10 island paradise where you can spend the next winter
Travels / / December 19, 2019
1. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Square98 sq. km
Population: ≈32 thousand. pers.
Average temperature, ° C+32 in the summer and 25 in winter
TongueEnglish
Currency: USD
Turks and Caicos Islands - the state of 30 islands near the Bahamas. This former British colony - a visa issued through the British Embassy. Providenciales, or Provo simply - one of the largest islands of the archipelago, a tourist center of the country.
Provo - it is clear coastal waters, white beaches, mango bushes and infrastructure. Vacationing there can be all year round. Especially Provo beaches - some of the best in the Caribbean, and Grace Bay (Grace Bay) on the list of the most beautiful in the world.
The island has no major settlements. Shops, casinos, galleries, sports and cultural centers and SPA-complexes are concentrated in the villages around the international airport Lazington.
Entertainment on Provo for every taste. For example, you can rent a scooter or a bike and go to the National Park Princess Alexandra, to admire the emerald salt lakes, coral reefs and amazing waterfowl. More on the Provo have a unique farm for breeding rare species of molluscs.
For lovers of water fun - surfing, windsurfing and, of course, diving. Parked Leeward Marina and Sapodilla Bay can rent a boat and go on boat trips or fishing.
Provo famous golf courses. There even is held annually in this sport event.
2. Maui, USA
Square1 883.5 sq. km
Population: ≈144 thousand. pers.
Average temperature, ° C+30 in the summer and 21 in winter
TongueEnglish
Currency: USD
Maui is formed by two volcanoes: lava flows merged and created a picturesque valley. Due to the height of the craters island resembles a giant figure eight. The crater of one of these volcanoes - Haleakala ( "House of the Sun", 3055 meters above sea level) - is part of the national park of the same name. Its surface as the moon. According Haleakale held horse cycling trips.
Maui about 60 kilometers of beaches. Among them are two major resort areas stand out: Kaanapali and Wailea. Kaanapali - a perfect white sands and pristine coastal waters, but still many hotels, shops, sports facilities and entertainment venues. Wailea - the second most popular island beach. This place is a youth party, there are plenty of bars and discos. Beaches, both on the west and on the east and south coasts, fully equipped with umbrellas, deck chairs, volleyball courts and various water sports (surfing, parasailing, sailing, diving).
The most densely populated area of the island - Kahului. Local Attractions - Lahaina (Hawaii former capital of the unique buildings of the XIX century) and Hana town with an amazing beach and atmospheric ranch. But the main thing - the road to Hana. The highway passes through bamboo groves, inhabited by exotic birds, over bridges and waterfalls.
Lovers of the underwater world to visit Maui Ocean Center: more than a thousand species of fish in a giant aquarium, simulating the expanses of the ocean. And in the period from December to March, the coast can watch humpback whales.
3. Roatan, Honduras
Square125 sq. km
Population: ≈52 thousand. pers.
Average temperature, ° C: 26 in the summer and 22 in winter
Tongue: Spanish
Currency: HNL
Roatan - wonderful island with sandy beaches, picturesque green hills and turquoise waters, part of the archipelago Islas de la Bahia. It is considered a gem of Honduras, second in popularity only digging. Coastline of the island stretches to 1254 kilometers. Most comfortable beaches are located in the west - West Bay.
Roatan as ring surrounded by coral reefs. Fans can dive all year round, admire the underwater world. Akvalangistskogo benefit of rental equipment on the coast set. Especially famous village of West End, where literally every house - a diving center.
"Capital" of the island - the town of Coxen Hole. It was founded in 1835 by settlers from the Cayman Islands, owned at the time of the UK. Therefore, Roatan, where the official language - Spanish, well spoken in English, or rather its Creole version. Near the town of Coxen Hole is the name of the local international airport Juan Manuel Galvez.
Aesthetes sure to visit the botanical garden, which spreads over 16 hectares. There is growing beauty carambola and mango groves, tunnels of vines create a feeling that you are in the jungle paradise.
Among entertainment and excursion to the plant for processing stone and horseback riding along the coast. But the most romantic place on Roatan - Butterfly Park, where dozens of species of tropical beauties flitting from flower to flower. Thrill seekers can take a peek into the local nursery for breeding snakes and iguanas.
4. Santorini, Greece
Square76 square meters. km
Population: ≈14 thousand. pers.
Average temperature, ° C+30 in summer and 12 in winter
Tongue: Greek
Currency: EUR
Santorini - a range of five small islands (Tyr, Palea Kameni, Nea Kameni, Thirasia and Aspron) and about two dozen small rock surface, forming a ring around the central lagoon. The island has a volcanic occurring, hence round outline shores.
Santorini - ancient and incredibly beautiful location. On the island many architectural and historical attractions. That only is the town of Oia: white houses with blue roofs on the cliffs of the slopes on the background of the mind-blowing seascapes. This city has become a muse for many artists and writers. Lovers come back to write their names on the rocks - according to legend, is the key to eternal love. Also for the whole world known local sunsets.
