The Isles of Scilly, located just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, have been described as 'better than the Caribbean' by visitors, offering white sandy beaches and turquoise waters without the need for a passport. The archipelago, with a population of around 2,200, relies heavily on tourism, which accounts for 85% of its income.
One Tripadvisor reviewer called the islands 'paradise', noting the 'Caribbean-coloured sea, white sandy beaches and tropical flowers'. The islands boast over 35 beaches, including Pentle Bay on Tresco, which has been named one of Britain's most beautiful beaches for its sand dunes and clear waters.
Other UK islands offering similar tropical vibes include Jersey, Sark, and Hayling Island. Jersey, the largest Channel Island, is 14 miles from France and features stunning beaches like St Brelade's Bay, which one reviewer claimed is 'better than the Caribbean'. Sark, with a population of 600, bans cars and is popular with cyclists and walkers, while Hayling Island offers traditional seaside attractions.
For those preferring to stay in Wales, islands like Skomer, Skokholm, and Grassholm off Pembrokeshire provide spectacular wildlife, including puffins and bird observatories. One visitor described Skomer as 'absolutely beautiful' and urged others to 'add it to your bucket list'.
