Often during the height of the working day we dream of being on the seashore, feeling the warm sea air, soak up the velvet sand. But all these dreams can turn into reality once the holidays arrive. Where will he go? Where to gain strength? For those who cannot live without the sea, we will tell you about ten islands that can transport you into a fairy tale. So.
An exotic island in Indonesia attracts a lot of tourists with its unique culture. Indeed, this island is not like the others. Local residents welcome every tourist with an open soul, thereby allowing them to easily get used to the new climate and way of life. This is the place to go to relax. Pristine culture mixed with the comfort of modern hotels, developed night life and fiery dancing.
The main recreational region of the Philippines, considered one of the most beautiful among tourists natural places. You can go here for adventure and new experiences. Developed here extreme sport, mountaineering, horse riding, you can also go mountain biking, diving, windsurfing, water skiing and much more.
Australia, Pacific Ocean - a trip to this island can fill many gaps in knowledge of history. Bora Bora was once home to US soldiers and a naval base during the Japanese War. Now it is a picturesque island with many natural beauties.
The second largest island in Hawaii. Incredible beaches and mild climate, warm ocean and rainbow horizon. What could be more beautiful?
Not big Island, as part Caribbean. Another historical island corner where you can learn a lot about national history.
The combination of a mild climate and tropical landscapes makes this island popular. Here you can relax in a hotel and away from civilization, while at the same time getting acquainted with incredible local customs.
In fourth place on the list best islands for recreation there is a group of islands in Indian Ocean, which seems untouched by man - Seychelles. People come here to relax on the white sands.
An island in the Adriatic Sea has rich history. You should come here for new knowledge, delicious food and a unique atmosphere.
The islands are rich in vegetation and you can find many amazing animals here. No wonder these places are protected by law.
The last island off the coast of Venezuela. Here you can enjoy the beauty Cote d'Azur and an incredible feeling of calm.
The islands are undoubtedly the most popular holiday destinations on the planet. These are paradises, with beautiful beaches, exotic and untouched flora and fauna. Where else can you better relax from the hustle and bustle of life? So let's find out what they are.
Located in the Laccadive Sea, in the southwest of Sri Lanka, the Maldives is a real tropical paradise, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world for a luxurious holiday.
It has clear water and beautiful white sandy beaches. If you love underwater beauty, be sure to visit Maaya Thila - the most popular and exciting dive site in the Maldives.
2. Bora Bora
Bora Bora is part of French Polynesia. With an area of almost 30 square kilometers, Bora Bora consists of an inactive volcano, surrounded by a lagoon, separated from the sea by a large coral reef. It is also surrounded by small islands covered with palm trees. It can undoubtedly be classified as the most beautiful island peace. It ticks all the boxes of a paradise: a favorable climate, white sandy beaches and clear, turquoise waters.
Bora Bora can easily be described as the center of a romantic universe, where luxury resorts are dotted with overwater bungalows, thatched villas, and a legendary atmosphere.
The Seychelles is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean consisting of 115 islands. This is one of the most popular tourist places, which boasts beautiful tropical beaches and spectacular wildlife. Lovers active rest In this magnificent corner of the world, diving, sailing, fishing and other exciting activities are always waiting. In short, surrounded by pristine warm waters and landscaped rock formations, Seychelles is perfect for your holiday or wedding!
The island of Bali in Indonesia is the westernmost of the Small Islands Sunda Islands and is located in the chain between the islands of Java and Lombok. This Paradise Island known as one of the most enriched parts of the world. Bali is a true blend of culture and art, unique landscapes and tropical beaches. Known as the "Island of the Gods", Bali is famous for its cult of god worship, which is reflected in the existence of beautiful temples and reinforced by the friendliness of its people. average temperature The temperature on the island is 30 degrees, and there are mainly two seasons: the rainy season (from October to March) and the dry season (from April to September).
5. Mnemba
With whites sandy beaches and crystal clean water, Mnemba Island is one of the most beautiful in the world. Situated on the north-eastern coast of Unguja, Mnemba boasts around 150 species of fish and breathtaking underwater beauty that can be enjoyed while diving. Visiting this amazing place, be sure to explore the coral gardens.
