Europe's best kept secret islands to avoid the post-lockdown crowds

As countries in Europe start to pair down travel restrictions, trying to book a nice, quiet holiday might prove to be a challenge this summer.

Avoiding overtourism may be the driving force in getting us to explore parts of the continent we weren’t aware existed.

In this case, we’re talking about Europe’s thousands (yes, thousands) of secret islands. Tranquility, culture, cuisines, all in earshot in your usual favourites.

Here are some of the most exceptional secret islands in Europe.

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Lastovo lies somewhere between the northern tip of Puglia, and the southern end of Croatia’s famous island collective, the Dalmatian Coast.

Birdseye views of this holiday spot would have you believe it sits comfortably within the shorelines of the Bahamas. It’s almost too spotless to not be in the Caribbean.

Despite being the largest land mass of the coast’s 47 islands and islets, it houses just one hotel, the Triton, boasting sea views and a widely-acclaimed beachside restaurant.

All the more intriguing for tourists keen to catch a glimpse of Europe’s starriest skies (scientifically-confirmed, no less), and get in on some real sun.

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Scotland is home to over 790 islands, coming in second to the thousands of Nordic and Scandi clusters across the continent.

These range from tiny patches of uninhabitable land to vast expanses like the Celtic wonderland of Skye. Not too far from Skye sits Oronsay Island, a mythically charming, undiscovered nature haven.

If you can time it right, the tides allow access from Skye to Oronsay Island via causeway, only adding to the mystique.

Dramatic landscapes make for excellent sightseeing opportunities, with cliffs and