No.1 THE FAROE ISLANDS

• “Lovely unspoiled islands – a delight to the traveler.” Remote and cool and thus safe from overcrowding, the autonomous archipelago located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Scotland earns high marks from panelists for preservation of nature, historic architecture and local pride.

• “Spectacular waterfalls and harbors.” Simply the best island destination in the world.

• Hiking in the Faroe Islands.

• Getting there: flights arrive from Copenhagen, Denmark, Bergen, Norway and Reykjavik, Iceland. <Read more>

  • Learn about taking a luxury ferry.

    • Sailing schedule.

• See a typical itinerary.

• <Practical information>

  • Find a tour operator.

• Where to stay.

• The best time to visit: June through August.

• Source: visitfaroeislands.com

2. AZORES

• Portugal: This temperate mid–North Atlantic archipelago offers green volcanic mountains and picturesque black-and-white towns.

• There’s whale watching, swimming with dolphins, and diving with manta rays to be had, plus canyoning and kayaking. In addition, driving tours, handicrafts and cuisine, plus an ecosystem “in great shape” and a “strong and vibrant” Portuguese culture. Locals are very sophisticated.

• Things to do.

• <Practical information>

• Download brochures to plan a trip.

• The best time to visit is June through August. You will experience pleasant temperatures and fewer cloudy and rainy days.

• Getting there.

• Source: visitazores.com

3. SHETLAND ISLANDS

Source: visit.shetland.org

• Shetland Islands, Scotland. Just south of the Faroe Islands lays these amazing islands.

• More Norse than Scottish, “Shelties” keep up Viking traditions and show “extremely high integrity in all aspects of heritage and ecology despite North Sea oil development. Great planning controls and attitude.”

• Shetland is made for walking, hiking and cycling. The calm and crystal-clear coastal waters are perfect for kayaking, while anglers are spoilt for choice with more than 300 lochs.

  • Find a walking route.

• Getting around Shetland is easy. There are 1000 km (640 miles) of quiet, well-maintained roads which make travelling by car simple. If visiting, there are several car and bike hire options available.

• Things to do.

• 21 reasons to visit.

• Best time to visit: June to August, (it is the mildest season). However, there are often cloudy skies, wind, rain and a bit of cold at night.

• Getting there by ferry or plane.

3. CHILOÉ, CHILE

Source: chile.travel

• Chiloé, Chile. Gateway to Chile’s fjord country, “rural and unspoiled” Chiloé possesses a “pristine seascape, protected forests and dozens of historic towns and wooden churches, 16 of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.”

• Visit the colorful 'palafitos' - houses on stilts, of Castro, the wooden Jesuit churches on the east coast, drive through rolling hills out to the crashing pacific coast. Other picturesque towns include Ancud, Quemchi and Dalcahue.

• Things to do.

• Best time to visit: December through March. During these months the temperatures are mild.

• Getting there.

4. ISLE OF SKYE, SCOTLAND

Source: visitscotland.com

• Isle of Skye, Scotland - connected to Scotland's northwest coast by bridge, is known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles.

• The town of Portree, a base for exploring the island, features harbor side pubs and boutiques.

• “Wild landscape and a place of cultural projects may affect attractiveness.” Ecotour operators at odds with whalers.

• Photo Gallery.

• <Hiking Tours>

• <Bike the Isle of Skye>

• Things to do.

• Best time to visit: The weather is the best between May and September. However, July and August are busiest season. <Where to stay>

• Getting there.

  • The nearest International Airport is Glasgow and the nearest local airport is Inverness.

  • Towns and villages located on Skye.

5. KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Source: tourkangarooisland.com.au

• Kangaroo Island, lies off the mainland of South Australia, southwest of Adelaide. Over a third of the island is protected in nature reserves, home to native wildlife like sea lions and koalas. <location>

• In the west, Flinders Chase National Park is known for penguin colonies and striking coastal rock formations,

• “Agriculture, tourism, and wilderness” meld with “high environmental quality and local involvement.” Feral pigs and goats and introduced koalas do disrupt habitats.

• <Learn more>

• Best time to visit: Autumn season which is March to May. Warm days with extended daylight hours for endless exploring, & cooler nights.

• Getting there.

5. MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN

Source: mackinac.com

• Mackinac Island, Michigan - sits in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. Mackinac Island State Park consist of trails, woods and the limestone Arch Rock formation.

• No cars [banned], no high-rises, and little development pressure are praise for the iconic isle in Lake Huron.

