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Europe's Quietest Islands Revealed!
19 Aug
Summary
- Searches for quiet destinations have surged by 1,268% year-on-year.
- Anafi, Greece, tops Europe's list for quietest island.
- Stewart Island, New Zealand, is the world's quietest island.
The demand for serene travel experiences is surging, with searches for 'quiet destinations' increasing by 1,268% annually, a trend dubbed 'quietcation'. A recent 'Unspoilt Index' by BookRetreats.com has identified Europe's most tranquil islands, using criteria such as natural soundscapes, minimal roads, and low air traffic.
Anafi, a Greek island accessible by ferry from Santorini, has been crowned the quietest in Europe and second globally. This small island, with only 300 residents, boasts pristine beaches and a high score for naturalness, offering a stark contrast to its crowded neighbor.
Globally, New Zealand's Stewart Island secured the top spot. It is renowned for its abundant native wildlife, particularly the brown kiwi, and its exceptionally dark night skies, hosting the world's southernmost International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Europe demonstrated a strong presence in the top 25, with ten islands featured. These include St Martin's in England's Isles of Scilly, the Isle of Skye, and Herm in the Channel Islands. Croatia's Mljet and Vis, along with Greece's Milos, Italy's Salina, Portugal's Flores, and Spain's La Gomera, also ranked highly.
