WHO doesn’t love an island holiday? You get the best of both worlds with bustling old towns and of course, incredible beaches.
Here are 20 of the best that you can reach directly from the UK with flights from £15.
Corfu
is known as ‘s greenest island, but it also has sandy beaches, mountains, and even flamingos that sit in shallow lagoons.
The buildings are orange rather than the classic white and blue because of Venetian influence and the island is famous for its old town full of shops and cafes.
One .
You can fly from airport to Corfu (CFU) in three hours 10 minutes with one-way flights start at £23.99 (on October 20, 2025).
Corsica
in the Mediterranean that sits 56 miles off the coast of .
The island has over 200 beaches and is known for having chic shops, cafés and.
The island is also a great place to hop on a boat tour. There’s one that stops off to enjoy a Corsicantasting hosted by a sommelier and a local wine-grower while watching the sunset.
You can fly from airport to Corsica (BIA) in two hours 14 minutes with easyJet one-way flights start at £39.89 (on September 23, 2025).
Crete
is the largest of the Greek Islands, and the fifth biggest in the Mediterranean Sea.
It has ancient ruins, but also incredible beaches, including one of the best in the world.
has pink sand and some of the bluest waters in the Med and has been named the best beach in the world for 2025 by .
One and discovered beautiful sunsets while enjoying some of the Mediterranean’s cheapest pints.
You can fly from airport to Crete (HER) in three hours 55 minutes with easyJet one-way flights start at £38.99 (on November 2, 2025).
Fuerteventura
For a feeling on sandy beaches head to . The island is popular for beach and its laid-back atmosphere.
Highlights on the island include Corralejo and the JandÃa peninsula, and the old town.
You can fly from London Stansted airport to Fuerteventura (FUE) in four hours 20 minutes with one-way flights start at £21.00 (on November 26, 2025).
Gran Canaria
There’s lots to do on the island of , the largest of the .
From exploring the sand dunes and the beach resort on the south of the island, Playa del Inglés.
The island also has busy nightlife too with busy bars and nightclubs.
You can fly from airport to Gran Canaria (LPA) in four hours 20 minutes with easyJet – one-way flights start at £15 (on November 14, 2025).
Ibiza
is a popular Mediterranean island when it comes to but beaches, but especially the nightlift.
Dubbed the party island, it has recently .
You can fly from airport to Ibiza (IBZ) in two hours 40 minutes with Ryanair one-way flights start at £17 (on August 8, 2025).
Kefalonia
is is an island in the Ionian Sea and is home to one of ‘s best beaches – Myrtos.
It’s never actually reached number one, but Myrtos Beach has been named as one of the best in Greece more than ten times.
It’s no surprise really as it’s adorned with white pebbles, has a cliff backdrop and bright blue waters.
When one .
You can fly from airport to Kefalonia (EFL) in three hours 45 minutes with easyJet one-way flights start at £29.99 (on October 25, 2025).
Kos
is the third largest island in the group and is full of fantastic coast and historical sites like Kos Castle and natural hot springs at Therma Beach.
While visiting the island, one .
You can fly from London to Kos (KGS) in three hours 50 minutes with Ryanair one-way flights start at £34.99 (on October 20, 2025).
Lanzarote
The is perfect for a beach holiday with highly-ratedPapagayo beaches, like Playa Flamingo, which is known for having golden sand and turquoise waters.
Locals revealed to and favourite restaurants.
You can fly from London Southend to Lanzarote (ACE) in four hours 5 minute with easyJet – one-way flights start at £15 (on November 24, 2025).
La Palma
is another of the Canary Islands known for forest landscape and beaches with volcanic .
La Palma is another of the Canary Islands known for forest landscape and beaches with volcanic black sand.
One of the most famous landmarks is the found at the highest point of the island.
Visitors who reach the top can gaze at the valley below from 8,000 feet in the air.
You can fly from London Gatwick to La Palma (SPC) in four hours 25 minute with TUI – one-way flights start at £136 (on November 13, 2025).
Madeira
is a region of which comprises four islands off the northwest coast of Africa.
The with subtropical forests, vineyards – and it has black and golden sand beaches.
You can fly from London to Madeira (FNC) in three hours 55 minute with easyJet- one-way flights start at £41.99 (on October 13, 2025).
Majorca
Trusty is always popular with Brits for its reliable sunny and high summer temperatures.
It’s the most popular of the Balearic Islands, the capital city of is always bustling with top attractions being the Palma Cathedral and castle.
You can fly from to Majorca (PMI) in two hours 35 minutes with Ryanair – one-way flights start at £15 (on July 23, 2025).
Menorca
is known for being the more relaxed sister of Majorca and Ibiza.
It has four main towns, including, which is a fishing village with white-washed houses and has been dubbed to being similar to Santorini.
You can fly from London Stansted to Menorca (MAH) in two hours 25 minutes with Ryanair – one-way flights start at £21.99 (on August 21, 2025).
Mykonos
is probably one of, if not the most famous islands in Greece, instantly recognisable for its iconic windmills, white-washed buildings and beachside restaurants.
Over the years it’s become popular with celebrities too like and the .
There’s even a .
You can fly from London Gatwick to Mykonos (JMK) in three hours 50 minutes with easyJet- one-way flights start at £38.99 (on August 25, 2025).
Rhodes
Dubbed as the quieter neighbour of Crete and Santorini, Rhodes is the place to be, and as one .
They discovered the nightlife too with rooftop bars and fine dining at Mystilli Roof Garden.
You can fly from London Luton to Rhodes (RHO) in four hours and 10 minutes with easyJet- one-way flights start at £32.99 (on October 21, 2025).
Santorini
While some try to steer away from the busier Greek islands, there are some you have to see for yourself – like .
Popular sites are the blue-domed and views of the houses carved into the cliffs.
You can fly from London Stansted to Santorini (JTR) in three hours 50 minutes with Ryanair – one-way flights start at £34.99 (on September 28, 2025).
Sardinia
is an Italian haven for celebrities and British holidaymakers.
You can , adventure up hiking trails or laze about on sunbeds.
You can fly from London Stansted to Sardinia (AHO) in two hours 30 minutes with Ryanair – one-way flights start at £18 (on September 28, 2025).
Sicily
Just under two miles from the Italian mainland is the island of Sicily.
With ancient ruins, incredible food, plenty of vineyards and beautiful coastlines, the island is understandably a popular destination for Brits.
You can fly from London Stansted to (PMO) in three hours 10 minutes with Ryanair – one-way flights start at £21.99 (on October 30, 2025).
Tenerife
Sun, sea and sand, has it in spades. It’s the largest of the Canary Islands and has volcanic landscapes and beautiful beaches too.
One Sun Writer visited .
You can fly from London Luton to Tenerife (TFS) in four hours 20 minute with Ryanair – one-way flights start at £21 (on September 17, 2025).
Zante
Also known as Zakynthos, .
It’s a great location for holidaymakers wanting to relax and have fun during the evening at local bars and clubs too.
In 2023, was namedin the world by the travel website .
You can fly from London Stansted to Zante (ZTH) in three hours 25 minute with Ryanair – one-way flights start at £29.99 (on October 21, 2025).
