OUR BIG TRIP
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BEST ISLANDSBackpacking through Europe, Asia and America was a once in a lifetime experience and along the way we saw some amazing sights that will stay with us for the rest of our days.
We keep being asked what places we most enjoyed visiting on the trip. It is very difficult to choose but we have had a think and drawn up a list of our top 10 favourite islands. To read a full account about our experiences on each one please click on the title. Amorgos is a breathtaking island. Framed by steep sloping mountains of dusty, raw sunbaked rock, garnished with lush clumps of bottle green foliage and a sprinkling of brilliant white buildings, the port of Aegiali holds the kind of setting that makes film makers drool. Dominated by an exquisite arc of soft, golden powdery sand, lined with palm trees that gently curves around a mirror of water so clear that you could almost drink it, Aegiali emits the kind of wish you were here ambience that one associates with a castaway paradise. Radiating an aura that is enhanced by a tranquility born from a location, as the furthest eastern island of the Cyclades, that sees very few visitors out of season, Aegiali is the perfect-get-away-from-it-all destination. Indeed as only 2 of 9 tourists that disembarked the ferry on our arrival we felt like we had the entire place pretty much to ourselves. Overall our stay here was absolutely fantastic and shall always be remembered for 2 things. The moped ride round the island, our favourite activity on the entire big trip, and the fantastic views of the setting sun that we observed from the terrace of the restaurant we dined at most nights. A truly wonderful place. The Greek Island of Santorini possesses one of the most unique, volatile and incredibly spectacular settings I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Once part of a chain of volcanoes more than a million years ago the area's landscape changed dramatically when a series of destructive earthquakes and eruptions came to a head in the form of what is believed to have been the largest explosion in the earth's history. As more than 30 cubic kilometres of lava overflowed and a jet of ash 36 kilometres high shot into the air the resulting carnage was catastrophic. The middle of the island caved in, forming a caldera that quickly became submerged by the sea. By the time the dust had settled mother nature had begun the process of turning Santorini's landscape into one of the most striking and inspiring locations in the world. What nature created man has continued and the sight of dense clusters of gleaming white buildings teetering on the edge of sheer lava layered cliffs, that almost entirely encircle the submerged caldera, and plummet more than 200 metres down to the sea, was as dramatic as it was sensational. If I ever won the lottery I would definitely buy a holiday home here. Karpathos is a dramatic Greek island of diverse landscapes that range from gorgeous mountainous terrain to idyllic beaches. With a series of small rugged coves to explore and what is reputed to be some of the best and clearest water for snorkelling in the whole of the Aegean it is a great island to kick back and take it easy for a while. We spent a very relaxing week in the seemingly untouched region of Ammoopi soaking up the sun both on the beach and by the pool, undertaking leisurely 5km hikes to the island's main town at Pigadia and feasting on its many gastronomic delights. A destination that successfully marries together a gratifying sense of sedateness with a truly picturesque setting Karpathos provides an incredibly blissful environment in which to unwind. The largest island in the Central Dalmatia region, Brac Island is famous for producing the illustrious white stone that was used to build the White House in Washington D.C. Enjoying over 2700 hours of sunshine Brac Island is an extremely popular destination with tourists in high season, particularly for those with a penchant for windsurfing or diving. But out of season it exudes the kind of sleepy small town stoicism that after a prolonged period of travelling becomes so appealing. An island of sleepy hamlets and tranquil villages Brac is set amidst a lush Mediterranean terrain of pines, maquis and rough crags that slope dramatically onto the rocky shoreline, which is absolutely breathtaking and in the Zlatni Rat Beach it possesses one of the most unique and picturesque beaches in the country. Resonating a comely atmosphere it is a charming play to stay for a few days and proved a fitting location to spend my birthday. Nestled in the heart of the maritime provinces the municipality of the Madeleine Islands is an archipelago of a dozen islands of which 6 are connected by 86km of long, thin, sand dunes. Supposedly named after Madeleine Fontaine, wife of the first French governer, the islands, which can only be accessed by air or sea, are lauded as the province's most beautiful region. Driving round the 6 connected islands, whose formation resembles the shape of a half moon, was a fantastic experience. Everywhere around us the lush green valleys, golden sandy beaches, brilliantly unique red cliffs and kaleidoscope of blues shimmering off the surface of the seas and lagoons, provided a magnificent collusion of spectacular landscapes and mesmerising vistas. The islands captivating sense of remoteness and untarnished natural beauty made compelling viewing and whether it was observing the amazing patterns of erosion and the fantastic shapes of the red cliffs or simply walking along vast picturesque golden sand spits, we could not fail to be impressed. Furthermore