From surfing and diving to kayaking, sailing and kitesurfing: here are the European islands that, according to the latest search trends, are winning over water sports enthusiasts.
Turquoise waters, hidden coves, perfect waves and breathtaking scenery: Europe’s islands are among the most sought-after destinations for summer holidays. But for many travellers, going to the seaside is about more than just relaxation. Increasingly, people are choosing their destination based on the range of water-based activities available, from surfing and snorkelling to diving, kayaking and windsurfing.
To find out which destinations are the most popular for water sports, TUI Musement analysed Google search volumes for seven water-based activities across more than 500 European islands*. The result is a ranking that brings together some of the continent’s most spectacular destinations, from the Atlantic’s volcanic islands to the jewels of the Mediterranean.
Scroll through the table below and discover fascinating insights about these adrenaline-fuelled islands:
The 10 best European islands for water sports
Malta
Ranked first, Malta is a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts. Sunken wrecks, sea caves and incredibly clear waters attract divers from across Europe, while its calm bays are also perfect for kayaking and snorkelling. If you’ve just started diving, you can try a beginner’s scuba lesson.
Where to enjoy water sports in Malta
- Ċirkewwa and Blue Hole in Gozo – diving
- Mellieħa Bay - snorkelling
- Golden Bay – kayak
Tenerife, Spain
Thanks to its mild year-round climate and wide variety of surf spots, Tenerife is one of Europe’s favourite destinations for surfers. Its volcanic landscapes and rich marine biodiversity also make the island ideal for diving and snorkelling. Among the most popular experiences are diving sessions in Abades Bay , perfect for exploring Tenerife’s volcanic seabed.
If, in addition to water sports, you’re keen to discover Tenerife’s more authentic side, take a look at the guide Ellie has created for us.
Where to enjoy water sports in Tenerife
- Playa de las Américas - surf
- El Médano - windsurfing and kitesurfing
- Abades Bay - diving
- Montaña Amarilla - snorkelling
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Madeira, Portugal
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira captivates surfers and nature lovers alike with its powerful waves, dramatic cliffs and marine life-rich seabeds. Its mild temperatures throughout the year make it possible to enjoy your favourite water sport in any season.
Where to enjoy water sports in Madeira
- Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar- surfing
- Ponta de São Lourenço – snorkelling
- Funchal – windsurfing
Lanzarote, Spain
With its volcanic landscape and steady winds, Lanzarote is a favourite destination for those who enjoy surfing, snorkelling and diving. From the waves of Famara to the seabed of the Museo Atlántico, the island offers sporting activities for all levels. But there is so much more to do in Lanzarote, here a local shares her favourite experiences.
Where to enjoy water sports in Lanzarote
- Playa de Famara – surfing
- Papagayo – kayaking
- Los Ajaches – snorkeling
- Museo Atlántico – diving
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Majorca, Spain
Majorca combines peaceful Mediterranean beaches with unspoilt natural landscapes and a wide range of water sports. Its emerald waters and numerous hidden coves make it an ideal destination for snorkelling, kayaking and coastal excursions. For a fun way to explore its secluded coves and sea caves, you can join a multi-adventure excursion combining kayaking and snorkelling.
Where to enjoy water sports in Majorca
- Sant Elm and Cala Varques - kayaking
- Dragonera Island and La Victòria Nature Reserve - snorkelling
Fuerteventura, Spain
With its miles of sandy beaches, reliable winds and rugged landscapes, Fuerteventura is one of Europe’s top destinations for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It’s no surprise that the island tops both categories in the TUI Musement rankings, offering plenty of opportunities for beginners and experienced riders alike to take lessons. Fuerteventura is also regarded as one of Europe’s most iconic surfing destinations .
Where to enjoy water sports in Fuerteventura
- Sotavento - windsurfing
- Flag Beach - kitesurfing
- Corralejo - surfing
- El Cotillo - snorkelling
Crete, Greece
With over a thousand kilometres of coastline, Crete offers endless opportunities to experience the sea. Beyond water sports, the island captivates visitors with its blend of spectacular beaches, natural landscapes and significant archaeological sites.
