Windows wound down, the wind in your hair and a sweep of scintillating sea beside you, summer is the season for road trips.
Europe’s islands make for prime driving spots, with ancient coastlines, volcanic mountain passes, and intriguing villages.
To find the best for road-trippers, car rental company Avis analysed European islands across key factors including size, terrain, elevation, tourist density, Instagram hashtags and the number of key landmarks.
Whether you’re chasing dramatic scenery, searching for solitude or looking for a calming adventure, here are the top recommendations.
Europe’s most scenic islands for road trips
The most picturesque island road trips share a handful of qualities: dramatic elevation changes that reward drivers with panoramic viewpoints, plenty of landmarks and roads that are designed for discovery.
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Tenerife tops the scenic ranking with a maximum elevation of 3,715m and seven key roadside landmarks. It’s no wonder why people have been sharing their images on Instagram in their droves, with more than 12.4 million #tenerife hashtags.
Best visited between April and October, Tenerife is home to Mount Teide National Park, where you can enjoy lofty views of volcanic plains and the colourful Pico Viejo crater.
Other highlights of the island include the famous Siam Park water park, the coastal town of Garachico and its natural volcanic rock swimming pools, and the UNESCO World Heritage city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna with its melange of architectural styles.
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
Gran Canaria secures second place thanks to its mix of volcanic landscapes, historic towns, and golden coastlines. It has six landmarks within easy driving distance and an elevation gain of 1,949m at its highest point.
The best time to visit Gran Canaria is from April to October for beach weather, or November to March for pleasant winter sun and hiking. Top activities include the protected Dunas de Maspalomas sand dunes, hiking up Roque Nublo for panoramic views, and exploring the historical villages.
Madeira, Portugal
Taking third spot on the list is Madeira. Perhaps the most underrated of the three, the Portuguese island’s score was boosted by six key landmarks and a circuit route of six hours, allowing you to enjoy a full-day drive.
It’s also a popular Instagram spot thanks to its dramatic volcanic landscapes, mild year-round climate, and lush nature, clocking up more than seven million hashtags.
The best time to visit Madeira is April to June as the island’s famous flowers are in full bloom. While you’re there, you can tackle the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ trail connecting Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, go whale watching, or swim in volcanic pools.
Europe’s most secluded road trip islands
Overtourism is putting pressure on some of Europe’s most popular island destinations. For travellers who prefer their road trips without the queues, the crowds and the overbooked campsites, the answer lies in looking a little further from the obvious choices.
El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain
El Hierro is the standout pick for those wanting to escape the crowds. The most remote of the Canary Islands, El Hierro is known for its volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear natural pools. It also has a low tourist density score in the ranking.
The island is best visited between April-May and September-October due to low visitor numbers and comfortable temperatures.
The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status has a range of natural pools, as well as ample opportunities for whale and dolphin watching, snorkelling, and scuba diving. For something otherworldly, El Sabinar is a must-visit spot where harsh Atlantic winds have twisted ancient juniper trees into surreal, sweeping shapes.
Lesbos, Greece
Coming in second is Lesbos in Greece. Due to its vastness, Lesbos is the perfect location for a secluded road trip and a car is recommended in order to experience all of the landscapes and picturesque fishing villages it has to offer.
It has a low road trip search volume yet six key landmarks for you to enjoy, including the mammoth Molyvos and Mytilene castles.
Alternatively, there are plenty of beaches, the Eftalou Hot Springs and the Petrified Forest & Natural History Museum. May to June and September to October are peak visiting times if you want to avoid the crowds.
Samos, Greece
Another Greek delight is third on the list. The island of Samos offers visitors mythological heritage, hidden natural wonders, and pristine coastlines, as well as low tourist density and road-trip search volume.
Samos is ideal for a May to October road trip. Visit the Heraion of Samos, enjoy the refreshing Potami waterfalls, or kick back and relax on the exotic Psili Ammos Beach.
Europe’s best islands for a stress-free road trip
For the stress-free ranking, Avis combined three key factors: average road elevation, EV charging station density, and island circuit distance. One country won out.
Pag, Korčula and Brač in Croatia
Pag in Croatia is the top-ranked destination for a stress-free island road trip in Europe. Thanks to its relatively flat road network and compact size, the full island drive takes around two hours, making it easy to explore in a single day without spending long periods behind the wheel.
Pag is renowned for its lunar-like landscapes, crystal-clear Adriatic waters and traditional Pag cheese. It is also famously nicknamed the “Moon Island” because more than 80% of its surface is bare, white karst limestone, stripped of vegetation by fierce, salty bora winds.
A bridge connects the island to the Croatian mainland, ensuring straightforward access, while the compact road network enables visitors to combine secluded beaches, historic towns, and waterfront restaurants in a single day.
Korčula and Brač, also in Croatia, take second and third place respectively. Both islands combine manageable driving distances with picturesque coastal roads, pretty harbour towns and plenty of opportunities to stop for beaches, viewpoints and local restaurants.
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