European islands offer some of the continent's most appealing holiday experiences.

From Mediterranean beaches to volcanic landscapes and historic villages, European island destinations can suit everything from family holidays to romantic escapes.

Mallorca combines beaches, mountains, villages and a lively capital city.

Palma provides opportunities for sightseeing and dining, while the island's coastline offers numerous beaches and resorts.

Travelers who enjoy outdoor activities can also explore mountain areas and scenic roads.

Mallorca works particularly well for visitors who don't want to choose between a beach holiday and sightseeing.

Crete is one of Greece's largest islands and offers considerable variety.

Visitors can find beaches, archaeological sites, mountain villages and traditional food.

Because the island is relatively large, renting a car can provide more flexibility for travelers who want to explore beyond their resort.

Crete is also well suited to longer holidays because there is enough variety to fill several days.

Sicily provides a combination of Italian food, history, beaches and dramatic landscapes.

The island has ancient Greek and Roman sites alongside lively modern cities.

Mount Etna is another major attraction.

Sicily can be an excellent choice for travelers who want a holiday with plenty of cultural experiences rather than simply spending every day beside the sea.

Sardinia is particularly famous for its beaches and clear Mediterranean water.

It can be an excellent choice for travelers whose main priority is relaxation.

However, there is more to the island than beaches, with traditional communities, food and scenic landscapes providing opportunities for exploration.

The Canary Islands offer a particularly broad range of holiday experiences.

Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura each have different landscapes and atmospheres.

Volcanic scenery is a defining feature, and the islands are popular with travelers looking for sunshine outside the traditional European summer season.

Madeira is better suited to travelers looking for dramatic scenery and outdoor activities than a conventional beach resort holiday.

The Portuguese island is known for mountains, viewpoints, gardens and walking routes.

It is particularly attractive to hikers and nature lovers.

Croatia's Adriatic islands offer beautiful coastal scenery and a mixture of historic towns and quiet beaches.

Some islands are lively during the summer, while others provide a more peaceful escape.

A sailing or island-hopping trip can be a great way to experience the region.

Consider what you want from your holiday.

If beaches are your main priority, destinations such as Sardinia or the Canary Islands may appeal.

For history and culture, Sicily or Crete could be better choices.

For hiking and scenery, Madeira stands out.

For a mixture of beaches, nightlife and sightseeing, Mallorca offers considerable flexibility.

The best European island holiday isn't necessarily the most famous one.

It's the destination that matches your preferred pace and interests.