On the waterfront

Five other island cities you’ll want to explore.

1. Venice, Italy

A gondola ride along the picturesque canals of Venice is an iconic travel experience. Yet few people realise the city is made up of 118 small islands set on Italy’s largest lagoon and connected by more than 400 bridges. Even less well-known is Pellestrina, the island locals go to for the freshest seafood in the city.

2. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Sweeping into the Persian Gulf off the western coast of the United Arab Emirates lies the capital, Abu Dhabi. An archipelago of more than 200 isles, it’s a mecca for art (the Louvre opened in 2017), beaches (Corniche is white-sand perfection), shopping and luxury hotels.

3. St Petersburg, Russia Known as “the Venice of the North”, Russia’s secondlargest city stretches over 42 islands on the delta of the Neva River. The country’s cultural capital is known for spectacular grand palaces, cathedrals, museums and Neoclassical architecture.

4. Macau, China Technically a peninsula and two islands and partially formed by land reclamation, the semi-autonomous territory of Macau was handed back to China by the Portuguese in 1999. It’s the most densely populated place on the planet and, with 50 per cent of its GDP from gambling, has been dubbed “the Vegas of Asia”.

5. Key West, Florida, United States

Key West is the southernmost island of the Florida Keys, accessible from Miami via the Overseas Highway and the famous Seven Mile Bridge. The subtropical paradise has been rebuilt since Hurricane Irma tore through the area in 2017 and its New Orleansmeets-Caribbean feel remains strong.