11 Breathtaking and Picturesque Mediterranean Islands

Cliffs and coast of Gozo
Photo: Zoltan Gabor/Depositphotos

The Mediterranean Sea is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Some are popular tourist destinations and others are quiet. Regardless of your preference, there are plenty of options for incredible sights and travel photos.

Narrowing down the islands into a best-of list is definitely a challenge, but we’ve attempted to do just that. Here, you’ll find 11 islands ideal for capturing beautiful and memorable travel photos.

1. Capri (Italy)

Capri island and rock formations along the coast
Photo: NatalieZera/Envato Elments

Known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, Capri is a photographer’s dream. The island is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrentine Peninsula and is known for its upscale resort feel. The rugged landscape, lush flora, and iconic Faraglioni rock formations provide ample opportunities for memorable photos.

🌟 Photography Highlights

  • Faraglioni Rocks: Capture these towering rock formations rising from the sea, especially during sunset.
  • Blue Grotto: A sea cave where sunlight creates a magical blue reflection.
  • Giardini di Augusto: Gardens offering panoramic views of the island and the sea, perfect for wide-angle shots.
  • Villa San Michele: Offers a blend of architecture and nature, with breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples.

2. Santorini (Greece)

Santorini at sunset
Photo: olwjddn/Pixabay

Santorini is home to stunning sunsets and iconic white-washed buildings. A volcanic eruption formed this crescent-shaped island in the Aegean Sea that features steep cliffs, black sand beaches, and charming villages. The contrasting colors and the unique architecture make it an iconic destination for photographers.

🌟 Photography Highlights

  • Oia Village: Famous for its blue-domed churches and stunning sunsets.
  • Fira Town: Offers dramatic views of the caldera and the sea.
  • Red Beach: Known for its red-hued sand and cliffs, providing a stark contrast against the blue sea.
  • Pyrgos Village: Less crowded but equally beautiful, offering panoramic views and traditional architecture.

3. Corsica (France)

Cliffside town of Bonifacio
Photo: Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Depositphotos

Corsica, known as “The Island of Beauty,” offers a blend of coastal charm and rugged landscapes. Its diverse scenery ranges from golden beaches to dense forests and jagged peaks, making this French island a paradise for landscape and travel photographers.

🌟 Photography Highlights

  • Calanques de Piana: Dramatic rock formations that glow red in the evening light.
  • Scandola Nature Reserve: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring unique rock formations and cliffs.
  • Bonifacio Cliffs: Limestone cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea.
  • Cap Corse: A peninsula offering panoramic coastal views and traditional villages.

4. Corfu (Greece)

Paleokastritsa at sunset
Photo: Netfalls/Unlimphotos

Corfu’s lush landscapes and Venetian architecture make it a unique destination in the Ionian Sea. The island’s mountains and beautiful beaches provide endless scenic views, and its historic towns add a touch of culture.

🌟 Photography Highlights

  • Old Town of Corfu: A UNESCO World Heritage site with narrow streets and historic buildings.
  • Paleokastritsa (in the photo above): Offers stunning views of the coastline and the sea.
  • Mount Pantokrator: The highest peak on the island, providing panoramic views.
  • Achilleion Palace: A neoclassical palace with beautiful gardens and statues.

5. Vis (Croatia)

View of Stinva beach from above
Photo: xbrchx/Unlimphotos

Vis is one of Croatia’s most remote islands, offering unspoiled beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. Its isolation has preserved its natural landscapes and traditional charm, making it an ideal spot for photographers seeking authenticity.

🌟 Photography Highlights

  • Stiniva Cove: A secluded beach surrounded by high cliffs, accessible only by boat or a challenging hike.
  • Blue Cave: A sea cave where the sunlight creates a mesmerizing blue glow.
  • Komiza Town: A picturesque fishing village with traditional stone houses and a beautiful harbor.
  • Vis Town: Offers a mix of historic architecture and stunning sea views.

