The lush, green island of Lesvos is the third largest of the islands in Greece (behind Crete and Evia). It is a very beautiful island with wonderful beaches, picturesque villages and interesting architecture. Famous for its excellent ouzo, Lesvos is the perfect place to visit for people who want to experience the real Greece. The coastal towns of Petra, Plomari, Molyvos, and Erosos are very popular attractions for tourists.

There is a huge variety of fun and exciting things to do here.  You can enjoying the crystal clear waters – whether that be fishing, snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing on a warm bed of sand gazing at other islands in the horizon. The nightlife is also one of the main highlights. A plethora of bars and clubs are filling the streets of the capital – Greek music, dancing, eating…

Yasawa Islands sits majestically to the north of the Mamanucas Archipelago, and are much less commercially orientated than their southern cousins. They are consisting of 16 larger islands and dozen of smaller ones. They are impressive islands, with breathtaking beaches and enchanting fishing villages, which provide an opportunity to observe the traditional way of life. These islands offer plenty for everybody, from fabulous beaches and clear lagoons to exclusive resorts for the well-heeled. Photo by: msdstefan

The islands have been a popular cruise destination from the 1950s, but land-based tourism was forbidden. Since then the popularity of the islands has been growing and they moved from back-packer heaven to mainstream destination. New development is unavoidable, but the wonderful island scenery has not been touched and there is more than enough coastline to go around. Resort are tend to be isolated. most of the island villages are without electricity or running water. But there is fresh water everywhere, so the locals know how to survive. Photo by: ryanocerous1979

Indeed many of the resort are owned and operated by friendly islanders, retaining a rustic charm that combines with the majestic scenery to ensure the visitors Yasawas feel because they discover the real ‘South Pacific’. Photo by: Alasdair Milne

When to go: Any time, there is no specific period hot and dry conditions predominate, with cool nights. Population: 6,000. Getting there: From Lautoka by fast catamaran (2-4 hours) or seaplane (20 minutes). Arrange it all upon arrival at Nadi International Airport. Photo by: ryanocerous1979

Pristine white beaches, breathtaking views overlooking the blue waters of the warm Indian Ocean, natural beauty, sandy dunes, solitude…this is a true island paradise. Indigo Bay is an exquisite resort, situated on the largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. The resort offers world-class island accommodation providing the perfect island holiday. All resort’s chalets are constructed of natural materials to blend harmoniously with the surroundings.

Bazaruto is one of premier scuba diving destinations in Africa. The coastline is home to five of the world’s seven marine turtle species and the world’s largest roseate terns. Divers are able to see over 100 species of coral, thousands of tropical fish species, five kinds of dolphins, four whale species and sharks. Activities include island walks, horse back riding, and islands drives in a Land Rover to explore this intricate eco system. The water sports including: diving, fishing, snorkeling and sailing.

The Los Roques Archipelago is one of the world’s biggest National Marine Parks, and lies 145 km due north of La Guaira, the mainland port for Caracas. About 50 coral cays and sand bars are arranged in a huge lagoon, but it’s only from the air you get true idea of its scale – it covers the same area as the whole of Virgin Islands. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

The isles are shielded from eastern currents by a 24 km coral reef running from north to south and the second reef, running 32 km from east to west. They form a pristine environment that attracts only the most discerning visitors, who come in their own boats or yachts in search of solitude and tranquility, or in small groups by light aircraft, often just for a day, from Caracas or elsewhere on the Venezuelan mainland. The islands residents came from Isla Margarita and are descendants from 110 families. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

They will welcome you as temporary family members, and you will find that, along with the old style of manners, they still use the old ways of fishing to catch lobsters, king conch and Spanish mackerel. Los Roques is a countless transmutations of blue and green beauty and sharing the natural vibes of a totally unspoiled ecosystem. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

When to go: Year-round. Between July and September storms makes the water less suitable for scuba-diving. Population: 1,500. Getting there: By light aircraft from Caracas or by boat from Isla Margarita. You should know: There are no words to describe the sense of peace you get in Los Roques. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

