great for those who want to avoid the beaten path.

• Levano, Italy

  The smallest of the Egadi islands, located off the western coast of Sicily. The island is home to the Grotta dei Genovesi cave, which features rock drawings that are over 12,000 years old. Tickets for visiting the cave must be booked 48 hours in advance. Liberty Lines provides services to the Egadi islands with fast ferries from Trapani.

• Islands of Illas Cies, Spain

  Located off the coast of Galicia, part of the Atlantic Islands National Park. Illa de San Martino can only be reached by kayak or private boat. Illa Monteagudo and Illa Faro are connected by a bridge, with Rodas Beach located between them. The ferry Mar de Ons from Vigo to the main island of Illas Cies takes 45 minutes. A free permit is required to visit the national park, which can be obtained from the official website. Camping sites with tent rentals are also available on Illas Cies.

• Telendos, Greece

  This island is part of the Dodecanese archipelago. Telendos was once connected to the island of Kalymnos, but an earthquake 1,500 years ago separated them. Telendos is less than a mile away from Kalymnos by water barrier. At the foot of Mount Rahi on Telendos is a fishing village, and the island attracts rock climbers. The remains of the sunken city of Pota can also be seen near Telendos. The route around the island to St. Constantine's chapel is 10 km long. A water taxi from Mirtis harbor on Kalymnos to Telendos takes about 10 minutes, with services running approximately every half hour, and the fare is 3 euros one way.

These five islands offer visitors a unique experience of relaxation and acquaintance with nature's beauty and history, making them ideal for those seeking new experiences while traveling.

The islands presented reflect the diversity of cultural and natural resources that Europe has to offer. They may become interesting destinations for tourists looking for unconventional routes and new experiences. Places like Cape Clear and Tabarca emphasize the importance of preserving cultural heritage and natural beauty, which can interest not only travelers but also researchers. In the future, these islands may become popular among ecotourists and those aiming to avoid overcrowded tourist routes.

As interest in unique travel experiences continues to grow, it's no surprise that searches for island getaways have surged significantly. With the upcoming 2026 World Cup, many travelers are looking for serene escapes, making these boat-accessible islands an ideal choice for those seeking tranquility and adventure away from the crowds.