Located in the southern part Pacific Ocean, exactly between South America and Australia, this magnificent island formed by volcanic eruptions and interspersed with coral reefs. Tahiti is a tropical island ideal for diving and more.
Cebu is located in the Philippines and is the main province of the same name. It is a beautiful tropical island with narrow coastlines. Most resorts in Cebu offer a wide range of water sports activities such as windsurfing, kiting, diving and snorkeling. Its resorts also offer many adventure tours where you can see the stunning Kavasan Falls, fishing villages and some beautiful churches.
Santorini is a Greek island of volcanic origin located in the southern part Aegean Sea and, according to legend, may hide the secret of Atlantis. This is an island of awe-inspiring beauty! Moreover, its vibrant nightlife has made it one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Its beaches contrast with huge cliffs, small ports with typical restaurants and white houses that invite everyone to enjoy the tranquility of one of the most unique islands in the Aegean Sea.
9. Italy, Sicily
located in the central part Mediterranean Sea, and is the largest island here. This is the home of Mount Etna, which is one of the most active volcanoes in the entire world and the highest active volcano in Europe (10,890 feet). With amazing beaches, breathtaking coastal scenery, inland valleys and majestic high mountains, Sicily is the most popular tourist destination among tourists from all over globe. Numerous entertainment activities, including horseback riding, caving, mountain biking, rock climbing.
10. Ko Lipe, Thailand
Ko Lipe is the smallest, secluded island in Thailand, hidden in the waters of the Andaman Sea. It consists of three main beaches: Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach and Pattaya Beach, forming a boomerang shape. Koh Lipe is so small that you don't even need to rent a vehicle as you can simply walk around it within one hour. This island is not very developed yet, the tourism industry is only growing and this makes it great place to escape the bustle of the city. Keep in mind that fishing is prohibited here since Koh Lipe was included in the Tarutao National Marine Park. But you can enjoy snorkeling or diving. If you are a good swimmer and really want an adventure, swim around the island or from one to another.
Moorea is an island of volcanic origin, located in French Polynesia and covered with lush vegetation of palm trees and pineapple plantations. This island is known for its tranquility, delicious pineapples, gorgeous white beaches and a variety of coral and underwater creatures.
This is the most beautiful Hawaiian island, with minimally developed infrastructure. Here you will find breathtaking scenery, lush greenery, towering waterfalls, beautiful rock formations in the ocean. It has been the scene of dozens of films. A heavenly place for solitude, no more words.
Without any doubt, this is one of the most aesthetic and idyllic islands in the world. A 30-minute flight from Tahiti, it is the ideal destination for those seeking tranquility. The colorfulness of the waters of this peaceful and quiet island rivals neighboring Bora Bora. With moderate tourism, Hua Hin retains an authentic Polynesian atmosphere, adorned with white sandy beaches, coral desert islets surrounded by a bright blue lagoon.
Every year, TripAdvisor ranks the best islands in the world. This year was no exception. Moreover, it is worth noting that this rating is not based on the traditional “expert” assessments of the editorial staff, but on the recommendations and reviews of visitors to this interesting portal.
This year, the ranking was topped by the island of Providenciales in the Caribbean, and only two representatives of past laureates remained in the top ten - the Thai Tau and the famous Bora Bora. And this fact should not surprise anyone, since the tourism market is difficult to predict and it is simply impossible to predict which destination will become popular this year.
Coral Paradise - Providenciales Island
This largest island of the Caribbean archipelago is part of such a little-known state as Turks and Caicos. The state is an extension Bahamas, so it is not surprising that its islands have the same features for a luxury holiday - white sandy beaches, a mild climate that allows you to relax all year round, turquoise water surface and magnificent nature, creating beautiful scenery for walks.
However, the main reason for the island’s frequent inclusion in various ratings is not the usual snow-white beaches familiar to everyone, but the variety of recreation. Vacationers will have great fun with yachting, windsurfing and snorkeling. And the main and most popular entertainment here is diving. This is facilitated by both warm sea waters and picturesque coral reefs, which can be easily reached from the shore. 
