European Islands

Scotland is the top request for groups. Examples of islands that can be stayed on include: 

The Outer Hebrides, including Barra, The Uists, Harris and Lewis - island hopping to and from the mainland and Skye is very possible. The Orkney Islands have probably the best Neolithic monuments in Europe. Shetland has a unique character more akin to Scandinavia that Scotland perhaps. Tiny Iona is as serene as it always has been, Arran is very much like Scotland in miniature and there is much more to Mull than just being a stepping stone to Iona and don't forget Islay - with its 8 whisky distilleries.

The largest island in Wales is Anglesey with its ancient druidic heritage and a grand castle at Beaumaris. Smaller islands that are well worth a visit include Caldey Island and Barry Island for you Gavin and Stacey fans.

England's most popular island is perhaps the Isle of Wight. Not that far really from London it has a unique feel to it and was a favourite of Queen Victoria's, whose grand Osbourne House can be visited. A personal favourite is the Isle of Man. Located mid way and linked to Liverpool and Dublin this island has plenty of hotels and several key attractions including some excellent heritage transportation, some stunning landscapes, cats with no tails (yep - Google it if you don't know) and a famous yearly motor bike race. A week to avoid unless you are a fan. Other smaller and interesting islands are Burgh Island, which is well known to Agatha Christie fans and Lindisfarne in Northumberland like Iona is a peaceful today as it always has been.

Naturally a huge variety so let us know the type of island and we can assist. Some are countries in their own right and some are part of but very independent to their sort of parent country.

The Balaeric Islands (Majorca, Ibiza and Mallorca are the biggest but there are others) are part of Spain. These islands are  popular with Euopean families so avoiding school holidays from late June to late August is key. Each though have a lot to see and are much more than sun, sea and sand but that does appeal - for a mix of culture with a bit of warm weather then perfect in shoulder seasons.

Sardinia, Sicily and Corsica are larger islands - some visit them just on their own but some combine any of them with part of their associated countries as the sea and air connections are quite good. Personally I love the Aeolian Islands in northern Sicily - Volcano, Lipari and Stromboli are well worth a visit.

Malta and Gozo - partly British, partly Italian, partly Arabic and distinctively Maltese - again excellent for culture and relaxing in sunshine - no beaches really but plenty of really attractive rocky bays and lots to see and do.

Croatia - most of the Croatian coast is in fact a series of connected islands and is a larger country than most people suspect. Local cruises are the most popular way of visiting the islands but there are alternatives. A good idea is to combine Croatia with Venice as they are connected by reguar Hydrofoil. 

Greece - this is the biggy. 3 or 4 islands are very easy and accessible from Athens as day trips and all of their charms including car free Hydra. Avoid a regular cruise ship by chosing a 2 or 3 centre land based island trip. Naxos, Paros, Santorini and Mykonos are examples of this but there are plenty of other smaller and medium sized islands. Crete, Rhodes and Cyprus are a lot bigger and would justify 4 or 5 days each to get to know.

We are thinking here mainly of what are known as The Canaries. Part of Spain but actually just off the Saharan coast of Africa. Again each has its own very distinctive character but many have developed for sun, sea and sand type tourism so pick your area carefully - some are really relaxed and some are party central. Some are surpisingly green and some are totally bizarre including the beautiful lunar type volcanic landscape of Lanzarote. These islands are so far south that in the winter they consistenly have the warmest temperatures in Europe. The water though is the Atlantic so can get a little chilly - check your hotel has a heated pool is a top tip for the winter !!

Further out in to the Atlantic we do work with and get requests for the Portuguese outposts of Madeira and The Azores.