UK's best kept-secret' has Caribbean worthy beaches, artisan cheese and no crowds

With the chaotic Christmas months ahead, you may be fantasising about escaping to a tiny island, and there's one spot just off the coast of the UK where you're pretty much guaranteed peace and quiet.

Gigha is just seven miles long and home to 163 residents. It can be found just off the coast of the Kintyre Peninsula, and is one of the islands that make up the Inner Hebrides. A regular ferry runs from Tayinloan on the mainland to the island, taking just 20 minutes each way. Because of the single-track roads on Gigha, many visitors recommend leaving the car at the ferry terminal and getting around on foot or by bike.

Posting on Instagram, walkswithlissy who visited the island in the summer said: "We spent our day exploring the beaches, paddleboarding across the crystal-clear waters, collecting shells along the shoreline, and soaking in the sunset. The island's rich history, from its Norse origins to its vibrant community today, added a layer of depth to our journey. Grateful for the memories created, probably one of my favourite day trips in a long time."

The island certainly has a cosy, tight-knit feel. In 2002, after finally getting fed up with landlords, the islanders bought the landmass of Gigha. And it's easy to see why they'd want to own a little piece of paradise. Gigha's unspoilt beauty includes beaches that look like they belong in the Caribbean. The Twin Beaches in the north of the island feature white sands and turquoise seas, while the secluded Cuddyport Beach in the west is a beautiful bay teeming with wildlife, including Oystercatchers.

Close to this cove is Achamore House, a mansion that has been turned into a cosy hotel. Its gardens are famous for their blooming displays in spring, with the island's unique microclimate allowing exotic flowers from as far as Central America and New Zealand to thrive.

One of Gigha's famous exports is its cheddar-style cheese, which is made from milk produced by cows on the island. A unique souvenir to take home is Gigha fruit cheese, which comes in flavours such as apple or pear, often infused with whiskey, garlic, and other unusual combinations.

All sorts of seafood, from mussels to lobsters, regularly come into Gigha on small fishing boats, so trying the freshly-caught local fish is a must. Visit The Boathouse, a rustic seafood restaurant located right on the beach, featuring outdoor tables with spectacular sea views. Their board has a 'fresh in' menu where you can see what's in season from the local area, whether that's oysters or crab.

For quick bites, visit The Nook, a hole-in-the-wall takeaway serving fresh seafood. Choose from classics like fish and chips or try locally caught scallops.

Gigha offers a range of accommodation options, including self-catering holiday homes, B&Bs, and budget-friendly spots. The Isle of Gigha Hotel has 3-stars and offers simple rooms just a short stroll from the coast. The Isle of Gigha Camp and Motorhome Site offers an affordable way to stay on the island. Close to the ferry port, it offers pitches for motorhomes, caravans, and tents.

Another way to see Gigha and the surrounding islands is on a cruise. Cruising Holidays offer a 10-night cruise called Island Hopping in the Hebrides, departing from Glasgow and visiting the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Prices start at £4,590pp and include full-board accommodation, complimentary wine, beer, and spirits throughout, a polar expedition jacket, professional photos from your trip, and all gratuities. Find out more here.