Maui Island in Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands have long been iconic have a nice rest. And if previously the most popular among the islands were Hawaii and Oahu, now the island of Maui, which is more accessible to tourists, is taking the leading position.
First of all, when people talk about holidays in Hawaii, they immediately think of surfing and windsurfing. After all, the Hawaiian Islands are a mecca for those who like to swim on a board. In addition, Maui, with its sparse population, is where you can fully enjoy nature. Haleakao National Park's raging waterfalls and stunning bamboo forest, not to mention its traditional warm sandy beaches, attract many tourists. Therefore, the island rightfully occupies second place in the ranking.
Roatan - Paradise in the Caribbean
How often do we hear the words “The wrong country was called Honduras” in a negative sense, expressed in relation to one’s own country. However, if you look closely at the latter, Honduras is a good comparison. Especially if you look at holidays on the island of Roatan, which belongs to Honduras.
The island is surrounded by coral reefs and covered with magnificent beaches, making it an ideal holiday destination for both casual beachgoers and scuba diving enthusiasts. An ideal place has been created here for lovers of ecotourism (the Carambola botanical garden is famous for its tropical park of exotic birds) and for various types of entertainment - from sea fishing to all water sports.
Calm and romance in Santorini
The Cyclades islands amaze everyone with their amazing natural beauty. The most mysterious and beautiful in this Archipelago is Santorini, which owes its birth to volcanic lava.
This island is often called romantic, but unlike most “paradise” ocean islands, which received their title thanks to wildlife and snow-white beaches, Santorini received this title thanks to the houses carved into the rocks, which with their snow-white facades and bright blue roofs attract tourists from all over the world.
Unlike most of the islands on the list, people come to Santorini not for diving or extreme entertainment, but to kindle a real fire in loving hearts. And most of the tourists are newlyweds, whom the island pleases with its unforgettable romance and positivity.
Vibrant diving on Koh Tao Island in Thailand
The waters of the Gulf of Thailand shelter the cozy island of Tao or “Turtle Island” shaded by palm trees. The island got its name thanks to the numerous colonies of sea turtles that have chosen its snow-white sandy beaches. Once upon a time the island was uninhabited and only turtles were its only inhabitants. White sand and the azure clear water around the island cannot but delight tourists, who, just like the majestic reptiles many centuries ago, have now chosen these beaches.
However, this resort island is famous not only for its snow-white sandy hills and 300 sunny days a year, allowing you to lazily sunbathe on the beach. However, the island attracts most tourists with its underwater beauty.
Diving on Koh Tao is the most popular activity. Coral reefs rich in marine life, more than 30 dive sites of varying difficulty levels, including wrecks and a short distance to dive sites - all this makes Koh Tao the “Diving Mecca” of Southeast Asia.
A safe haven for travelers – Madeira Island
For many centuries, the Portuguese island of Madeira has served as a haven for all travelers who rushed to conquer the Atlantic. Thanks to its mild and temperate climate, this paradise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean has been a holiday destination not only for sailors, but also for the wealthy European elite for six centuries.
At the same time, most tourists come here not to bask on the beaches, since there simply aren’t any here, but for active pastime. The island is a real haven for lovers of hunting and fishing, diving and windsurfing, and green tourism. The main attractions of the island are the Madeira National Reserve and its Botanical Gardens. It is here that you can see all the worldwide diversity of flora that the Portuguese collected during the three centuries of their rule at sea.
“Island of the Gods” – Bali
In Indonesia, between the two largest islands of Lombok and Java, there is a cozy picturesque corner that attracts tourists with its majestic volcanoes Gunung Angung and Kintamini, pristine tropical forests and blue lagoons.
The shores of the island hide amazing temple complexes and the sacred monkey forest, where mischievous primates will give tourists a little boost of energy in exchange for small sweets for them. In addition, Bali is a kind of Indian enclave in the middle of Muslim Indonesia, and this is where you can calmly relax on the coast, strengthening your spirit with yoga classes.
