10 best secret islands

For rugged scenery

Cape Clear Island, off Cork, Ireland

Get back to nature on Ireland's southernmost inhabited island, where you can revel in wild scenery, pretty harbours and unspoilt beaches. Rare migratory birds, whales, leatherback turtles, sun fish and sharks are all visitors. There are good places to stay and boat hire is also available. The 45-minute ferry crossing runs from Baltimore or Schull in West Cork (www.capeclearisland.com).