Where to enjoy water sports in Crete
- Dia Island - diving
- Elafonissi - snorkelling
- Balos - kayaking
- Paleochora - windsurfing
Sardinia, Italy
Pristine waters and unspoilt natural scenery make Sardinia one of Italy’s top destinations for snorkelling and kayaking. From the Gulf of Orosei to the Tavolara Marine Protected Area, every stretch of coastline invites you to explore the sea.
Where to enjoy water sports in Sardinia
- Gulf of Orosei and Cala Goloritzé - snorkelling
- Cala Luna - kayaking
- Tavolara – diving
Ibiza, Spain
Beyond its world-famous nightlife, Ibiza boasts some of the most beautiful, blue waters in the Mediterranean. The UNESCO-protected Posidonia seagrass meadows create the perfect ecosystem for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Where to enjoy water sports in Ibiza
- Ses Salines and Es Figueral - snorkelling
- Es Vedrà - diving
- Cala Xarraca and Es Figueral - kayaking
Cyprus
With its calm, pristine waters and some of the Mediterranean’s most famous shipwrecks, Cyprus is a favourite destination for anyone keen to explore the underwater world. Its sunny climate for most of the year also makes it an excellent place for snorkelling and sailing in every season.
Where to enjoy water sports in Cyprus
For more inspiration, take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Cyprus (according to a local).
Beyond the Top 10 Islands
While the full ranking brings together Europe’s 25 most popular islands for water sports, some destinations stand out for particular activities. Here are the top islands for surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, snorkelling, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The best islands for surfing
- Madeira: powerful waves, dramatic cliffs and iconic surf spots such as Jardim do Mar make this Portuguese island one of Europe’s favourite surfing destinations.
- Tenerife: thanks to its mild year-round climate and wide variety of waves, Tenerife is ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers.
- Lanzarote: Famara Beach is one of the Canary Islands’ best-known surfing destinations, set against a spectacular volcanic landscape.
The best islands for scuba diving
- Malta: shipwrecks, sea caves and crystal-clear waters have made Malta one of Europe’s diving capitals.
- Madeira: its volcanic seabed and rich marine biodiversity attract diving enthusiasts from around the world.
- Gran Canaria: the island offers a wide range of dive sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
The best islands for kayaking
- Menorca: hidden cove after hidden cove, Menorca is the perfect island to explore by kayak.
- Tenerife: its volcanic coastline offers spectacular kayaking excursions past towering cliffs and secluded bays.
- Malta: sea caves and calm waters make it an ideal destination for scenic paddling adventures.
The best islands for sailing
- Milos: sheltered bays and striking rock formations make the island perfect for sailing trips.
- Santorini: sailing beneath the island’s volcanic cliffs is one of the most iconic experiences in the Aegean Sea.
- Rhodes : reliable winds and an extensive coastline make Rhodes an excellent destination for sailing enthusiasts.
The best islands for snorkelling
- Tenerife: volcanic seabeds and rich marine life create some of the Canary Islands’ most spectacular snorkelling spots.
- Majorca: its secluded coves and limpid waters are perfect for exploring the underwater world in peaceful surroundings.
- Crete: sheltered bays and turquoise waters make Crete one of the Mediterranean’s most scenic snorkelling destinations.
The best islands for windsurfing
- Fuerteventura: reliable winds and vast sandy beaches have earned the island its reputation as one of Europe’s windsurfing capitals.
- Naxos: the Aegean’s dependable Meltemi winds attract windsurfers from across Europe every summer.
- Kos: its wind-exposed beaches provide ideal conditions for windsurfing throughout the summer season.
The best islands for kitesurfing
- Fuerteventura: legendary spots such as Flag Beach attract kitesurfers of all abilities throughout the year.
- Paros: the Meltemi winds create ideal kitesurfing conditions in the crystal-clear waters of the Cyclades.
- Kos: consistent winds and wide sandy beaches have made Kos an increasingly popular destination for kitesurfing enthusiasts.
* Methodology
The ranking is based on Google search volumes for seven water sports-related search terms (“surfing [island]”, “diving [island]”, “kayaking [island]”, “sailing [island]”, “snorkelling [island]”, “windsurfing [island]” and “kitesurfing [island]”) between May 2025 and April 2026. More than 500 European islands were analysed, with the 25 islands generating the highest overall search volumes included in the final ranking. The analysis was carried out in May 2026.
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