• Overall, the island is a gem. Downtown is a bit too touristy. <map of downtown>

• Visitor Guide.

• Most places and activities are open from May through September, but June through August is generally the best time to visit for the warmest weather and most availability for activities on the island.

• Getting there.

5. ICELAND

Source: visiticeland.com

• Iceland. Just north of number one on National Geographic Travelers favorite islands destination in the world list, the Faroe Islands, lays the also unique Iceland.

• Dramatic landscapes, unique culture and high environmental awareness, but “new smelters and hydro-electric projects may affect attractiveness.” Ecotour operators at odds with whalers.

• Although most visitors/hikers will want to visit from June through early-September due to the best weather, those visitors interested in the Northern Lights will find February, March and October as the best time to visit.

• Read more about planning an itinerary to Iceland.

• Travel Guides: Fodor’s Iceland or Lonely Planet Iceland.

6. MOLOKAI, HAWAII

Source:  www.visitmolokai.com

• Molokai - one of the Hawaiian Islands. Known for Kalaupapa National Historical Park, an isolated former leper colony and for its towering cliffs.

• Tops in the tropics, Molokai “is 1950s in accommodation,” its rugged coast and minimal beachfront preventing big-resort development and protecting Hawaiian cultural ways. “Seems like old Hawaii.”

• Any season is fine to visit Molokai. The rainy season does NOT impose a real issue to visit the Hawaiian Islands.

• Read more about Molokai.

7. ARAN ISLANDS, IRELAND

Source: aranisland.info

• Located off western Ireland. They’re known for their ancient sites.

• The largest island, Inishmore, is home to the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa, perched on top of a high cliff.

• Aran Islands, Ireland. The threesome off the Irish west coast exude Gaelic tradition. Islanders “maintain a strong sense of cultural heritage and identity”. Tourism management gets good reviews.

• Hiking the island.

• Take a Horse & Carriage ride or look into Bike Rentals to explore the island. (Car Ferries are not available to the Aran Islands)

• Best time to visit: June through September. It is common to experience cloudy and windy days.

• <Where to stay>

• Getting there: The Aran Islands are easily accessible via Ferry from Rossaveal in Connemara Co Galway, and Doolin Ferry which is very close to the Cliffs of Moher. You can also take an 8-minute flight from Connemara.

7. TEXEL, NETHERLANDS

Source: wikitravel.org

• Texel - It’s known for the bird-rich Dunes of Texel National Park, with its sandy beaches, grass-topped dunes and forest trails. In the park, Ecomare is a nature museum, aquarium and wildlife sanctuary for seals and birds.

• People come to Texel all year round to go on long beach walks and enjoy the countryside.

• The main point of Texel is Den Burg, which is situated in the center, making it the first point of contact of the island for many visitors. Good restaurants, pretty shops and the local tourist information office are all located in the historic center of Den Burg.

• Well-cared for Dutch holiday island on the Texel, Netherlands. “Nice low-key destination for cyclists.”

• Learn more about Texel.

• Where to stay.

• The best time to visit the island is from June until September, when you will have pleasant temperature and limited rainfall.

• The island is 10 km (6 miles) wide and 25 km (15 miles) long, and is about 82 km (50 miles) north of Amsterdam.

  • Getting there: The (TESO) ferry runs frequently and takes only 20 minutes for the crossing from Den Helder in North Holland. If you'd rather travel without a car, you can take the train from the Amsterdam central station to the harbor town of Den Helder in 1 hour and 15 minutes.
    

8. DOMINICA, CARIBBEAN

Source: dominica.dm

• Dominica, Caribbean. Rugged, green, friendly, with few beaches, the “Nature Island” offers an “authentic, unspoiled experience, with natural and cultural amenities.

• Downside issues: support for Japan on whaling and a proposed oil refinery.

• Why go?

• Things to do.

• Best time to visit is from late-October to February, when the humidity is less stifling.

• Where to stay: Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski, Anichi Resort & Spa opening soon, Harmony Villa, Secret Bay.

• Getting there.

8. GRENADINES, CARIBBEAN

Source: grenadagrenadines.com

• The Grenadines are the islands of St. Vincent, the Grenadines and Grenada. They’re known for yacht-filled harbors and sailing spots like the reef-lined island of Bequia.

• Grenadines,  “Unspoiled beauty,” not too developed, and great yachting, although yacht discharge
  pollutes local waters. Authentic—“one of the last, best hopes of the Caribbean.”

