FX.co ★ Out of sight: 7 spectacular but underrated islands

Kythira

The Greek Island of Kythera belongs to the Ionian islands and is one of those rarely visited destinations. Kythira is known to be the birthplace of Greek goddess Aphrodite. This unique island lies at the crossroads of three Greek seas. Tourists can take a swim there as well as visit a number of local attraction such as the ancient capital, the fortress and the cave with 8th-century fresco paintings.

Losinj

Losinj Island is part of the archipelago in Croatia and is another route ignored by tourists who prefer more popular places. However, Loshin can boast a rich history just as other destinations in Croatia. The island was once a preferred holiday resort of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor who built an impressive castle there. Losinj is famous for its ancient architecture, mild climate, and pristine coastline.

Bornholm

Bornholm is a Danish island located in the Baltic Sea, north of Poland. It takes just half an hour by plane to get from Copenhagen to the island. Bornholm is renowned for its local food heritage since all the dishes are cooked from fresh local produce.

Cold waters of the Baltic sea is the only disadvantage that can be named. The stunning views of mountains, steep cliffs, and the sea are undoubtedly worth seeing.

History lovers will appreciate Bornholm medieval churches, ruins of an ancient fortress and old mills.

Senja

Norway's second largest island, Senja, is often called the jewel of the North. It is a must-visit spot for wild-nature lovers as Senja features magnificent mountains, fjords, untouched boreal forests, incredible waterfalls, and white-sand beaches. The island is located beyond the Arctic circle so most of the year the weather is quite cold. However, this doesn’t stop tourists who mostly come in March to experience the majestic northern lights.

Isle of Rhé (Île de Ré )

This island is located in France and is connected by a 3-kilometer bridge with the city of La Rochelle. The Isle of Rhe is a reserved area devoted to the local nature conservation. There are almost no cars on the island, and travelers mostly prefer bicycles. The island can offer an unhurried and relaxed pace of life. Here you can enjoy a soft warm climate and see the sights from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

La Maddalena

In the Strait of Bonifacio, far off the beaten track, lies a small archipelago consisting of 62 islands. La Maddalena is the only inhabited and regularly visited the island among them. Remarkably, it is called the jewel of Italy. A former military base, the island was later opened for visitors who can now enjoy the Pink Beach, warm waters of the bay, and unforgettable sceneries.

Cíes Islands

This Spanish archipelago is often called the“Galician Seychelles”. These islands are particularly famous for their empty white-sand beaches and crystal clear ocean waters. In order to preserve their unique wildlife, the government has established strict laws regulating environmental safety. This is why the number of tourists on the islands is strictly limited. Travelers are allowed to walk only through designated tracks which help protect the area’s pristine nature.