Santorini has unique beaches with black and red sand (all due to the volcanic nature of the island). In Kamari, near the city of Tire, and Perissa - black beaches, and in the Bay of Akrotiri - dark red. Beach lovers to visit Santorini better in summer, when air and water temperature reaches a maximum. But this does not mean that the island is not suitable for winter. Winters there are mild, the temperature rarely drops below +10 ° C, and on sunny days, is held in the area of +17 ° C.
Santorini is suitable for a comfortable relax. No wonder there are shelter creative personalities who love to behold. There's a little noisy discos, but many establishments for gourmets - cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces and sea views. On the island for more than 3500 years cultivated a unique grape variety - Assyrtiko - and make him a tasty wine.
Of architectural sights - the ruins of the Minoan city destroyed by the eruption of the volcano, at Cape Akrotiri. There is also an archaeological museum and ancient churches (Pangea-Episkopi, Agiou Mina, and others).
5. Tau, Thailand
Square21 sq. km
Population: 1 382 people.
Average temperature, ° C+32 in summer and 31 in winter
Tongue: Thai
Currency: THB
Tau is located in the south of Thailand in the Gulf of Thailand. island's name translated from Thai means "island of the turtles". Once they were in these parts was really a lot. Today the island more and more divers.
Tau - a godsend for diving. More than 300 sunny days per year (high season runs from December to March) and clear water (visibility in some places up to 40 meters) are doing their job. Particularly popular freediving. Tau is the famous school of Apnea Total, teaching scuba diving in apnea. In general, the island dozens of dive centers where they teach diving and where we can take the equipment rental. Sports anglers can also enjoy the things you love: fish off the coast of Tau in abundance.
Tau no jostling, as Koh Samui and Phuket. True, the infrastructure is less well developed: there are shortages of water and electricity, and the road condition is poor. Getting around the island, as well as everywhere in Thailand, on bikes that can be rented. However, Tau is miniature so that, if desired, it can be crossed on foot.
The island has only six beaches. Sairee - the biggest, Ao Tanote - the most accessible for snorkelers and Sai Nuan - the most beautiful. Turquoise water, milk sand and palm trees, creeping along the shore... If heaven exists, it looks like this.
Tau is perfect for beach lovers and okoloplyazhnogo rest. Water skiing, rock climbing, paintball in the jungle, yoga, massage, surf, trips on quad bikes and cruises around the island - local travel agencies offer entertainment for every taste. For those who like to just walk and be seen, you can visit the fishing museum in the village of Sairam, as well as observation platforms of the island.
6. Madeira, Portugal
Square785 sq. km
Population: ≈267 thousand. pers.
Average temperature, ° C+30 in summer and 20 in winter
TonguePortuguese
Currency: EUR
The archipelago of Madeira, that a thousand kilometers to the south-west of Portugal, is made up of two inhabited and several uninhabited islands. The mild climate and the warm Gulf Stream allows vacation in Madeira all year round. No wonder it is called the island of eternal spring. There is no luxury beaches, but quiet, picturesque landscapes and a special atmosphere of relaxation fully compensate.
Main Archipelago Resort - Funchal, its capital. The city is located on a steep hillside and literally buried in flowers. Enjoy its beauty and seascapes can during ascent by cable car Monte Cable Car. Going down the hill tourists are offered on a wooden sleigh Carros de Cesto. A Monte (a suburb of Funchal) is a luxurious botanical gardens with rare plants and ancient palaces.
Fans ethnics can visit the authentic village of Camara de Lobos and Curral das Freiras. The first - a settlement of fishermen on the coast where there are multi-colored boats. It produces the famous Madeira. Yes, yes, Madeira - the birthplace of wine. Curral das Freiras lies in the crater of an extinct volcano, the main attraction of the village - the Monastery of St. Clare, who served in the XVI century the monks refuge from pirates.
Madeira is not really a beach place. But for lovers of nature, calm, measured life such as entertainment (golf, fishing, hiking and so on) is the perfect wintering.
7. Bali, Indonesia
Square: 5780 sq. km
Population: ≈3,8 million people.
Average temperature, ° C+30 in summer and 33 in winter
Languages: Indonesian, Balinese
Currency: IDR
Bali - largest island of the Indonesian archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean. For many travelers in Bali needs no introduction. Tourists dubbed it a fabulous island. Everything is imbued with symbolism and colorful religious ceremonies and breathtaking scenery really create an atmosphere of magic.
Bali several spa centers. Kuta - the most popular and bustling night life there is in full swing all year round. Nusa Dua and Jimbaran - the most fashionable, the best restaurants and hotels. Tanjung Benoa - the most modern and famous SPA-center. Sanur - family friendly, comfortable beach, peace and quiet. The list is not exhaustive.
