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where to find quiet luxury: europe's most Understated islands

Peaceful hideaways and insider tips for 2025

29 MAY 2025

Island calm: curated.

Luxury, minus the noise.

In a world of overcrowded hotspots and performative getaways, a quiet shift is happening – one that favours authenticity over appearance. These islands embody exactly that: places where luxury is whispered, not worn, and the beaches remain blissfully empty.

For those in search of refined solitude, Europe offers a discreet collection of islands where barefoot elegance, privacy, and unspoiled beauty reign supreme. Here are five quiet luxury islands to consider for your 2025 escape.

Paxos, Greece
Pantelleria, Italy
Formentera, Spain
Île de Ré, France
Vis, Croatia

1. Paxos, Greece

Ionian charm without the Instagram circus.

While Mykonos and Santorini jostle for attention, Paxos quietly captivates the discerning few. With no airport, access is only by boat from Corfu – just distant enough to deter the crowds. Here, luxury unfolds in olive groves, hidden coves, and villas tucked behind behind stone walls.

Stay at Torri E Merli or charter a superyacht for the day. Wander Gaios or Loggos are for a seafood lunch where the views do the talking.

Paxos’ charm lies in wit’s restraint: no big hotels, no buzz, just clear waters, olive groves and long lunches by the harbour. Pure bliss.

2. Pantelleria, Italy

The volcanic island where Giorgio Armani escapes.

Closer to Tunisia than Sicily, Pantelleria is all natural elegance: lava-stone villas, wind-shaped fig trees and thermal springs. There are no sandy beaches – just dramatic cliffs, ancient dammusi villas and a sense of being somewhere utterly apart.

Privacy isn’t just expected, it’s built in. Even in peak summer, you’ll feel like you have the island to yourself.

Stay at Sikelia, a true one-of-a-kind experience, with only 20 stylish suites set in a restored monastery. Think African hued sunsets, volcanic textures and design that lets the landscape speak.

The type of place you want to write home about… unless you’d rather keep it to yourself!

Armani also has a place here, but you’d never know it – and that’s the point.

3. Formentera, Spain

A quick hop from Ibiza, and a world away.

Often described as what Ibiza was, Formentera offers a rare blend of crystal turquoise waters, Mediterranean simplicity, and in-the-know clientele arriving by private charter to leave the party behind.

The beaches rival the Caribbean (Playa de Ses Illetes is a must), but the mood is curated and calm.

Book a suite at Teranka or opt for a secluded villa tucked into the dunes. No nightclubs – just golden-hour swims, barefoot dinners and a silence that feels like a luxury of its own.

It’s not remote – but it feels like it if you do it right.

4. Île de Ré, France

French coastal elegance, understated and sublime.

Beloved by Parisians who don’t tag their location, Île de Ré is the epitome of unassuming French chic.

Located just off La Rochelle, it’s a place of whitewashed cottages, pastel shutters, wicker baskets, and gentle bicycle paths that lead through oyster beds and salt flats.

Stay in the postcard-perfect town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré or rent a harbour-side townhouse where mornings begin with pastries and afternoons stretch into rosé-filled evenings – striped jumpers optional!

5. Vis, Croatia

The Adriatic’s best-kept secret.

Beyond the buzz of Hvar, Vis remains beautifully untouched.

As Croatia’s furthest inhabited island, it feels like stepping back – or away – from everything.

Wander limestone alleys, swim in hidden coves, and dine under jasmine-scented courtyards. Visit the Blue Cave by private charter, then head to Lola Konoba for dinner and local wine under the stars.

Vis doesn’t try to impress. It simply is, and that’s exactly why it stays with you.

Our Final Thoughts

If your ideal summer whispers rather than shouts, these islands are calling. No crowds, no chaos – just sun warmed stone walls, discreetly perfect hotels and the kind of effortless elegance that doesn’t need announcing.

Just… don’t tell everyone, okay?

Planning Your Trip? Let Us Curate It For You.

Whether it’s a summer trip to the Amalfi Coast or an off-radar European island hop, we craft bespoke itineraries tailored to your version of luxury.

Contact us now to secure the most coveted villas, hotels and experiences – because truly effortless holidays are always the result of expert planning.