European Islands for a Unique Vacation

You want to go to Europe to explore the wide variety of culture and arts throughout the continent's many countries, but the idea of lounging on the beach somewhere sounds equally enticing. Why not do both? Don't go fight the crowds at all the popular "hot spots" in Europe. For your next vacation, consider visiting one of the exotic European Islands. It will be a unique travel experience that you won't soon forget!

Why Travel to a European Island?

Some of the European Islands featured here are territories of mainland countries, and others are "stand-alone" sovereign states, including Malta and Iceland. Yet, each of these regions might as well be their own nation. European cultural influences are evident, and the language or dialect may be "borrowed" from elsewhere. However, when it comes to the sights, sounds and tastes of these islands, you simply have to go there for the experience that mainland cannot match!

 

12 European Islands You Won't Want to Miss

Tenerife (Spain, Canary Islands)

Although the Canary Islands are an autonomous territory of Spain, they are actually off the coast of the African continent, about 100 km south of the border of Morocco and Western Sahara. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and offers a wide range of activities from watersports to hiking, photography and unique cultural activities. Spain's highest mountain, Mount Teide, is found on Tenerife. From the top of this World Heritage Site, you'll have a grand view of the rest of the volcanoes on the island. The region is rich in wildlife and natural beauty. Not surprisingly, tourists love to visit Tenerife - 12 million each year, to be precise!

 

Sardinia (Italy)

For amazing architecture, fresh, tasty cuisine, and unique culture, the island of Sardinia has it all! You'll step back in time to an ancient era when you visit the Bronze Age stone towers (called Nuraghe), or the Roman bath runs at Fordongianus. The sacred well of Santa Christina is an architectural marvel, as well.After your sightseeing, be sure to take a walk along one of the gorgeous sandy beaches of Sardinia (Luna Beach is pictured above). Fresh seafood is found in coastal restaurants, or you can enjoy a meal of slow-roasted meat inland.

Madeira (Portugal)

If you like wine, you'll love Madeira! Winemaking has long been a tradition in this Portuguese region. Like Tenerife, Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, located in the northern Atlantic ocean. Its about 520 km from the African coast, and 1000 km from the west coast of Europe. Temperatures hover around 70 degrees F year round. Just perfect!

Santorini (Greece) 

Yes, its true. Santorini is just that beautiful. The island is a popular destination, either on its own, or as part of a Greek isles cruise. Magical and romantic, many couples enjoy Santorini as a honeymoon destination.Postcard-perfect photos like the one above are signature Santorini. Famous white houses with blue domes are nestled into the cliffs created by eons of volcanic eruptions. You can walk the crater rims or stroll along the magnificent beaches.

The Azores (Portugal)

 If you haven't heard of the Azores, you're not alone. The 9-island archipelago, a territory of Portugal, is one of the most undiscovered European islands. Stunning natural beauty greets you and may even make you wonder whether you should keep the secret of the Azores to yourself so that it doesn't get overrun by tourists....If you like spending time outdoors, the Azores is the place to visit. Hike along trails to reach waterfalls, calderas and tiny seaside villages. All you'll need are a pair of sturdy shoes and a camera! While there, be sure to walk to Sete Cidades on Dso Miguel, the main island. The village is nestled within a caldera, flanked by one blue and one green lake. Another favorite destination is the fajas, or coastal plains, of São Jorge. Visit Faial, which is a favorite among the yachting community and stop at the famous Peter Café Sport.Amazingly, you can get to the Azores in just 4 hours via plane from Boston! 

Fuerteventura (Spain, Canary Islands)

If you like Tenerife, you may want to extend your vacation to the Canary Islands with a visit to Fuerteventura, one of the Canary islands.  The island is very popular with water sports enthusiasts, in large part due to the strong winds that propel sailboats across the waves. Surfers love the giant swells and the beaches are simply amazing.  Take your pick among clean, pristine white or black volcanic beaches.  There are even guided walking tours along the sands.

Sicily (Italy)

Sicily is the large Italian island being kicked by the "boot" that is the mainland country. Practically a nation in itself, Sicily is steeped in history, art and excellent wine! Forget what you've read or heard about this island with a storied past. The people there are friendly and helpful, and while your travel experience will have an Italian flair, it will also be uniquely Sicilian!

