Islands & Sun Travel: Atlantic Outposts, Coastal Walks & Tropical Escapes

There is a distinct, laid-back rhythm to island life. Bound by the sea, island destinations foster their own unique traditions, distinct microclimates, and vibrant food cultures that set them apart from the mainland.

From the dramatic volcanic peaks and levada trails of the Atlantic outposts to the turquoise bays, rum distilleries, and tropical warmth of the Caribbean, islands offer a complete change of pace. The articles collected here feature coastal hikes, historic harbours, seafood feasts, and the sun-drenched landscapes discovered on my travels as a journalist and travel writer across some of the world's most captivating island regions.

Madeira & The Canaries (Atlantic Islands)

Rising dramatically out of the deep Atlantic, Madeira, Porto Santo, and the Canary Islands combine soaring ocean cliffs, terraced hillsides, and year-round mild climates. Whether tracing historic irrigation channels through laurisilva forests, sampling local table wines, or exploring coastal fishing villages, these sub-tropical islands offer exceptional outdoor adventure and rich maritime history.

(Add your link button here: [ Explore My Madeira & Canaries Features → ] linked directly to your existing page).
The Caribbean & Far Horizons

Further west, the islands of the Caribbean present a rich tapestry of tropical landscapes, vibrant colonial history, and world-renowned coastal beauty. From quiet palm-fringed coves to local rum shacks and bustling island ports, these features explore the warmth, culture, and seaborne adventures of the Caribbean.

Discover More of My Travels Explore the island features collected above, or head back to the main Global Travel section to discover travel stories, food features, and hiking itineraries from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

The big sandy beach on Porto Santo, near Madeira

Porto Santo: The Secret Portuguese Island That Even Madeira Wants to Keep Quiet

Looking for a sun destination untouched by Northern European crowds? Martin Hesp explores Porto Santo, a quiet Atlantic paradise of golden sands, sleepy squares, and authentic island life just a short flight from the UK.

The terrace at Three House restaurant in Funchal, Madeira

The Best Seats in Funchal: Why a Chef’s Table View Changes Everything on a Madeiran Food Trip

For a bloke who has spent 50 years chasing stories and good suppers, Funchal’s dining scene is a revelation. At Three House and Akua, the ultimate experience means bagging a seat right at the bar. Perched at these informal chef’s tables, the barrier evaporates. It is pure theatre. You can watch the team work and chat with the chefs as they serve up spectacular local flavours, from crunch-perfect scabbard fish to daring sardine and passion fruit pairings.

Márcio Nóbrega Sparked Madeira's Cider Revolution

Madeira's Cider Revolution: How Ancient Mountain Orchards Are Producing Award-Winning Sparkling Cider

Hidden high in Madeira's misty mountain valleys, ancient apple orchards are enjoying an extraordinary revival. Martin Hesp discovers how entrepreneur Márcio Nóbrega has transformed the island's traditional "poor man's drink" into internationally acclaimed sparkling cider while rescuing thousands of heritage apple trees from abandonment.

Classic view of the farming slopes in Madeira

Magic of Madeira Weaves an Even Bigger Spell at the Island's Annual Wine Festival

Madeira’s annual wine festival provides a wonderful time to visit the beautiful Atlantic island

Bountiful Barbados as Seen From the Classic Cobbler's Cove

A stay at the classic Cobbler’s Cove resort in Barbados could be one of the most relaxing and satisfying things you could do in the Caribbean

a dreamy beach on Bequia in the Caribbean

Bequia: The Green Jewel of the Grenadines

Our little island plane dropped off two local passengers at Carriacou before heading north across the dreamy isles to arrive at the green, green jewel of Bequia. Here, life moves at a deliberate ten miles per hour, mostly from the back of the island's ubiquitous pick-up truck taxis. From the sublime luxury of the Bequia Beach Hotel to the chewy excellence of a conch salad in Port Elizabeth, this is a Caribbean escape that feels like a discovery.

St Lucia Travel Guide: The Emerald Jewel of the Caribbean

You could take a beating on the cricket pitch every day of the year on this wondrous isle and still never feel defeated. From the towering volcanic peaks of The Pitons to the rhythmic chaos of a Gros Islet 'Jump-up', Martin Hesp explores why St Lucia remains the ultimate Caribbean emerald—an island so beautiful it makes your eyes ache and your heart soar.

a walker high in the coastal mountains of Gran Canaria

Winter Sun in Gran Canaria: Why Las Palmas is the Ultimate January Escape

A guide to the joys of visiting Gran Canaria in Europe's winter time

Why Denmark Is So Happy – And Why Aarhus Might Be Europe’s City of Smiles

Discovering the Danish Happiness Factor Year after year, Denmark ranks near the top of the World Happiness Report, a global survey examining wellbeing across 140+ countries. In the most recent rankings, Denmark came second only to Finland, while the UK landed a less cheerful 23rd. But why? What makes this cool, windy, northern European nation so content? As mentioned in last week's feature on Skagen’s artist colony, I decided to explore the question of Danish happiness furthe