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No man is an island… unless his name is Madagascar.
Terrible jokes aside, there’s something about island life that’s enduringly attractive. Maybe it’s the sea, the beaches, or the fact that we associate foreign islands with tax havens.
Either way, here are eight islands that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
1. Maui, Hawaii
Selling a Hawaiian island is hardly difficult, what with the whole sun, sea and sand angle. But this is also an adventure wonderland that looks like something out of a postcard.
You can climb into a moonscape crater, zip line through mountains, hike past lava flows, go kayaking beside whales, windboard and surf some of the best waves going.
2. Madeira, Portugal
This Portuguese island to the west of the Mediterranean is a paradise for hikers or Instagrammers.
Madeira is essentially a small island mountain, rising to 1862m above sea level. So you can enjoy breathtaking views and literally walk among the clouds at the highest point of the island.
3. Bali
This Indonesian paradise island offers something for everyone, whether you fancy the hustle of Kuta or the calm and serenity of its many natural charms. You can stay at futuristic hotel, eat on top of a live volcano, go on safari and enjoy some of the best infinity pools in the world.
4. Skellig Michael
Star Wars fans will recognise this sacred site as the place that Luke Skywalker goes to for some “alone time” in The Force Awakens. This UNESCO world heritage site off the coast of Kerry is truly unique, an outcrop of rock in the Atlantic that just happens to boast some of the most dramatic monastic remains you could imagine.
5. Phuket, Thailand
Stop sniggering down the back. Phuket is more than just a comedy name.
This island is blessed with the kind of coastal views that look like someone turned Photoshop up to 11. Unique places like Phang Nga Bay stand out but it’s a vibrant mix of culture, scenery and a lively nightlife for any party animals.
6. Bora, Bora
You probably won’t like Bora Bora unless you’re partial to turquoise seas, sandy beaches, gorgeous rainforests and a stripped back pace of life that really lets you relax. And even if you can put up with all that, there’s the snorkelling, lagoon activities, hiking, parasailing and other things to endure. Terrible stuff!
7. Santorini
This Greek island is that place you always see popping up on Instagram travel accounts. The distinctive white-walled town carved into an island hillside is unmistakeable.
It’s a spectacular place but it’s also steeped in culture and history. Definitely one to see, if only to get a killer Instagram pic.
8. Inishmore Island
There may be some amazing islands across the world but the largest of the Aran Islands can hold its own against any of them.
Incredible ruins like Dún Aengus, weird natural formations like the Serpent’s Lair and dramatic sea cliffs all give it a distinctly Irish charm (and we haven’t even mentioned the healthy nightlife!). This is definitely one that you need to visit at least once.
Of course, one island that we wouldn’t recommend is Skull Island. It may have some nice scenery but the giant ape and angry wildlife could really take a toll on your travel insurance!
Clip via Warner Bros. Pictures
KONG: Skull Island sees the return of Kong to the big screen and the new film features a star-studded cast that includes Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, John Goodman and Samuel L Jackson. KONG: Skull Island is in cinemas now.
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