Ionian Islands (Greece)

The Ionian Islands are a group of Greek islands that are also called the Heptanese, the "Seven Islands." Located off the west coast of Greece, in the Ionian sea, the islands consist of:

• Corfu (Kerkyra)
• Paxos (Paxi)
• Lefkas (Lefkada)
• Ithaca (Ithaki)
• Cephalonia (Kefalonia)
• Zante (Zakynthos) and
• Cerigo (Kythira)

Though the islands are now part of Greece, they have a storied history with influences from a number of European countries.  The experience is a unique blend of Greek and Italian culture. 

Šibenik Islands (Croatia)

The Šibenik Islands, within central Dalmatia where the Krka river empties into the Adriatic Sea, are a jewel in a dense archipelago of islands. Part of Croatia, they were heavily fortified to ward off the attacks of the Yugoslav Army and the Serbs during the Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995). The four main fortresses can be viewed, and all architectural damage from the recent war has been repaired.

• Tvrđava Sv. Nikole
• Tvrđava Sv. Mihovila
• Tvrđava Sv. Ivana
• Tvrđava Šubićevac

The relatively small population allows the natural wonders of the islands to shine through. Be sure to visit the islands of the Kornati National Park, the Krka National Park and the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Waterfalls like the one shown above are even more stunning in real life!

Iceland

Iceland may not be the first location that comes to mind when you consider European Islands. Yet the island nation will not disappoint tourists looking for a fresh alternative to traditional travel plans.The scenery is pure and unmarred, given that its the largest uninhabited area in Europe. Enjoy birch forests, deserts of black sand and boiling pools of mud. The hot springs allow for outdoor swimming year round. Oh, and yes, there is that volcano too!

Malta Island (Malta)

History buffs and budding archeologists will love visiting Malta! The Neolithic Temples built 1000 years before the pyramids of Egypt were created with 20-ton blocks. Just how the ancient civilizations accomplished this feat is anyone's guess. You'll also want to see St. Paul's island, which marks the spot where St. Paul shipwrecked on the Malta coast. The event is commemorated in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles! From there, you should visit the places where the Knights of St. John defended Christianity. Its not just about history, however. Malta boasts some amazing views along its coastlines. Walk along the trails, or consider a boat excursion around the islands for the best vistas.

Ibiza (Spain)

Whether you want to party at the clubs or take in spectacular scenery, the Spainish island Ibiza has plenty of options.  Young adults flock to world-famous clubs including Pacha, Amnesia and Club Privilege.  Keep a watch out for celebrities and models... 

Don Juan Pond Antarctica

With a salinity of over 40%, Don Juan Pond is the saltiest body of water in the world. It is named after the two pilots who first investigated the pond in 1961, Lt Don Roe and Lt John Hickey. It is a small lake, only 100m by 300m, and on average 0.1m deep, but it is so salty that even in the Antarctic, where the temperature at the pond regularly drops to as low as -30 degrees Celsius, it never freezes. It is 18 times saltier than sea water, compared to the Dead Sea which is only 8 times saltier than sea water.

20 Must-See Places Before The World Ends

1. The Amazon

Regardless of which country you go to to see it--Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, or French Guiana--considering it's the largest rainforest in the world and houses millions of unique creatures rarely found anywhere else, it's worth seeing for thousands of reasons.

 

2. Antelope Canyon

You might think the Grand Canyon is the only canyon you need to see in the US, but really, consider Antelope Canyon, which is conveniently also located in Arizona. Antelope Canyon was created through rivers and streams eroding the sandstone, and it makes for a wholly awesome experience where you can just saunter through miles of them.

3. Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Located in the middle of the Australian Outback, you probably recognize this one from The Adventurers Down Under. In real life, though, it's even more amazing. However, you'll find that flying on an eagle's back makes it much easier to access, as it's actually more than 280 miles outside of any significant town (Alice Springs).

 

4. Bora Bora

Located in French Polynesia in the South Pacific, Bora Bora is well-known as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. With crystal clear waters and awesome accommodations, there's no way to avoid this one.

 

5. Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is (debatably) the largest waterfall in the world, with a width of 5604ft (1708m) and a height of 354ft (108m), and a much better choice than Niagara Falls.

6. Norwegian Fjords

Norway has one of the longest coastlines in the world, but almost certainly the most interesting. Its eastern coast is riddled with hundreds of jagged inlets, jutting right into the inland of the country. The formations within them as well as the views from them are among the most mesmerizing around.

7. Santorini

Santorini is an island off the coast of Greece, thousands of years ago the site of one of the largest volcanic explosions in history. Today it plays home to spectacular views, crazy architecture, and a storied history (supposedly the same eruption that destroyed it led to the legend of Atlantis).

