Information - Region 2: Europe, Atlantic

The islands of the Atlantic coast and Scandinavia are renowned for their striking natural beauty and moderate climates which are much healthier than tropical areas. Those wanting dramatic mountains, waterfalls, lochs and fiords should opt for Scotland and Norway. White sandy beaches and verdant pastures, even with subtropical vegetation (due to the Gulf Stream influence) can be found in Ireland. For idyllic lake islands, Finland offers the best opportunities. There are attractive Swedish islands in the Baltic.

When the sun shines, the northern European islands could hardly be more beautiful, but the climate is much more changeable than the Mediterranean and many islands have sufficient rainfall. However, one of the pleasures of a northern island is the way that its appearance changes in different weather conditions and light.