Island hopping is a unique way to explore different parts of the world. Some islands will be considered tourist hot spots, but you can find some wonderful places when exploring foreign Islands.
Whether you prefer to plan every detail or go spur of the moment, there are island hopping breaks for everyone! Take a look at some wonderful island-hopping holidays:
Here are our top 10 favourite island holidays…
- Greece, where you have many islands to choose from, and travelling between them takes as little as 20 minutes.
- Thailand, which was named 2024’s top adventure destination.
- Croatia was voted a top 10 global destination for 2024 by Lonely Planet.
- The Philippines, where you can get summer weather practically all year round.
- Scotland so you can get the rural islands and wildlife without the hassle of a long-haul flight.
- Vietnam where a hotel will cost as little as £12 per night.
- Sweden offers a ‘right to access’ so you can pitch your tent for 1 night anywhere. (As long as you are at least 150m away from any houses or farmlands)
- Hawaii has a little something for everyone, from zip lining to watching hula dancers.
- Indonesia is famed for having many species of wildlife roaming freely.
- Japan is often overlooked but actually is made up of 6,852 islands, more than enough to hop between.
Why should you be island hopping in Greece?
Renowned for its many islands, Greece is the first place people think of when island-hopping trips are raised. They also have one of the most comprehensive ferry networks in the world so you will not be short of places to go.
One of the best groups of islands in Greece is the Cyclades. These include places like Santorini, Mykonos, and lesser-known places such as Kimolos or Syros. Ferry tickets range between £8 to £128 so many bargains are available. The price depends on how long the journey is and whether or not it is peak season. The peak season for Greece is between July and August so beware of the price jump during this period!
The largest island in the Cyclades is Naxos. It has a gorgeous waterfront town and if you go here, the old town of Kastro is a must-see. Here you will find 13th-century narrow cobblestone streets that are immersed in history. From here it is easy to explore the small Cyclades. The island of Iraklia is the closest with daily express ferries from Naxos to this island making it a quick 1 hour and 30-minute journey. Iraklia is a small island offering beautiful scenery. As it is not as well known as the larger islands you are less likely to be surrounded by crowds.
From Iraklia, you can then head over to Paros. This ferry journey will take just over 2 hours and cost around £39 each way. Paros is the perfect balance between ancient and new. It has a lively nightlife and also a lot of heritage. The town of Lefkes, built in the 17th century, is a great place to taste Greek history. It was previously the capital of Paros. While there you can visit the ancient Agia Triada church with its beautiful architecture.
How to make the most of UK island hopping.
Want to island-hop without the hassle of a long flight? Well, island hopping around Scotland could be just the thing. The isle of Arran is just off the West coast of Scotland and has lots of mountains and countryside to explore. This is the perfect place to unwind and take a long walk which is sure to boost your mental wellbeing.
From here, head to the Isle of Islay. Getting here from Arran will take two ferries. First from Arran to Claonaig (mainland Scotland) and then to the other side of Claonaig to catch the next ferry to Islay. It is home to 9 distilleries and renowned for its smoky whiskies. With its stunning beaches, you’ll think you’ve gone abroad!
You could continue going North from here, travelling up to Mull, and then onto Skye before the Isle of North Uist. Travelling between the islands will be a combination of ferries and buses. These journeys will set you back between £25 to £100 so be sure to plan ahead. Also, each journey takes anywhere from 4 hours to 8 hours.
Can you hop islands on a budget?
It is possible to go island hopping on a budget as there are many places you can go that don’t cost the earth. For example, Croatia is a trendy island-hopping destination and is visited by millions of tourists every year. If you were to fly into Zadar, a slightly less popular spot in Croatia, a flight from London costs as little as £35 one way. While in Zadar you could learn to surf or visit the famous Sea Organ, which has 35 underwater pipes that create ethereal natural music. You will find hotels here for as little as £35 a night so you can spend time exploring before heading to the next island.
From here, go island hopping over to Dugi Otok Island which by ferry only costs between £3-£7. This journey takes just under 2 hours, giving you time to sit and relax on the boat before reaching this picturesque island. Once you’re here, spend time relaxing on the Saharun Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters. Or hike around the Telascica Nature Park and see what local wildlife you can spot. There is even a small donkey sanctuary.
Next, head over to Molat by Ferry which will cost you between £5 – £11 and takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. This is the perfect place to unwind as it is very quiet and has a population of only 250 people. It is the ideal place to paddle board or go snorkelling in the clear waters and you will feel as if you’ve visited a small reclusive paradise.
Finally, head back to Zadar via the ferry which only takes an hour and costs up to £4! Spend some more time sightseeing and head to see the Sphinx which is a local tourist attraction. It is the largest Sphinx left in Europe, so it is well worth a visit!
What else is there to do when island hopping?
There are many different activities you can do when island hopping. For example, if you visit Thailand, you could start by flying into Phuket, the largest island, and go exploring for a few days. Phuket is home to the Big Buddha statue, a must-see in Thailand. You can also do many other excursions here, such as diving, visiting the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park or going to Monkey Hill. This is a great way to see the local wildlife and nature.
From here, island hop to Koh Phi Phi (the Phi Phi islands). A ferry from Phuket will cost you 645 thb which is just £13.75 and it only takes an hour! This island is a hotspot for rock climbing with its large limestone cliffs so it is perfect for an adventure. Alternatively, you could kayak around the island and its many secluded bays. If you want a milder excursion, take a leisurely walk up to the Koh Phi Phi viewpoint which takes about 30 minutes but has beautiful views. Bear in mind that there is an entry fee of 20 thb or £0.43 but it does come with a bottle of water!
There are many things you can do when island hopping so make sure you plan a trip that is suited to your needs. Plus have peace of mind that your insurance is covering you whatever you decide to try.
Will island hopping affect my insurance?
Something to consider when island hopping, is whether or not you are covered for going to different places. For example, a Free Spirit single trip policy allows you to travel to any of the Canary Islands for no extra charge!
The Canary Islands are another popular island-hopping holiday destination. There are seven main islands, the most famous being Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria. You could start in Lanzarote and from here catch the ferry to Fuerteventura. A ferry ticket will cost about £14.50 and only takes 25-35 minutes!
While in Fuerteventura, give snorkelling a go in one of their beautiful coves. Then hop over to Gran Canaria. Tours of the island by 4×4 will allow you to see its many mountains and wildlife. Finally, catch the ferry over to Tenerife to explore the famous Mount Teide volcano. You can get a cable car to the top to see the Island from its highest peak before catching your flight home. Check out our top Spanish holiday destination guide for more information about Spanish holidays.
There is no right or wrong way to go island hopping so plan a holiday to suit your needs. Plus, with our Free Spirit Annual Multi-trip insurance, you can get a European policy and go on as many European island-hopping holidays as you’d like!