THE best islands in the world have been revealed and there is one in the UK that snuck into the top 50.
The 50 Best Islands in the World was revealed by Big 7, having run for seven years.
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These are the world’s best islands, and they include one in the UKCredit: Alamy
The study looks at everything from popularity on social media and travel trends to insights from the editorial team.
And coming in no.1 was Sri Lanka which was praised for “having it all”.
It said: “Whiling away blissful days beach-hopping along the 833-mile coastline is part of the charm, but Sri Lanka offers much more beyond the shore.
“Itineraries fill up quickly here, between the timeworn temples, colonial towns, misty mountains, and wildlife safaris in Yala National Park, home to tigers and elephants.”
The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowskirecently visited and said: “It was the off-grid excursions that gave me a real sense of what this region was truly about – a half-day cooking experience was just my cup of tea.
“And one night, an elephant stepped out from some undergrowth and plods slowly into the oncoming traffic, where drivers pulled to a casual halt until the lumbering giant disappeared.”
The beautiful Isle of Mull was the only UK island to make the listCredit: AlamySri Lanka has been named the best island in the worldCredit: Alamy
However, the only UK island to make the list was the Isle of Mull in Scotland, coming in 23rd place.
Making the list for its “rugged coastline and unexpectedly white sand,” it added: ” It’s an island of contrasts – where highland cows bathe in the calm, crystal-clear sea, and foamy waters crash into basalt columns.”
The island has everything from the coloured houses of Tobermory, as well as dolphin and seal watching – and even fluffy highlands cows on the beach.
While Mull was the only UK island to make the list, the nearby Achill Island in Ireland came in 8th.
European islands like Madeira made the top 50Credit: AlamyMilos (pictured) as well as Hydra won it for GreeceCredit: Alamy
It made the top 10 for its “soft pink sunrises and turquoise seas to moss-green hills and fiery sunsets.”
Europe fared well too, with many in the top 20 including Madeira (4th), Milos (10th), Ischia (15th), Ibiza (17th) and Corsica (18th).
Popular islands Brits will know such as Jamaica was in 19th, while Bali was in 20th and Mauritius was 24th.
Sardinia, Hvar and Key West all just made it into the top 50.
WHILE Cornwall is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the UK – especially in the summer – there are still some spots that tourists are yet to discover.
As a Cornish local, I’ve seen it all, meaning I know just the places to avoid the crowds this summer.
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Cornwall still has some quiet spots to be found, such as Nanjizal Beach (pictured)Credit: Alamy
Here are my top five spots to visit where you’ll spot more locals than holidaymakers.
Its rock pools and archways surround clear blue waters.
This beach truly does feel picture perfect. It’s remoteness, with no toilets, cafes or parking for miles, is what leaves room for its untouched natural beauty to shine.
Make sure you check the tide times before you arrive, so you are not left with no beach in sight.
If you’ve walked this far, an extra 20 minute stroll to Sennen Cove feels worth it.
This is home to The Old Success Inn, selling great food with an even better view.
Nanjizal Beach feels so remote compared to other beaches in CornwallCredit: Alamy
2. St Nectans Glen
Cornwall is not just expansive beaches, although social media does make it out to be. St Nectans Glen is the perfect spot for nature lover’s looking for something tranquil, serene and relaxing.
Located in a remote valley hidden behind the main road, this woodland walk is most known for its 60-feet tall waterfall.
When you reach it, it feels more like a fairytale than a typical English countryside. It is half an hour walk to get down their, so get your walking boots on.
Less than a 10 minute drive away is the village of Tintagel, home to the legendary King Arthur where you can learn a thing or two at the local shops, or even walk to Tintagel Castle and see the history for yourself.
Known for its rock pools and interesting coastal walks, the beach offers the best of both worlds: pebbled at the top with gorgeous white sands at the bottom.
If you’re a surfer, visiting Crackington is definitely one for you, considered the best surf around for locals, especially on big wave days.
Stop by The Coombe Barton Inn and enjoy some traditional pub grub or a perfect pint sat along the wall.
