Some tourists like to relax on the sparsely populated islands, where you rarely meet foreigners. However, most travelers prefer beaten track, albeit noisy, but with developed infrastructure and many attractions.
Here top 10 best islands to travel in 2018selected based on the Condé Nast Traveler follow-up vote. Only islands outside the United States participated in the vote.
You'll like it:
- The largest island in the world
- The largest ocean in the world
10. Cayman Islands, Caribbean
Turtle farms, excellent diving and snorkeling, the opportunity to swim with stingrays - all this is offered to the saturated tourists by the Cayman Islands. However, many reviews write that for more than two weeks there is nothing to do on these islands, it becomes boring.
And there, the Pirate Festival is held annually, during which pirates of the Caribbean seize the streets, make noise, scream, but, fortunately, they operate not in the homes of ordinary citizens, but mainly in drinking establishments. During the festival, grandiose fireworks are held, costume contests (including children's ones), and street dances are organized. The festival will be held in November, the exact date in 2018 is still unknown.
9. Bali, Indonesia
Although the active Agung volcano threatens a powerful eruption on the eastern side of Bali, the unaffected parts of the island continue to thrive. Villas, hotels and spa pavilions on the ocean, surfing, diving and other water sports - the island has been famous for all this for many years.
And here (and specifically, in the city of Ubud), craftsmen from all over the world come to show their art. Therefore, the number of handicrafts and craft workshops in this city is simply amazing. Another feature of Ubud is the Monkey Forest, in which the local tailed inhabitants are so accustomed to visitors that they only respond to those who have a treat in their hands.
Rostourism asks Russian tourists to take into account the danger of the volcano, monitor information about it, and follow the instructions of local authorities. And when the threat disappears, Bali will again become one of the most tourist-friendly islands on Earth.
8. Turks and Caicos Islands, Atlantic Ocean
On these islands (there are 30 in total), there are all conditions for a vacation that will be remembered for a lifetime: a pleasant tropical climate, magnificent nature, beautiful sunsets and even more beautiful sunrises and clear water. There are no storms and no rocky shores.
Most hotels and places of entertainment are located in the largest city called Providenciales. However, for misanthropes there are individual tours to small uninhabited islands. You can get to them either by helicopter or by boat.
Tourists note that the prices on the islands are very high due to the lack of their own production. Products are delivered by air from the mainland.
7. Saint Barthelemy, Caribbean
This small island is full of expensive boutiques and shops. Once, one of the Rockefeller clan acquired land here, and after it other businessmen reached for Saint-Barthélemy. In 2009, the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich acquired the house of David Rockefeller, and now there are a lot of Russian rich people on the island.
The atmosphere of the island is saturated with luxury and glamor. There are few beaches here, but they are all public and at the same time very clean. Sunbathing on them made topless.
The people on the island are not crowded, for which tourists love it, preferring to meet their own kind as rarely as possible.
6. Bermuda, Atlantic Ocean
Pleasant temperature - on average, +29 ° C, sunny weather, beautiful coral reefs, well-groomed botanical gardens and many bays with pink sand and blue water make Bermuda one of the branches of Paradise on Earth.
Some of Bermuda's most famous attractions include: Crystal Cave Caves and Bermuda Aquarium, located within Hamilton City, Royal Square and Somers Garden in St. George, and the 85-meter St. David Lighthouse on Ordnans Island with St. George a small bridge.
Between March and July 2018, Bermuda will host eight major sailing events, including two new regattas.
5. Mykonos, Greece
One of the best islands for tourists, according to readers of Condé Nast Traveler, cannot boast of an abundance of greenery. Its strengths are a huge number of beaches and amazing architecture. From afar, it looks like snow has fallen on Mykonos. However, upon closer inspection, it turns out that the "snow effect" is produced by snow-white buildings.
There are many churches on the island (they are also snow-white). Apart from them stands the Church of the Virgin Mary Paraportiani - the oldest in Mykonos. It can be seen on all travel booklets.
And this Greek corner is also called the “Island of Windmills”. There are only seven of them left, but on all the other islands of the Cycladic group only 20 of the former 600 mills remain. They have long been no longer used for their intended purpose, and serve either as bars, museums, or monuments.
4. Mallorca, Spain
A mild climate, ancient Moorish architecture, plenty of greenery, warm water, golden sand bays, comfortable hotels - these are the main advantages of a holiday in Mallorca. This island is also famous for its huge number of caves with stalagmites of extraordinary beauty. Some of them are available only for group excursions, but some, for example, in the caves of Arta, you can come on your own. And enjoy a music concert, which is accompanied by impressive special effects.
Business cards of the island's capital - Palma de Mallorca - are Belvedere Castle and the Cathedral.
3. Palawan, Philippines
The Palawan Archipelago consists of the main island of the same name, which is surrounded by about 1800 small islands. On the island of Palawan is the city of Puerto Princesa, famous for its crocodile farms and underground rivers. There was built the National Park of the Underground River, where you can admire the richest variety of Philippine fauna and flora.
And if your goal is to get a good tan, then pay attention to the El Nido Nature Reserve with its beautiful secluded beaches, clear turquoise water, mountains covered with lush greenery and magnificent sunsets. The reserve consists of 45 islands (most of them uninhabited), between which you can travel by boat. For tourists there are special boat tours.
2. Cebu, Philippines
In second place in the ranking of the best islands for holidays in 2018, there is a place created by Mother Nature for lazy idleness.
Unpopulated and clean beaches, an atmosphere of calm and serenity - what else is needed for happiness? Unless diving, shopping (according to the reviews of people who have visited Cebu, branded goods are cheaper here than in Russia), delicious, albeit spicy Filipino cuisine and excursions with a Russian-speaking guide, of which there are many.
Those who are interested in religion are advised to visit the Small Cathedral of the Baby, which houses the icon of the Baby Jesus Christ, as well as the cross that Magellan erected after arriving on the island.
1. Boracay, Philippines
Tourists love Boracay because it is "closest to the tropical idyll that can be found in Southeast Asia."
Once this island was a mecca of budget tourists from the USA and Europe. Hippies, backpackers and other lovers of easy life were regulars in Borokai. This continued until the 80s, when the first hotel was built on the island.
Since then, Boracay, with its snow-white beaches, exotic nature, good hotels and various excursions, has been invariably a success among tourists. However, this place cannot be called noisy, it is ideal for those who are looking for calm and relaxation after the bustle of the metropolis.
