Who says you need to choose between classic capitals and offshore adventures during your trip to Europe?
Far too many Americans look at the map and think it’s a logistical lunacy to plan a trip that includes both a city break and an island escape.
Who in their right mind would attempt the equivalent of week in Atlanta with a weekend in the Florida Keys?
You would—because trains and ferries make travel throughout Europe so seductively streamlined.
Whether you’re headed to Madrid, Paris, Rome, or even London, you have the option to get out of the city and discover some of the best islands in Europe.
Island-hopping Europe
Corsica: Trust us, it’s Nice
Train from Paris to Nice: ~6 hours | Ferry from Nice to Calvi: ~ 3 hours
The most romantic France itinerary: Paris + French Riviera + Corsica
Image Credit: Getty Images, Francesco Riccardo Iacomino. Image Location: Anse d'Aliso, Corsica, France
Start by sipping wine while rolling from Gare du Nord to Nice-Ville. Spend the night in Nice, either sipping more wine by the seaside or taking a super-fast trip to Monaco so you can check this micronation off of your list.
Finally, cruise over to Corsica for where turquoise beaches, hilltop villages, and Napoleon’s birthplace await. Pro tip: use the island’s rail network to get around car-free.
Sicily: For reasons other than The White Lotus and The Godfather
Ferry from: ~ 9 hours | Train from Naples to Palermo: ~ 10 hours
Image Credit: Getty Images, Sean Pavone. Image Location: Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
We’ll be the first to insist that you discover the dreamy filming locations from The White Lotus and The Godfather. But, like most set pieces, there’s so much more to see and do that the camera never shows.
First, take the train to Naples (which is super fast and convenient from Rome, BTW) so you can check Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii off your bucket-list.
Then, either hop a ferry or spend the night in comfort on an overnight train ride that’ll bring you to Palermo Centrale. While on the island, you can use their train network to explore the island. A performance at the Teatro Massimo Bellini opera house is as dazzling as the volcano views of Mount Etna.
Sardinia: Another 'S' Italian island you shouldn’t overlook
Ferry from Naples to Cagliari: ~15 hours
Image Credit: Getty Images, den-belitsky. Image Location: Porto Giunco, Sardinia, Italy
The travel time may give you pause, but we promise all hesitation will be lifted once you set eyes on the medieval city of Cagliari. Just book a ticket on the overnight ferry and wake up to an espresso and pastry.
We’ll point you to Sardinia’s rail system for getting around the island. Our suggested itinerary includes exploring the archaeological sites in Pula and watching the sunset at Capo Testa, but you’re welcome to bum on the beaches of Villasimius for a lazy day under the sun.
Capri: no convincing necessary
Ferry from Amalfi to Capri: ~1 hour
Image Credit: Getty Images, Zigres. Image Location: Capri, Italy
Spending time on the Amalfi Coast will make you feel like a celebrity, so indulge in the dream with a few cocktails in Capri. Ferries from Amalfi and other coastal towns are cheap and fast; we’re talking less than the price of dinner and shorter than your meal, too.
Lap up limoncellos like they’re going out of style and pretend that one of the many yachts floating in the bay is your humble summer boat.
Ibiza: Where the party people go
Ferry from Valencia to Ibiza Town: ~6 hours
Image Credit: Getty Images, Balate Dorin. Image Location: Cala Saladeta, Ibiza, Spain
There’s no point dancing around it—Ibiza earned its reputation as one of the best party islands in Europe for a reason. No judgment here if you’re going to hit the club after lunch and leave in time for breakfast.
Obvs, we’ve got a soft spot for Spain’s trains and think that the "road train" is a fun way to sightsee. Our sober traveling friends may also enjoy a break from the sun in the Cap Blanc Aquarium.
Menorca: Where the newlyweds should flock
Ferry from Barcelona to Menorca: ~4 hours
Image Credit: Getty Images, Gaizka Portillo Benito. Image Location: Cala Mitjana Beach, Menorca, Spain
One of the best islands in Europe for a honeymoon, Menorca is way more chill than Ibiza and a little less touristy as well. Also one of the best beach islands in Europe, you can’t go wrong with a post-nuptial getaway full of vineyard strolling and sneaking off to sea caves to consummate the marriage.
Or, travel down the sunshine-splashed coast from Barcelona to Valencia before hopping on an island ferry.
Ride the rails & waves with Trainline
Dozens of cities around Europe’s coast have ferry ports within a short stroll from the central train station. Download Trainline’s app today and discover how you can turn a weekend on the mainland into an island escape.
Feeling FOMO because you’ve already planned a trip to London? We’ll hook you up with a mainland trip to Paris via The Chunnel or get you squared away with a Rail & Sail ticket from London to Dublin.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Holger Leue. Image Location: Faraglioni Rocks, Capri, Italy