ISLAND HOPPING IN FALL
In case, you were wondering if it is time to set sail for the incredible islands around the world, we have collected some of the best destinations for you below.
The small Cyclades are a piece of paradise on earth. There are only four inhabited islands in the Small Cyclades: Iraklia, Schinousa and Koufonisia and Donousa. It’s all about switching off and reverting to island time. The magical combination of walks, swims, siestas, a good book and generous taverna meals will make you forget what day of the week it is. Moreover, all of them are close to each other and you can transfer from one to another with daily ferry boats.
The Dodecanese, located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, is a fascinating complex of islands, ranging from tiny uninhabited islets to historic and picturesque lands, each with a unique character and charm. Island-hopping is ideal in the Dodecanese during the summer, as the meltemia winds allow for smooth sailing across the lot. Start your voyage in Karpathos, especially if you are a wind-sports enthusiast. Explore Rhodes, the crown jewel of the Dodecanese, which allows for a journey into the past, with its Old Town, its medieval buildings, and knight stories. Take the ferry (one hour from Rhodes) to Symi in the morning so that you can enjoy a full day on this stunning island. The most remote yet cosmopolitan island of the Dodecanese, Symi might just be the prettiest of all. From Symi, head to Kos. A popular holiday destination, with a collection of luxury resorts and hotels. Besides wind and water sports, Kos is a paradise for cyclers thanks to its flat terrain. Make sure to visit Nisyros island by taking a cruise.
With more than 17,000 islands, the only struggle is choosing where to go. Each island, no matter how tiny it may be, is uniquely different. There are hundreds of ethnic groups in the island country, as well as diverse animal populations, magical temples and ornate offerings to the Gods hidden around every corner. Island hoppers in Indonesia can choose from visiting tourist hot spots like Bali to one of the tiny and idyllic Gili Islands, accessible only by boat and traversed mainly by foot.
Maldives
Did you know that the Maldives is the lowest country on earth? Now, you know that there is truly no other place in the world where the ocean and the land become one like in these special islands. Located in the Indian Ocean along the equator, the Maldives is known for its cobalt water and coral reefs full of colorful fish. Like every great island-hopping destination, the natural beauty of the Maldives steals the day. The ultimate way to island hop in the Maldives is on a traditional Dhoni, a fishing boat made locally by a skilled craftsman.
Galapagos Islands
While the Galapagos Islands won’t give visitors the laid-back beaches and tropical hang-in-a-hammock beach days that many think of when they dream of island hopping, the Galapagos Islands deliver an experience to remember. From hikes amongst the sea lions, penguins and blue-footed boobies, to snorkeling with sharks and dolphins, visiting the Galapagos Islands is like stepping back into a time when animals still ruled.
The Seychelles
An archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean offering a lot of island hopping. Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are three islands in the Seychelles that are well worth your visit, and you can transfer from one to the next easily by ferry. There you can take yoga classes, go for runs around the lagoon and snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Check out Praslin, the Seychelles’ second largest island, where you’ll unwind on blonde beaches and relax at spa centers. Decide on the vibe you’re seeking—mountain adventures, underwater expeditions, party hopping, beachside reading or something else entirely—and settle on one of the above islands, or two or three or four or more of them.