Isla Grande is where Panamanians escape for the weekend to get rid of the city system. You jump in a car or bus, and in two hours you swap Panama City for snorkelling in the Caribbean, on the maze of coral reefs that mark the edge of the Portobelo National Park. Photo by: ursucookie

Isla Grande is on 166 m from the mainland. Although it’s thick with tropical flowers, coconut palms and greenery, the largest of the islands in the area and the easiest and cheapest to get to, nobody went until the potholes in the road from Portobelo were repaired. By the time that happened, La Isla was safe from either ribbon development or high-end exclusivity. There are still no roads on the island – just a walkway that merges bars, markets, street vendors, small restaurants and few hotels. Big part of the island isn’t even accessible, because it’s carved up into half a dozen private estates, and apart from the path across its centre, you enjoy its charms from the waterline. Photo by: lburgee

Isla Grande is your chance to do a full-on tropical Caribbean island, with excellent reefs, and turquoise waters. It’s so lovely and people are so happy to be there. You’re expected to join in; and often you will find one or more communities that has always lived there. Make sure you’ve got food, drink, music and good fellowship to help your day go well. Photo by: perkele_cold

When to go: Any day of the week, any time of the year. Population: 200. Getting there: By car or bus from Sabanitas or Portobelo, to La Guaira, then by water taxi for a five minutes ride to the island. Photo by: Mikecron

Cocos Islands are discovered in 1609, they were settled and owned by a single family from 1872 until the Australian Government acquired them in 1978. A pristine white beach is so typical of the beautiful Cocos Islands. The 27 coral islands are formed into two large, heavily vegetated atolls. They are the only atolls that Darwin ever visited but the coral ecosystem remains intact – and you can still see in their pristine conditions, exactly why they played such an important part in his theory of evolution.

North Keeling, set apart from the other islands, isn’t even inhabited, but you can come across extreme rarities like the Cocos buff-banded rail, robber land crabs, and both green and hawksbill turtles among other wonders, under its protection as Pulu Keeling National Park.

The Cocos islanders live on Home and West Islands, both given over to copra and coconut plantations that only add to their tropical glamour. There is no tourist industry at all. Wild place populated with divers and kite-surfers. However there are facilities for visitors, sponsored by the islanders who take in personal interest everyone who come. If you happen to be there, you are welcome to participate in the school fete, sports day or concert night. The tradition of hospitality is both, Australian and Malay.

The islanders, as much as the islands themselves, have retained a form of unpolluted innocence, and share a mutual respect that visitors immediately respond to. These islands are a dreamscape worthy to travel for.
When to go: Year-round. The winds last from April to September. But between that period the islands is second home for professional kite maniacs. Rain is most intense between March and July and usually falls in the evening after long sunny day. Population: 446. Getting there: By air, from Perth, to West Island, Cocos Islands. Photos by: Christian Bartens

Islands, islands everywhere – hundred of them in the Mindanao Island group, of which is the largest by far is ‘big daddy’ Mindanao at 97,500 sq km. Mindanao is the centre of Islam in the Philippines, though it is now the island’s minority religion. Even so the struggle to secure an independent Muslim state on the island has been taking place for centuries and continues to these days. Photo by: frankeys creation

Mindanao is located at the mos southerly and easterly point in the Philippines. The island has a unique character that makes it seem very different from the rest of the Philippines. It is also a land between modern and traditional. Photo by: sweetcaroline?

The thriving industrial centre that is Davao City certainly belongs to the 21st century, as do the many intensive agri-businesses producing commodities like pineapples and meat. But once away from centres of population in the largely unspoiled back country, adventurous visitors will find themselves in a nature – lovers paradise and will be fascinated by the timeless way of life. Rich flora and fauna, astonishing attractions, stunning coastlines and islands, white sand beaches, crystal water, different ethnic communities with colourful festivals – all combine to make Mindanao a popular tourist destination. Photo by: anggebarcelona

There is more than enough of Mindanao to go round, but despite awareness of the importance of eco -tourism, some of the new facilities will seem intrusive to those who prefer things just the way they were. Photo by: rempleo (in a cocoon)

