logo
World's ten best holiday islands revealed – here's how to find the two in Europe

World's ten best holiday islands revealed – here's how to find the two in Europe

Scottish Sun7 days ago
Find out the full Island Hot List for 2025 below
ISLE BE THERE World's ten best holiday islands revealed – here's how to find the two in Europe
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
THE top 10 islands in the world have been revealed, from Italian paradise to popular Greek gems.
Online travel agency, Expedia, has formed its 'Hot List' for islands across the world, judging them on standout stays, affordability, flights and appeal - and there's one in particular that's very familiar to readers.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
7
Paros has been recognised as the world's best island more than once
Credit: Alamy
7
It has beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife
Credit: Alamy
The island of Paros has become a standout name in 2025.
The Greek paradise was declared best in the world by Travel + Leisure - and has made it onto Expedia's Island Hot List too.
Paros forms part of the Cyclades Islands surrounded by the likes of Naxos, Milos and Antiparos.
We spoke to one holidaymaker who went to Paros recently, where she discovered beautiful beaches, traditional villages and a buzzing nightlife.
She also raved about the delicious seafood, hidden clubs and party boats.
Also on the list is Italy's Sardinia, which Expedia said boasts a "rugged coastline and hilltop villages."
Sardinia is a large Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea, and there's almost no end to the beaches as it has over 1,000 miles worth of coastline.
The standout island has attracted lots of holidaymakers over the years, including celebrities like George Clooney and Beyonce.
One visitor discovered sun-drenched beaches where waiters deliver cocktails directly to sunbeds.
On the island is even a little-known beach that has been compared to the Sahara Desert.
I found the perfect adults-only hotel for an all-inclusive Greek island holiday
7
Sardinia is one of the top islands - and the closest on the list from the UK
Credit: Alamy
7
Aruba is on the hot list too and has incredible beaches
Credit: Alamy
Found on the west coast of the Costa Verde coastline of the island is a beach called Spiaggia di Piscinas that has soft golden sands, clear blue waters.
It's where you'll find some huge dunes that look like they belong in the desert, and they rise up to heights of 60 metres.
These dunes are the reason it has been nicknamed 'Little Sahara of Italy'.
Also on the list was Aruba, which was also recently revealed to be the safest island in the Caribbean Sea.
Scoring 90 out of 100 - compared to the lowest being 34 for Puerto Rico - it is ranked one of the safest across the islands.
Not only that, it's known by locals as 'One Happy Island'.
It's not really a surprise because the island gets highs of 30C even in winter.
The island is much drier than others that surround it as it sits just outside of the hurricane belt.
Aruba is famous for having white sand beaches, and being home to Flamingo Beach where you can see the famous pink birds relaxing in shallow waters.
7
Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand
Credit: Alamy
7
The island is known for the coastline and vibrant nightlife
Credit: Alamy
Koh Samui, Thailand's second largest island also found a place on the Island Hot List.
It's known for having incredible beaches, huge temples and vibrant nightlife.
Thanks to a very well-known TV series, White Lotus, Koh Samui is even more on the map.
The island also has an annual festival called Songkran which is a three-day celebration where people are armed with water pistols.
The festival traditionally runs April 13-15, which just happens to be during Thailand's hottest season.
One writer checked it out for herself and had an absolute blast.
Expedia also found a rising interest in other islands, particularly for Brits like Jersey, Crete, Malta and Madeira.
Plus, here are 20 of Europe's most beautiful islands that all have direct flights from the UK.
And check out the cheeky 48-hour holidays to Europe's best cities, beach towns and islands this summer from £167.
These Are Expedia's Top 10 Islands for 2025 Aruba Bali Dominican Republic Fiji Jamaica Koh Samui Maldives Oahu, Hawaii Paros, Greece Sardinia, Italy
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Major update on new £18m train station near Glasgow
Major update on new £18m train station near Glasgow

Scottish Sun

time4 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Major update on new £18m train station near Glasgow

