Paradise

DESPITE being island-dwellers ourselves, there’s something much more exciting about a holiday abroad on one.

There’s the party islands of Ibiza or how about a trip to the Caribbean complete with pina coladas?

The Sun Travel team have certainly racked up the air miles when it comes to travelling the world, and have found their ultimate island holidays along the way.

That’s not to say there aren’t a few closer to home that we love, including ones across Scotland and Wales.

So here are some of our faves – and our top tips for finding a bargain.

Sicily 

Skip Tuscany or the Amalfi coast – if you want a cheap Italy experience, go to Sicily for £5 Aperol Spritzs instead of £15, or £4 takeaway pizzas.

I enjoyed an idyllic stay in Ad Astra, a villa right on the beach at Finale di Pollina, part of the hand-picked collection from Wish Sicily.

With four bedrooms, a gorgeous pool and wonderful outside eating areas, it would have been tempting to just laze around on the sunbeds, taking the occasional dip in the sea.

But there’s so much more to enjoy here with the nearby medieval hilltop village of Pollina, home to sleepy streets, ancient amphitheatres and £2 glasses of wine.

We escaped the crowds by taking a dip in the clear waters of the pebble bay of Spiaggia Torre Conca, tucked beneath the cliffs by Finale di Pollina.

Just minutes from the villa was the rustic Beach Club Costa Turchina, a family-run restaurant with £10 bowls of pasta, and massive dinner plate-sized steaks for £14.

For 2026, the owners are expanding and are offering yurt stays with private hot tubs in a field next to the restaurant, and you can hire bikes, scooters and boats from the club as well.

Sicily delivered great value, far less crowds and a slice of la dolce vita without the price tag! – Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Golden Isles, France

The Golden Isles off the coast of the South of France – and made up of three Caribbean-like, unspoilt islands – offer an incredibly peaceful antidote to the crowds of the Cote D’Azur.

Porquerolles is the largest despite being just 7km long and 3km wide and is car free, with 50kms of cycle paths instead (you can rent bicycles in the main village).

There is the pine-fringed beach of Plage Notre Dame, or Plage du Langoustier on the island’s western-most tip has a strip of sparkling white sand to the north, and a black sand beach to the south (save time for Restaurant Porquerollais for traditional Med fish specialities).

Smaller Port Cros is a rugged haven for hikers and snorkellers, also with no cars, but also no bikes and absolutely no smoking allowed anywhere outdoors to protect this piece of paradise, France’s first marine national park.

(For the freshest seafood and colourful cocktails, reserve a table at Restaurant Hostellerie Provencale right next to the harbour.)

And finally Ile De Levant has yet another surprise up its sleeve.

While most of the island is inaccessible for military testing, Heliopolis is one of Europe’s oldest naturist villages, founded in 1931 and clothes are entirely optional everywhere on the island, except in the harbour and village square.

Getting to the islands is easy too, with regular ferries to Porquerolles from Hyeres taking just 15 to 20 minutes and other regular boat transfers to Port Cros and Ile de Levant from nearby coastal towns like Le Lavandou. – Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

Eilean Shona

Did you know that Scotland has around 900 offshore islands and only between 94 and 97 of these are permanently inhabited? I would say that makes them more special to visit.

Eilean Shona is a tiny tidal island in the Inner Hebrides, about an hour from Fort William. 

To reach the island – where only nine people live – you need to take a small ferry and once there you won’t find cars or roads. 

Instead, you’ll find a green haven with abundant wildlife and cosy cottages to stay in.

In fact, the island inspired J.M. Barrie’s Neverland in Peter Pan.

To visit the island, you must be booked to stay in one of the various accommodations on the island – which cost from £1,100 per week for two people (so £78.58 per person per night).

There’s not much to do on the island itself – but for those who want a peaceful retreat or love hiking it is the ideal spot. 

And make sure to visit Shoe Bay at one end of the island – it boasts a white sand beach with crystal clear waters that looks like the Maldives. – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Spinalonga

Spinalonga is a small island off the northeast coast of Crete known for its huge 16th century Venetian fortress that later became one of Europe’s last active leper colonies between 1903 and 1957. 