6. Menorca (Spain)

Ciutadella Menorca Port
Photo: Antonio Balaguer/Depositphotos

Menorca, the quieter sibling of Mallorca, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that offers pristine beaches, rolling hills, and charming towns. Its tranquil atmosphere and diverse landscapes make it a perfect destination for photographers.

🌟 Photography Highlights

  • Ciutadella: A historic town with narrow streets and beautiful architecture.
  • Cala Macarella: A stunning beach with turquoise waters and white sand.
  • Monte Toro: The highest point on the island, offering panoramic views.
  • Binibeca: A charming fishing village with white-washed houses and narrow streets.

7. Elba (Italy)

View from above looking down on a beach at Elba
Photo: antonioscarpi/Unlimphotos

Elba, the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, is known for its historical significance (once an exile for Napoleon) and natural beauty. The island offers diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches to lush forests and rugged mountains, making it an attractive destination for photographers.

🌟 Photography Highlights

  • Portoferraio: The island’s capital with a historic old town and beautiful harbor.
  • Monte Capanne: The highest peak on the island, offering stunning views.
  • Capoliveri: A charming town with narrow streets and panoramic sea views.
  • Spiaggia di Sansone: A picturesque beach with clear waters and white pebbles.

8. Sicily (Italy)

Cefalu beach before sunrise
Photo: elxeneize/Envato Elements

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is home to diverse landscapes and a rich history. From its active volcanoes to its ancient ruins and beautiful beaches, Sicily offers endless photographic opportunities.

🌟 Photography Highlights

  • Mount Etna: Europe’s highest and most active volcano, offering dramatic landscapes.
  • Valley of the Temples: Ancient Greek ruins set against a beautiful backdrop.
  • Taormina: A charming town with stunning views of the sea and Mount Etna.
  • Scala dei Turchi: A striking white limestone cliff overlooking the sea.

9. Hvar (Croatia)

Hvar Town Harbor
Photo: xbrchx/Unlimphotos

Hvar is known for its lavender fields, historic towns, and stunning beaches. Located in the Adriatic Sea, this Croatian island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making it a favorite among photographers.

🌟 Photography Highlights

  • Hvar Town: A picturesque town with historic buildings and a beautiful harbor (pictured above).
  • Stari Grad Plain: A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient agricultural landscapes.
  • Lavender Fields: Vast fields of lavender that bloom in the summer, creating a sea of purple.

10. Mallorca (Spain)

sunrise at the Mirador es Colomer on the island of Mallorca
Photo: wirestock/Envato Elements

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, offers diverse photography subjects, from rugged mountains to sandy beaches and charming villages. Its vibrant culture and stunning scenery make it a top destination for photographers.

🌟 Photography Highlights

  • Serra de Tramuntana: A mountain range offering breathtaking views and picturesque villages.
  • Palma de Mallorca: The island’s capital, with its historic old town and stunning cathedral.
  • Cala Figuera: A beautiful fishing village with turquoise waters and traditional houses.
  • Cap Formentor: A dramatic cape with stunning sea views and rugged cliffs.

11. Gozo (Malta)

Cliffs and coast of Gozo
Photo: Zoltan Gabor/Depositphotos

Gozo, the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago, is known for its rural charm and beautiful landscapes. The island’s coastal areas are perfect for stunning seascape photos.

🌟 Photography Highlights

  • Azure Window (remains): Although the popular arch collapsed in 2017, the area remains a beautiful spot for photography.
  • Citadel of Victoria: A historic fortress offering panoramic views of the island.
  • Ramla Bay: A stunning beach with red sand and clear waters.
  • Ta’ Pinu Basilica: A beautiful church set against a scenic backdrop.

Final Thoughts

These 11 Mediterranean islands offer picturesque landscapes and unique cultural experiences for travel and landscape photographers. Each destination provides its own set appeal, so the challenge is choosing the one that’s right for you.