These islands are voted three of the best in Europe and we’re on the next flight

Absolutely stunning.

It's still pretty warm here in Ireland but the sun just isn't making as many appearances these days as it had been in June. Cry. So, naturally, we're dreaming of jumping ship and heading to the various sunny paradises around the rest of the continent. Every year, travel site Travel and Leisure gets its readers to vote for their favourite holiday destinations, favourite islands, best airlines, best hotels, etc. The readers have voted for 2018 and the results are up. They have ranked their top 100 hotels, their top fifteen cities, their top ten safari outfitters, and loads more. Using the results, the website put together a list of the top ten European islands and here are our three favourites if you’re looking for a bit of adventure and a bit of sun (we still can’t get enough - even after the heatwave).

1. Páros, Greece.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkaM3J6l1NK/?tagged=parosgreece This was voted the number one European island to visit. Unforch, there are no direct flights from Dublin to Páros so you will need to make a stopover. The island is absolutely stunning. It has all those picturesque Greek island blues and whites but it is not yet as popular as its neighbouring islands, like Mykonos or Santorini. So, for now at least, you won’t be part of a swarming mass of tourists.

2. Sicily, Italy

Ranking number eight on the list, this is the biggest island in the Mediterranean and it is a beaut. Check out the stunning views Taormina or drive about three hours to the other side of the island and visit the magnificent Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Sicily has everything really – sun, beaches, a rich history, wonderful architecture, amazing food. You name it. And it’s only a three-and-a-half hour direct flight. Get going.

3. Azores, Portugal

The Azores islands are some of the most famous in the world and ranked number three on the Travel and Leisure list. The temperatures are a little lower here and, like Ireland, there is a risk of rain and cloud even in the summer months. But that is what makes these volcanic islands so lush. They have fields that rival our own and the green mountains give the islands a majesty that is truly unmissable. If you’re willing to give up the hot, beach holiday in return for a warm, adventurous holiday, this is the one to go for.