Islands are universally loved. The world island alone is steeped in romanticism, conjuring up images of swaying palms, sugary white beaches and turquoise lagoons on isolated idylls, where the pace of life slows down and worries slip away.

Little wonder they’re top of the wish list for holidaymakers keen to play castaway in paradise. Travel booking site Expedia recently revealed that global interest in island getaways is up 30 per cent year-on-year, with Portuguese island Madeira experiencing the biggest surge of interest.

So what makes for an ideal island escape? For discerning travellers it would be easy to access, rich in culture, with a great climate and attractions for all, from beach lovers to adrenaline junkies.

Here we reveal our pick of 25 of the planet’s most idyllic holida

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