We know your indecisive brains find it hard to pick just one dreamy destination, and why should you? Your holiday should be all about you and what you want, no compromises. City vibes, beach-club scenes, must-visit foodie spots… Island-hopping = ticking off several stunning destinations in one go. From finding the best beaches in Greece to eating your way through Italy, we’ve picked out our hottest island-hopping holidays we think you’ll love.
Island-hopping in Greece
Nowhere does island life quite like Greece… There are roughly 6,000 islands and only around 227 of them are inhabited. Ferries port in most places, so you can easily squeeze in a few daytrips while you’re here. Catch Santorini’s sunsets, go beach-hopping in Mykonos or hit the clubs in Zante. If you want to add a bit of culture to your trip, then explore Rhodes Old Town or the Palace of Knossos in Crete. Enter your Mamma Mia! era with a visit to the Sporades Islands. Buzzy Skiathos – the capital – is full of traditional seafront tavernas and beaut beaches. Then, it’s just a quick ferry across to Skopelos, the main filming location, where you can take a tour of all the filming spots or just stretch out on one of its super secluded coves. If you fancy something less touristy, then it’s got to be Alonissos. Things are much slower and the whole place just screams authentic Greek charm with cute, cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings and lush pine forests.
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Island-hopping in Thailand
The Land of Smiles is full of postcard-perfect islands. And with loads of natural beauty and some of the best street food in the world, it can be pretty hard to pick just one place to visit. If you’re travelling 12+ hours, it makes sense to squeeze in two, three or even four places and make proper use of your time on this side of the world. Top spots include Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi – think buzzing beaches, secret lagoons and unreal landscapes. Once you’ve had your fill of island beaches, switch things up with a visit to lively Bangkok. This place is giving serious big city energy. It’s usually the first stop for backpackers, so you can expect buzzy night markets, 24/7 street food spots and next-level nightlife.
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Island-hopping in Italy
Italy meets the brief for every type of travel lover. Great food. Natural beauty. Historic sites. Tick, tick, tick. Rome, Milan, Florence – these big cities have a solid rep for their ancient ruins and iconic landmarks, but you can also tick off a few islands while you’re here. It’s all about filling up on the best pizza and pasta you’ve ever tasted, as well as a few Aperol spritzes, ofc. From Sorrento, you’re just a half-hour boat ride away from boujie Capri, known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean. This place lines up glam harbours, designer shops and the famous Blue Grotto caves. Sicily’s also just a short ferry ride away from the mainland, where you’ll experience a real combo of cultures. Picture Greek temples and Roman villas next to Norman cathedrals, plus some seriously cool beaches.
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Island-hopping in Ibiza
Ibiza’s known for its legendary party scene, famous sunsets and ideal combo of buzzy beaches and secluded coves. But why visit one Balearic Island when you can visit two? Ibiza’s sister island, Formentera, has a totally different feel. It’s easy to get to from Ibiza – the ferry takes just 35 minutes from shore to shore and runs almost every half an hour. You can only get here by boat, so ofc the vibe is super laidback. Chill out on the famous Illetes Beach, visit the iconic La Mola lighthouse or explore the island on two wheels – there are bike paths and super scenic routes everywhere.
Need to get away ASAP? Then, check out our last-minute holidays to Ibiza
Island-hopping in Mexico
Tick off margaritas, Mayan ruins and mariachi bands on a holiday to Mexico. But don’t just stay in Cancun – there are plenty of beautiful islands here to explore. Stunning Isla Mujeres is just 30 minutes from the Hotel Zone. This place offers pristine white sands and makes for a peaceful escape from the busier beaches and all-night parties in Cancun. Or, for that dreamy deserted-island aesthetic, Isla Holbox is the one – there are no cars on the island, and it’s all swinging hammocks and colourful villages. The shallow lagoons here are also packed full of flamingos, pelicans and exotic birds.
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Island-hopping in Croatia
Croatia’s coastline stretches over 4,000 kilometres and features more than 1,200 islands. It’s easy to switch between them, or pick a base like Dubrovnik or Split and daytrip your way around these gorg Croatian islands. Catch a public ferry from the mainland or hire your own boat for the day and add some adventure to your getaway. Brac Island’s just an hour’s ferry ride from Split and it’s great if you’re after a sleepier vibe, with secluded bays and cute fishing villages. Hvar offers Gothic palaces and marble streets that are fit for a fairytale, as well as a thriving bar scene. While Lopud Island’s got that super peaceful feel, thanks to its car-free streets, a cute seafront prom and beaut sandy beaches – it makes sense that Lopud’s known as the loveliest island.
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Author: Rachel Coppenhall (she/her)
Last updated: 28/08/2025
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