The top 10 "under the radar" islands this summer have been named as two Scottish destinations have been hailed as hidden gems.
With the weather warming up and the sun starting to come out more, people across the country will be looking to book holidays to make the most of it. While there is no shortage of stunning destinations to head across Scotland and beyond, there is nothing quite like a trip to an island.
According to HomeToGo searches for high season, stays on Paxos in Greece and Mallorca in Spain have seen year-on-year increases of 180 per cent and 237 per cent respectively. Fortunately, for those on a budget amid the cost of living crisis, there are also plenty of gorgeous islands closer to home.
The two Scottish islands that are included in the top 10 are Barra Island and the Isle of Bute, which place seventh and 10th respectively.
Barra Island is located in the southern end of the Outer Hebrides, and is renowned for its gorgeous landscapes. From sandy beaches to rolling hill to dramatic moorland, it is a one-of-a-kind destination that would suit those looking to immerse themselves in nature this summer.
Highlights include Seal Bay, where visitors can watch seals on the rocks, and the Isle of Barra Distillers.
Meanwhile, the Isle of Bute is situated in the Firth of Clyde and is among the more accessible islands in Scotland. This would make it a perfect destination for those who don't want to travel too far or spend too long on a boat.
Like Barra, the island is known for its spectacular landscapes, with plenty of beaches, hills, and ruins to explore. It was a popular holiday spot back in Victorian times, with its main town of Rothesay in particular being a must see.
Experts at the holiday rental marketplace searched all over the world to put together the Hidden Islands Index to help travellers looking to escape the crowds this season decide on a destination.
To compile the list, the researchers looked at four indicators of "hidden gem" status: comparatively low traveller demand, standing as a local secret, lack of social media hype, and limited overall awareness.
More information about the research and the methodology used can be found on the HomeToGo website.
The 10 best "under the radar" islands to visit this summer
- Wadden Islands, The Netherlands
- Quadra Island, Canada
- Magdalen Islands, Canada
- Isle of Portland, England
- Egadi Islands, Italy
- Camano Island, U.S.A.
- Barra Island, Scotland
- Île-d'Aix, France
- Mount Desert Island, U.S.A.
- Isle of Bute, Scotland
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