Crackington Haven is small but popular with local surfersCredit: Alamy
4. Fox Cove
Tucked behind the Roseland heritage coasts, Fox Cove is a secluded beach with access definitely on the more challenging side.
The path down to the cliff is long, but the spectacular views make it all worth your while.
It is a peak spot for swimmers and bodyboarders, but make sure you pay attention to the Cornwall Tide Times before you start your journey.
Just a short drive away, or a slightly longer coastal path hike, is the town of Padstow, amous for its Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth restaurants.
Near Padstow harbour are some more quiet beaches, if you know where to lookCredit: Alamy
5. The Lost Gardens of Heligan
For me, this wins bonus points for the nostalgia.
I have been going to The Lost Gardens of Heligan for years with my family, and some of my most fond memories of growing up in Cornwall took place here.
I’m not entirely sure how I would describe it simply, but it is a combination of history, beautiful gardens, livestock and activities to keep the children entertained.
Entry is somewhat expensive, but if you are looking for a day out in Cornwall, this is a no brainer.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are one of Cornwall’s more unusual attractionsCredit: Alamy
But the baby pink walled stairway quickly gave way to a huge glass roof, teasing me about what was to come.
After the never-ending climb, I was met with panoramic views of the Margate beach, where the bright blue waters were reminiscent of somewhere like Ibiza or Sardinia.
The bar can be covered for when the weather gets too hot
With a covered bar, the menu of both cocktails and wine as well as cocktails was extensive, and my crisp glass of rose was a perfect cooler for the temperature.
And the design felt more members club than Margate, with baby pink and white stripped seating, dark wooden tables and Bali-like wicker lights.
The music toed the line of classic chill out music to more upbeat tunes to get you in the party mood.
And with uninterrupted views of the beach, harbour and Dreamland in the distance, I was surprised that some had no idea it existed,
The cocktails and the wine list is extensive
Local Katherine told me: “I’d have never known this kind of place existed in Margate, its just what it needs.”
You don’t have to be a guest at the hotel, although I’d advise splashing out as they are some of the most beautiful rooms in town.
The rooftop bar is open Friday to Sunday as well as bank holidays, from midday.
And if you want something to eat, there is the Pearly Cow downstairs that serves.
Otherwise there is Peter’s Fish Factory just down the road, often named one of the best chippys in the UK.
Thankfully it was delicious enough to be worth the wait, after I inadvertently found myself behind a queue of 50 school children.
Snag a seat at the front for views of the beachThe bar is now open for summer
(Although there was some luck there, after overhearing that another “90 kids would be coming in a few minutes”).
And along with big name acts at Dreamland this summer – I caught Haim before their secret gig at Glastonbury – there has never been a better time to visit Margate del Sol.
The closed Winter Gardens theatre has revealed grand plans to open, which will include a rooftop bar, set to cost £11million.
The Kent seaside town has seen a huge surge in tourists in recent years.
Margate’s Cliftonville neighbourhood was named the coolest neighbourhood in the UK by Time Out back in 2022.
IF you thought that ditching long-haul holiday for destinations closer to home will save you money, you’re wrong.
Majorca is just a few hours from the UK and a trusted holiday spot – but in some cases it’s actually cheaper to go to the Caribbean.
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It’s cheaper for Brits to go to the Dominican Republic than MajorcaCredit: Getty ImagesThe island of Majorca has all-inclusive holidays in August from £953ppCredit: Alamy
The Spanish island has always been a top holiday destination, with two million British tourists going there every year.
It’s not hard to see why – the flight is short at around two and a half hours long, it’s got great weather and lots of pretty beaches.
But if you want to get more bang for your buck, you might want to look elsewhere – like the Caribbean.
In some cases, a two-week holiday to the Dominican Republic came in cheaper than a one-week break to Majorca.
This was highlighted by Pedro Fiol, the president of the Aviba association of travel agencies in the Balearics.
Talking to Majorca Daily on behalf of Spanish citizens, he said: “At certain times of the year it is more affordable to spend 15 days in the Caribbean than to enjoy a week in our own country.”
