Islands tips

Everybody knows the Isle of Man, Guernsey, Skye. But what about the other 6000-odd British Isles? Yes, we did say 6000. From the chunky Shetland Islands in Scotland’s far north to the sunny Isles of Scilly slung out from the coast of Cornwall, the British Isles are made up of islands of all shapes and sizes. Pick the right one and you could even have it all to yourself.

If asked to guess, how many islands would you say there are in Scotland? A few dozen perhaps, or a couple of hundred? Would you raise an eyebrow if we told you it’s actually more than 700? And that Scotland has more than 10% of Europe’s entire coastline? That’s a lot of islands to explore – and a whole lot of ferry journeys. So, which ones are worth crossing the seas to see? Here’s our guide to the finest Scottish islands.

The Great Lakes comprise the largest body of fresh water on the planet and more than 35,000 islands are found in the water system. Not all are inhabited and some aren't much more than a single rock jutting out of the lake with a lighthouse on it – but the inhabited ones provide the perfect opportunity for a weekend getaway. Here's our list of the best islands in the Great Lakes.

Let’s clear one thing up straight away: getting to the San Blas Islands is not easy, wherever you’re coming from. And that’s quite deliberate.

We’ve all heard of the big hitters, such as Ibiza, Corsica and Sicily, but what about Europe’s lesser known islands? Have you ever dreamt of mixing it up with a windswept, heart-pumping hike on the remote hills of Foula? Or kicking through the sweeps of sand that pass for roads on La Graciosa?

Experienced surfers looking for a pristine break are heading to a remote archipelago somewhere between Hawaii and the Philippines. The Marshall Islands are hard to find and even harder to get to – and of course, that’s part of their appeal. Most of the 29 coral atolls that make up the Islands are unknown to western travellers, only one – Bikini Atoll – stirs a look of recognition.

Landscapes of wild and enigmatic beauty, imbued with a sense of myth and ancient history. Dense forests and forbidding mountains, lonely lochs and rivers at almost every turn – and craggy coastlines revealing stunning beaches to rival any in the Caribbean. An unparalleled playground for outdoorsy types, opportunities for adventures are endless. The Scottish Highlands and islands may be officially part of Britain, but they are a world apart.

Inextricably linked with Britain, yet more likely to borrow a cup of sugar from its closest neighbour, France. Not quite British, definitely not French, but with influences from both – this tiny island is unique. Visitors are lured here by its rich history, visible in its ancient remains and castles, its wartime relics and museums. They come for its picturesque walking, cycling trails and outdoor fun for kids, as well as luxury spas and a wealth of watersports right on its doorstep. But most of all, tourists flock here for the beautiful coastal backdrops and sun-kissed sandy beaches – this is the sunniest spot in the British Isles, after all.

With six major freely visitable Hawaiian islands — Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii (aka Big Island), Lanai and Molokai - the million dollar question for anyone looking to visit Hawaii is which one? The signature offerings ­of theUSA's 50th state - beautiful beaches, top surf spots, breath-taking natural beauty, and lively luaus (parties) — all live up to the hype. To discover which of these dream destinations will best suit your needs, here’s our Hawaiian islands overview, written with first-timers in mind.

Of the thousands of islands in Stockholm’s archipelago, peaceful little Grinda, less than two hours from the capital, is one of the easiest to reach. A car-free nature reserve, Grinda radiates a carefree, unpretentious allure. Spend a day lazing on sandy beaches, jumping off cliffs or floating in a kayak and you’ll be ready to return to city life again.

Off the east coast of Spainsits the small archipelago of islands known as the Balearics. On hearing the names Mallorca (the largest), Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, you might not expect much from the Balearic Islands. Their reputation is harshly doused in 'Brits Abroad' stereotypes and heavy partying (that's on you, Ibiza). But truth be told, if you do not to visit the Balearic Islands because of these pre-conceived ideas, you miss out entirely on four accessible islands with beautiful coastlines, dazzling beaches, a strong dose of culture and historical towns.

Just a fraction of Britain’s more than 6000 islands are accessible – and even fewer are inhabited. If you’re dreaming of life, or just a holiday, on a remote coastal island you’ll know that islanders have a reputation for being rather quirky. Local traditions and customs are fiercely protected and every British island has a unique heritage.

Isolated white-sand beaches, reefs teeming with marine life, cascading rice terraces – it’s no wonder that the Philippines is thought of as paradise. And there’s even more than meets the eye, from the world’s smallest primate to the unique hanging coffins of Sagada. Yet, with well over 7,000 islands you can get overwhelmed by what’s on offer. Whatever kind of trip you’re after, here’s our guide to the best islands in the Philippines.

Greece offers well over two hundred inhabited islands of all shapes and sizes, set like gems in the sparkling Ionian and Aegean seas. It can be hard to pick which ones to visit on your trip. Former resident and Rough Guide to Greece author Nick Edwards picks the best Greek islands to visit.

Spanning an area as large as Europe, French Polynesia islands can be intimidating to the first-­time visitor. Technically an overseas collectivity of France, this globally ­renowned destination is considered by many to be a slice of heaven on earth. Here, Eric Grossman takes us through French Polynesia's highlights in a (coco)nut shell.

There are over 13,000 islands in the 5200-kilometre-long archipelago of Indonesia. With so many to choose from, we’ve whittled it down to 16 of our favourite Indonesian islands.

Croatia's islands offer something for everyone — from party animals and sailors to walkers and families. This stunning country (voted one of the most beautiful countries in the world) is truly worth a visit — or several. But which island to choose? To help you out, we have picked the best Croatian islands for getaways.

Way out in the cool North Atlantic Ocean, there’s a cluster of craggy islands inhabited primarily by sheep and puffins. The Faroe Islands are Scandinavia’s ultimate off-the-beaten-track destination. Here’s our guide to what to expect on your first trip to this remote archipelago.

Japan is breathtakingly beautiful and is a hugely diverse country, especially when it comes to its thousands of islands. There are approximately 6800 to choose from, so you don't have to go far to find mountains, beaches, coral reefs and quaint little villages. Many of the islands are almost untouched by tourism, so they offer a purely traditional experience. Here is our pick of the best Japanese Islands.

The long emerald necklace of the Andaman Islands – an archipelago lying over a thousand kilometres out in the Bay of Bengal – is unlike anywhere else in India. Here you’ll find some of India’s most stunning beaches, invariably fringed by thick forest, and the only substantial coral reefs in the country. Today, the Andaman Islands still receive relatively few visitors and this stunning archipelago is a highlight on any itinerary.

Located just off Lombok's northwest coast, the trio of tiny Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno — are hands-down stunning. While all three offer impossibly clear waters and super-soft, white-sand beaches, you’ll want to choose your island — and accommodation — wisely. And the reason? Costs vary, as do the kinds of accommodation on offer, and island experience. With that in mind, here’s our guide to the best Gili Islands hotels.