There’s just something about visiting a small island that is instantly relaxing. Perhaps it is because you truly feel you’ve left your troubles behind on the mainland. Perhaps it is because you can hear the sea wherever you are. Or maybe, it’s because you feel a sense of discovery.
But, whatever the reasons, traveling to the little islands which sit just off the coast of better known destinations has provided some of our most memorable moments. Here are just some of our favorites.
Isla Conejera, Spain
Watching stunning sunsets over the Isla Conejera from the terrace at the appropriately-named Sirenis Seaview in Ibiza’s Port Des Torrent makes us seek out this elongated rocky outcrop by boat. We hire a day-boat from Star Boats at nearby Es Pouet Beach. It’s the priciest day trip of the holiday, costing 260 euros for a full day, but it includes a sun canopy and coolbox, so we load up a picnic and set off on the suggested circular route, which passes by Conejera. Legend has it that Hannibal, the Carthaginian general was born here and, recently, three skeletons of 16th century pirates were discovered here. But, when we stop here for lunch, the only inhabitants are the innumerable rabbits which hop around without any fear of human visitors.
Ile de Lérins, France
The famous Croisette in Cannes, near Nice, isn’t exactly renowned for its peace and tranquility – playing host to the Cannes International Film Festival every year, when celebrities, and their fans, arrive in their droves.
But, just a short boat trip away from the harbour and you are in an entirely different world. The islands are pedestrian-only, with no cars allowed, so they are like stepping back in time. You can walk the forest paths, breathing in the scent of Allepo pine and eucalyptus before visiting the Fort Royal, said to be the place where the real Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned.
There is a restaurant on the Ile Sainte Marguerite, the larger of the two Ile de Lérins, which serves up delicious bouillabaisse. But, we opt for a picnic on the beach. A mixture of sand and shingle, it slopes gently into the Mediterranean, so is safe for children, but it is rocky for paddling, so packing jelly shoes is a must.
Princes Islands, Turkey
The Princes Islands offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. A chain of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, they sit just off the mainland and there are numerous boat operators offering day trips from Bostanci, Kartal and Maltepe on the Asian side, or Kabatas, on the European side of the city. As there’s no traffic on the islands, the only way to explore is by hiring a bike or in horse-drawn phaeton carriages, which function like taxi cabs. Heybeliada island, the second largest of the archipelago, is particularly pretty, with its cluster of bars and restaurants, and quaint wooden houses.
Kalymnos, Greece
Just 21km by 13km, Kalymnos is a stunning island of coves, caves and mountains. You can visit for the day by ferry from neighboring Kos, but we love staying in one of the island’s hotels. That way, when the day trippers have gone, you get to see the island’s quieter side – it can get very busy in high season. Famous for its sponges, the island’s museum tells the fascinating history of the first sponge divers of Kalymnos, who used to dive naked to the seabed, carrying a skandalopetra, a flat heavy stone, to help them stay underwater longer.
Photo Credits
Isla Conejera, Spain – By maimo on Flickr – Some Rights Reserved
Ile de Lérins, France – By massalim on Flickr – Some Rights Reserved
Princes Islands, Turkey – By toddgeasland on Flickr – Some Rights
Kalymnos, Greece – By 38226774@N00 on Flickr – Some Rights Reserved
Guest Author Bio
Katie Belle
Katie is the travel addicted blogger behind delightso.me. She believes that wherever you visit in the world, there’s sure to be a little soul soothing island just waiting to be explored.
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