Although the main attraction of the island is its white sandy beaches along with the surrounding coral landscapes that attract divers from all over the world, there are several other must-see spots on the island of Bali. One of them is spread over 20,000 hectares National Park Barat. It is there that you can see, without bars or enclosures, all sorts of combinations of flora and fauna in the pristine wild world.
The sandy paradise of mesmerizing Mauritius
Mauritius has long been one of the most beautiful holiday destinations. This tropical paradise, which is sometimes called the “key to the Indian Ocean”, despite its modest size, has more than a hundred kilometers of snow-white beaches.
It was the bright combination of the turquoise waters of the lagoon, coral reefs and bizarre mountains that became the reason that holidays on the island were ranked as top-notch. And on local beaches You can often see famous artists and billionaires who are attracted here high level comfort and individual relaxation of the highest level. Local authorities are trying to make the resort not just an ordinary place of mass pilgrimage. Therefore, you will not often meet an ordinary budget tourist on the island, and once you get here you will be completely confident that you will have a top-class luxury vacation.
Mauritius is almost completely surrounded by reefs, making it an ideal place for diving and fishing. It is here that you can see and catch the very fish that every fisherman dreams of getting in his trophies - various types of marlin, sailfish and bright representatives of the shark family.
Bora Bora - the island of romantic lovers
Bora Bora is the largest island among the 118 islands of French Polynesia. It has the status of the unofficial capital of romantics and newlyweds and is considered a romantic and exotic place on the planet. The island, like most of its neighbors, was formed after a chain of volcanic eruptions and now represents mountain range with three peaks piercing the sky above a dazzling blue lagoon. 
Despite its miniature size (you can get around it in an hour by car), nature has so generously endowed the island with its beauty that it rightfully proudly bears the title of “an emerald in a turquoise frame with a necklace of pearls - that’s how you can describe it by looking at it above.
There are plenty of things to do in Bora Bora, from coral garden expeditions to majestic mountains to extreme snorkeling and diving. Moreover, one of the most interesting entertainments is hand-feeding local stingrays and sharks.
Paradise holiday on the beaches of Fernando de Noronha
Fernando de Noronha is the name of an archipelago located near Brazil, consisting of more than twenty islands. However, the largest island is inhabited and, accordingly, the most popular of this cohort, which attracts all lovers beach holiday. In addition, this archipelago has been included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List for fifteen years, since it is in its waters that large populations of dolphins, sea turtles and cetaceans live.
This is where the Baia do Sancho beach is located, which has become a real mecca for all lovers sea holiday and firmly entered the list best beaches peace. This famous crescent-shaped beach is surrounded on all sides by cliffs and in order to get to it you need to go down seventy-meter stairs. However, it's worth it - the cove around the beach is a real natural treasure. The bay is a natural pool surrounded by hardened lava, in which the water is always crystal clear.
Instructions
Phi Phi (Thailand) is, strictly speaking, not one island, but six at once, 5 of which are uninhabited. Lands practically untouched by civilization, snow-white beaches with fine and clean sand, the warm and clean Andaman Sea: the holiday promises to be truly paradise. Is it any wonder that tours to these islands sell so well? It was here that the famous film “The Beach” was filmed. Around the islands of the Phi Phi archipelago there are coral reefs, and off the coast there are a huge number of underwater rocks, caves and tunnels. There are sunken ships, and the underwater world simply surprises with its diversity. Diving enthusiasts treat these Thai islands as a kind of Mecca. You can do things on the islands various types active rest.
Bali, Indonesia. This is a completely different type of resort. A developed island, the infrastructure of which is almost better than in the capital of the country, Bali can sometimes be called a state within a state. Excellent beaches, clear sea, but people are attracted here, for the most part, by the amazing culture of the island. Local traditions and rituals are mixed with what expats and romantically minded tourists bring: the cocktail turns out to be so interesting that Bali has been at the top of tourist rankings for several decades.
The Galapagos Islands, which belong to Ecuadorian territory, have become so famous, largely thanks to the turtles that live only on these lands. Rare giants, sea turtles are under state protection, and today tourists can only hunt them with the help of cameras. The islands have amazing nature. Volcanic craters, jungles, an abundance of rare animals and plants, as well as many interesting diving sites: Galapagos Islands there is something to brag about.
