There are times when you want to disappear for a while. Lower the rhythm, disconnect from the mobileforget what day it is. And it is not necessary to go very far for that. Sometimes you just get on a ship and cross a few kilometers of sea. On the other side awaits another way of living: without cars, without schedules, without noise. Only sea, dirt roads and days that pass slowly.
These seven islands have something in common: they are small, calm and move away from the thrilling daily rhythm. There are no shopping centers, or discos, or marked routes to see ‘the essential’. In fact, the essential thing in all of them is the same: doing nothing. Walk aimlessly, sit in front of the sea, take a bath, read, enjoy a sunset … They are islands that offer time. And that’s why they are perfect to forget about the clock.
Some go through in a few hours. Others ask for at least one night. But all have what is necessary for a good disconnection: silence, nature and that feeling that the best plan is to do nothing. If you think that is what you need, take note because from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic you have a few options.
Island of Tabarca (Valencian Community)
Tabarca is very close to the coast (in front of Santa Pola, just one hour by boat from Alicante) but as soon as you step on earth, everything changes. There is a small urban nucleus, with enchanted houses, a central square and a eighteenth -century church. All surrounded by a wall that remembers that this island had defensive importance. There is also a museum, the tower of San José, a lighthouse and many stories of Berber pirates and Genoese fishermen.
But beyond that, what catches the environment. The leisurely rhythm, the endless walk, the marine cuisine among which its traditional cauldron, and the waters of clean waters where to make snorkel Without more company than fish. You usually visit in the day, but you can stay to sleep, better. When the ships leave it is when we discover the best tabarca of all.
La Graciosa (Canary Islands)
In The funny one There are no roads. There is also no asphalt or traffic lights, much less rental cars. It is the most discreet of the Canary Islands and also the one that goes more to its air. You can only arrive in Ferri from the north of Lanzarote and, once there, what touches is to lower the rhythm. In Sebo Caleta, the only town, everything is at hand: the dock, a couple of stores, some pensions, quiet bars and an atmosphere that invites you to enjoy calm.
The rest is volcanic land, sandy paths, solitary beaches and a penetrating blue sea. It can be traveled by bicycle (there are sites to rent them) or in 4×4, but it is best to do it. The beaches of the shells or yellow mountain are only two examples of what awaits you. It is advisable to sleep on the island to enjoy without thinking about the last Ferri back to Lanzarote.
Hyères islands (Francia)
In front of the coast of Toulon, the îles d’Hyères offer an almost total disconnection without going far. The archipelago includes several islands, but the most interesting ones are becauserolles and port-clos. In why there are no cars and everything is traveled by bike or walking. It has wide beaches, roads between vineyards, hidden coves and a town that, although today is quite tourist, seems from another era.
Port-Cros is even more wild: more mountain, more forest, fewer people. It is part of the National Park and is almost intact. There is nothing to do beyond walking, swimming, looking and walking again. If you go out of season you can have a whole beach for you. And if you decide to stay a few days, there are small, simple and unpretentious accommodations, but not precisely cheap.
Ons Island (Galicia)
ONS is part of the Das Illes Atlantic National Park and is the only one in the archipelago with some population and services. It has well -marked hiking routes, a campsite, a pair of bars and basic accommodations. But all that remains in the background when you start walking through its paths: cliffs, Furnas (Cuevas), like that of Buraco do hell, beaches like Melide’s, roads that cross pine forests or climb to the lighthouse.
During the summer it can be reached from several ports of the Baixas Rías, always with prior authorization because the daily capacity is limited. The rest of the year, only with guided visits or private boat with permission. That makes the island quite calm. The atmosphere is very Galician, without artifice. And just that’s why it is so easy to disconnect. Sleeping in Ons is sleeping with the sound of the background.
Pelenga Grande (Portugal)
Berlenga Grande is the largest of the islands that form the Berlengas archipelago, off the coast of Peniche. It is a granite islet with cliffs, caves, an impressive strong and many seagulls. To get there you have to take a ship and register because access is limited to 550 people a day. Once there, there is not much more: a handful of houses, a small campsite, the lighthouse and paths that cross the island from one end to the other.
The island can go in a couple of hours. The most spectacular is the fort of São João Baptista, perched on the rocks. Also the views from the top, the roads that border the cliffs and the possibility of exploring caves in kayak or boat. Water is cold, let’s not forget that we are in the Atlantic, but transparent. And the atmosphere, if you go out of season, is of total isolation. Ideal to disappear.
Lobos Island (Canary Islands)
The Island of Lobos is only 15 minutes by boat from Corralejo (Fuerteventura), but it seems from another planet. It is small, dry, volcanic, with simple trails that travel the entire island in less than half a day. Here only 200 people can enter, so it is convenient to reserve in advance. There are no traffic or hotels, nor just constructions. Only old fishermen houses in El Puertito, a family restaurant, an interpretation center and the Punta Martiño lighthouse to the north.
It is best to travel it without hurry. Bath on the turquoise water, walk between rocks, visit the old salinas or climb the viewpoints. The island has that isolation point that allows you to forget everything. Of course, you can’t spend the night. Before the free camping was allowed, but since 2020 it is totally prohibited. We must return to Fuerteventura at the end of the day.
Comino Island (Malta)
Comino is small, almost deserted and without cars. Between malt and joy, this island of only 3.5 km² seems thought for those who seek silence and sea. It is famous for the Blue Lagoon, which in summer is filled with people, but if you go in spring or first hour of the day you can enjoy it calmly. Apart from that, there are simple trails, hidden coves, cliffs, caves and a pair of perfect beaches to relax.
Most people come and go on the day, but if you want to spend the night there, and so enjoy the last and first lights of the day with total tranquility, there is a campsite that can do the Apaño. Comino does not have many activities to offer, especially if you compare it with the rest of Malta. His rhythm is slow. But if you get here it is because you are looking for that precisely: time.