When to go: Any time – there is no significant wet or dry season and the climate is pleasant all year round. Population: 18,134,000. Getting there: Fly in to the recently upgraded Davao City international airport. You should know: Davao City is the world’s largest by area, at the last count sprawling out over 2,450 sq km and still growing. Photo by: Storm Crypt

Pangkor is situated off the west coast of Malaysia, between Kuala Lumpur and Penang and only seven km across from Lumut. It is a small island being only 8 sq km but it has interesting history, having been a major tin producer in the 19th century. The island has some of the best beaches on this side of the Malay Peninsula and these are situated on the west coast. The east coast mainly consists of fishing villages. Photo by: mike’sworld

Fishing, boatbuilding and allied industries employ the majority of the population, with cuttlefish and anchovy being the most common type of catch – their early morning landing at Pangkor town is a bustling, colourful sight. The island is one of the Malaysia’s largest dry fish suppliers and in addition it is credited with the invention of ‘Fish Satay’. Photo by: keshiki

The main beaches are at Teluk Nipah, Pasir Bogak and Teluk Belanga, whilst at Teluk Ketapang (Turtle Bay) if you are lucky, you might spot an increasingly rare giant leatherback turtles, with lay their eggs there from May to July. Jungle trekking in the interiors offers the opportunity to explore many rare orchids and butterflies – there is a four hour trail that crosses the island. For the less energetic, it is possible to follow the road around the island in a day. Photo by: Frank Mertens

There is a two-day Hindu festival of Thaipusam, which take place between February and early March. It starts on the west coast beach of Pasir Bogak and culminates at the Pathirakaliaman Temple on the east coast and is well worth, if you can come. Photo by: mike’sworld

When to go: Year-round. Population: 25,000. Getting there: Fly from Kuala Lumpur or ferries from the mainland and Lumut. Photo by:

Mafia is a sleepy untouched retreat from the real world, and a slice of the old Swahili Coast, where people go about their lives simply and traditionally. It is part of Spice Islands, but is governed from the mainland. It is a cluster of one main island – 48 km long and numerous tiny ones, and is now the site of the largest marine park in the Indian Ocean, with fine corals. Photo by: booniekathrin

For a small island like this one, the sea rules. Every imagine form of boat is crafted locally – from large ocean going dhows to smaller masha or fishing boats or canoes. The main way of life is fishing and the waters are rich for both fishermen and divers. Coconuts and cashews are key cash crops, but the price of coconuts on the world markets has fallen in recent years and fishing has become more commercially viable. Photo by: booniekathrin

Mafia is also emerged as the striking raffia mats that the women of the island weave, often plaiting as they stroll along. This is an under-developed place, and the infrastructure is very poor – there is only electricity around the main tourist areas and very few houses have running water. Most locals get around on foot or bicycle. Photo by: DirectorUzi

Mafia has seen Portuguese, German and British occupation and this history has resulted in shifting mixed population. Photo by: booniekathrin

When to go: July to October and December to March. Population: 40,801. How to get there: Small aircraft from Dar es Salaam or by road from Dar es Salaam to Kisiju and then boat to Mafia. Photo by: wayne bremser

There are so many perfect islands in the Aegean – more than 3,000 of them – that i can be hard to distinguish between them. But Bozcaada really is different – it is one of the only two islands in the region that is Turkish. In Greek mythology it was called  Tenedos and because of its strategic position, just south of the Dardanelles Strait, it has been occupied since time immemorial. Over the centuries the population was ethnically Greek, these days, although it is almost entirely Turkish, the island’s culture bears many traces of its Greek inheritance. Photo by: m.f.t.

