For travellers tired of packed coastal roads and crowded viewpoints, Europe still has islands where driving can feel genuinely peaceful. A 2026 analysis of 40 islands compared factors such as tourist density, road-trip length, scenery, elevation, summer temperatures and access to EV charging.

The winner was El Hierro, the smallest and westernmost of Spain’s Canary Islands. It earned a seclusion score of 80.3 out of 100, placing it ahead of Lesvos and Samos in Greece.

What makes El Hierro particularly appealing is its scale. A full circuit can be driven in roughly three and a half hours, but doing it that quickly rather misses the point. This is an island best explored slowly, with frequent stops for volcanic pools, forest roads and Atlantic viewpoints.

1. El Hierro, Spain

El Hierro covers less than 300 square kilometres and receives far fewer visitors than Tenerife or Gran Canaria. The entire island is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and its landscape shifts surprisingly quickly between volcanic coastline, green highlands and almost lunar-looking terrain.

One essential stop is Charco Azul, a natural swimming pool formed in volcanic rock on the coast. Other worthwhile places include La Maceta and Tamaduste, both known for protected natural pools.

Further inland, head towards El Sabinar, famous for old juniper trees twisted into remarkable shapes by persistent winds. Then continue to Mirador de la Peña, designed by César Manrique and overlooking the vast El Golfo valley.

For sunset, the remote Faro de Orchilla is easy to reach by car and sits on one of the island’s most isolated western points.

El Hierro has also become known for its renewable-energy ambitions. Its wind-hydro system has previously supplied the island entirely with renewable electricity for periods of time, although it would be misleading to suggest the island operates on renewables every minute of the year. UNESCO describes the long-term objective as reaching 100% renewable electricity generation.

Best base: Valverde for convenience or Frontera for scenery.

Daily budget: roughly €45–70 excluding accommodation and car hire.

Best time: spring and autumn for comfortable driving and hiking.

Getting there usually requires a connection through Tenerife or Gran Canaria. El Hierro Airport is about 10 km from Valverde, while ferries from Los Cristianos in Tenerife reach La Estaca in approximately two hours and 20 minutes.

2. Lesvos, Greece

Lesvos plaсed second with a score of 77.1. It is much larger than El Hierro, so road trips here feel less like a compact circuit and more like a multi-day journey.

The island combines beaches, olive groves, mountain landscapes, wetlands and thermal springs.

A particularly rewarding route connects Mytilene with Molyvos, one of the island’s most atmospheric northern towns. From there, continue west towards Sigri and the Petrified Forest before looping through central Lesvos.

Because distances are greater, allow at least three or four days if you want the drive to remain relaxed.

Best base: Molyvos for atmosphere or Mytilene for transport connections.

Daily budget: around €45–70 excluding accommodation and car hire.

3. Samos, Greece

Samos took third place with 74.5 points.

A circuit of roughly three and a half hours connects beaches, mountain scenery and some of the island’s most important archaeological sites.

Near Pythagoreio, the ancient Tunnel of Eupalinos runs for more than one kilometre through Mount Kastro. It forms part of the UNESCO-listed Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos.

Further west, Potami offers waterfalls and greener scenery, making Samos a particularly good choice for travellers who want to combine driving with short walks.

Best base: Pythagoreio for history and restaurants.

Daily budget: approximately €45–70 excluding accommodation and car hire.

Other Islands Worth the Drive

The remainder of the top 10 included La Gomera, Gotland, Korčula, the Faroe Islands, the Isle of Skye and La Palma.

Each offers a different kind of road trip, but the principle is similar: fewer kilometres can sometimes create a better journey.

El Hierro illustrates that perfectly. You could technically circle much of the island before lunch, but its appeal lies in stopping — for a swim beneath volcanic cliffs, an empty viewpoint or a road disappearing into ancient forest.