You likely know some of the islands in the Mediterranean, such as Majorca and Sicily, or Aegean superstars like Santorini and Crete, but Europe has plenty of praise-worthy islands with show-off scenery and cute little villages, including Portugal's Azores and Ireland's Aran Islands. Thinking of heading across the pond? Here are some of the most buzzworthy European islands to add to your list.

For an off-the-beaten-path Nordic getaway, head to the Faroe Islands, an 18-island volcanic chain in the North Atlantic. You'll be gobsmacked by scenery that includes Mulafossur Waterfall and the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs. Plus, there are puffin breeding grounds, lighthouses, grass-roofed houses, and chances to spot the elusive Northern Lights!

The islands of Scotland, named a 2019 must-visit destination by Lonely Planet, are home to some of the country's most stunning scenery, especially the Isle of Skye. After a day of exploring its cliff-lined coasts and mountain-framed lochs, have a wee dram of whisky in the Talisker Distillery on the shores of Loch Harport.

More: The Most Beautiful Islands in the World — How Many Have You Visited?

The largest of Spain's Balearic Islands (which also includes party-loving Ibiza), Majorca is the quintessential European island. In addition to swimming in sun-kissed beaches, you can hike in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, tour the Gothic-style cathedral, and drink and dine in Palma's old town.

While this volcanic chain (named a top 2019 spot by Fodor's) is incredibly remote, it's worth the trek to see sights like Terceira Island's historic city of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Pico Island's wine region; and the capital of Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, the archipelago's largest island.

Considered to be the fairest European island of them all, Santorini is almost too beautiful to be believed. You'll never tire of snapping photos of its whitewashed buildings with cobalt blue domes, swimming in its beautiful black-sand beaches, and gazing, glass of ouzo in hand, at the dreamy sunsets over the Aegean Sea in villages like Oia.

Off the western coast of Ireland, the Aran Islands are a rocky trio of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The largest island, Inishmore, is famous for its prehistoric ring fort (perched atop a dramatic 300-foot cliff) and Joe Watty’s Bar, which is an island-wide hub for fresh seafood, pints of Guinness, and live Celtic music.

Sicily, which looks like it's getting kicked by the "boot" of Italy on maps, is finally getting some respect and, according to Forbes, this European island is very much an up-and-coming destination. Palermo spent the last year as Italy's Capital of Culture and elsewhere you'll find Greek temples, the charming hill town of Taormina, and the still-active Mount Etna volcano.

Malta, the sun-drenched island chain in the middle of the Mediterranean, is home to Gozo, a sleepy island populated with farmers and fisherman. Top attractions of this little-known European island include the Ggantija temple ruins, the crescent-shaped, red-sand beach at Ramla Bay, and Ta'Dbiegi Crafts Village.

Famous for its dazzling coastline, Sardinia is a no-brainer when it comes to a laid-back European island getaway. One of the top resort areas is the Costa Smeralda, home to Grande Pevero and Capriccioli beaches. The island also has caves, cliffs, and amazing local cuisine — this is Italy, after all.

On Crete, the largest Greek island, you'll spend your days strolling around the harbor town of Chania, lunching on grilled fish and feta salads, touring the Palace of Knossos, discovering Minoan artifacts in the Heraklion Archeological Museum, and swimming in Balos Lagoon, one of the prettiest beaches in all of the Greek islands.