• Things to do.

• Read more about the islands.

• The best time to visit is during the shoulder months, May to June and November, hotels drop their rates to attract travelers.

  • The peak season – December through April – lures European visitors with its warm and dry Caribbean temperatures.

• Getting there: St. Vincent & The Grenadines have five(5) major airports.

  • Most visitors fly into E.T. Joshua Airport (SVD), but you can also opt to fly into the small airstrips found on Canouan (CIW), Bequia (BQU) and Mustique (MQS).

9. TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

Source: discovertasmania.com.au

• Tasmania, an isolated island state off Australia’s south coast, is known for its vast, rugged wilderness areas, largely protected within parks and reserves.

• Australia's smallest state is buzzing with art, an exciting foodie scene and new hiking trails – all against a backdrop of rich history and remarkable wildlife.

•  “Great but needs to reduce logging” sums up panelist opinion. “Proposed pulp mill threatens Tasmania’s image as clean, green, and pristine.”

• The best time to visit Tasmania is between December and February, Australia's summer season.

• Read more about Tasmania.

9. FRASER ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

Source: fraserisland.net

• Fraser Island, off Australia’s eastern Queensland coast, is the world's largest sand island, stretching over 120km.

• Forested sandy island off Queensland, a World Heritage site, gets good marks for park preservation, but “busloads of tourists detract.”

• Fraser Island Great Walk

• Why go to Fraser Island?

• Although Fraser is known for its natural splendor, you have to be strongly aware of the risks the island poses.

  • Fraser Island is the number one most dangerous beach in the world. The list is long. Dangerous wild dingos, poisonous jellyfish, sharks, strong riptides, rough seas and more.

  • Read more about the DANGERS.

• Best time to visit: Any season EXCEPT Australian summer (December to February). <Read more on when to visit>

• Getting there: Virgin Australia and QantasLink operate direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to the Fraser Coast. You can then hop aboard the ferry for the 50-minute trip across to Fraser Island.

9. HYDRA (ÍDRA), GREECE

Source: hydradirect.com

• Hydra a small island close distance to Athens.

• It gets very popular as a summer weekend destination.

• Hydra-no cars allowed and “beautiful local architecture, authentic Greek food.” Good preservation, but can be “swamped by day-trippers.”

• Wine and Dine.

• Beaches.

• Best time to visit: May, June and September when there are no crowds or intense hot weather.

  • Another great time is Greek Easter when the island celebration begins on Holy Thursday.

• Getting there: There is a regular ferry connection from Athens. Ferries depart from Piraeus port daily.

  • The trip lasts approximately 2 hrs. and the route is carried out by a high-speed vessel.

10. CAPE BRETON ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA

Source: cbisland.com

• Cape Breton Island is at the eastern end of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. <watch video>

• Its Cabot Trail is a roadway encircling the island, passing forests and rugged coastline.

• Vibrant Acadian and Celtic heritage mix with coastal panoramas on the “top notch” Cabot Trail.

• Things to do: <Fall season> < Spring and summer season>

• Tourism helps combat “high unemployment and out-migration.”

• Where to stay.

• The best time to visit is mid-May through mid- October. Summer and fall experience pleasant weather and usher in numerous festivals.

• Learn how you can get here by land, sea and air.

10. CORSICA, FRANCE

Source: visit-corsica.com

• Corsica, a mountainous Mediterranean island, presents a mix of stylish coastal towns, dense forest and craggy peaks. It's been part of France since 1768, but retains a distinct Italian culture.

• “Fantastic mix of mountains, beaches, and strong cultural identity.” The independent-minded Corsicans maintain one of the Mediterranean’s last isles sheltered from mass tourism. Well, almost: “Still a gem, but not in August.”

• Corsica’s mountainous terrain opens up opportunities to explore the great. Walking, cycling and horse-riding trails ways to enjoy some exercise while taking in the spectacular surroundings.

• Learn more on why to visit?

• Top outdoor activities to enjoy with your family.

• The island enjoys superb summer temperatures and has one of the highest sunshine records in all of France.

• Best time to visit: between May and September. The weather is sunny and the water is pleasant.

  • If you enjoy walking, May, June and September is best: it's not too hot and the island is less crowded.

• Getting there: —by air is fastest, flights depart from Nice and Paris, France.

  —by ferry, about 5-6 hours from Nice, France and Livorno, Italy.

Sources:  wikipedia.org,  wikitravel.org, National Geographic.

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