The fortress itself dates back to 1579 and when you visit the island, you can see some of the ruined buildings as well as others that are more intact. 

There are information points across the island as well, where you can learn about the history of Spinalonga.

The island is great for a half-day trip, the ferry only takes about 10 minutes to reach Spinalonga from Plaka – a pretty Cretian town with a few shops and tavernas overhanging the water. 

A round-trip boat transfer from Plaka to Spinalonga costs €12 (£10.28) for adults and €6 (£5.14) for children.

The boats run every 30 minutes. – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Puerto Rico

Sun, sand, sea and some of the best food I’ve ever eaten – Puerto Rico is an island that I cannot fault.

Firstly off, even if you’re heading elsewhere on the island, its capital, San Juan, is not to be missed.

The colourful streets are ripe for exploring during the day filled with cafes and jewellery shops, then as night falls, the bars come alive enticing you in with loud music and cheap drinks.

Nearby is the trendy neighbourhood of Santurce which is known to be one of Bad Bunny’s favourites thanks to its huge street murals

My favourite part though was exploring the western region of the island to find its incredible beaches like Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla.

The popular family spot has soft sand perfect for sunbathing, and it’s Caribbean Sea so it’s warm to swim in too (the north coast of the island borders the Atlantic Ocean).

It’s tradition here to jump off the fishing pier too. Another is Jobos Beach in Isabela which is a prime surfing spot for both advanced and beginners.

Food in Puerto Rico is delicious, but don’t expect to be healthy – from mofongo (fried balls of mashed plantain) or tasty empanadillas… you’ll definitely be feeling the extra pounds on your way back. Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Anglesey

Anglesey has all the ingredients for a Great British break – beautiful beaches, plenty of attractions and when it comes to nature, quite often you’ll see dolphins, grey seals and puffins off the coast.

During my visit, I set up camp in the little village of Moelfre which was incredibly quiet even during the height of summer.

It’s not the place for huge entertainment, but what you’ll find instead are gorgeous pubs, a cute little coffee shop called Ann’s Pantry and beach of its own called Taeth Moelfre.

If you’re after a longer stretch of sand to go out and paddle or sunbathe, then head to Traeth Lligwy for golden shores and a sandbank when the tide goes out so the kids can carry on playing without going too far.

To see more of the island, definitely take or hire a car so you can drive to Beaumaris to see its castle and pier.

If it’s not too windy then make sure to hop on the ferry to see Puffin Island – a small wildlife sanctuary for the birds on the eastern side of Angelesey.

I loved our cottage we stayed in called Bryn Awel and sleeps up to six people.

With seven nights costing £577 (or £13.74ppn each), it’s snug with a cosy woodburner to fire up in the winter months and a large suntrap patio for the summertime. Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Ibiza

My deep-rooted love for Spain’s White Isle is shared among many Brits. It’s cheap and easy to reach from the UK, with plenty of flights, and is now littered with some of the hottest restaurants and chicest hotels in Europe.

While many come here to party (the island is home to UNVRS, the largest nightclub in the world, and Hï, frequently voted one of the best in the world) those in the know appreciate its quieter side and rustic beauty.

A holiday in Ibiza, for me, is rarely complete without a boat trip around the coast, stopping off at secluded coves where you’ll find nothing other than a few locals playing chess above the craggy rocks.

You don’t have to spend hundreds. SamBoat has some very affordable deals.

Beach clubs and bars are, of course, in abundance, but they come with a hefty price tag these days.

So if you’re strapped for cash, just lay a towel down and enjoy the vibes. Afterall, every beach in Ibiza is publicly owned, so no one can stop you enjoying the sands.

If you are willing to splurge a little, Beach House in Playa d’en Bossa is one of my all-time favourites.

The food is outstanding – think grilled king crab and sizzling rice dishes – while the atmosphere is mellow and rather unpretentious compared to some other spots. Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Sri Lanka

I still lust over the meals I ate during my trip to Sri Lanka. Choose local and you won’t regret it – just make sure to alert the staff if you’re not good with spice.

Authentic restaurants will also charge you a much more reasonable price than the plush holiday resorts.