He continued to add: “For one of the most popular weeks of the year, around August 15, this can cost some €2,300 (£2,000) per person.
“In contrast, for the same dates a trip to the Caribbean, for example to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), for14 nights in five-star all-inclusive hotelscan be found for around €2,250 (£1,957) per person.”
While Pedro Fiol highlighted the expense for Spanish citizens to go on holiday in their own country – the same applies for Brits heading there too.
Looking at the likes of TUI, a one-week all-inclusive in Majorca during the week of August 17, 2026 can be as high as £3,793per person.
To have an all-inclusive break on the seafront – in similar looking locations to the Dominican Republic – you can book a break from £1,921 per person.
This is for a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa departing on August 15, 2026, which has multiple swimming pools and beach access.
Meanwhile, 14-day all-inclusive to Bahia Principe Explore La Romana in the Dominican Republic departing on August 17, 2026, works out at £1,832 per person.
The Bahia Principe Explore La Romana has everything from multiple swimming pools to bars, a kids’ club and five on-site restaurants.
Overall the trip to the Dominican Republic is £89 cheaper – and you get to stay for twice as long.
At a day-rate, the break to the Dominican Republic resort works out at £130pppn, and the one in Majorca is £274pppn.
A one-week all-inclusive in Majorca in August 17, 2026 starts from £953per personCredit: TUI
Here are some of our favourite Caribbean holidays…
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Hotel Capriccio Mare, Dominican Republic
Facing the calm, crystal waters of the Caribbean Sea, Hotel Capriccio Mare looks like a bright white island villa. The hotel’s position on Bavaro’s coastline is perfect for exploring the popular resort town of Punta Cana. Whether it’s strolling the sands to grab a fresh coconut with a straw, or venturing out on a catamaran trip to Saona Island, this dreamy Caribbean resort is not one to miss.
This friendly, family-run hotel is a slice of Caribbean paradise. This hotel sits smak-bang on a sugar-white beach with warm turquoise waters. Enjoy both the beaches of Barbados and its plethora of rum bars – there are about 1,500 of them on the island.
Set on the quiet side of St Kitts’ Frigate Bay, the boutique Sugar Bay Club offers superb value and wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Staff are on hand to assist with island tours, from catamaran cruises to scenic railway excursions.
Amazing Antigua has 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – as well as a fascinating history. This resort in Falmouth Harbour is perfect for exploring the beautiful local area, including Pigeon Point, Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour.
Bahia Principe Explore La Romana in the Dominican Republic is much cheaperCredit: Unknown
All-inclusive breaks to Majorca don’t have to be that expensive though – with TUI they start from £953 per person.
At this price you can stay for seven-nights at the Hotel Stil Picafort Park which has an adults-only pool, to entertainment like cabaret and comedy performances as well as bars and a restaurants.
It has four-stars and includes return flights to London Gatwick departing on August 17, 2026.
But, it still works out cheaper to go to the Caribbean island though by £6 a day.
The Dominican Republic is one of the cheapest Caribbean islands, so it’s fairly inexpensive to explore when you get there too.
The average price of coffee in the Dominican Republic is £1.54 and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can start from as little as £4.96, according to Wise.
In Majorca, a coffee can be as much as £3.04 with a meal ranging from £26 to £43.
The flight to the Dominican Republic is, of course, longer, taking on average nine hours and 15 minutes.
But you can expect better weather all year round too – even its coldest month, the average low is 23C.
Canto de la Playa in the Dominican Repubic is one of the world’s best beachesCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
One of the world’s best is Canto de la Playa which is found on Saona Island and is considered ‘one of the Caribbean‘s best-kept secrets’.
It’s been described as having noticeably soft sand with calm waters for swimmers and vibrant coral reefs just offshore.
Saona Island is found off the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic and forms part of the East National Park which is known for its mangroves coral reefs and palm-fringed beaches.
In the waters around the island, visitors can expect to see sea turtles, dolphins and even humpback whales.
