THE virus is worrying many Britons in the UK, especially as multiple popular holiday destinations are also reporting a number of cases. With escaping the virus likely the forefront of many people’s minds, where are the best remote islands to jet off to?
Gibraltar-based lottery company Lottoland has created a Remote Island Index.
This ranks the world’s most remote islands on their cost efficiency, travel time from London, number of attractions and review scores.
So where are the top 10 best remote islands where a decent holiday can be had?
The top remote island for a holiday was São Miguel, the biggest island in the Portuguese Azores archipelago, far off the coast of Portugal in the North Atlantic Ocean.
“São Miguel ended up topping our list because it’s an easy-to-reach, well-reviewed, inexpensive remote island that has a lot to offer in terms of holiday value,” said a Lottoland spokesman.
The index showed São Miguel as having 108 attractions and only takes 0.20 days of travel from London.
“São Miguel island is nicknamed ‘The Green Island’ and is the most populated in the Azores,” said Lottoland.
“This beautiful island is known for its stunning scenery, 18th-century architecture and the opportunities to go whale watching off the coast.”
The archipelago is also said to be Europe’s number one destination for whale and dolphin watching.
The second-best island in the index is Tasmania, an isolated island state off Australia’s south coast
A one-way ticket costs £2,607 and it takes 1.02 days to get there from London. However, there are 108 attractions to be found in Tasmania.
However, it should be noted that Tasmania’s first case of coronavirus was confirmed yesterday.
In third place was Maui in Hawaii which boasts 30 miles of beaches.
According to website Go Hawaii: “Maui, known also as ‘The Valley Isle,’ is the second-largest Hawaiian island.
“The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, views of migrating humpback whales (during winter months), farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala.”
Maui has also been voted “Best Island in the US” by Condé Nast Traveler readers for more than 20 years.
The spot has a whopping 109 attractions and is 0.75 days away, but a ticket there costs £3,602.
Next up was Sakhalin, a Russian island in the Pacific Ocean,
Sakhalin will cost £3,160 for a one-way ticket and 0.64 days to get there. A total of 79 attractions can be found there.
In fifth place was Bohol in the Philippines where visitors can expect pristine white sand beaches, jungles, kayaking and more.
Bohol has 109 attractions costs £2.091 for a one-way ticket and takes 0.76 days from London.
Completing the top 10 were: Dominica in the Caribbean; Île aux Aigrettes off Mauritius; Waiheke Island off New Zealand; Sylt off Germany and Fernando de Noronha off Brazil.
Top 10 Remote Islands
- São Miguel, Portugal
- Tasmania, Australia
- Maui, Hawaii
- Sakhalin, Russia
- Bohol, Philippines
- Dominica, Caribbean
- Île aux Aigrettes, Mauritius
- Waiheke Island, New Zealand
- Sylt, Germany
- Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
The complete list:
By HARRIET MALLINSON
