Attractions · The Islands
Things to do in The Islands.
Penghu's archipelago, Kinmen's battlefield villages and the Matsu islands: each a short flight or a ferry from the main island, each on its own rhythm.
Magong and the Penghu season
The archipelago's harbour town: Taiwan's oldest Mazu temple (the Tianhou Temple), the old streets behind the piers, and in fireworks season the Guanyin Pavilion shore where the whole town watches the sky. The season's dates are on our calendar as the county publishes them.
How to book: Flights from Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung and ferries from Budai and Kaohsiung reach Magong; fireworks nights fill both weeks ahead. The old town itself is free to wander.
Penghu's outer islands and basalt
Boat days from Magong: the basalt columns of the south sea islands, snorkelling coves, and the twin-heart stone weir at Qimei. The archipelago beyond the harbour is the reason to stay a third day.
How to book: Island boats are booked at Magong's south sea visitor centre pier or through local operators; sailings are weather dependent, so keep the day flexible.
Kinmen: villages and battlefields
The frontline island that is now a park of memory: Shuitou's overseas-Chinese mansions, the tunnels and museums of the artillery years, sorghum fields and the island's own liquor. History at walking pace.
How to book: Flights run from Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung through the day. Entry formalities differ by passport; check the current rules before booking, and rent a car or scooter on arrival for the sites beyond Jincheng.
Matsu (Lienchiang): Nangan and the tunnels
The northern islands: granite villages on the cliffs, the great Beihai tunnels cut for landing craft, the Matsu liquor distillery, and in spring and summer the blue tear algae nights when conditions allow.
How to book: The overnight Tai-Ma Star ferry from Keelung and short flights from Taipei Songshan reach Nangan. Ferries are weather dependent in the monsoon; the tunnels' rowing slots are booked at the visitor centre.
Planning the stay itself: the city guides cover what is on, and the hotels page covers where to sleep near it.