Coloane: Linked via a man-made causeway with Taipa Island and a bridge to Macau, leafy Coloane Island is known as the Lungs of Macau. Its hilly natural landscape features picturesque squares, black sand beaches, shady parks, temples, churches and town houses. Coloane also has two of Macau's most famed culinary institutions: Lord Stow's Bakery (tel: 2882 2534) on the pretty village square for Macau's tastiest egg custard tarts, and Fernando's (tel: 2888 2264), a friendly beachside restaurant serving traditional Portuguese favourites. Take bus 21, 21A, 25 or 26 (from Avenida Ribeiro or Infante D Henrique) marked Coloane or Hac Sa, or catch a taxi.

Taipa: More built-up than Coloane, Taipa Island nevertheless contrasts agreeably from the bustle of modern Macau. Wandering its narrow lanes and squares is a lunchtime pleasure, as its cafes and street kiosks around Rua da Canha (known as Food Street) buzz with culinary energy. From here, head to Avenida de Praia, once the island's waterfront before land reclamation altered the coastline. Here, a beautifully restored strip of early 20th-century Portuguese villas typifies a fast receding era of Macanese history. Take bus 28A, 33 or 34 from Infante D Henrique, or bus 30 from Parque M Dr Sun Yat Sen.