From the Channel Islands to Canada, here are six island gems worth exploring …
Islay Island, Scotland
Best for: ferry hoppers
According to Lonely Planet, ferry hopping around Scotland is one of its top six best road trips in the UK, especially the islands of the west coast on the ferry network. They suggest starting the journey in Glasgow, filled with art galleries, design, food and pubs. This tour takes in four of Scotland’s most enticing islands, the stunningly scenic Arran, Islay’s welcoming distilleries, Oban’s seafood scene, Mull’s landscapes, the enchanting holy isle of Iona, and ending in the pretty town of Tobermory. The ferry trips themselves offer fabulous coastal perspectives and wildlife-spotting opportunities as part of the adventure. On my radar is The Machrie Hotel & Golf Links on the island of Islay, which has direct access to a seven-mile sandy beach. @themachrie
The Isle of Wight, UK
Best for: a walking holiday
With some of the most captivating scenery in the UK, the Isle of Wight is an inspiring destination for a walking holiday. Visitors can take the popular coastal path spanning nearly 70 miles of stunning landscapes. Many visitors split this walk into six sections, allowing for a multi-day adventure or shorter walks, such as Cowes to Yarmouth and Sandown to Ryde. For history enthusiasts, the Tennyson Down trail offers views of the iconic Needles, and landmarks like a 19th-century fort and a Cold War rocket test site. For a more tranquil experience, the Estuary Newtown walk takes you through the island’s only National Nature Reserve, offering peaceful trails and diverse habitats.
Ryde, the island’s largest town is a must-visit. It boasts the second-longest seaside pier in the UK and fabulous beaches. For history lovers, Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s former holiday retreat, offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life. As for where to stay, Whitecliff Bay is a great base for exploring some the island’s sandy shores, charming cafés, and plenty of family-friendly attractions.
Sailing fanatics will know that Cowes Week, from August 2 to 8, is the highlight of the social and sporting calendar. It’s best to avoid this time for more preferential rates in hotels. My pick would be The Terrace Rooms & Wine overlooking Ventnor Bay. This bijou property with six rooms has regular wine tastings and dinners, and is decorated with panache, period features, plants and paintings. Guests will also have a great vantage point to see sea-life. If your idea of heaven is to watch the comings and goings of boats, then this will provide plenty of scope. @the_terrace_ventnor
Jersey, Channel Islands
Best for: families and foodies
Jersey may only be nine miles by five, but it’s packed with attractions for all ages and enthusiasms, from its famous War Tunnels, to Mont Orgueil and Elizabeth Castle, as well as a variety of unique museums. Outdoor explorers will love Jersey National Park, while family fun is guaranteed at Jump Jersey, aMaizin! Advenure Park, Valley Adventure Centre and Woodlands Farm.
For foodies, Longueville Manor in St Helier is an elegant hotel with food at its heart, where executive head chef Andrew Baird has been in charge of the exquisite dining room for 30 years. The hotel’s attractions include a 5,000-bottle wine cellar, twelve beehives, a Victorian kitchen garden, and a vast outdoor pool and garden area. From this chic base, visitors can explore the oyster beds in Grouville, take a boat trip to the Ecrehous, or a visit to La Hougue Bie (the tenth oldest man-made structure in the world, which predates the Pyramids). @longuevillemanor
Folegandros, Greece
Best for: a taste of authentic island life
Located on the lesser known Cyclades, Folegandros is a relatively unknown, slow-paced wilderness that is atmosphere rich and authentically Greek, a world away from the excesses of, say, Mykonos and Zakynthos. It’s best explored from Gundari; a sustainable, boutique resort that offers a wealth of experiences from scuba diving and snorkelling trips to exploring the secluded beaches and coves on an electric Moke. Cookery classes with a “Yia Yia” (grandmother in Greek), guided hikes and private sailing trips are other organised activities. The resort’s 27 suites and villas are bio-climatically designed, while solar energy is harnessed to heat the resort. Other facilities include a subterranean spa, cliff edge pool with swim-up cocktail bar, an organic farm with a rustic wine bar, as well as farm-to-plate dining overlooking the crystal clear Aegean Sea. @gundari_resort
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Best for: Aurora hunters
Oroko’s travel specialist, Becky Theriault, says the Lofoten Islands are her favourite part of Norway. “The landscape is really beautiful, with the mountains rising out of the sea and the landscape dotted with old red fishermen’s cabins. In the summer months, you’ll also get to experience the midnight sun, which is indescribably magical. There is so much to do, too, like a sea eagle safari and guided fjord cruises. We also partner with fantastic boutique accommodation like Nusfjord Arctic Resort, which offers fantastic dining and wellness experiences.” @nusfjordvillageandresort
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Best for: ‘Anne with an E’ fans!
The 175-mile long Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province, located in the Gulf of St Lawrence. It’s known for its red sandstone cliffs, beautiful beaches and rural charm. The province is the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation and is famous as the setting of LM Montgomery’s novel Anne of Green Gables; fans can explore Green Gables Heritage Place and many other “Anne sites”.
But there’s much more to this pretty island. Its capital Charlottetown is famous for its Victorian clapboard houses, crafts shops and seafood restaurants. A must-visit is Cows ice cream shop popular with locals. Accommodation ranges from coastal cottages to heritage hotels such as The Holman Grand, which has an underground pedway connected to the Confederation Centre of the Arts, offering easy access to events and theatrical performances. Another serene retreat is Mysa Nordic Spa & Resort with cottages overlooking St Peters Bay. Cyclists will enjoy the quiet roads of the 50-mile Charlottetown to Mount Stewart Loop, while a sea kayak up the Hillsborough River is one way to see the posh homes in the area. @mysanordicspa
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