Keep your eyes peeled for hoppers, a traditional street food that’s essentially a spongy bowl-shaped pancake, often served with a soft egg at its centre and used to scoop up all manner of curries and saucy dishes.

The east coast is where to head for a more laidback and quieter scene, away from the crowded tourist areas in the south.

The sands here are so white and the waters so blue, it felt as close to paradise as I’ll ever get.

Don’t be surprised to spot cows strolling along the sands while you kip on your sunlounger or monkeys poised in the trees above, waiting to pinch your chips.

The wildlife is so spectacular here and another reason why I love this island so much.

In the more suburban areas you may even spot elephants casually crossing the road, bringing traffic to a halt. Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Phuket

It’s no surprise to me that Thailand’s second largest island attracts up to 14 million visitors annually.

Phuket is home to beaches that look like those in the movies: fringed by swaying palm trees and overlooking a clear ocean that is teeming with colourful fish.

Ao Sane Beach and Kata Noi Beach are two popular spots where you can snorkel without needing to shell out for a boat trip.

It may cost you a wad of cash to fly here but once you’re on the island, basics are really budget-friendly.

Find your nearest night market and get fully stuck in, exploring the food stalls serving sizzling fish, meat and potatoes on a skewer or dancing to live music.

Food tends to be cheap and properly authentic and you can pick up local beers for around 60 baht (£1.34) or affordable, hand-made clothing – just be warned, Thai people tend to be tiny in comparison to Brits, so you’ll likely need to up-size.

For a bit of culture, make your way to the peak of the Nakkerd Hills to observe the Big Buddha, a 45-metre-high statue made from tiny marbles. Phuket Old Town is great to potter around, too.

Some of the trendy coffee shops wouldn’t look out of place in a sweet market town right here in the UK. Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Ria Formusa

If you want Caribbean sands with Europe-length flights, then you’re going to want to head to Portugal.

Just off the coast of Faro is the Ria Formosa, a protected lagoon area with a number of tiny islands.

They’re easy to get to, with boats just a few euros and being no more than 45 minutes.

My favourite was Ilha Deserta, also known as Baretta.

We had the white sandy beaches all to ourselves, with the only thing on the island being the standalone restaurant Restaurante Estaminé (come for the panoramic views, stay for the succulent fresh fish).

Or there is the slightly, but barely more built up Ilha Culatra, with a few more beach shacks and cafes but just as stunning stretches of water.

You’re best staying on the mainland as most of these places are both car and hotel free, with hotels from around £65 a night.

Or splash the cash on 3HB Faro, the only five star hotel in town complete with rooftop bar and trendy, mod-conned rooms. Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Isla del Cano 

Some of my favourite islands around the world are the ones that make you feel like you’re the only person on the planet.

One that recently took my breath away was Isla del Cano in Costa Rica.

It’s a wildlife reserve, so you can’t stay on the island, but you can explore the waters by boat before hopping onto land for a drink and beach shower.

Having the place almost to ourselves, we saw everything from turtles and humpback whales to bright corals. 

For the best views, climb the wooden lookout platform to overlook the waters, where you can see the multicoloured waters mixing together.

They even limit the amount of daily visitors to just 200, to try and protect the ecosystem, and guides must have an official permit.

Robinson Crusoe, eat your heart out.

Stay at Drake Bay, as this is where the boats leave for the island. You can find home stays and cheap hotels from around £30 a night. Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

The fans of the BBC show think one beloved character should take the spotlight and lead the Saint Marie team.

It looks as though Death in Paradise viewers are in agreement for a shake-up.

Earlier this year, the beloved BBC crime drama came to an end after a dramatic series for DI Mervin (Don Gilet). Following a season of new additions, family reunions and a much-welcomed return, people are eager to see what’s next in store for the Saint Marie police team.

The programme ended with DI Mervin deciding to let his niece remain with him on the island as her dad and his brother, Solomon (Daniel Ward), finished his time in prison. Elsewhere in series 15, people saw the new DI grow closer to Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson).

While the pair worked together to solve the crimes on the island, their relationship got stronger as he often turned to her for advice and guidance. As people gear up for the annual festive special later this year, they are looking forward to the return of the beloved characters.

