Great Islands of the World

There is something magical about islands. Island life can be the perfect escape - surrounded by sea and beaches and cliffs, cut off from the 'mainland', humdrum worries, and home.

But above all, islands lend a particular character to their inhabitants, and a unique pace to their way of life. It's that which we seek to tap into on holiday - whether its the lazy 'dolce fa niente' of Capri, or the remote spirituality of Iona or Skye. Perhaps we don't consciously say to ourselves - 'OK, I'm going to go to an island on holiday this year' - unless it's a sailing holiday. But we end up going to some island destinations because they have attractions - and these are in large part down to the fact they are islands. Martha's Vineyard and Shelter Island spring to mind, as well as the Ibiza, Mallorca, Madeira, and then all those wonderful Greek Islands.

Above all it's their plethora of beaches, great walks, fresh air, and the fact that there is sea wherever you turn. Island landscapes and wildlife are often spectacular - even if treeless like dear Tiree. They have all the makings, in fact, of a perfect holiday.

Related categories: Waterfalls, Lakes, Coastlines, Beaches, Islands, Coral Reefs

Experts in Islands:  Ian Wilson,  James Henderson,  David Stanley

Sponsored ads

  • Low cost holidays to Gran-Canaria

    Great rates and packages on holidays to selected hotels and resorts by air from the UK

    www.dealchecker.co.uk
  • Classic Quito & Galapagos Islands

    Classic Quito & Galapagos Islands Tour: the most economical way of visiting the Galapagos Islands & Quito. 8 days from £2921.

    www.yampu.com
  • Safari & Wildlife Ecuador

    The Adventure Company’s array of Safari & Wildlife Adventures cater for all ages & tastes from family galapagos cruises to amazon rainforest trips.

    www.adventurecompany.co.uk
  • Tailor Made Galapos Islands

    Tribes offer a selection of yachts from which to devise the perfect island hopping itinerary in the Galapagos Islands.

    www.tribes.co.uk
  • Flotilla Holidays Ionian Sea

    Neilson flotilla holidays offer the perfect mix of freedom & sociability: sail independently by day, meet the rest of the flotilla in the evening!

    www.neilson.co.uk
  • Advertise here

The top 10 Islands in the world

We know 214 Islands in the world. See all.