Island vacations usually mean tropical beaches with sugar soft sand, swaying palms and crystal clear waters. There’s just something magical about the thought of touching down on a land that feels a million miles from daily life, where the pace is slow and the living is easy. Most probably associate the best island vacations with the Caribbean and the South East Asian seas but there are some gorgeous islands scattered around the globe worthy of your attention. Here are 8 Best Island Vacations:
1. Mljet, Croatia
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Ok, so you never expected to see Croatia on the list for best island vacations but don’t dismiss Mljet. This gorgeous island lies off the Dalmatian coast on the Adriatic Sea, about 4 hours by boat from Dubrovnik. Mljet hosts a national park and is a place of true peace and harmony. There’s few tourists so you can enjoy amazing forests, interesting salt lakes and wonderful 10km long beaches that are home to incredible marine life.
2. Boracay, Philippines
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Always appearing in the polls for the best island vacations, Boracay is located in the Asian Pacific. Of course, it has a famed reputation making it popular with tourists but don’t let that put you off. Boracay is one of the most stunning places in the world. Whether your island vacation dream is to do nothing but relax or be filled with adventure, Boracay will not disappoint.
3. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
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The Galapagos Islands are no ordinary place – it is one of the most incredible gifts bestowed on Earth by Mother Nature. This is easily the best island vacation if you’re interested in nature. The dozen or so islands are home to an amazing array of animal and plant species including penguins, sea lions, turtles, iguana and of course the giant tortoises.
4. The Seychelles
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The 115 islands that make up the republic of The Seychelles are found in the Indian Ocean. Once a British colony, the islands have a multi-ethnic culture with influences from Europe, Africa and Asia. The Seychelles offer fabulous island vacations that are popular with honeymooners who enjoy pristine beaches and secluded romantic spots. Diving is pretty fabulous too.
5. Gozo, Malta
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If you know your Greek Mythology you will be familiar with the island of Gozo being the home of Calypso, the nymph who held Odysseus captive for many years. The island is only 27 square miles but it is a rural idyll. Fans of churches will be in their element – there are 22 in all and one of them has a dome larger than that of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. One of the best island vacations in Europe, where life is simple and relaxed.
6. Bora Bora
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For those to whom best island vacations means superb diving locations, Bora Bora has more than enough appeal. Located in the South Pacific near Tahiti, its circular lagoon is an icon of paradise. Stay in eco-friendly overwater bungalows on the turquoise lagoon which remains calm thanks to a protective barrier of coral reefs, pull up a chair and watch the tropical fish and other marine life swim past.
7. Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles
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There are many Caribbean locations fighting for the right to claim the best island vacations but my choice is Bonaire. Close to Curacao and Aruba, Bonaire is a diving paradise where the waters surrounding the island are a sanctuary of coral reefs teeming with fascinating marine life. There’s plenty of interest away from the shore too. This flat topical island is home to flamingos and iguanas and the salt flats and rock art are definitely worthy.
8. Whitsunday Island, Australia
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Lying off the Queensland Coast, North Australia, the Whitsundays is a group of 74 islands. Whitsunday is the main island and is a popular island vacation destination thanks to its gorgeous white beaches. In fact, the island’s Whitehaven Beach was voted the world’s top eco-friendly beach by CNN in 2010. Part of the island is a national park and there’s a collection of wallabies as well as extensive seagrass beds that support a diverse marine life.
The best island vacations can take you to all corners of the globe. Large or small, there’s always something unique to every island that makes it fascinating. For every climate type and every holiday activity, the best island vacations offer something for everyone.
Top Photo Credit: pixluser