8. Iceland

Iceland features some of the most alien landscapes in the world, from huge, partially frozen waterfalls, to the Northern Lights and insane sunsets and sunrises, to miles of barren tundra; not to mention an outgoing population who's down to party.

9. Moraine Lake

You'd think a lake is a lake, but surely not. At least not Moraine Lake. Up in Alberta, Canada, Moraine is uniquely astounding because when it's full, the intensely light rock from the surrounding mountains refracts, creating a neon, mind-blowing shade of blue. Plus, you know, the whole area is pretty amazing in the first place.

10. Petra

Built around 1200BC, Petra is an ancient city of Jordan, renowned not just for the fact that it's entirely built inside "towering rocks," but for its intricacies therein. The city was able to constructed in the desert because its designers, the Nabataeans, redirected waterways, creating an artificial oasis--the center of their caravan trade, and a fortress.

11. Machu Picchu

Located almost eight thousand feet above sea level in Peru, Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing feats of architecture in the world. While you might think it's a pretty weird place to put a city, you'd be wrong: most believe it was an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who really must've need to take some time away from it all.

12. Plitvice

Plitvice is the oldest national park in Southeast Europe, and the largest in Croatia. Its views are something that few would expect in Europe at all, and the fact that it remains relatively untouched (aside from a few walkways), makes it all the better.

13. Great Barrier Reef

Composed of over 2900 individual reefs, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest of its kind in the world--so large it can be seen from outer space--and also the "biggest single structure made by living organisms." Due to coral bleaching from pollution, this is a site to see asap.

 

14. Sistine Chapel

Honestly, with some of the most prominent works by some of the most famous Renaissance artists--like Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, and Pietro Perugino--how could you not want to take a quick look at the Sistine Chapel? I mean, it's in Vatican City, which is pretty worth checking out on its own.

 

15. Stonehenge

Considering all the theories surrounding Stonehenge, it seems pretty likely that it'll have to do with the apocalypse anyway, so you might as well see the harbinger in person before it all goes to hell.

16. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is considered "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage," which should be reason enough to visit its vaulted walls and beautiful gardens; but what's more, it was built from 1632-1653 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Now that is some serious devotion.

17. Palace of Versailles

The pinnacle of absolute monarchy and the indulgence of the ancien régime in France, Louis XIV transformed this former hunting lodge into one of the most expansive palaces in the world. So indulgent was it, in fact, that Louis had all records of how much it originally cost to build destroyed, though the estimates range from $2 billion up to almost $300 billion in today's dollars.

18. Great Wall of China

Construction of the Great Wall began in the 7th century BC and continued for hundreds of years. It's the longest fortification ever built, constructed to thwart invasions of Mongolian and Manchu enemies. At its height (well, length), it was more than 3700 miles (6000km) long.

19. Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is a temple complex surrounded by a moat, built by Cambodian king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to serve as the state temple and capital city. The symmetry and "harmony" of its design has been compared to the most famous architecture of ancient Greece and the Romans.

20. Church of Our Virgin Mary of Zion

Located in Axum, Ethiopia, this site is important--like Stonehenge--when we're talking about the apocalypse. Contained within this tiny structure is supposedly the Ark of the Covenant, aka where the tablet with the Ten Commandments is supposed to be. Something crazy will probably go down here before the end of the world.

Top 10 exotic spa destinations

Exotic spa destinations are becoming an increasingly preferred place for recreation and attract tourists annually from around the world for its wonderful climate, dazzling white beaches, crystal clear sea and the variety of water sports, which allow the simultaneous combination of active relaxation and complete relaxation.

Bali

They call it the island Of the Gods, the earthly paradise, the treasure of the Indonesian archipelago... For more than 40 years, experts are trying to unravel the mystery of this island and its enormous appeal to everyone that decide to indulge in the magic of spa rituals that deliver an incredible delight for all senses, and to obtain complete relaxation.

Not for nothing this year the Island of Bali took the title, ''The Spa Capital of Asia'', from the Asian spa awards. The people of Bali for several centuries have used the principles of illustrious healing and a rehabilitation system called "mosque". Marine algae, tropical plants, exotic spices and fruits are all used in this procedure. In the spa center of the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, they are offering exclusive spa programs:

Aromatic Petal Massage - sensual massage with fragrant flowers, combining the techniques of Swedish massage, Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi and typical Balinese tapping ensemble which aids incredible muscle relaxation and removes tension and stress.

