How to travel if you’re from an island

Utolsó frissítés csütörtök, 28/08/2025

Living on an island can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. Let’s elaborate together on this thought… The benefits of it are, of course, that you're never too far from the sea or ocean, and everything is near. But the downside to that is you're always surrounded by the same people, and at times it can feel suffocating. Since you live on an island, your only means of travelling to another country is by plane. Obviously, you can go to the nearest country by boat, but that doesn't feel the same as going on a plane to a new country.

Before trying to seek an adventure or trip abroad, consider that your island most probably has an abundance of hidden spots. You would think that you know every inch of the island by heart, but don’t be surprised if you discover something new.

Malta

© Maltaguy1 from Getty Images/CANVA

If you’re from Malta, then you’re from the tenth-smallest country by area and the fifty most densely populated sovereign country. When it comes to adventures and exploring in Malta, the first thing that comes to mind is abandoned places, since there is an abundance of them scattered around the island.

Therefore, if you’re trying to find that hidden gem, why not explore the infinite number of valleys the islands have to offer, including Gozo. The Maltese islands have around 200 valleys officially, but a researcher said that he discovered around 1000 valleys in total! So why not go explore some of them? Most probably, you have one near you and have been walking past it this whole time!

Cyprus

© MPS Images from CANVA

If you’re from Cyprus, then you’re aware that you’re the ‘Filoxenia’, meaning you are extremely friendly to strangers. Hence, you are very used to tourists in your country.

When it comes to seeking an adventure or travelling within your island, you’re used to the beach, so that isn’t an adventure in itself, but if you think about it, Cyprus has one of the most stunning mountains, in particular the Troodos Mountains.

This mountain range highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952 meters, which also has a wide range of activities, such as hiking trails to mountain villages. The real hidden gem, however, is the region’s UNESCO World Heritage Byzantine Churches, whose architecture dates back between the 11th and 14th centuries.

Protected as a Natura 2000 site, the Troodos National Forest Park is also makes it a nice destination for bird watching.

Sicily

© José Barbosa from Pexels

Sicily has 3,581 peaks, the most famous one being Mount Etna! You can travel to mainland Italy or even take an hour ferry to Malta. But before travelling to other places, why not continue exploring your own island?

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, and the chances are you haven’t explored the entire region properly!

Why don’t you try and give some of these mountains some exploring? This could be the perfect opportunity to take a step back and be surrounded by nature.

If you are new to hiking, these peaks offer a great beginner's starting point; after all, you have to start from somewhere! Consider starting off with the Valley of the Temples, a 4.81km walk.

Alternatively, you might also want to walk around Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, which is 5.32 km in total, quite manageable.

Greenland

© Nicolas Tolstoi from Getty Images/CANVA

If you’re from Greenland, then you were born on the largest island in the world!

But here’s the twist: 80% of your island is covered in ice, which can’t be inhabited by humans due to the harsh climate.

Although you might think that your island is boring, you should think about that carefully, because how many people can go whale hunting or do dog sledging?

Living amongst 56,000 people means you’re part of the least densely populated country on Earth, and since there are no roads connecting towns, every journey is an adventure within itself!

Rather than feeling trapped, why not visit the natural hot springs on Disko Island near Ilulissat, where you can bathe in the geothermal waters. Or even consider exploring the largest mass of Ice Sheet in the Northeb Hemisphere.

Iceland

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If you come from Iceland, you are extremely proud to have the oldest parliament in the world!

Despite being an island and quite far from other countries. Iceland has around 10,000 waterfalls in total! So, before thinking about travelling to another country, you might want to consider first exploring your island's waterfalls a bit more.

From Dettifoss, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls, to Seljalandfoss, where you can walk behind the water.

Each waterfall has its own story behind it. The south coast of Iceland is filled with endless amounts of waterfalls, whilst the hidden gem is Sigöldugljúfur, nicknamed 'the valley of tears' for its numerous cascades.

Canary Islands

© Magic K from Pexels

If you’re a local, you've likely enjoyed your unique black and white beaches quite frequently.

It is reasonable to want to travel to other European countries since you are quite far from your European neighbours.

Do consider your island's features before travelling. Did you know that your islands have over 30 volcanoes? This is largely because of the volcanic origins that created underwater environments featuring caves, arches and rock formations that appeal to diving.

In addition to this underwater world, the Canary Islands are also renowned for their diving wrecks, the most famous ones being the Arona and Angelo Pando.

If you are considering diving, make sure you learn from a licensed instructor and never go diving alone, always with groups and most importantly, have an experienced diver with you!

Azores

 © Ingus Kruklitis from Getty Images/CANVA

Finally, before booking that flight to Porto or Lisbon, treasure the island that is beneath your feet! Think about all those mainland Portuguese queuing for hours at airports just to wake up and experience your beautiful volcanic shores.

When you're in Santa Barbara, which is a beach in São Miguel, is widely recognised as the archipelago's surf capital, why not try some surfing yourself? Do exercise proper caution by booking a lesson with qualified local instructors and always surf in groups rather than venturing out alone, and select beaches with vigilant lifeguards on duty.

Also, if you hold a DiscoverEU travel pass, be sure to explore the green, cultural, digital, new European Bauhaus routes and feel good about your journey. There might be one right on your island that you've yet to discover!

Living on an island doesn't mean you're stuck there. I'd argue it gives you a perspective that makes travel more meaningful. You appreciate the differences more and spot similarities others might miss.

Written by Eurodesk Brussels Link