Private islands for sale in Europe, from Italy to Finland to Ireland – birds, not beaches, forests, not palm trees, and with prices primed to fall
- Some are wild and battered by waves, others tranquil, forested islets lapped by the gentle waters of lakes. All offer privacy, with no neighbours in sight
- Whether for investment or private pleasure, prices range from US$105,000 for an islet in Finland to US$18 million for Santa Maria Island in a Sicilian lagoon
They may be lacking in the white powdery sand and swaying palm trees of tropical Asia and the Caribbean, but private islands in temperate Europe are blessed with treasures of their own.
An island-lover could spend years exploring a constellation of water-bound properties for sale in the region, including forested havens in seas, lakes or rivers, with views of mountain ranges or rolling green hills.
Among them are rocky Scottish islets, home to seabirds and buffeted by crashing waves, and Italian oases of peace and serenity. Also on the market are historic Irish islands and more isolated properties scattered throughout the wilderness in Scandinavia. Best of all, they do not have to be mind-bogglingly expensive.
With a footprint of 2.5 hectares (6.1 acres), the pristine island of Martinsaari is in the heart of Finland’s lake district. The area is dotted with green islets rising out of clear waters, appealing to nature lovers looking for a quiet retreat and longing to escape the everyday stresses of the rat race, without sacrificing their comfort.
Tall trees surround the island’s typical Finnish wooden mökki cabin and veranda. The main home is set alongside a guest lodge and additional storage rooms, with a combined living space of 160 square metres (1,700 square feet), and equipped with running water and an electricity supply. It’s not far from the picturesque town of Savonlinna; a 25-minute drive followed by a boat trip, and, surprisingly, it is on offer for just €490,000 (US$535,000).
Real estate agency Vladi Private Islands is handling the sale of Martinsaari and of other alluring European islands in Sweden, Norway, Ireland, the UK, Greece and Italy. Some are undeveloped and wild, while others already have a home of some sort.