Aruba

Aruba is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean Sea, located only 40 km from the northern coast of Venezuela. Beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, beautiful coral reefs and the wonderful climate make Aruba a favorite place for relaxation and recreation.

The island is known as the Caribbean because of the tens of Monte Carlo casinos, "housed" in luxurious hotels. The Grand resort Rineysans is in Aruba and is near the capital, the private island Rineysans.

It has six beaches, three pools, two casinos, a center for underwater swimming, a gorgeous park and a huge center for health and beauty "Oceanos SPA". The center offers healing and spa treatments, based on the latest technology, all kinds of massages, hydrotherapy, dry and steam sauna and special rehabilitation programs. Here you can enjoy the most exciting nightlife and entertainment in Aruba.

Mallorca

Once called "peaceful island", today Mallorca is a spot of entertainment, exotic adventures, endless sandy beaches and amazingly beautiful nature. Supported with romance, Mallorca has repeatedly been a source of inspiration to the world famous writers, artists, composers and artists.

 Frederic Chopin and Juan Miro, Robert Graves and Agatha Christie have been and discovered for themselves and they praised the beauty of this magical island attraction. Residencia Hotel is situated amidst the greenery of palm trees and cypress trees on the northwest coast. The hotel is a unique summer residence having the embodiment of elegance and romanticism. Beautifully landscaped gardens with fragrant roses, orange and olive trees and numerous courtyards which is attracted by the freshness of the lush greenery.

You will enjoy the wonderful peace and privacy and achieve of the spiritual harmony. The SPA center of the hotel is ultra modern and has a 16 meter indoor pool, sauna, steam room and luxurious rooms for various treatments. Highly skilled professionals offer various programs for face and body, La Stone Therapy, reflexology and other therapeutic procedures.

Maldives

Maldives are a fascinating mosaic of small islands with dazzling white beaches, "overshadowed" by magnificent palms and caressed by warm turquoise water of the ocean.

Two of the most attractive entertainments in the Maldives are incredible. Firstly is has one of the best diving attractions in the world and holds the opportunities of traveling to uninhabited islands where you can feel like Robinson Crusoe, to merge with its magnificent scenery and are able to escape from civilization for a while.

Unadulterated romance and active holiday's combined with unforgettable adventures; attract tourists from around the world in the Maldives. The hotel "4 Seasons" fully renovated, opened its doors in 2006, and is situated on the picturesque island kuda Hura, which abounds in tropical plants, but the beach, is wide and covered with fine white sand. Some islands have amazingly beautiful coral reef lagoons. The complex consists of exotic bungalows with reed roofs, some of which are located on the beach and the other are in the water. The Island spa is located on a separate little island, for guests they provide a traditional Maldivian boat which constantly crosses the lagoon.

Seychelles

An archipelago of 115 islands with breathtaking beauty and mystery located in the western Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is famous for its natural and untouched nature, one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the world, offering an unforgettable holiday and rest for the senses.

The sand and coral islands are blindingly white and have an unusual feature of not reaching temperatures of above 30 degrees above zero. The nature is incredibly beautiful with the small volcanic and coral islands being covered with flowers, tropical plants, palm forests and having some unique species. The beautiful beaches and lagoons near the tropical gardens house numerous luxury hotels. On the northwestern coast of the islands is the biggest and most beautiful beach of Beau Valon and is located at the five stars Hilton Seychelles. The hotel consists of 40 luxurious villas, one of which is named in honor of Ian Fleming, the author of the popular novels about James Bond.

The spa center offers a wide choice of relaxing procedures and massages, Ayurveda treatments and many others, restoring the harmony of body and spirit.

Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands are located in the central part of the Caribbean south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica, and cover an area of 259 square miles and integrate the three islands, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Marriage.

Besides being the largest and most modern, Grand Cayman is the most attractive with its amazing flora and fauna, which will enchant you directly. Silver palm trees, parrots, tortoises, orchids, palm (banned from leaving the country as being a unique natural) have become a true emblem of the island. Here is located the capital, Georgetown. One of the most famous and super luxury hotels, Grand Cayman Marriott, is located on the famous beach "7 mile Beach'' (7 miles in length with dazzling white and soft sand) which is on the island of Grand Cayman. The hotel is surrounded by a garden of fragrant tropical flowers and is located at the beginning of the famous beach.