The new stop will be a great addition for residents and for visitors to the area FULL STEAM AHEAD Major update on new £18m train station near Glasgow Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WORK has officially started on a brand new £18.3 million train station. The new rail link at Balgray will serve Barrhead, on the south-west edge of Glasgow, and its growing communities. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The new station near Barrhead will be on the line from Glasgow Central It will make it easier for people to travel to and from the city for work, education and leisure, while also improving access to local destinations and attractions. Once complete, the station will feature two platforms connected by a footbridge with lifts, along with waiting shelters, ticket machines and secure cycle storage. Margaret Gibb, commercial director at Network Rail Scotland, said: 'Breaking ground at Balgray is a major step forward in improving transport for the Barrhead area. 'The new station will make it easier for people to travel to and from Glasgow, and for locals and visitors to connect with places like Dams to Darnley Country Park. 'It's exciting to see work begin on a project that also supports active travel, encouraging more walking and cycling too. 'We're proud to be part of a partnership delivering real change and long-term benefits for people in Barrhead and the surrounding area.' An 80-space car park at the station will include electric vehicle charging points, with new walkways linking the platforms directly to nearby housing developments and reservoir paths. A new bus turning circle and stop have already been delivered on Springfield Road by East Renfrewshire Council (ERC). The Balgray Station project, which is part of the wider Glasgow City Region City Deal, is being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with ERC, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting. Preparatory work and planning for the station began in October 2023, with the final proposal approved by the Glasgow City Region City Deal panel in September 2024. Laughing gas 'epidemic' sweeping party island with tourists left foaming at mouth, having seizures & permanently scarred Construction will continue into next year, with the station expected to open to passengers in Autumn 2026. Councillor Owen O'Donnell, leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said: 'I'm delighted to see work start on the new Balgray station which will greatly improve transport links between Barrhead and other parts of East Renfrewshire with stations on the Neilston line - Williamwood, Whitecraigs and Patterton. 'Like many of our communities, Barrhead is growing, and this new station will also provide another route from the town into Glasgow. 'We're proud to be working with our partners on delivering this new station which is one of our biggest City Deal projects.'

Brit takes boyfriend to ‘height of British culture' holiday after fancy Venice trip – by going to Barry Island
Brit takes boyfriend to ‘height of British culture' holiday after fancy Venice trip – by going to Barry Island

Scottish Sun

time4 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Brit takes boyfriend to ‘height of British culture' holiday after fancy Venice trip – by going to Barry Island

Plus, find out more on where you can find the Gavin and Stacey filming locations WELSH GEM Brit takes boyfriend to 'height of British culture' holiday after fancy Venice trip – by going to Barry Island Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN it comes to romantic getaways most will consider Paris and Santorini, but one took their partner on a trip to Wales. After going on a romantic escape to Venice with his boyfriend, Ross Whyatt decided to return the favour by booking them on a Gavin and Stacey tour in Wales. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The couple had just returned from a romantic getaway to Venice Credit: Jam Press/@whyitsross 5 Their next trip took them much closer to home, to Wales Credit: Jam Press/@whyitsross Ross had just spent a relaxing weekend basking in the sunshine, sipping on Aperol Spritz and eating delicious pizza. He was taken to the Italian city as a treat by his boyfriend, Riccardo Gugliermini. As it goes in relationships Ross decided to do something equally as thoughtful in return - and decided to book a trip to Barry in Wales. The pair had become big fans after watching the final episode at Christmas. Ross revealed to What's The Jam that they binged the whole series and as Riccardo had been "quoting it all year" it only felt right to visit. Ross took to social media to document their experience revealing that on the tour, a knock-off version of Nessa welcomes guests on board a coach. And they recite Smithy's very lengthy Indian takeaway order. There's even a group sing-along to gets spirits high, and Riccardo showed off his Pam Shipman top. It turned out not that many people knew about the tour with one commenting on Ross' video: "Omg, I had no idea you could do a Gav and Stace tour with Nessa, this is mint." Another remarked that it was "the height of British culture.' The real life of Barry Island made famous by BBC's TV Series Gavin and Stacey 5 The pair took a selfie outside of the Shipman house Credit: Jam Press/@whyitsross 5 Riccardo made sure to pick up all his merch too Credit: Jam Press/@whyitsross Ross added: 'Riccardo came back home with all the merch, including a mug, magnet and t-shirt - we had the absolute best time. 'It's part of the fun of being in a multicultural relationship, I'm slowly learning Italian and enjoying his cooking. I've introduced him to Greggs, Yorkshire puddings and a chippy tea. 'I'm also getting him into other British comedy classics, like Outnumbered, Peep Show and The Inbetweeners. But Gavin and Stacey is his favourite." Although Ross admitted that he'd rather do a week in Venice over a day out in Barry, Riccardo disagreed. For anyone who wants to head over to do Barry to do some film location sight-seeing themselves, make sure to visit Trinity Street in Barry is home to the homes of Gwen, Uncle Bryn, and Doris. On Barry Island itself there's the famous Marco's Cafe and the arcade where Nessa worked the slots. Up the road is The Colcot Arms aka Smithy's local Essex hangout and of course the Tadross Hotel which doubles as The Dolphin. Here's more about Barry from a local who lived there before it was made famous by Gavin and Stacey. She reveals more about what Barry was like in the days of the Butlin's resort on Nell's Point Here's even more on Barry Island which is loved by huge Hollywood star has beachfront theme park and new attraction. Here's where you can find the Victorian pub where Gavin and Stacey's final scenes were filmed.