complementing the islands breathtaking landscapes are the uniquely decorated houses that are found in small hamlets scattered across the islands. Where the homes of entire communities ablaze with a brilliant parade of purple, blue, green, orange, red and yellow facades. It is a stunning aesthetic and one that adds greatly to the areas seductive rustic charm. As one of Quebec's premier scenic attractions, the Madeleine Islands, if you can get there, are definitely worth a visit. Famous for its translucent white marble which was used to create the Venus de Milo and Napoleon's tomb, Paros is an attractive island with fine swimming beaches and a picturesque location set against a backdrop of gently sloping terraced hills. Although rather berift of bona fida tourist attractions, - the only one of any real note is the Panagia Ekatontapyliani, an ornately decorated church famous for possessing 100 doors -, its main port, Parikia held an intimacy, tranquility and charm which we were instantly seduced by. Alternating predominantly between sunbathing on its inviting soft sandy beach, exploring the wonderfully bright Cycladic old quarter with its narrow tangle of gleaming white buildings and blue topped roofs, or people watching from one of the many restaurant bars that line the waterfront promenade, our time in Paros was very special. As another island where we experienced fantastic sunset views it is a place that we will remember fondly for a very long time to come. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year Hvar is best known for being the warmest and greenest of Croatia's islands. A reputation that sees it often referred to as 'Croatia's Madeira'. It is indeed a reputation that is well deserved for Hvar is a beautiful island encircled by the stunning deep blue waters of the Adriatic and covered with dark patches of green foliage which are intersected by a wonderful tapestry of lavender, rosemary and heather. A good place to explore on foot the island has a number of inviting, remote, rocky beaches that lead off from the seaside promenade stretching round its perimeter. However having booked into a resort hotel which was situated in a secluded cove about 500 metres from the island's quaint harbour and discovering that the balcony of our room provided excellent views of the surrounding area, it was from here we chose to spend most of our time appreciating the island. Accessed by a 40 minute ferry ride from Sorrento, Capri is a beautiful island that provides many great walking opportunities. Containing a number of pathways and leafy stairwells that led us from the centre of town, which is situated on top of a crag, to some of the most dramatic and picturesque parts of the coastline we spent more than 4 hours exploring this island in a state of utter amazement. Against the backdrop of the shimmering blue sea the views on offer simply took our breath away. In particular, among many highlights, looking at the water through a natural arch in the rocks, which has been formed by a phenomenon of geological erosion, and observing the waves crashing on the Faraglioni, 2 giant rocks that rise adjacent to each other about 100 feet out into the sea, were especially enchanting. Although we did not spend a night on Capri the feeling of exhilaration and wonder that we experienced whilst walking round it during our 4 hour visit here provided us with a great taste of the island's undoubted magnificence. Closer to the USA than it is to mainland Canada, Vancouver Island and in particular the city of Victoria exudes an air of culture and sophistication. With the rugged mountainous terrain of the Olympic Peninsular standing imperiously from across the deep blue waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Victoria, which is situated on the southernmost point of Vancouver Island, enjoys a spectacular setting. Known affectionately as the 'City of Gardens', the landscape is beautifully laid out with tall, leafy trees, stunning floral arrangements, truly magnificent architecture and a picturesque harbour. The kind of destination where the main attraction is the place itself we spent a delightful couple of days savouring Victoria's intoxicating urban beauty and friendly laidback ambience. With the mildest climate in the country and an irresistible mix of old English charm and big city vibrancy, Victoria is a fantastic place to visit. Despite our short stay there it is easy to see why Conde Naste Traveler lauds it as 'the best city in the Americas '. As Canada's smallest province at 5700 square kilometers Prince Edward Island is predominantly a farming and fishing community whose main exports to the rest of the country are potatoes, lobsters, oysters and herring. Split into 3 roughly equal size counties, Prince to the west, Queens in the middle and Kings to the east, the island is similar to other maritime provinces in that you need a car to explore the region. With each county possessing a scenic road network that circles round its area, the island which has numerous historical, geographical and touristy points of note, provides plenty of opportunity for sightseeing. Not least in its fantastic National Park and the internationally renowned house of Anne of Green Gables, the setting for the 1908 Lucy Maud Montgomery novel. Resonating the air of a refined old English village the Prince Edward Island's picturesque green landscape, coupled with its good beaches provide an intriguing backdrop with which to explore the island. Although we had not originally planned to come here the discovery of the island's quaint and charming ambience made us rather glad we did.
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