The European country with more than 260,000 islands – they have blue lagoons, sea stacks and sandy beaches

Scottish Sun

a day ago

Plus, one Scandinavian island which will one day cease to exist
ISLAND LIVING The European country with more than 260,000 islands – they have blue lagoons, sea stacks and sandy beaches
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DID you know that Sweden has thousands of islands?
In fact, Sweden has the most islands in the world with 267,570 to be exact.
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Sweden has over 200,000 islands
Credit: Alamy
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The biggest island is Gotland which is home to 60,000 people
Credit: Alamy
Even the capital of Stockholm is built across a 14-island archipelago.
Despite the enormous number, the majority of these islands are uninhabited, with only around 1,000 having any form of building or settlement.
The largest Swedish island is Gotland which is surrounded by the Baltic Sea and has a population of around 60,000.
On the island is the medieval town of Visby which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It has cobbled streets, ancient walls, and picture-worthy architecture.
The island of Gotland is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene, with galleries, studios, and art exhibitions.
One of the most popular foodie spots is Lilla Bjers with small plates that have been called "once-in-a-lifetime dining" with it all farm to table.
Another popular attraction are sea stacks, also called raukar, which are limestone monoliths scattered along the coast.
The island even has its own Blue Lagoon with waters that are a vibrant turquoise during the summer.
From mainland Sweden, the ferry to Gotland takes around three hours.
From Stockholm to the island by plane takes just 45 minutes.
European 'paradise' island is home to fairytale towns and blue lagoons
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Gotland has its very own Blue Lagoon
Credit: Alamy
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Stockholm to Gotland takes just 45 minutes on the ferry
Credit: Alamy
Fårö, a smaller island just off the coast of Gotland, is known for it's beautiful beaches, including Sudersand.
It's a huge sandy stretch along the coastline, with shallow waters ideal for families, and along the front are cafes, kiosks, and activities, like mini-golf.
One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "Fantastic beautiful beach! Of course I stop every year I'm on Gotland. Love how shallow and family friendly it is. The sand feels like paradise underfoot."
Another added: "We were delighted to find an immaculate sandy beach with clear and warm water.
"First week off season, so not very crowded. Well worth the trip. We had a nice lunch in the surfers' shack on the beach."
Another island off the coast of Sweden that known for its beauty is Ven.
It's known for its beautiful cliffs that drop into the sea, white beaches, cottages and hills perfect for cycling.
Also on the island is Hvens Glassfabrik, an ice cream factory - and you can have tastings.
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The sea stacks are another popular attraction on Gotland
Credit: Alamy
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No one lives on the tiny islet of Märket - the one attraction is the lighthouse
Credit: Alamy
The Spirit of Hven Backafallsbyn, which is a resort with a four-star hotel, restaurant and on-site distillery that makes whiskey.
One visitors said: "It's simply beautiful. Unspoilt nature at its best. Pretty little houses and few cars."
Märket, a tiny islet shared with Finland, with a total area of 3.3 hectares.
The island is divided between the two countries, with the border running through the middle since the Treaty of Fredrikshamn in 1809.
No one lives there, and it's known for its lighthouse.
Other popular islands include Öland, Orust, Hisingen and Värmdö.
Plus, one Scandinavian island which will one day cease to exist.
And the 35-minute train that lets you travel underwater between two countries - and it costs just £10.