Santorini is the most famous Greek island. Greece is generally famous for its islands, but Santorini is rightfully the most popular among them all. The most picturesque landscapes of the island are due to its volcanic past, so all the beaches here are multi-colored, the sand can be black, white, red and even pink. White graceful houses, closely huddled together, miraculously remain on the steep slopes. They fit surprisingly harmoniously into the landscape. Holidays in Santorini turn out to be unforgettable for many.
Madagascar is a state in the western region of the Indian Ocean. This is not an island for those who prefer to lie on the beach, but rather for those who love nature and want to see as many of its surprises as possible. Natural parks Madagascar is very diverse, the landscapes here are such that not everyone recognizes them as terrestrial, sometimes it is more reminiscent of the surface of Mars or Venus. In addition to landscapes, Madagascar boasts rare species of flora and fauna that are not found anywhere outside the island. You can see whales from July to September, and baobabs, which everyone has heard of but almost no one has seen, can be seen here all year round. The cultural features of the island are not inferior to natural ones. There is all the necessary infrastructure for tourists.
Jo Ann Snover/Shutterstock.comSquare: 98 sq. km
Population: ≈32 thousand people
Average temperature, °C: +32 in summer and +25 in winter
Language: English
Currency: USD
Turks and Caicos is a country of 30 islands near the Bahamas. This is a former British colony - visas are issued through the British Embassy. Providenciales, or simply Provo, is one of the largest islands of the archipelago, tourist centre countries.
Provo has clear coastal waters, snow-white beaches, mango thickets and developed infrastructure. You can relax there all year round. Moreover, the beaches of Provo are some of the best in the Caribbean, and Grace Bay is included in the list of the most beautiful in the world.
There are no large ones on the island settlements. Shops, casinos, galleries, sports and cultural centers and SPA complexes are concentrated in the villages around Lasington International Airport.
Entertainment in Provo for every taste. For example, you can rent a scooter or bike and head to Princess Alexandra National Park to admire the emerald salt lakes, coral reefs and amazing waterfowl. There is also a unique farm in Provo that grows... rare species shellfish
For lovers of water activities - surfing, windsurfing and, of course, diving. At the Leeward Marina and Sapodilla Bay moorings you can rent a yacht and go to boat trip or go fishing.
Provo is famous for its golf courses. There is even an annual tournament for this sport.
2. Maui, USA
idreamphoto/Shutterstock.com Square: 1,883.5 sq. km
Population: ≈144 thousand people
Average temperature, °C: +30 in summer and +21 in winter
Language: English
Currency: USD
Maui is formed by two volcanoes: lava flows connected and created a picturesque valley. Because of the craters, the island resembles a giant figure eight from above. The crater of one of these volcanoes - Haleakala (“House of the Sun”, 3,055 meters above sea level) - is part of the volcano of the same name national park. Its surface is like the Moon. Horseback riding bicycle tours are available throughout Haleakala.
Maui has about 60 kilometers of beaches. Among them, two main ones stand out resort areas: Kaanapali and Wailea. Kaanapali has ideal white sands and clear coastal waters, as well as many hotels, shops, sports grounds and entertainment centers. Wailea is the second most popular beach on the island. This is a youth hangout place, there are many bars and discos. Beaches, both on the western and eastern and south coasts, perfectly equipped: umbrellas, sun loungers, volleyball courts and various water activities (surfing, parasailing, sailing, diving).
The most populous area of the island is Kahului. Local Attractions - Lahaina City ( former capital Hawaii with unique buildings of the 19th century) and the town of Hana with an amazing beach and atmospheric ranch. But the main thing is the road to Hana. The highway runs through bamboo groves inhabited by exotic birds, across bridges and waterfalls.
Lovers of the underwater world should visit the Maui Ocean Center: more than a thousand species of fish in a giant aquarium that imitates the vastness of the ocean. And from December to March you can see humpback whales off the coast.
