Paradise UK island with beaches rivaling the Caribbean — but few tourists visit

A stunning UK island that was previously recognised as one of Europe's most underrated destinations, thanks to its secluded beaches, unspoilt tranquillity and spectacular scenery. Barra in Scotland's Outer Hebrides was crowned one of the top 20 best islands in Europe, claiming 17th place in the latest rankings from Big 7 Travel.

Boasting beaches that rival those of the Caribbean, it's little wonder that Barra has proved such a firm favourite amongst travel experts. One of the island's most remarkable attractions is its extraordinary airport. Aircraft can touch down on the beach at Cockle Strand — but only between tides.

At high tide, the runway vanishes entirely beneath the waves, reports the Mirror. When the airport is closed, visitors are free to wander along the beach, which transforms into a public space enjoyed by surfers, walkers and dog owners alike.

Once visitors have touched down (or disembarked from the ferry), there is a wealth of experiences to discover, from picturesque sheltered coves to a medieval castle just a five-minute boat trip from the shoreline.

Visit Scotland recommends: "Stroll along beautiful white sandy beaches, such as Tangasdale, or enjoy breathtaking scenery as you cycle or walk around this small, but incredibly beautiful island.

"For an amazing sea kayaking experience, take to the water on a guided tour with Clearwater Paddling from Castlebay and explore a world of beautiful islands and sheltered bays, or play a round or two at Barra Golf Club, the most westerly golf course in the UK."

The Big 7 Travel team explained: "Scotland's beguiling Outer Hebrides are beloved and visited by Scots, but despite their paradisical beauty, few tourists make it to the remote isles. Barra is beautifully desolate and wild, despite having an airport. In fact, Barra has the only commercial beach landing strip in the world.

"The flight to Barra, with its swirls of turquoise blue and shimmering white sands, is not dissimilar to flying over the Whitsundays in Australia.

"The island is nicknamed Barra-dise, and after a few days exploring the wind-bent grassy moors, pedalling along idyllic paths, and taking walks along empty beaches, you'll see why."

Barra wasn't the sole UK destination to make an impression in the top 20 — the Isle of Rum in the Inner Hebrides also featured, claiming ninth place in the rankings.

Nestled close to the much-loved Isle of Skye, it proved a firm favourite for its "incredible wildlife, remote wilderness, blustery white-sand beaches, and knee-buckling peaks", with visitors encouraged to set aside time on their itinerary for the renowned Cuillin Ridge walk — though be warned, it's certainly not for the faint-hearted!

Nor will you encounter large crowds; approximately 30 people reside in the island's principal village, Kinloch.