The UK holiday islands that have been compared to the Maldives
THERE are a group of islands in the UK that have been compared to the Maldives – they have beautiful blue water and sandy beaches.
As well as the sandy beaches, you can see exotic wildlife and go island hopping.
Compared to the Maldives by holidaymakers and travel experts, The Isles of Scilly in Cornwall have sandy beaches, peaceful waters, and exotic wildlife.
According to The Travel, the comparison is well-known, they wrote: “Located at the southernmost part of the UK, there’s one archipelago that has been compared to the Maldives in terms of its overall landscape: Isles of Scilly.”
It’s not only travel experts who’ve likened these UK islands to the Maldives, but holidaymakers on social media platforms have also spotted the similarities.
In a video on TikTok, Karma Group Global said: “The Maldives of the UK! Welcome to the Isles of Scilly, home to pristine beaches!”
Another user, who is known as UK Hidden Gems, added: “The secret tropical island in the UK.”
While YouTuber Run the Atlas said: “The islands are one of the most beautiful destinations with tropical looking beaches that make you feel like you arrived in the Maldives – only this is England!”
Direct flights onto the islands operate from Exeter, Newquay, and Land’s End airport, while a ferry service runs from Penzance harbour.
In total, the islands only have around 2,000 people living there.
However, tourists often visit during the summer with attractions including island hopping, paddleboarding, and swimming with seals.
There are five inhabited islands including St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher, and St Agnes.
The largest island, St Mary’s has three beaches with stretches of white sandy coastline, rocky coves, and plenty of wildlife.
Meanwhile, the beaches on St Martins shores are the ones likened to the Maldives.
Head to Bread and Cheese Cove, Great Bay, or Little Bay for a dip in crystal clear waters.
Other activities on this island include swimming with seals, beachcombing, and star gazing.
For subtropical plants and wildlife, head to the privately-owned island of Tresco.
Meanwhile, kayaks, pedal boats, and other watersports can be rented out on Bryher.
St Agnes is home to the only gin distillery on the Isles of Scilly, it’s called Westfarm and visitors can expect to sample some gin as well as other non-alcoholic drinks.
Each of the islands has several dining options from cafes to restaurants, and you can stay at a variety of different accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, and campsites.
The Isles of Scilly isn’t the only slice of paradise in the UK, there’s also the Isle of Mull in Scotland.
Not only does Mull have stunning blue waters but visitors can also see fluffy cows that swim in the ocean.
Meanwhile, this little-known beach has been voted the best in the UK.