Best destinations for island hopping

Although ferries are an option, traditional wooden gulets are a popular and scenic way to island hop in the Croatian Adriatic. Private charters give you full control over the itinerary. Whatever you choose, most trips begin from a port close to Dubrovnik, such as Zaton Veli.

Lokrum, very close to Dubrovnik Old Town, is equally good as a first or final port of call. It's uninhabited and you can't stay overnight but its botanical gardens, ruined monastery and beaches mean there's plenty to do on a day trip. What's more, it was one of the Game of Thrones filming locations.

With its pines, olive groves and vineyards, Korčula is a wonderfully green island. It's only about two hours from Dubrovnik but an overnight stay in its harbour allows time to sample some of the local wines.

The stone streets, terracotta-roofed houses and grand Gothic palaces of Hvar are around four hours from Korčula. If a night out appeals, Hvar is definitely the place to go. Alternatively, the waterfront, with its yachts and nearby restaurants, is a lovely place to while away an evening.

Mljet, around two to three hours cruise from Hvar, is an enjoyable contrast, although sailing trips are usually limited to the summer months. It's a very quiet island, attracting visitors who come to enjoy walking or biking in its national park.

Brač is another island of contrasts. If you're not on a gulet charter, it's easily accessible by ferry from Split. Its white stone buildings are highly distinctive and photogenic, and the olive groves produce truly excellent oil. Several good beaches including Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn Beach) will vie for your attention, and you'll want to spend at least a couple of days on the island.

The diversity of the landscapes in the Canary Islands, plus its relatively reliable year-round weather, makes this archipelago ideal for island-hopping. With eight large islands and many more smaller ones, there's plenty to explore. Meanwhile, ferry connections make it easy to design your own itinerary.

If you begin in Lanzarote, you'll have one of the "classic" Canary Islands to explore. The volcanic landscape of Timanfaya National Park is unmissable. Guided tours of the Volcano Route (Ruta de los Volcanes), geothermal demonstrations and even camel rides are just some of the park's highlights. Elsewhere, Lanzarote's beaches are every bit as good as you might expect. Try the shell-shaped Papagayo on the south coast. It's perfect for snorkelling or simply splashing about.

At just 25 minutes by public ferry, Lanzarote to La Graciosa is one of the fastest hops between islands. The quiet La Graciosa is very different from most of the other islands in the archipelago, and its Amarilla Mountains are ideal for hiking. If walking doesn't appeal, jeep safaris are popular. So, too, are dolphin-watching trips - and boat trips from La Cocina offer some of the best chances to spot Bottlenose dolphins.

Back on Lanzarote, take another boat to Fuerteventura. With its magnificent beaches, Fuerteventura is unbeatable if you want sea, sand, sun and surf. Flag Beach, in Corralejo Natural Park, is one of the top surfing hangouts but is also great for watersports - but don't forget to check out the impressive sand dunes.

A short boat trip from Fuerteventura takes you to the tiny, uninhabited islet of Lobos. If you're reasonably fit, you can walk around it in around two hours. Otherwise, the main beach, Playa de la Concha, has clear, turquoise-tinted water and a beautiful volcanic backdrop.

Don't just restrict yourself to one of the Balearics! This well-loved archipelago makes for a fabulous island-hopping holiday. Either charter a boat or use the regular ferry services that link the four main islands: Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.

Why not begin in Menorca, with its impressive cathedral, Ciutadella, and plenty of stunning beaches. Though tricky to access, especially if you travel overland, the remote Cala Escorxada is well worth a visit. One of the best ways to access this scenic cove is via the south coast water taxi service.

From Menorca, the crossing to Majorca takes anywhere from one to almost six hours, depending on the service. If you arrive at Palma, don't miss the waterfront Santa Maria de la Palma cathedral, which is especially beguiling under floodlights after dark. Some of the island's other highlights, including Puerto Pollensa, Deia and Soller, are all accessible by sea. So too is the popular, pine-backed beach of Formentor.

Before leaving Majorca, consider making the short hop from Santa Ponsa to Dragonera. A nature reserve, this small, uninhabited island was once the haunt of Barbary pirates. Nowadays, it's left to animals such as Lilford’s wall lizard and over 360 species of plants. It also has a pair of medieval watchtowers, erected to guard against those pirates.

From Majorca, head for the party island of Ibiza. However, before partying at one of the dance beaches or night clubs, take time for a wander around the pretty old town. As night approaches, it's hard to beat Café del Mar, both for its chill-out music and its spectacular sunset views.

Ibiza to Formentera is another must-do. The two islands are close enough for you to reach Formentera in time to enjoy morning coffee in the port of La Savina.

Did you know that Malta has two smaller inhabited neighbours? Together, Malta, Gozo and Comino make for the perfect, low-key island-hopping trip.

Malta is likely to be your base, and the views of Valletta – one of the largest natural harbours in the world – are sublime when admired from the sea. Ashore, you'll want to explore the historic city on foot. In particular, don't miss the Barrakka Gardens and the Baroque Co-Cathedral of St. John. Elsewhere on the island, you'll find seven megalithic temples that are older than Stonehenge. Then there's Mdina, a walled hilltop city, around 20 minutes from Valletta.

From Malta, head to the smaller Gozo. Public ferries depart regularly from Cirkewwa and the trip takes around 20 minutes. Victoria is the island's largest city and, as it's on top of a hill, offers panoramic and eminently Instagrammable views. If you're a Game of Thrones' fan and, frankly, even if you're not, you'll want to see Dwejra on the west coast. Known for its "inland sea" (actually a small bay encircled by high cliffs), it's also where the Azure Window (a now collapsed natural rock arch) once stood. Dwejra is a superb spot for snorkelling and wildlife watching.

The Marsalforn salt pans are another Gozo attraction. They're a great place for a stroll and, if you're feeling energetic, you can walk on to Wied il-Għasri, a secluded sea canyon.

From Gozo, another 20 minute boat ride takes you to Comino. You'll almost certainly be dropped off at the island's main attraction: the Blue Lagoon. Lying between Comino and the uninhabited Cominotto, the very beautiful Blue Lagoon has crystalline water and extremely fine sand. There's only one hotel on the island of Comino so most people head back to Gozo at the end of a day of sunbathing and swimming.

A flight from Bangkok to Phuket is the gateway to most island hopping holidays in Thailand. Unless you want to party on Patong Beach, a single night in Phuket does the job. For peace and quiet, choose a private villa further away from the beach.  If your visit falls on a weekend, check out Phuket's colourful night market.

Ko Phi Phi is the most logical first stop-off from Phuket. Around 90 minutes by ferry, Ko Phi Phi actually consists of six islands. Known for their jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches and diverse marine life, they're ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. You'll find a range of accommodation, from basic beachside bungalows to luxury resorts. On Phi Phi island, the more upmarket options tend to be further from the pier.

From Ko Phi Phi, you may find it easiest to take a ferry back to Krabi on the mainland. From here, it's another ferry ride to Koh Samui. With its rainforests, palm-fringed beaches and coconut groves, Thailand's second-biggest island easily holds its own in the scenery stakes. As well as beaches like Lipa Noi, it has plenty of options for day trips. Na Muang Waterfall and Big Buddha Temple are both must-sees. And, if you need some pampering, Koh Samui is great for spa facials and body scrubs.

Another ferry connects Koh Samui to Koh Pha Ngan. Known for its monthly Full-Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach, the festivities happen for a few days on either side of the full moon.

A final ferry hop takes you to Koh Tao and the crystalline green waters that are a favourite with snorkelers and divers. It's the ideal place to relax if you've been partying under the full moon.