Bozcaada is roughly triangular shape and has relatively flat terrain. From the highest point Goztepe at 192 m, there is a panoramic view across the whole island and on clear day you can see as far as Levkos. About third of the land is covered in vineyards, scattered trees and scrubland containing an usually diverse range of plants – 437 species in all. Photo by: esin’s gaze

The sea is remarkably clear and seaweed-free, so Bozcaada’s waters are superb for diving. There are plenty of pure sand beaches; Ayazama Bay is the longest, the most accessible stretch. There are as well as innumerable coves and inlets for anyone seeking solitude. Photo by: Zeynep ©

There is an intensive Venetian Fortress that attests to Bozcaada. The stone and wood town architecture is a charming mixture of Turkish and Greek houses – stylistically quite different from each other. The food, too, is a fusion between both cultures, giving it a district edge over the usual fare of the Aegean Islands. Red poppy syrup, a local specialty, is an interesting alternative to the island wine. Photo by: Egemen VII

When to go: May to September. Population: 2,427. Getting there: Bus from Istanbul, an 8-hour journey to Geyikii. You should know: The sea is substantially colder there, due to the cold water springs around Bozcaada. During the hottest months it is a refreshing contrast to the beach. Photo by: Zeynep ©

The Marmara Bodrum Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel in Bodrum and is the newest addition to the Marmara Hotels and Residences. It is a modern property with unique architecture inspired by Bodrum Castle, located three kilometres above the resort town ofBodrum, Turkey.  Hotel is near the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, Bodrum Castle, and other sites. The hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World!

100 air conditioned guestrooms. All rooms offers TV,  Minibar, Music, Direct Dial Telephone, Safe Box, Private Bathroom , Shower and Toilet, Hair Dryer, Balcony.

Amenities: Disabled Access, High-speed Internet, Parking, Pets Allowed, Room Service, Business Center, Pool, Spa and  Concierge.

The onsite Tuti Restaurant offers an inventive cuisine of Turkish and international specials. Situated of the top floor of the hotel is a new, casual restaurant serving a variety of sushi and nigiri specials. The Lounge and Pool Bars both offer delicious snacks.

Near The Marmara Bodrum-Scuba diving, horse riding, water sports, golf, tennis, Myndos Gate, Mausoleum, Temple of Apollo.

El Nido Resorts began 20 years ago as a 15-cottage dive camp built in an isolated island in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Miniloc Island, with a total land area of 224 hectares, is one of the largest islands in the El Nido Protected Area. The resort is encircled by limestone cliffs and crystal clear waters.  It’s a great place to relax. The island is a part of the still unspoiled chain of 45 limestone island jewels that make up El Nido, Palawan.

Miniloc Island Resort composed of 50 rooms with a variety of accommodation styles. Standard Rooms are 21 sqm, with garden and partial bay views. They are fitted with a queen size bed or 2 single beds. 25 air conditioned seaview room with separate shower and toilet facilities, Hot and cold water, Mini bar, Reception area.

There are water cottages built on stilts over the water. There are also seaview rooms with an adjoining verandah, directly overlooking the sea.

Amenities: Business Center, High-speed Internet, Restaurant and more.

The waters fronting the resort are rich in marine life.

It also has a Marine Sports Center, complete with water sports equipment such as diving and snorkeling, kayak, windsurfer, and hobie cat.

This small archipelago is situated just 20 km off northeastern Malaysian peninsula, made up of two inhabited islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil divided by a fast flowing channel, and a few uninhabited islets. The name in Malay language means ‘stopping point‘, also British translation had them signed on maps as ‘Station Islands‘. Mostly populated by fishermen in the past, tourism is now the islands maintenance. Photo by: ABO Jr

These days the islands are preserved by the government, due to the coral reefs – some of the best on the east coast and the fine sandy beaches plus crystal clear turquoise water. The three main beaches on the west coast of Perhentian Besar are separated by rocky outcrops. Perhentian Kecil has prime resorts at Long Beach and Coral Bay. Photo by: raguqx

Apart from the village of Pasir Hantu on Kecil, where medical and police aid may be sought, the only island buildings are resorts. There is no mains electricity or main telephone network connection and the water is from local wells. The wearing of revealing clothing and the consumption of  alcohol are not encouraged and the only available means of transport, other than walking is boat. There is a dense tropical jungle with no roads and few footpaths. However, walkers may spot flying foxes, macaques and monitor lizards. Photo by: yungyaw

When to go: March to mid- November. Population: 1,100. How to get there: Boats from two fishing villages on the northern Terenggam coast. You should know: Accommodation on the island is limited, advanced booking is strongly advised. Photo by: a r t e n p h o t o c r a f t

It is well worth taking a tour off the conventional tourist route to visit this ancient island just 300 km offshore from the mainland town of Brodarica, Croatia. Karpanj is the smallest and lowest inhabited island of the Adriatic at only 7 m above sea level at its highest point. A nobleman by the name of Juric purchased the uninhabited island in 1436 and donated it to the Franciscans who built a monastery there. When the Turks started plundering the coastline, the monk sheltered refugees from the mainland and eventually allowed them to build a settlement on the island.

