Shetland may not be an obvious place we look to when we're booking a holiday, but according to new research it's one of Europe's top ten destinations.
Travel guide, Lonely Planet ranked Shetland as number six in its new top ten European destinations.
The islands find themselves on a list surrounded by Madrid and Iceland's dramatic Arctic Coast Way.
But with the culture, food and so much more on offer, Shetland is a worthy winner of the sixth spot.
The guide suggests that visitors "spot otters and orcas from craggy headlands, then ease into the evening at one of Lerwick's local pubs" or experience the Viking-inspired Up Helly Aa festival which "bursts into fiery life each January".
It also praises Shetland's "awesome coastal trails, wicked wildlife watching, and fabled fish and chip shops", HullLive reports.
Shetland, which consists of more than 100 islands, only 15 of which are inhabited, is also a Unesco Global Geopark and is said to be more geologically diverse than any similar sized area in Europe.
Here are six reasons why Shetland landed in the top ten and why it's a great place to visit:
Breathtaking scenery
Stunning coastline
Delicious local food and drink
Unique culture and heritage
Historical and archaeological stories
Wonderful wildlife
The Northern Lights
Slovakia's High Tatras tops the list, followed by Madrid in Spain, the Arctic Coast Way in Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bari in Italy.
Lyon in France is in seventh place on the list, followed by Liechtenstein, Vevey in Switzerland, and Istria in Croatia.
Steven Coutts, leader of Shetland Islands Council, said: "Shetland has long been known as a welcoming destination for travellers, and it's great to have made Lonely Planet - and Europe's - top 10 this year.
"Those of us who live here know how fantastic the islands are, with stunning scenery and incredible wildlife on our doorstep.
"We're an outward-looking community and there's a growing number of local businesses and organisations showcasing the best of our islands to visitors.
"We've a vibrant economy, tremendous natural resources and a beautiful environment, all of which makes Shetland an excellent place to live, work, study and visit."
