The World’s Best Islands
The National Geographic Traveler published a special issue on The World’s Best Islands in November/December 2006. Among the islands mentioned were Santorini, Koh Samui, Flores Island, and Seychelles. The article points out the positives and negatives of these islands. These islands are well worth visiting – whether they are cloudy or clear, they are worth the visit.
Santorini
Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is renowned for its incredible sunsets, delicious food, white villages, and history. The island is also a great place to spend the day, as it is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
There are many things to do in Santorini, but the best activities will depend on your personal interests and preferences. Some popular activities include exploring the towns of Oia and Fira, visiting the ancient archaeological sites, and taking a boat ride to the nearby volcano. You can also enjoy swimming in the beautiful waters and dining in some of the island’s cliffside restaurants.
The white sands of Santorini are also world famous, and the beaches are some of the best in the world. Red Beach, for example, has a dramatic red cliff face that juts out into the crystal-clear waters. It is an absolute must-see for any visitor to Santorini.
The caldera of Santorini is filled with sea, and white villas tumbling down the cliffs are surrounded by blue-domed churches. Bougainvillea adds an eye-popping color palette to the buildings and scenery. The settlements of Fira and Oia, perched high on the cliffs, are some of the most picturesque locations in the world. You can also visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, located on a black-sand beach. The vistas are unbeatable, and the sunsets are spectacular.
Koh Samui
If you’re looking for a beach vacation in Thailand, look no further than Koh Samui. With its beautiful white sand and clear waters, this island is the perfect destination for a family or a couple looking for a more laid-back atmosphere. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and tour options in the town.
Thailand is an attractive vacation destination, with a laid-back culture, friendly locals, and world-renowned islands. From the jungles of the north to the islands in the south, the country has plenty to offer. While many people head south for Bangkok, Ko Samui is a wonderful place to spend some time.
While you’re in the area, consider a visit to Wat Phra Lan, a traditional Thai temple that’s located just off Maenam. The small temple has many Buddha images, including a statue of King Rama V. The temple is a tranquil retreat, away from the bustle of the east coast.
The island has plenty of beaches, most of which are coves and are sheltered from the wind. A walk on the beach will take you past beautiful granite cliffs. Several popular beaches include Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai. There are plenty of food stalls on the island and plenty of places to stay, including some luxury resorts.
The island’s weekly market is lively, attracting locals from all over. If you want to stay on a budget, you can find great bargains here.
Flores Island
If you are planning a trip to Indonesia, don’t overlook Flores Island! This tropical island has over 2000 mm of rain per year and is distinctly tropical in climate. Days stay warm but the sun sets quickly. It’s best to go to Flores during the months of May and June when temperatures drop by as much as 15 degrees and the humidity is the lowest.
Flores is divided into eight “regencies.” The largest is West Manggarai, which is home to the capital city, Labuan Bajo. It was once a small fishing village, but it has expanded into a medium-sized town with over two hundred thousand people. It is the gateway to the nearby islands, including Komodo National Park. This park is home to the endangered Komodo dragon, one of the island’s most popular attractions. But there are many other reasons to visit this beautiful island.
Flores Island is home to 17 active volcanoes, the most spectacular of which is Mount Kelimutu. It has a tri-color lake on its summit, a result of sulfur oxidation rates. Its water changes color periodically, so it is worth visiting during sunrise or sunset.
While in Flores, don’t forget to visit Ruteng, a small town in the hills of the island. This mountainous area is a great place to explore by scooter. Rental scooters are available from Kopi Mane Inspiration. It’s also home to some of the most delicious locally-brewed coffee in town!
Seychelles
Traveling on a budget to Seychelles is possible, but it’s important to know what to expect. Most tourists visit the islands during peak season, and resorts can be very pricey. A better way to save money is to stay at smaller hotels or inns. You can also dine at local restaurants instead of expensive resorts.
The island’s economy is based on tourism and the service industry. The country has experienced steady growth over the years. Its GDP has grown faster than its population, and it is higher than many of its nearby continental African neighbors. The local currency is the Seychelles rupee.
The Seychelles archipelago is made up of more than 100 islands. While the vast majority of these islands are uninhabited, a few islands have built-in tourism infrastructure. Most residents live on the three main islands, Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. Other islands are farther away. Activities on these islands include hiking in the mountains, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. The delicious Creole cuisine in these islands makes them popular with visitors.
The islands are not only beautiful, but they’re also incredibly diverse. The northernmost island, Aride Island, is a conservation site. This island is home to an important seabird population in the Indian Ocean. The island is also popular with scuba divers. There’s even a spa on the island!
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a group of 118 islands and atolls spread over an area roughly the size of Europe. In this island chain, the culture goes well beyond seashell necklaces and Monoi oil suntans. The main island is Tahiti, from where you can easily fly to several other islands. These islands are perfect for ocean adventures, as well as cultural exploration.
French Polynesia has something for everyone, from sun-kissed beaches to dazzling resorts. You can stay in luxury overwater bungalows on the beach or take a four-wheel excursion to a secluded bay. In addition to the stunning beaches, French Polynesia is home to many world-class surfers.
The climate in French Polynesia is perfect year-round, with sunny days and comfortable temperatures. June to August is the hottest and most popular time, and you’ll be able to see the best festivals. The Heiva Nui festival, for example, is a highlight of the summer months. However, if you don’t want to travel during the peak summer months, there are also shoulder seasons when the temperatures are more moderate and the islands are more accessible.
The island of Taha’a is an example of a truly beautiful place to visit in French Polynesia. Its fertile land is dotted with banana, watermelon, and coconut plantations. The landscape is also beautiful, ranging from sloping hillsides to lush valleys full of vanilla.
Ile de Goree
Goree is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, but the island is also known for its dark side. In the 18th century, the island was a major site in the transatlantic slave trade, and today you can tour the House of Slaves, the remains of a former slave trading house, which is now a museum. It is a sobering reminder of the horrific conditions endured by slaves during the slave trade.
You can explore the island and its history by hiring a guide who speaks the local language. There are also artists who teach lessons on sand art. They use natural sand from 15 different places on the island, which comes in a variety of colors. The tour will last between two and three hours.
The history of the island goes back to the early 16th century. In the 1500s, the island was uninhabited because of the lack of fresh water. It was later colonized by Portuguese settlers, and in the mid-1500s, the island was an important slave trade location. Between then and the 1800s, 20 million Africans passed through the island. Its small size and deep waters made it an easy target for slave traders.
The small island is 900 meters long and 350 meters wide and is protected by the Cap-Vert Peninsula. Today, the island is a part of the city of Dakar, Senegal. It was once a small port and site of European settlements on the coast. Before that, it was almost devoid of drinking water. The Portuguese first settled on the island in 1450 and built a small stone chapel there. They also used the island as a cemetery.