The settlers were originally farmers who had to turn to fishing to scrape a living. Their fortune changed at the beginning of the 18th century when a visiting friar from Crete taught them the art of sponge harvesting and processing. Individual sponges were harpooned from a boat and a skilled operator could spear one at a depth of 15 m. The market for sponges proved a highly lucrative one – the Venetians couldn’t get enough of them and buy the mid 19th century there were 40 boats operating from Krapanj exporting sponges to Venice. In 1893 the first diving equipment was introduced, which enabled the spongers to harvest at much greater depths and soon earned them a reputation as skilled divers.

Karpanj has awesome atmosphere – you can spend your time in one of the waterside coffee houses chatting to the locals, visit a monastery stuffed with antiquities and works of art or wander through the picturesque streets of the town. Above all, this is a terrific little place to learn about the underwater world and improve your diving skills under the guidance of friendly locals who are happy to share their generation of experience.

When to go: May to September. Population: 2,500. Getting there: Boat from Brodarica, 8km south of Sibenik, which is well connected by bus or train with Split, Zagreb and Zadar. Photos by: darkfloyd60

Named after Aeolus, god of the winds, the Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago not far from Sicily’s northern coast in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Also emerged as the Lipari Islands and Isole Eolie, the principal islands of the chain are Lipari, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi, Stromboli, Panarea and Vulcano. Between them the islands boast beautiful scenery, great beaches, castles, thermal resorts, water sports, good fishing and, of course, some live volcanic activity. Photo by: adam butler photography

These beautiful islands are quite rugged, with deep caverns, extraordinary rock formations, steep cliffs and splendid views. The volcanoes of Stromboli erupt fairly frequently. Rossellini’s 1950 film, Stromboli, was inspired by this volcano, which still regularly sends molten lava down its scarred rocks. This however, hasn’t prevented these islands from becoming popular smart resorts for well-headed Italians, so expect crowds in summer. Photo by: adam butler photography

Lapri is perhaps the most fascinating of the islands from the historical point of view, with its citadel and archeological remains. It is from there, the most of the boat trips to the beaches and other islands start out. Buoyant pumice and smooth black obsidian litter the beaches, and Lapri is well-served by restaurants and cafes. Filicudi with its basalt shoreline, is much less developed as a tourist resort – the water is magnificently clear, you can hire a boat or scuba dive, and the beaches are often empty. Photo by: afewscoops

Panarea offers a lovely scene of rocky hills, ancient settlements, green slopes and pretty buildings characterized by columns and arches. There can be found the Hotel Raya, opened in the 1960s by artist Paolo Tilche, which has given Panarea the reputation as a party island. Photo by: adam butler photography

The garden islands of Salina offers tranquility, perfect if you are looking for a hideaway. It is one of the greenest of the islands, producing capers, delicious fish and octopus and a golden dessert wine, Malvasia. It was there, that the film Il Postino was shot in the 1990s. There is a museum in Lingua, an interesting church in the post town of Santa Marina and spectacular rock formations at Pollara. The stone beaches are clean and rarely crowded, and the views over other islands are breathtaking. Stomboli has become island of choice for a select fashionable crowd. The Volcano is still main attraction, and is best viewed from an evening boat trip from where you can see the fiery show. Volcano’s other great attraction is the open air pool of volcanic mud, which attract bathers looking for a cure for skin complaints and other ailments. Photo by: adam butler photography

When to go: May, June or September. Population: 13,431. How to get there: By boat, ferry or hydrofoil from Milazzo, Palermo or Naples. You should know: The archipelago is UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its geology and vulcanology. Photo by: Ithip.com Hotel Collection