It’s officially the summer holidays and many people will be planning their next summer holiday adventure. This year searches for ‘island hopping holidays’ have increased by 25% in the last 12 months*, showcasing that many holiday goers are looking for a bit of adventure when planning their next trip.
Considering this travel experts at Planet Cruise have revealed the top locations for those seeking an island-hopping adventure. Analysing various factors such as, safety scores, average summer temperatures, social media popularity, the number of inhabited islands, and average ferry prices.
Leading the pack is the Philippines, renowned for its stunning islands and vibrant culture. With thousands of inhabited islands and a warm tropical climate, it’s a paradise for island enthusiasts.
Japan follows closely, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity, along with affordable ferry rides and a high safety rating. Other top contenders include Thailand, Greece, and Croatia, each providing distinct island-hopping experiences with their natural beauty, cultural richness, and easy access.
With data sourced from extensive research, these are the best destinations for an unforgettable island-hopping experience.
The top 10 best countries worldwide for island hopping
| Rank | Country | Safety Score | Avg Summer Temperature(°C) | Social media score | No of inhabited island | Avg ferry price (£) | Total Score / 100 |
| 1. | The Philippines | 57 | 26.9 | 11,280 | 2,000 | 15 | 85 |
| 2. | Japan | 77.3 | 24.4 | 480 | 430 | 4 | 59 |
| 3. | Thailand | 62.2 | 28.1 | 960 | 50 | 6.43 | 53 |
| 4. | Croatia | 74.4 | 21.7 | 600 | 49 | 6 | 50 |
| 5. | Greece | 53.5 | 26.7 | 1,680 | 227 | 10 | 49 |
| 6. | Spain | 64.2 | 24.8 | 720 | 48 | 15 | 47 |
| 7. | The Maldives | 45 | 27.5 | 120 | 188 | 4 | 43 |
| 8. | Portugal | 68.8 | 21.4 | 240 | 23 | 18 | 43 |
| 9. | Scotland | 52.2 | 13.5 | 2,520 | 94 | 36.35 | 25 |
| 10. | The Dominican Republic | 39 | 26.3 | 120 | 100 | 100 | 18 |
The Philippines is the best location to visit for island hopping
The Philippines, a Southeast Asian gem with over 2,000 inhabited islands, tops our list for the ultimate island-hopping adventure. This tropical paradise boasts the highest number of searches for “#islandhoppers” on Instagram and TikTok, racking up an impressive total social media score of 11,280.
With an inviting average summer temperature of 26.9 degrees Celsius, the Philippines ranks third in warmth, making it a perfect year-round destination. Be sure to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Manila, discover the breathtaking blue lagoons of El Nido, and experience the rich biodiversity of Sorsogon, where nature’s wonders await.
Japan
Japan claims the second spot on our list for island-hopping adventures, with 430 inhabited islands—more than almost any other destination on the leaderboard.
Traveling between these islands is remarkably affordable, with ferry crossings averaging just £4, making it the joint cheapest option available. Additionally, Japan boasts the highest safety score of 77.3, ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey.
After soaking in the energy of Osaka and Tokyo, head to the Yaeyama Islands for thrilling activities like snorkelling, canoeing, hiking, and diving. For a more secluded escape, the Amami Islands offer stunning limestone caves, deserted beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for an off-the-grid experience.
Thailand
Thailand secures the third spot for island-hopping, offering a mix of adventure and relaxation. With the highest average summer temperature of 28.1 degrees Celsius, it’s an ideal destination for sun-seekers.
Ferry crossings are also budget-friendly, averaging £6.43—the fourth lowest on our list. The country ties for the fourth highest Instagram hashtag search volume with total social media score of 960 and ranks fifth in safety.
Popular islands like Phuket and Ko Phi Phi draw crowds with their stunning beaches, delectable cuisine, and lively nightlife. For a more tranquil escape, explore Koh Phra Thong, known for its diverse birdlife, or unwind in beachfront bungalows on Koh Jum, where you can watch monkeys hunting for crabs along the shore.
Croatia
For those seeking island-hopping adventures closer to home, Croatia is an outstanding choice, nestled in the Mediterranean with its crystal-clear waters and abundant sunshine.
Croatia shines with the second-highest safety score of 74.4 and offers budget-friendly ferry crossings, averaging just £6—the third lowest on our list.
After exploring the mainland treasures of Dubrovnik and Split, venture to Hvar for chic sophistication and some of the country’s best bars. Discover the unspoiled natural beauty of Brač, or head to Korčula, renowned for its vineyards and olive groves, where relaxation meets tradition.
Greece
Rounding out our top five island-hopping destinations is Greece, renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. With 227 inhabited islands, Greece ranks third in both the number of islands and social media buzz, tallying a total social media score of 1,680.
Greece also offers a pleasant average summer temperature of 26.7 degrees Celsius and affordable ferry crossings at around £10. For family-friendly adventures, explore the beauty of Kefalonia or Crete. Party enthusiasts will find excitement in Kavos on Corfu or Faliraki on Rhodes. For a taste of luxury, Mykonos and Santorini offer the perfect blend of upscale glam and breathtaking views.
If you would like to find out more about the top locations for island hopping, please follow this link- https://www.planetcruise.com/en/the-top-island-hopping-destinations-worldwide
