SCOTLAND has been named among the best island-hopping destinations in the world on a global list.
With a 25% surge in searches for “island hopping holidays” over the past year, travellers are eagerly planning their next getaway.
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To help guide their journeys, experts at Planet Cruise have analysed key data points – ranging from safety scores to ferry costs and social media buzz – to identify the ultimate island hopping destinations around the globe.
Scotland secured the ninth spot globally and fourth in Europe on the list of top island-hopping destinations.
With stunning islands like Skye, Islay, Arran, Lewis, and Shetland, the country offers a perfect escape within the UK for those seeking an unforgettable island adventure.
The full list is as follows:
1. The Philippines – Asia
With 2,000 inhabited islands – the most on the list – the Philippines comes in top place for an island-hopping holiday.
Situated in Southeast Asia, the Philippines boasts the highest search volume for #islandhoppers on Instagram and TikTok, at 7,440 and 3,840 searches over the space of a year, resulting in a total social media score of 11,280.
Some places to visit when on your trip here include the bustling capital of Manila, before heading over to the archipelago of El Nido, with its aquamarine lagoons, or Sorsogon, which has some of the most diverse wildlife in the world.
2. Japan – Asia
In second place for an island-hopping adventure is Japan, with the second most inhabited islands on the list, at 430.
With an average ferry crossing costing just £4, it’s the joint cheapest on the list, and Japan also boasts the highest safety score, at 77.3.
Once you’ve visited the bright lights of Osaka and Tokyo, head on over to Yaeyama Islands on a Japan cruise, where you can snorkel, canoe, hike, and dive. And, if you want to feel really off the grid, visit the Amami Islands, which are home to dramatic limestone caves, deserted beaches, and coral reefs.
3. Thailand – Asia
With the highest average summer temperatures (28.1 degrees Celsius), the fourth lowest ferry crossing costs (£6.43 on average), and the fifth highest safety score, Thailand comes third for island-hopping.
Phuket and Ko Phi Phi are two of the more popular islands, both offering pristine beaches, delicious food, and crazy nightlife. However, if you want to get away from tourists on your Thailand cruise, head to Koh Phra Thong, which is home to diverse birdlife, or Koh Jum, with beachfront bungalows with views of monkeys hunting for crabs in the water.
4. Croatia – Europe
If you want to island hop a little closer to home, then Croatia is a great option, with its Mediterranean positioning offering crystal clear waters, and beautiful sunshine.
The country scores so well due to it having the second highest safety score (74.4), the third lowest ferry prices (£6).
Once you’ve visited the cities of Dubrovnik and Split on the mainland, head to Hvar for chic sophistication, with some of the best bars in the country; Brac for its unspoilt nature, or Korcula with its vineyards and olive groves.
5. Greece – Europe
Rounding off the top five island-hopping destinations is Greece. Not only does the country have the third most inhabited islands, at 227, but it also has the third highest social media score at an impressive 1,680.
Summer temperatures sit at around 26.7 degrees Celsius, and with ferry crossing prices averaging at £10, it’s affordable too.
For family fun, try Kefalonia or Crete, for party destinations, head to Kavos in Corfu or Faliraki in Rhodes; or for upscale glam, visit Mykonos or Santorini – all possible on our cruises around Greece.
6. Spain – Europe
With the fourth highest safety score, at 64.2, Spain comes in sixth place for its islands. Extremely popular with Brits, you could visit the Canary Islands, which include Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Lanzarote, with their southern location making them the ideal option for winter sun.
Alternatively, the Balearic Islands are popular too, which include Menorca, Majorca, and Ibiza, all offering something a little different, whether it’s family-friendly beaches, rugged wildlife, or an amazing party scene.
7. The Maldives – Asia
For a true tropical paradise, why not consider the Maldives? With ferry crossings averaging just £4, it’s the joint cheapest on the list; and it also boasts the second highest average summer temperatures (27.5), as well as the fourth most inhabited islands (188).
For a romantic honeymoon, Baros and Komandoo Islands are some of the best, with palm-fringed beaches and luxury villas. Alternatively, if you want to get up close and personal to marine life, head to Mudhdoo or Fihalhofi Islands.
8. Portugal – Europe
In eighth place is Portugal, with the third highest safety score (68.8). Head to the Azores, which are made up of nine islands, including São Miguel, which is the largest. Here, you can find culture in abundance, with plenty of museums and chapels to explore.
Alternatively, head to Madeiral with its capital, Funchal, boasting a mild climate year-round due to its sheltered setting.
9. Scotland – UK
Scotland comes in ninth place for an island-hopping adventure, with it boasting the second highest social media score at 2,520.
Wild and rugged, the climate might be cool, but you’ll get to enjoy dramatic scenery and diverse wildlife. Some of the more popular groups of islands include Orkney, where you can spot seals and orcas, as well as the Inner Hebrides, with the most popular island being Skye.
10. Dominican Republic – The Caribbean
Rounding off the top 10 island-hopping hotspots is the Caribbean, with the fifth highest summer temperatures (26.3), and fifth most inhabited islands (100).
Read more on the Scottish Sun
With the Caribbean long being an island-hopping hotspot, you’ll have no end of choice of developed resorts to visit. Visit Antigua for its quaint candy-coloured buildings, discover Arikok National Park in Aruba, which covers 20% of the island, and Barbados for its pink sandy beaches.
Whether you want to holiday closer to home with a cruise in Europe, or venture further afield and visit Asia, if island-hopping is high on your list, rest assured there’ll be a destination that’s perfect for you, with each place offering something different and unique.
