The word “island” from the depths of consciousness emerges shared associations: Island of Dreams, Love Island, the island of desires. Even though “The Island of bad luck” from the Soviet movie “Diamond Hand” is a strange misunderstanding. Such islands do not exist!.
But who dares to call such islands as Sardinia, Ischia unworthy ones, where you will feel like a fairy tale? What distinguishes the list of the islands from rest of the continent? There are some fundamental differences. First, on any island, as a rule, there’s no such an oppressive heat, that is typical for the most of the continental resorts.
Speaking of European islands, almost all of them have ECOLOGICAL flag of the EEC, which is awarded for the cleanest beaches, since the islands, as a rule, have no industrial production and thus have ideally clean environment.
The third difference – tourism is the only source of income of the islanders, and so they try to move back and forth … and thus provide better service, and gracious attention, and hotels, and many more. Now more on the islands.
Ischia
This island is famous in Europe not only because of its beautiful scenery, famous beaches and azure sea. For the magnificent pine forests, vineyards and citrus plantations Ischia got its second name – “Green Island”. But the main wealth of this paradise of Italy – the world-famous thermal waters, providing the most favorable impact on the human body. Customer’s service, hundreds of hot thermal pools with water from 25 to 38 degrees, mud baths, and beauty centers. Do not think that, once on the island, you will find yourself in isolation. From the island can make a fascinating tour of ancient Pompeii, and cheerful Naplesl. Magnificent architecture, national color, hundreds of shops awaiting you in the capital of the South. A trip to the enchanting island of Capri will complement your impressions of this wonderful tour.
Sicily
I bet the first thing that comes to mind when talking about Sicily is mafia. Who does not remember the wonderful trilogy of the movies “The Godfather”. Except all of the rumors and the actual truths there are also a lot of other things that need to be taken into account when talking about Sicily. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, this island for centuries served as a bridge between East and West, and Asia. It is preserving various remarkable monuments of the epochs of Greek, Arab, and Norman domination. As in Sardinia, there are many wonderful places untouched by modern civilization. It is no accident that Goethe called the landscapes of this island “the greatest work of art and nature”.
Cyprus
Holidays in Cyprus is suitable not only to married couples, but also for the single youth. The islanders can proudly state that the island is so diverse that it can satisfy even the pickiest visitors. You just need to know to what place to give preference. Ayia Napa is the place where you can enjoy the evenings when listening to the great music composed by young musicians. Protaras is popular for its great beaches and fluffy white sand and this is the place where your kids will just love to spend their vacation, Limassol is more of a private type of resort, preferring the calm and measured vacation – here are most expensive hotels and fine restaurants. No matter at what part of the island you stay, you can still feel the exciting spirit of the mixed culture gained from the neighboring countries and islands.
Corsica
This small island is the birthplace for the great Emperor Napoleon, who managed to conquer almost all of the Europe. It feels like this is the main invitation tip of the island. But actually it’s not. The thing is that the island is a rather popular place with a diverse sea world. A lot of tourists visit the island for the snorkeling. The island has a long list of different places to visit and to stay in. The option is left to the visitor: to choose a simple place to have a quite rest or to prefer one of the luxurious hotels where to feel yourself as just another emperor. The island is also quite popular among the European celebrities. You can find some celebrity having a sunbath or doing some shopping on the island’s boutique every single summer. This means that the place is worth of the attention and of course… the visit. Let’s leave the rest of the discovery possibilities to the island.
Canary
Some say that if there’s a paradise, then it’s exactly here. Six hours of flight, and you are on the islands of eternal spring. It’s interesting to know that the temperature in winter drops below 22 degrees Celsius, while in the summer it does not rise above 30 degrees. The island offers fabulously low prices on entertainment, recreation and nutrition. Entrance to all of the disco is free, and the choice options are just enormous. In Los Americas, 2 times a week (Thursdays – near the hotel Arona Gran) fairs are held, with all of the possible sell-offs, where you can buy many kinds of consumer goods at affordable prices and not. Many booths will also offer you various jewelry and souvenirs. In Tenerife there is a large number of specialized parks: Loro Park – one of the world’s largest parrot parks, Tenerife Zoo – the zoo, showing rare species of exotic animals (predators, reptiles, herbivorous), Cactus Park – Park, cultivating various species of cacti from the most small to giant ones which cannot be seen anywhere else. So, let’s call this island an island of entertainments.
Crete
The largest Greek island that separates the Aegean and the Mediterranean Sea and is the boundary between Europe, Africa and Asia. This is one of the islands that experienced many events: the explosion of the volcano Santorini, which destroyed the Minoan civilization, the conquest by the Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians, and Turks. Each nation brought its own elements to the culture of the Cretan people. They build houses, fortresses, churches, which can be seen now, when traveling to the wonderful island of Crete. Choosing holiday on the island, you need to know the specifics of all its resorts. Heraklion is designed for the noisy youth. Han is more of a luxurious and aristocratic resort part. Hersonissos – the most popular among the tourists. Agios is rather prestigious. Rethymno is the most picturesque when talking about the natural beauty.