However, it seems as though many are calling for a major shake-up for the island, with demands for DS Naomi to step up in the new series in a higher role. During a discussion thread on Reddit, one person shared their thoughts on the matter.

They commented: “Although I adore Don Gilet/Mervin, I think it’s time for a female inspector. Naomi would be awesome as Inspector, with Mattie as her Sgt. I really hope that before the series ends and/or she leaves, they give the character a chance to advance.”

Someone else added: “I would love for Naomi to be the DI at some time.” As another wrote: “She’s really spot on. I hope the writers show more of her investigative skills this season.”

In another thread, someone shared: “I really hope when there is a next inspector that Naomi gets the nod. Watching her navigate being in charge would make a good story.” The demand for a change comes after actor Don Gilet joined the BBC show back in 2024.

He joined the long-running drama following the exit of actor Ralph Little, who played Detective Inspector Neville Parker for four years.

As each lead DI has been fronted my a male since the series began, could there be a first female DI on the way for Death in Paradise?

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that the BBC drama has been recommissioned for another two series. There will also be two more Christmas specials for fans to look forward to.

Speaking about the news, Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “Death in Paradise is a global phenomenon and we are incredibly proud to have it on the BBC, where it goes from strength to strength. It’s with great pleasure that we share the news that we’ll be returning to Saint Marie for two more sun-soaked series and Christmas specials.”

Meanwhile, Tim Key, Executive Producer, Red Planet Pictures added: “We remain incredibly proud of the show and the team that makes it, and delighted that the audience continue to love it as much as we do.

“The response to our latest series has been wonderful and we can’t wait to get started again – we’ve got something very special lined up to kick off our 16th season, with a big surprise setting it up in our Christmas special. Watch this space…”

Death in Paradise is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Fans of Beyond Paradise will love the BBC detective drama created by Robert Thorogood

A BBC detective drama written by Death in Paradise creator Robert Thorogood is airing tonight.

The Marlow Murder Club returns tonight and will air at 9pm on BBC Two. Part one of two of the adaptation of Robert Thorogood’s novel will be shown, starring Samantha Bond, Cara Horgan, and Jo Martin.

The synopsis for the episode reads, “Retired archaeologist Judith Potts’s peaceful evening in Marlow is shattered when she witnesses the murder of her neighbour.

“With the local police, led by newly promoted DS Tanika Malik, reluctant to believe her story, Judith starts her own investigation, enlisting the help of the vicar’s wife, Becks Starling, and local dog walker Suzie Harris.”

Fans can tune in to watch the repeat as they eagerly await the fourth series of the crime drama’s return.

Series four is set to return on free-streaming service U in 2027, and will feature an adaptation of Sunday Times Best Seller Robert Thorogood’s novel Murder on the Marlow Belle, alongside brand-new original mysteries.

Returning to solve more complex and intriguing murders in Marlow are meticulous crossword-setter Judith Potts (Samantha Bond), pillar of the community and vicar’s wife Becks Starling (Cara Horgan), and no-nonsense dog walker Suzie Harris (Jo Martin).

Working tirelessly alongside DI Tanika Malik (Natalie Dew) and her police team, the crime-solving trio put their unconventional methods into practice to catch the killers across three brand-new stories.

Series four begins with the discovery of a body in the river, soon linked to the Marlow Amateur Dramatics Society and a homegrown Hollywood star.

The team must also unravel the truth behind a man’s sudden death at his mother’s wake. He appears to have died from an allergic reaction, but is there more to it than that? And when the co-owner of a vineyard is found dead, drowned in his own wine, the women work to make sense of this seemingly unmotivated murder.

Masterpiece Head of Scripted Content and Executive Producer Susanne Simpson shared about the new series: “The Marlow Murder Club has quickly become one of our most popular Mystery! series.

“The strong female characters with unique skills and a special bond that resonates with our audience. And who doesn’t like to solve a good puzzle?! The fourth season is sure to deliver on everything the fans have come to love about the show.”

The Marlow Murder Club airs tonight at 9pm on BBC Two.