Tony Moran/Shutterstock.com Square: 125 sq. km
Population: ≈52 thousand people
Average temperature, °C: +26 in summer and +22 in winter
Language: Spanish
Currency: HNL
Roatan is a marvelous island with sandy beaches, picturesque green hills and turquoise waters, part of the Islas de la Bahia archipelago. It is considered the pearl of Honduras, second only to Copan in popularity. Coastline The islands stretch over 1,254 kilometers. The most comfortable beaches are located in the west - West Bay.
Roatan is surrounded by coral reefs like a ring. Diving enthusiasts can admire the picturesque underwater world all year round. Fortunately, there are many rental places for scuba diving equipment on the coast. The village of West End is especially famous, where literally every house is a diving center.
The “capital” of the island is the town of Coxen Hole. It was founded in 1835 by settlers from the Cayman Islands, which at that time belonged to Great Britain. Therefore, in Roatan, where the official language is Spanish, they speak English quite well, or rather its Creole version. Not far from the town of Coxen Hole there is a local international Airport named after Juan Manuel Galvez.
Aesthetes should definitely visit the botanical garden, spread over more than 16 hectares. The beautiful carambola grows there, and mango groves and tunnels of vines create the feeling of being in a paradise jungle.
Entertainment also includes an excursion to a stone processing plant and horseback riding along the coast. But the most romantic place on Roatan is the butterfly park, where dozens of species of tropical beauties flutter from flower to flower. Thrill-seekers can check out the local snake and iguana breeding nursery.
imagIN.gr photography/Shutterstock.com Square: 76 sq. km
Population: ≈14 thousand people
Average temperature, °C: +30 in summer and +12 in winter
Language: Greek
Currency: EUR
Santorini is a chain of five small islands (Thira, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni, Thirasia and Aspron) and about two dozen small surface rocks that form a ring around the central lagoon. The island has a volcanic origin, hence the round outlines of the coast.
Santorini is an ancient and incredibly beautiful place. The island has many architectural and historical attractions. Just look at the city of Oia: white houses with blue roofs on steep slopes against the backdrop of breathtaking seascapes. This city has become a muse for many artists and writers. Lovers come there to write their names on the rocks - according to legend, this is a pledge eternal love. Local sunsets are also famous all over the world.
Santorini has unique beaches with black and red sand (all due to the volcanic nature of the island). In Kamari, near the city of Thira, and Perissa there are black beaches, and in Akrotiri Bay there is a dark red one. Beach lovers should visit Santorini better in summer when air and water temperatures reach their maximum. But this does not mean that the island is not suitable for wintering. Winters there are mild, the thermometer rarely drops below +10 °C, and on sunny days it stays around +17 °C.
Santorini is suitable for a cozy, relaxed holiday. It’s not for nothing that creative people who love to contemplate find shelter there. There are few noisy discos there, but there are many gourmet establishments - cafes and restaurants with open terraces and sea views. For more than 3,500 years, a unique grape variety, assyrtiko, has been grown on the island and delicious wine is made from it.
Among the architectural attractions are the ruins of a Minoan era city, destroyed by a volcanic eruption, on Cape Akrotiri. There is also an archaeological museum and ancient churches (Pangea-Episkopi, Agiou Mina and others).
Dmitry Zimin/Shutterstock.com Square: 21 sq. km
Population: 1,382 people
Average temperature, °C: +32 in summer and +31 in winter
Language: Thai
Currency: THB
Tau is located in the south of Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. The name of the island means “turtle island” in Thai. Once upon a time there were really a lot of them in these parts. Today there are more divers on the island.
Tau is a godsend for scuba diving enthusiasts. More than 300 sunny days a year (the high season lasts from December to March) and clear water (in some places visibility reaches 40 meters) do their job. Freediving is especially popular. On Tau there is the famous school Apnea Total, which teaches scuba diving while holding your breath. In general, there are dozens of dive centers on the island where they teach diving and where you can rent equipment. Sport fishermen will also be able to enjoy what they love: fish are plentiful off the coast of Tau.
