Island Paradises: A Fourteen Day Flight Hop Across Four Continents
A fast paced journey from the Atlantic islands to the Indian Ocean.
This trip is for the high energy traveler who prefers a rapid succession of new environments over slow pacing. Over the course of 14 days, you will cross multiple time zones and oceans to visit some of the most distinct island geographies on earth. You will move from the volcanic cliffs of the Atlantic to the modernist streets of Scandinavia, the volcanic peaks of Korea, and the white sands of the Indian Ocean.
Porto Santo
Day 1 Leg: Arrival flight.
You will start your journey in Porto Santo, which feels like a quiet cousin to Madeira. Spend your day in the main town, Vila Baleira. This area is a compact cluster of pastel colored houses that spill down to a long, golden beach. The sea here stays warm enough for a dip well into October, so you should start your morning with a swim.
Once you have dried off, walk a few blocks inland to visit the Fortaleza de São Tiago. This 16th century watchtower now houses a small museum. You should also make time for the Christopher Columbus House, where the explorer lived before his 1492 voyage.
Where to eat: For a casual meal, head to Pizza na Areia. Where to sleep: Casa do Velho Dragoeiro (budget).
Madeira
Day 2 Leg: ~67 km flight from Porto Santo.
Next, you fly to Madeira. This island is a mix of steep cliffs dropping into the Atlantic and a network of irrigation channels that serve as walking trails. You will find a patchwork of micro climates here, allowing you to wander through laurel forest by noon after a morning on the beach.
Spend your time in the capital, Funchal. You can stroll the cobbled lanes of the Rua de Santa Maria and stop for a coffee at a tiny café in the Baixa neighborhood.
Where to eat: Try Vale das Freiras or Boutique do Areeiro. Where to sleep: Quinta da Fonte (budget).
Mallorca
Day 3 Leg: ~1911 km flight from Madeira.
Your third stop is Mallorca, where mountains rise sharply behind a coastline of sandy coves and pebble beaches. In Palma, you should explore the historic quarter around Almudaina. This area buzzes with locals spilling out of tapas bars onto Carrer de la Unió.
For a quieter contrast, head to the modern waterfront at Port de Sóller. You can enjoy freshly caught anchovies at Bar Ca’n Pintxo and take a short ferry ride to the dramatic cliffs of Cap de Formentor.
Where to eat: Grand Siena. Where to sleep: Jaime III (mid range).
Stockholm
Day 4 Leg: ~2450 km flight from Mallorca.
You will then fly north to Stockholm. This city is easy to love because it balances charm and convenience. Start your morning in Gamla Stan, where you can hear church bells and enjoy a cappuccino at Café Schweizer (which costs about 45 SEK).
A short walk across the water brings you to the modernist halls of Fotografiska. The view over Riddarfjärden is a great way to spend an afternoon before you explore the city's design districts.
Where to eat: Santorini (greek). Where to sleep: Nordic Light Hotel (mid range).
Jeju Island
Day 5 Leg: ~7797 km flight from Stockholm.
After a long flight, you will arrive at Jeju Island. The landscape here is starkly beautiful, featuring volcanic cliffs and fields of bright orange tangerines. You can see the silhouette of Hallasan from most of the main roads.
If you want authentic food, head to a tiny stall in Seogwipo’s Gwakji-ri to eat grilled black pork.
Where to eat: Udodonggul (seafood). Where to sleep: Tap Motel (budget).
Phuket
Days 6-8 Leg: ~4056 km flight from Jeju Island.
You have three days in Phuket. To avoid the crowds, skip the Patong strip and head to Kata Beach. The sand is clean, the water is calm for swimming, and you can find street vendors selling khanom buang (crispy pancakes) for 50 baht.
Spend your other days in the Old Town market. You should hunt down mango sticky rice from the local stalls rather than eating at the tourist traps near the port.
Where to eat: Go Benz Rice Porridge Phuket (thai). Where to sleep: La Moon @ Phuket (mid range).
Seychelles
Days 9-11 Leg: ~4959 km flight from Phuket.
You will spend three days in the Seychelles. On Mahé, visit the capital, Victoria, where pastel houses climb the hills. Walk through the Sir Selwyn Selwyn, Cromwell Market to smell the fresh fish, cinnamon, and ripe mangoes.
For beach time, Beau Vallon offers gentle surf for a lazy afternoon. If you can, visit La Digue to see Anse Source d'Argent, which is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Where to eat: Cap Lazare (regional). Where to sleep: Jardin des Palmes (mid range).
Mauritius
Days 12-14 Leg: ~1756 km flight from Seychelles.
The final leg of your trip is Mauritius. Start on the east coast in Grand Baie, where the best bars and seafood shacks are located. For a quieter experience, visit the soft sands of Flic en Flac after sunset.
In Port Louis, you can wander the Caudan waterfront, visit the Blue Penny Museum, or watch the ferries pass by the waterfront promenade. You will hear a mix of Creole, French, and English, accompanied by the sound of reggae and sega music.
Where to eat: Cafe des Domaine Des Aubineaux. Where to sleep: homeland (budget).
Route Summary
| Stop | Nights | Flight from prev | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porto Santo | 1 | N/A | Quiet |
| Madeira | 1 | ~67 km | Varied |
| Mallorca | 1 | ~1911 km | Mediterranean |
| Stockholm | 1 | ~2450 km | Modernist |
| Jeju Island | 1 | ~7797 km | Volcanic |
| Phuket | 3 | ~4056 km | Vibrant |
| Seychelles | 3 | ~4959 km | Rhythmic |
| Mauritius | 3 | ~1756 km | Relaxed |
How to adapt this trip
If you only have 10 days, you should cut the stops in Stockholm and Jeju Island to reduce the total flight time and travel fatigue.
If you have 21 days, you can add more time to Phuket to explore more of the coastline or extend your stay in Mauritius to spend more time on the beaches of Flic en Flac.