Bali is something to see: pristine landscapes, tropical forests, volcanoes Kintamani Mount Batur and Gunung Agung, and as ancient Indonesian temples (Mother Temple, a royal temple, rock temples in Pedzhenge, Yeh-Pula and Pura-Samuan-Tiga and others). All the attractions simply not listed.
Main Water Activities - surfing. Bali is famous for its waves. Will not be bored both experienced and novice athletes: the first is likely to choose and Bingin Uluwatu, and the second is suitable Kuta, where many surf schools.
Bali by chance called paradise. Bask on the white sand, swim in amongst the coral jungle and admire the distance, where hidden ancient temples with mischievous monkeys... Is not it a paradise?
8. Mauritius
Square: 1865 sq. km
Population: ≈1,3 million people.
Average temperature, ° C: 25 in the summer and 35 in winter
Languages: English and French
Currency: MUR
Mauritius - the short name of the island nation in the Indian Ocean. In addition to the main and the largest island - Mauritius, the Republic includes several smaller pieces of land.
Summer in this place never ends. (By the way, visas for Russians is not required, and citizens Ukraine can apply for it at the border.) The water temperature all year round in the area of 27 degrees. Mauritius shore fringed by coral reefs (welcome divers), and the beaches are among the cleanest in the world. The most popular of them - Flic-en-Flac, Belle Mar (very calm lagoon), Pereybere (for fans of beach parties), Trois d'Eau Douce and others.
Mauritius is a free economic zone, there are many luxury hotels. It is also an island - a kaleidoscope of different cultures, there are a lot of bright events, accompanied by costumed performances, dances and fireworks.
Mauritius is famous for deep-sea fishing. The best place for it - the west coast of the bay, and the best time - from September to April, and in June and July. Along the shores of this island more than once put the world fishing records. No less popular on the island windsurfing and kite surfing. From December to May Mauritius is blown by the winds, which creates ideal conditions for these sports. The best place to surf is considered entertainment Tamarin Bay.
Nature lovers will not have to miss too. Reserves "Volmar", "Mahabi Belomb", "Coin de Mir" and others will be introduced to the amazing flora and fauna of the island. That's not all: The National Park "Black river Gorge" virgin forest Domans du Chasseur, waterfalls Grande Rivière Sud Est - attractions is not enough for one winter.
9. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Square38 square meters. km
Population: ≈8 927 people.
Average temperature, ° C+30 summer and winter
Tongue: French
Currency: XPF
Bora Bora - a coral island in the Pacific Ocean near Tahiti. He is considered one of the most romantic places on the planet. All because of the nacreous lagoons, crystal beaches, sprawling palm trees and garlands of beautiful flowers tiara. Around the island a lot of satellites, called motu. Close to many motu as tree branches spread out bungalows on stilts.
The main attraction of Bora Bora - Lagoon. Therefore, the island is ideal for a relaxing beach holiday, when most of the day sunbathing and swimming. At bath time, you can enjoy the amazing underwater world of Bora Bora. Particularly interesting is the so-called rays road: there are many of these creatures, they are very close. Snorkelling can also be in a coral garden where darting back and forth colored fish. For adventurers on the island are invited to tour a submarine, revealing the secrets of the ocean sequences.
Those who are not drawn into the depths, and up, will be able to go on foot to the mountain Pachia. According to legend, from there over the rainbow he came down to earth god of war. Along the way there are orchards, overgrown orchids and fern forest.
10. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Square26 square meters. km
Population: ≈3 108 people.
Average temperature, ° C: 28 in the summer and winter
TonguePortuguese
Currency: BRL
Fernando de Noronha - an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, 354 kilometers off the east coast of Brazil, consisting of 21 islands and rock rests (once it was a mighty volcano). Most of them are uninhabited, mostly populated main island gave its name to the archipelago. And he, in turn, received the name of the merchant, to sponsor the expedition, discovered the islands.
In 2001 Fernando de Noronha was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. A visit to the island is limited, so bothersome crowds there can not be found. The nature of the island is truly amazing. They live two endemic birds, rare rodents and lizards. But the main wealth - the underwater world. Just swimming, you can see a sea turtle or a dolphin. On this island all year round is the same, the climate is tropical temperatures, the rainy season is in January-March.
The few locals live income from the few tourists. But the infrastructure on the island of well-developed: good hotels and beaches. For example, the beach is surrounded by a natural wall of Sancho and is a favorite place of divers. Conceicao - a popular beach where you can enjoy the sun and the sea, sipping tropical cocktails. Who admire the dolphins are sent to the Gulf Golfinhos, but for the sunsets - the bay Santo António.
The main historical attraction of the island - the fort of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, standing at a height of 45 meters above sea level. Once it was a defensive outpost, six batteries guarded the island. But he abandoned, much to attract tourists.
Let's add to the list TripAdvisor. How important do you think the ideal for the winter?