There is no hustle and bustle on Tau, like on Koh Samui and Phuket. True, the infrastructure is less developed: there are interruptions in water and electricity, and the condition of the roads leaves much to be desired. They move around the island, as everywhere else in Thailand, on bikes that can be rented. True, Tau is so tiny that you can cross it on foot if you wish.
There are only six beaches on the island. Sairee is the largest, Ao Tanote is the most accessible for snorkeling, and Sai Nuan is the most beautiful. Turquoise water, milky sand and palm trees spreading along the shore... If paradise exists, then it looks something like this.
Tau is ideal for lovers of beach and beach holidays. Water skiing, rock climbing, jungle paintball, yoga, massage, surfing, quad biking and cruises around the island - local travel agencies offer entertainment for every taste. For those who like to just walk and look, you can visit the fishing museum in the village of Sayri, as well as observation platforms islands.
sarra22/Shutterstock.com Square: 785 sq. km
Population: ≈267 thousand people
Average temperature, °C: +30 in summer and +20 in winter
Language: Portuguese
Currency: EUR
The Madeira archipelago, a thousand kilometers southwest of Portugal, consists of two inhabited and several deserted islands. The mild climate and warm Gulf Stream allow you to relax in Madeira all year round. No wonder it is called the island of eternal spring. There are no luxurious beaches, but the silence, picturesque landscapes and a special atmosphere of relaxation fully compensate for this.
The main resort of the archipelago is Funchal, its capital. The city is located on a steep slope and is literally buried in flowers. You can enjoy its beauty, as well as sea views, while climbing cable car Monte Cable Car. Tourists are invited to go down the hill on a wooden sleigh, Carros de Cesto. And in Monte (a suburb of Funchal) there are luxurious botanical gardens with rare plants and ancient palaces.
Ethnic lovers can visit the authentic villages of Camara de Lobos and Curral das Freiras. The first is a fishermen's settlement, where colorful boats stand on the shore. The famous Madeira is produced here. Yes, yes, Madeira is the birthplace of this wine. Curral das Freiras is located in the crater of an extinct volcano. The main attraction of the village is the monastery of St. Clare, which in the 16th century served as a refuge for the monks from pirates.
Madeira not so much beach place. But for lovers of nature, a calm, measured life and the same entertainment (golf, fishing, mountain hiking, etc.) this is an ideal wintering place.
Khoroshunova Olga/Shutterstock.com Square: 5,780 sq. km
Population: ≈3.8 million people
Average temperature, °C: +30 in summer and +33 in winter
Languages: Indonesian, Balinese
Currency: IDR
Bali is a large island of the Indonesian archipelago located in the Indian Ocean. For many travelers, Bali needs no introduction. Tourists dubbed it fabulous island. Everything there is imbued with symbolism, and colorful religious ceremonies and breathtaking landscapes truly create an atmosphere of magic.
There are several resort centers in Bali. Kuta is the most popular and noisy, with nightlife thriving all year round. Nusa Dua and Jimbaran are the most fashionable, best restaurants and hotels. Tanjung Benoa is the most modern, famous for its SPA centers. Sanur - for family vacation, convenient beach, peace and quiet. The list is not exhaustive.
Bali has a lot to see: pristine landscapes, tropical forests, the volcanoes of Kintamani, Gunung Batur and Gunung Agung, as well as ancient Indonesian temples (Mother Temple, Royal Temple, rock temples in Pejeng, Yeh Pulu and Pura Samuan Tiga and other). It’s simply impossible to list all the attractions.
The main water entertainment is. Bali is famous for its waves. Both experienced and novice athletes will not be bored: the former will most likely choose Uluwatu and Bingin, while the latter will choose Kuta, where there are many surf schools.
It is no coincidence that Bali is called an earthly paradise. Lounge on the white sand, swim among the corals and admire the jungle in the distance, where ancient temples with mischievous monkeys hide... Isn't this paradise?
Yuguesh Fagoonee/Shutterstock.com Square: 1,865 sq. km
Population: ≈1.3 million people
Average temperature, °C: +25 in summer and +35 in winter
Languages: English and French
Currency: MUR
Mauritius - short name island nation in the Indian Ocean. In addition to the main and most large island- Mauritius, the republic includes several more smaller pieces of sushi.
