Dream Islands of Europe

The Tuscan islands are characterized by an extraordinary variety of landscapes - from sandy beaches with turquoise sea to idyllic mountain villages. The episode shows the distinctive qualities of the islands, including the national park "Tuscan Archipelago", and their inhabitants.

The Pontine Islands are located off the coast of Rome and show Italy as if it were a picture book: pastel colored houses, small fishing boats, lonely sandy beaches and turquoise blue sea. Here, the rich and beautiful of high society meet the simple fishing people.

The three islands in the Gulf of Naples could not be more different. Capri is a popular destination for day tourists with the famous blue grotto, breathtaking landscapes and eccentric architecture. Ischia, on the other hand, is an island to stay, while Procida is almost an insider tip. Few know the picturesque fishing villages or the eerie fortress of "Terra Murata".

In the Kvarner Bay, around the archipelago of the large islands of Cres and Losinj, away from the tourist attractions, there is a world to discover where people seem immune to stress.

In Northern Dalmatia lies the labyrinth of the Kornati islands, which with 149 islands are the summit of a submerged mountain range. Some of them have bizarre names like "Grandma", "Grandpa" or "Little Women's Ass" and most of them are a national park today. The inhabitants work hard to preserve their unique nature and their traditions.

Ibiza and Formentera are also called Pityusen, which means "pine islands". To this day, Ibiza is covered with dense pine forests and is also a party hotspot. Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands and enchants with Caribbean-like beaches.

Mallorca and Menorca are often compared as two unequal sisters: One strident and spectacular, the other reserved and charming. However, both have one thing in common: Mallorcans and Menorcans are unimpressed by tourism and attach great importance to their Catalan culture.

Lanzarote, the "black pearl" in the Atlantic, is a source of inspiration for many. Countless volcanic eruptions have formed a bizarre lunar landscape, and the rocky, dry soil poses a great challenge for the inhabitants. Just 15 kilometers to the south is Fuerteventura, a magnet for water sports enthusiasts from all over the world. In addition to wind, the island is also characterized by miles of unique sandy areas.

Grand Canary, the third largest island of the Canary Islands, offers something for every guest: urban flair in the capital Las Palmas, beautiful sandy beaches in the south and dreamy villages with a wild mountain world in the center. La Gomera is the little sister of Gran Canaria. Those who live and work here have chosen a life of leisure. Like the shoe maker Domingo, who turned a hobby into his profession.

The smallest island of the Canary Islands, El Hierro, was once considered the western end of the world. To this day, giant lizards live in the largely untouched nature. On Tenerife, Spain's highest mountain and volcano rises up to the clouds, the Pico del Teide. Together with its counterpart on La Palma, the Teide serves as the site for the European Northern Observatory. And the volcanic soils provide the unique characteristics for wines.