Capri without the crowds in Italy
Procida is a small island in the Bay of Naples that is less famous than nearby Capri or Ischia. However, it is no less appealing. This is not a touristy island, but a place where real people live. It’s a wonderful slice of slow-paced Italian life. The island can be explored by foot or bicycle. There is also a bus service. There are many pretty little beaches for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking – our favourite was Il Postino, where scenes from the movie of the same name were filmed. The restaurants are stocked with a wide variety of seafood, since many people in Procida still work as fishermen. Locally, lemon salad is made from lemons with thick, giant skins. Villa Caterina B&B’s orchard of lemon and orange trees provides fresh juice and marmalade for breakfast, and the rooms have wonderful views of the island and the bay, with Vesuvius looming in the distance and Naples only 45 minutes away by ferry.
Bernie G
Enjoying seafood and the sunshine of Sweden
When life gets too much, I dream of Styrsö in the Gothenburg archipelago. The island’s wide-open skies, plenty of nature trails, and swimming spots are perfect for a summer getaway. The island is topped by a fantastic seafront restaurant. TångbarenYou can enjoy a glass or two of cold wine while you watch the sea.
Hannah
Germany: Tranquillity in the dunes
I was 21 years old, living in Germany to improve my German language skills. On a whim, I decided to visit the East Frisian Island of Spiekeroog. (Yes, the name was what first attracted me. I spent a couple of happy nights at Hotel InselfriedeThe small, family-run Hotel is just 10 minutes away from the ferry dock. The island is free of cars, and it’s a beautiful place to sit and relax with a coffee or explore the dunes.
Lizzy
Balearic Beauty
Sa Dragonera in the Balearics is a tiny, uninhabited island. It’s utterly beautiful. There are watchtowers dating back to the 18th century, which were built as a way to keep an eye on pirate activity. The island is popular for bird watching and walking. Small ferries only connect it to the Sant Elm area. It is best to go first thing to beat the heat and pedestrian traffic – you won’t regret it when you see the views from the top.
Tom
The tiny Greek island of Aegina has great beaches
Greece has many beautiful islands. Kythira, however, is not well-known to foreign tourists. This is just how locals like it. Most of the time, the island is home to only around 3,500 residents. Thousands of Greeks return home for the summer to their homes, some that they’ve owned for generations. There are no major tourist resorts – it’s a Greek island rich in history and tradition, with dozens of beautiful beaches.
Andy Moffat
Galway Bay is a great place to explore the old world of Ireland
Inisheer (or Inis Oírr), one of the three spectacular Aran Islands in Galway Bay, is my favourite small island by far. The ferry from Rossaveel on the mainland takes just under an hour, but you feel as if you’ve been transported back in time – this is a tiny island of stone walls, fishing boats, old cottages, and more ponies and traps than cars. In an afternoon, you can explore ancient ruins and shipwrecks by walking or cycling across the island. The charming pub offers traditional music to end the day. Camping is available at a reasonable price, almost right on the beach.
Eleanor
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Helsinki, the city of peace and sheep
Kuusiluoto in Helsinki’s heart is only accessible by foot, across wooden duckboards which make you feel as if you are walking on the water. When you first step onto the island, you will be welcomed by a friendly committee of sheep. Only the skyscrapers in the distance will give you a hint that you are in a busy European capital. Start at the city’s Technology Museum (worth a visit and only a short distance from the centre), and then walk two miles through the reed bed. The island has a sauna, woodland trails, free postcards and those most valuable attributes – peace and quiet.
Arran
Snorkeling in Silba’s coves, Croatia
I didn’t know much about Silba before I arrived – it’s a small, car-free island with no hotels, just family-run guesthouses. It takes 90 minutes to get from Zadar by catamaran, and there are several sailings per day in the summer. You can explore the olive groves on foot, swim in the clear waters of pebble coves and climb Toreta Tower at sunset to enjoy the views. Bring a snorkel and stay for at least two days. Book your return ferry well in advance, as there are only limited schedules.
Elaine
Hebrides, Scotland: Stunning views
You won’t be able to resist saying “Look!” on the Isle of Eigg. The light changes so frequently that it will keep you captivated throughout your stay. Point out the beautiful variations in rainbows, cloud formations or sunbursts. Stay at your hotel Laig Beach Bothy Gaze out at the mountains, the sea and the sky through the big windows. Virginia Woolf said: “One shouldn’t let this giant cinema play forever to an empty home.”
Anna
France’s Wild West is a winning tip
The island is Ouessant, or Ushant. It’s the farthest west of France. You can reach the island by ferry, which is a short trip from the mainland. It’s wild and beautiful. The island is a great place to spend a day, as part of an extended holiday. Or you can stay for the entire trip. As soon as you get off the ferry, you can rent bikes. In the main village, Lampaul, you will find beautiful beaches such as Plage du Prat. There are also impressive lighthouses and many bars and restaurants.
Airelle