It is completely reconstructed and offers ideal conditions for rest and relaxation. Exotic interior, full of warm colors and has a wonderful harmony with the picturesque landscape of the island. The Spa Center "La Mer" offers a wide range of procedures and revitalizing products from the world famous French cosmetic brand "Ion-ka '' and all kinds of massages, healing therapies, remedial and many others.

Philippines

Philippines are located in the western Pacific Ocean and up the archipelago of 7107 islands (about 1000 of them inhabited) with a unique culture, history, ethnic diversity and exotic nature. Boracay is a small island with coral origin, but is considered one of the most picturesque and is entered into the five best resort areas in the world. The famous White Beach is a 5 kilometer white sand beach, great waves and coral reefs attract tourists constantly.

Boracay is an ideal place for diving and other water sports. On the shore of the ocean alongside the White Beach, are stylish hotels, comfortable bungalows and villas. Mandala Spa Hotel is a project created by the famous Italian architect and designer, Antonio Siterio and is located in the northern part of the island. 12 luxurious villas are the ideal entry into the hilly landscape. The villas are spacious, stylishly decorated and extremely comfortable. The Spa center offers a variety of methods that restore harmony of body and soul, Ayurveda treatments, all types of massages, aromatherapy, yoga classes, and corporate programs designed specifically for women and men.

The hotel, Fried Beach is located in the northern part of the Boracay Island at White Beach, and is a complex of traditional Filipino bungalows covered with reeds and palm leaves. Bungalows are surrounded with beautiful tropical gardens with fragrant flowers. The spa center offers various types of massages, therapeutic programs, aromatherapy and other exotic rituals of youth and beauty.

Antigua and Barbuda

The Nature Island of Antigua has an impressive set: the panorama of the sea smooth landscape is changing with the hilly slopes covered with cacti, and the beaches of casualties in its white sand.

In addition, numerous coral reefs and picturesque flora and fauna make the island a true piece of paradise for rest and complete relaxation.

Not less exotic is Barbuda (located 40 km from Antigua), which also boasts of stunning beaches and coral reefs. The hotel Caribian Sandals Antigua is located on the west coast of Antigua; it combines the exotic charm of a quiet fishing village and comfort of the highest caliber and has won a prize for the most romantic hotel in the world. The magnificent beaches are of fine sand, turquoise waves of the sea, waving palm trees in the wind and are a beautiful place filled with lots of romance and charm.

Everywhere has a wonderful scent of blooming jasmine and orchids. The hotel has 5 swimming pools, water sports center, tennis courts and golf course. The spa center, Red Lane combines the most modern equipment with unique Caribbean charm. They offer all kinds of massage, classical, Colombian, Swedish, Hot stones, tropical treatments for face and body products with the world mark, Pevonia. Also procedures with clay and seaweed and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.

Barbados

Barbados was a popular destination in the 70's of last century, and today is visited annually by millions of tourists from around the world. Lush tropical vegetation and beaches of fine coral sand, azure sea, with luxury hotels and services of the highest class made Barbados a favorite place for seekers of excitement, and for lovers of the exotic.

The most popular and attractive tourist beach areas are, Gibbs Beach which is16 km west of the capital, fantastic Mulins Bay (especially favored by lovers of scuba diving), and gorgeous beaches, Peyns Bay and Sandy Bay. Hotel, Royal Pavilion Fearmont is located on the west coast and was called "the precious jewel'' in the crown of Barbados. The landscape of azure lagoon, magnificent palm trees and dazzling white beaches surround the hotel and further underscores the atmosphere of impressive splendor.

The hotel has two pools, two tennis courts, golf course, water sports center and a modern spa center. The spa center offers a variety of therapies with aromatic oils, all types of massages, hydrotherapy and many other remedial procedures.

Mauritius

Mauritius is one of the most prestigious and luxurious places in the world for complete relaxation. They call it the five star paradise island dreams, a truly magnificent and unforgettable spa destination.



The most luxurious, "Saint Zheran" which ranks in the top of Forbes for the most expensive in the world for spa resorts and hotels, is located two kilometers of its own sandy beach and has gardens with tropical trees, swimming pools, golf course, tennis courts and restaurants in the shade of coconut palms that occupy huge areas. The hotel is built in a traditional French colonial style; a clean interior imparts a unique luxury and refinement. The spa center offers a diverse selection of therapies with products from Swiss care, especially designed for Givenchy.

Aromatherapy, Turkish bath, steam and dry saunas, reflex, various types of massage, facial and body, can be left in the hands of the highly skilled therapists enabling you to enjoy an incredible vacation, to restore harmony of body and spirit.