The pretty twin beach villages in the ‘forgotten corner' of Cornwall
The pretty twin beach villages in the ‘forgotten corner' of Cornwall

Scottish Sun

time4 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

The pretty twin beach villages in the ‘forgotten corner' of Cornwall

Plus, the other village in Cornwall that has been compared to Santorini COR BLIMEY The pretty twin beach villages in the 'forgotten corner' of Cornwall Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BEAUTIFUL beaches and charming coastal cottages are what you'll find in Kingsand and Cawsand . The villages in Cornwall are found in a 'forgotten corner' of the coast and while they are now twinned, were once in separate counties. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Kingsand and Cawsand are twin villages in Cornwall Credit: Alamy 4 They're found in the forgotten corner of the country on the Rame Peninsula Credit: Alamy Kingsand and Cawsand sit side by side on the south east of the county. They are often described as being in the 'forgotten corner' due to their secluded location on the Rame Peninsula. The adjoining villages aren't visited by tourists as much as the likes of St Ives, Port Isaac, Mevagissey, and Mousehole. But both villages have beautiful shingle beaches and cosy looking cottages. The banks of Cawsand have plenty of rockpools to explore, and when the sea is calm, boats can be hired for another adventure. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "To get to the beach you walk through beautiful little coloured cottages and a gorgeous town square. "The beach was clean and well kept, very safe for the children as it was within a bay so there were no rips." During the summer season, a vintage ice cream called Cawsand Bay Vintage Scoops on the promenade next to Cawsand beach to serve iced treats. The village of Kingsand has another of the area's favourite beaches. The bay is well sheltered so it's perfect for swimming, and it's dog-friendly all year round. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach 4 The beaches on both villages have classic shingle shores Credit: Alamy The beach is surrounded by pubs, making it a great spot for holidaymakers, popular spots include the The Devenport Inn and The Halfway House Inn. The two village were historically separated by a stream, with Kingsand in Devon and Cawsand in Cornwall. This division continued until 1844, when the boundary was adjusted, and Kingsand officially became part of Cornwall as well. Both have a rich history of smuggling and fishing, you can even see remains of old pilchard cellars from the late 16th century on the shoreline beyond Kingsand. Further along the coastline is another tiny Cornish village that's been called the UK's answer to Greece. Polperro has white-washed cottages and in the summertime, a bright turquoise sea which has led to it being compared to Santorini. Quaint cottages sit in the hillsides and fishing boats bob in the harbour which further paints the image of Greece. In the village there are steep streets to amble down filled with charming houses, shops and galleries. And another Cornish village compared to Greece with seafront Roman attraction and one of the UK's warmest beaches. Plus an English village that's the 'quiet side of Cornwall' has A-list holidaymakers and no cars.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store