Islands: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, a couple of times. Last summer, I went on holiday to a small Greek island with some friends. We rented scooters to get around and spent most days swimming in secluded bays. It was remarkably peaceful compared to city life.

For me, it is all about switching off. I usually spend time walking along the coast, trying local seafood at small family-run restaurants, and taking boat trips around the cliffs. I am not really into noisy watersports; I just prefer soaking up the scenery.

I would definitely lean towards tropical ones. I love warm weather and crystal-clear water, so somewhere with sandy beaches and lush greenery is ideal for me. Cold islands can be dramatic and rugged, but I get chilly quite easily!

Not very often, to be honest. My family mostly took road trips to countryside cottages. However, I do remember taking a ferry to a small coastal island when I was about eight, which felt like a massive adventure at the time.

I think it would be lovely for a few months, but probably not permanently. As much as I appreciate the slower pace of life, I suspect I would feel a bit isolated after a while, especially if transport back to the mainland was unreliable.