Beautiful Places to Go Island Hopping Around the World This Summer

The forbidden fruit by the name of travel is calling to us all. We’ve craved it for an entire year. We’ve longed to see the beautiful, sandy beaches and to taste the impeccable local flavours of coasts across the globe. While we wait for cruises to be available once more, and hopefully soon, and while we slowly anticipate the pandemic dust to settle, we can plan our own little getaways for when the borders open. Nothing better than a little bit of daydreaming to hold you over, right?

Just what any sane doctor would prescribe, some tropical thoughts blended with a pinch of planning! Now, island hopping combines the social isolation this health crisis warrants, with the feel of absolute tranquillity once you finally find that perfect alcove of peace. To help you pick the best destinations, we’ve singled out a few you can add to your summer itinerary and hopefully spruce up your travels as soon as possible.

Discover Japan’s island jewels

Let’s start with the mysterious wonders of the East, and with a place that typically evokes the views of the busy Tokyo streets and the ever-evolving business scene. Japan, however, harbours its authentic traditions of peace and love for nature, most of all among its translucent waters and the little islands surrounding the mainland.

A combination of jungle and wildlife and awe-inspiring sandy beaches will completely reshape your perception of Japan. Visit and trek through the dense and lush worlds of Iriomote, and snorkel and sunbathe on the Kerama Islands.

Revel in the coast of Croatia

The dramatic, mountain-laden shores, the weaving stretch of the Dalmatian coast, and the awestriking beauty of every little alcove in Croatia will keep you busy for a good, long while. The best and only way to move around and fully taste the wealth of this Adriatic country is to use a Ribco inflatable boat that will help you get into the most hard-to-reach spots, in style.

For a few history lessons, start with Dubrovnik and hop over to Hvar. On the other hand, Zadar will grant you access to another group of well-hidden islets worth the visit. You’ll discover the seaside restaurants with time-tested Croatian delicacies, but you will find that each island carries its own kind of grace, rarely found anywhere else in the world.

Never enough of Greece

The fierce, unwavering culture of this ancient country combined with its unparalleled Mediterranean vibes make it the mecca of sea-loving travellers from all over the globe. It’s affordable (for the most part), it attracts everyone from celebrities to the common vagabond, and it takes you away from all your troubles in a matter of a single shot of ouzo and a portion of gyros.

Greek islands range from the almost entirely deserted and wild to refined and luxe for those who like the finer things in life. As authentic as Greek culture and history are, you’ll find undeniable influences of Italy, so don’t even try to resist the allure of Italian cuisine, too. Try, for example, exploring the Cyclades, comprising of some of the world’s most well-known islands, including the glamorous Mykonos, the memorable Naxos with its castle, and of course, Santorini, with its endless vineyards.

The heaven called the Philippines

The azure layers of this particular archipelago intertwined with the emerald shades and the creamy stretches of sand presents a particular delight for the versed island-hopper. Cradled in the embrace of the western Pacific Ocean, over 7,000 islands will welcome you into their friendly, sunny warmth. The sheer number of islands to visit paired with their inland excursions can easily turn into a lifelong adventure, or at the very least, call for a few weeks of dedicated island-hopping.

The beauty of the Philippines is – whichever islands you choose to visit, you cannot go wrong. Romblon’s turtle sanctuary and the quiet shores are all you need to rekindle your love for nature. Take your time swimming in the lively waters of Caramoan and get to know the marine life. Don’t forget to visit Siargao, once dubbed the most beautiful island in the world, and rightfully so.

Sunny in Cuba

You can already hear the music, can’t you? Swaying your hips to the salsa and rumba on the beach while you sip a coconut cocktail is what Cuba explorations are all about. With the right boat available, you don’t have to limit yourself to a single beach. If you head for the south from the main island, you’ll find yourself immersed in the unforgettable, yet remote shores of the Canarreos Archipelago, home to one of the world’s most pristine coral reefs.

The well-protected natural wealth of this region will allow you to feel as if you’re standing still in time, in that moment of absolute bliss once you dive into the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. You’ll find over 350 islets to hop, with the largest, Isla de la Juventud and Cayo Largo del Sur, filled with wonderful opportunities to relax and sunbathe.

The world might just go back to some semblance of normal, or we might redefine the notion altogether. Whatever the future brings, your travel lust will likely not waver, so it pays to plan well in advance, discover hidden places, add new destinations to your itinerary, and find creative ways and tools to explore the world.