Orust is one of the larger islands of Sweden's south western archipelago, and it's a fantastic place to stay while visiting some of the smaller islands. Beautiful scenery, gentle rolling landscapes, a fantastic coastline, some great hotels and restaurants, and a favourable climate to boot. I love it all year round but if you want a relaxing family holiday with great swimming spots and watersport opportunities then head there in summer. Bear in mind that Swedish kids go back to school in mid August and a lot of places open for the season will close then.

www.vastsverige.com/en/sodra-bohuslan
www.orust.se
Google map: bit.ly/ye5HjE

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Who needs Bora-Bora when you have Brittany? I'll wager that when you arrive on the Îles de Glénan, an archipelago off the southern coast of Finistère, you'll consider these desert isles as good as any that you might find in more exotic places. If you're not here for the sailing school, there is little to do except bury your feet in the white sand, kayak across a clear lagoon, or watch the black headed gulls, weave and dip, on their flight out to sea.

The Vedettes de l"Odet, based in Bènodet will get you there.
+33 (0) 2 98 57 00 58
www.vedettes-odet.com/
Google map: bit.ly/wtpoEz

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They are a group of just less than 400 islands in the Caribbean of which only about 50 are inhabited by the Kuna people. For the most spectacular deserted island scenery, I couldn't recommend it more. Catch a boat for a few days and relax on your own paradise while local fisherman sail up next to you to offer their catch of the day. These islands are so unspoiled and beautiful, you'll never want to leave.

Google map: bit.ly/Anxjww

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The "sightseer flight" from Barra to Benbecula has to be one of the most fantastic island experiences. Take the local minibus from Castlebay to the airport, pay £35 and show your photo ID, and step out over the sand to the Twin Otter waiting on the beach.
Up in the air, and cruising smoothly north at 1,000-2,000ft, you pass over the "Whisky Galore" island of Eriskay, before gazing down in wonder at the fascinating landscapes of South Uist and Benbecula, with a thousand lochs criss-crossed with roads, tiny houses and ancient remains. The flight takes 20 minutes, and after a short stop you fly back again. The pilot turned round and asked us what route we would like to return by, so we chose the mountainous one. I'm afraid of flying, but I loved this, and landed back on the beach on magical Barra with a big grin on my face.

Flybe flights: www.flybe.com/ but it seems to be cheaper to buy locally - ask at the tourist office in Castlebay (+44 (0)1871 810336). Tourist information on Barra: www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/barra.htm
Google map: bit.ly/96Ihrk

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I’ve been to 63 countries, but the Scillies are the place I have visited most often. They have drawn me back since I camped aged 16 at the Garrison Farm on St Mary’s, waking at dawn in a vine-draped greenhouse after a storm destroyed the tent. In contrast my most recent stay was at Star Castle, an Elizabethan fortress in the shape of a star - where you can sleep in a thick-walled guard room overlooking the harbour.

The Scillies are the farthest you can get from the UK, while travelling the shortest distance. Bird watching, walking, prehistoric cairns, silky, white-sand beaches and coves, any number of prodigious shipwrecks and famously exotic vegetation, they have it all - including trendy modern hotels and fine dining (if that’s what you want). More important: the turquoise sea all around acts as a soothing invitation to unwind, as you explore between the five inhabited and umpteen mini islands.

Even in August there is seclusion if you are prepared to walk away from the harbour landings. I went skinny dipping one August day on St Martins, with only birds and rabbits for company. The wonky circle of St Mary’s cliff path is a day’s leisurely stroll, and if you plan it properly it’s possible to fit in two, if not three, superlative cream teas en route. Then back to Star Castle for a five-course meal followed by an evening in the Dungeon Bar. Nothing can beat the atmosphere of this place. You won't get jetlag, you don’t need jabs, and you’re more likely to get bother from a ghost hanging around a megalith than from an undesirable lurking on a street corner. Fortunate Islands indeed.

www.star-castle.co.uk/
Google map: bit.ly/96QhjD

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Ailsa Craig appears like a giant American muffin on the horizon off the south-west coast of Scotland. A boat trip round the island from Girvan costs £20, including landing on the island for half an hour, where you can inspect the rather spooky remains of the gas works that used to power the lighthouse. The bird life on the island is fantastic, and can be well-observed from the boat, together with the amazing volcanic cliffs. Can 40,000 Gannets be wrong?

Google map: bit.ly/9Fg0Rm

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Twinkling blue seas, white sails, faraway views, beaches, birds and blossoms! And yes, some palm trees. A stone's throw from good rail and road links, by car or bus, yet Hayling's few miles offer peace and beauty.
Stop at the bridge for two good pubs, the Ship and the Royal Oak, then cross to the island, carry straight on for about five miles to reach the seafront. Or turn left at the bridge for leafy country lanes, and pretty Northney with its ancient church, or West Lane (by the bends) for fields and trees.
The Billy Trail (once a rail track) overlooking Langstone Harbour and distant Portsmouth, can be walked or cycled. The uncrowded western shore, past the wind and kite surfers, offers views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and a pub and ferry to Southsea. At the eastern end, there's the entrance to Chichester Harbour (AONB) looking across to West Wittering and the South Downs, with sailing clubs, marina, RNLI station and Marina Jaks' restaurant. There are boats everywhere, and seaside delights - holiday camps, beach huts, funfair, ice-cream, a train ride across the common, pubs, fish and chips. Plus, regular sailing events, scarecrow competion (Aug), and artists' trail (May). The weather's often surprisingly benign, and the locals, on perpetual holiday, are friendly!

Hayling Island is next to Portsmouth, in Hampshire. Frequent trains from London and along the south coast to Havant station, very near bus station. Just off A27, linking to M27 & A3(M) Plenty of car parks, but car park charges. www.hayling.co.uk/
Google map: bit.ly/9XaxGT

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The small islands stretching from Grenada north towards St. Vincent are a must to visit. Some are inhabited, others not, but all are picture book like: with white beaches and turquoise sea.

The best way to get there is with a three-day or one-week cruise on a private yacht. The sailing yachts are operated by the owner couple who handles the boats, prepares the meals and looks after you. It is like sailing with friends.

Every day you sail two or three hours and then drop the anchor in another paradise like bay. This gives you enough time to swim, snorkel and explore the islands. An unforgettable experience…

www.caribbean-sun.com/Yacht/Yachr_cruise_grenada-Grenadines09.htm

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