Summer never ends in this place. (By the way, it is not required, and citizens can apply for it at the border.) The water temperature all year round is around +27 degrees. The shores of Mauritius are fringed with coral reefs (divers welcome), and the beaches are among the cleanest in the world. The most popular of them are Flic-en-Flac, Belle Mare (a very calm lagoon), Pereybere (for beach party lovers), Trois d'Eau Douce and others.
Mauritius is a free economic zone and there are many luxury hotels there. The island is also a kaleidoscope of different cultures; there are many colorful holidays, accompanied by costume performances, dances and fireworks.
Mauritius is famous for deep sea fishing. The best places for this are bays west coast, A best time- from September to April, as well as June and July. World fishing records have been set more than once off the coast of this island. Windsurfing and kite surfing are equally popular on the island. From December to May, Mauritius is blown by winds, which creates ideal conditions for these sports. The best place Tamarin Bay is considered for surfing entertainment.
Nature lovers will also not be bored. The reserves “Volmara”, “Mahabi Belomb”, “Quen de Mir” and others will introduce you to the amazing flora and fauna of the island. That's not all: the Black River Gorge National Park, the virgin forest of Domance du Chasseur, the Grand Rivière Sud-Est waterfalls - there are enough attractions for more than one winter.
Acsanova/Shutterstock.com Square: 38 sq. km
Population: ≈8,927 people
Average temperature, °C: +30 in summer and winter
Language: French
Currency: XPF
Bora Bora is a coral island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, not far from Tahiti. He is considered one of the most romantic places on the planet. All because of the mother-of-pearl lagoons, crystal beaches, spreading palm trees and garlands of beautiful tiare flowers. There are many moons around the island called motu. Next to many motus, bungalows on stilts lie like branches of a tree.
The main attraction of Bora Bora is the lagoons. Therefore, the island is ideal for a relaxing beach holiday, when you spend most of the day sunbathing and swimming. While swimming, you can enjoy the amazing underwater world of Bora Bora. The so-called stingray road is especially interesting: there are a lot of these creatures there, they are very close. You can also snorkel in the coral garden, where colorful fish dart back and forth. For extreme sports enthusiasts, the island offers a submarine excursion that reveals the secrets of the ocean.
Those who are drawn not to the depths, but to the heights, will be able to go on foot to Mount Pakhia. According to legend, the god of war descended to earth from there along a rainbow. Along the way there are orchards, orchid thickets and fern forests.
Kanokratnok/Shutterstock.com Square: 26 sq. km
Population: ≈3,108 people
Average temperature, °C: +28 in summer and winter
Language: Portuguese
Currency: BRL
Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago in Atlantic Ocean, 354 kilometers from east coast Brazil, consisting of 21 islands and rocky outcrops (it was once a mighty volcano). Most of their uninhabited, mostly inhabited main island, which gave the name to the archipelago. And he, in turn, received the name of the merchant who sponsored the expedition that discovered the islands.
In 2001, Fernando de Noronha was included in the List World Heritage UNESCO. Visits to the island are limited, so you won’t find annoying crowds of tourists there. The nature of the island is truly amazing. Two endemic birds, rare rodents and lizards live there. But the main wealth is the underwater world. Just by swimming you can see sea turtle or a dolphin. This island has the same temperature almost all year round, the climate is tropical, and the rainy season is from January to March.
Few local residents They live on income from the few tourists. But the infrastructure on the island is well developed: good hotels and beaches. For example, Sancho Beach is surrounded by a natural wall and is a favorite spot for divers. Conceição is a popular beach where you can enjoy the sun and sea while sipping tropical cocktails. Those who want to admire dolphins go to Golfinhos Bay, and for picturesque sunsets go to Santo Antonio Bay.
The main historical attraction of the island is the fort of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, standing at an altitude of 45 meters above sea level. It was once a defensive outpost, with six batteries guarding the island. But now it is abandoned, which attracts a lot of tourists.
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