Guide to Marco Island

'Watersports, wildlife and white, white beaches draw holidaymakers to this peaceful barrier island, where the pace is slow, the seafood is sizzling and the sun is high in the sky.'

Marco Island perches at the northern tip of the Ten Thousand Islands, a natural wildlife refuge with uninhabited mangrove islands and deserted bays and creeks. Just 4 miles wide and 6 miles long, this island has fabulous beaches where surfers and windsurfers take full advantage of the wind and the waves. Offshore, dolphins can sometimes be glimpsed cruising the seas, whilst onshore, shell-seekers spend lazy days cruising the sands. 200 species of birds, including American bald eagles make their homes here delighting any birdwatchers. A trolley bus tours the island throughout the day, and you can hop on and off as often as you like. Visit the appealing old village of Marco at the northern end of the island, or walk along the boardwalk from Hernando Drive to spend a lazy afternoon at Tigertail Beach Park. If your holiday is not complete without a spot of shopping, there's plenty of opportunity to indulge. The Esplanade Shoppes at Smokehouse Bay extend along the waterfront with waterfront dining and fine sunset views as an added bonus. Fly fishing is excellent here, and great seafood menus reflect the bounty of the seas. Marco Island makes a good base for exploring the Everglades which are just a short hop inland. Follow the US41 south, and you'll come to Collier-Seminole State Park where tropical woodland is threaded with a 6 1/2 mile walking trail, or you can join a boat tour along Black Water River. To the north, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is renowned for its plentiful wildlife and unspoilt mangrove swamps. With so many peaceful places to enjoy, Marco Island should soothe most everyday cares away.

You'll love the beautiful bays, spectacular sunsets and fine sands of Florida's finest beaches.

This is a stylish haven with a charming town centre, relaxed atmosphere and glorious beaches. Many rich and famous Americans have homes here. The island is set in calm, shallow waters and is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

Find the cheapest late deals to Marco Island leaving in the next six weeks.