Travel
Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations
Slide Nr 1Santorini, Ibiza, Maui, Bali… They’re undoubtedly some of the most gorgeous islands on Earth, but they also have something else in common: they’re hugely popular destinations that tend to be crowded during the Northern Hemisphere summer, when schools across North America and Europe are out of session and families flock to paradise in droves. So, why not pick one of the following 15 alternative destinations that are equally beautiful and much more likely to still be bookable this late in the game.
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 2Gozo, Malta – If you’re looking for a place to rest and relax your mind, then Gozo is the ideal destination for you. Part of the Mediterranean island country of Malta, Gozo is known as a quiet island designed for not doing much of anything. Swimming in the crystal-blue sea and enjoying a cool cocktail under the sun will definitely help you recharge your batteries.
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 3Isle of Skye, Scotland – The second-largest Scottish island, the Isle of Skye’s thrilling scenery is its main attraction. The striking mountains, tranquil lochs and towering cliffs will take your breath away metaphorically and literally, while the many castles, museums and art galleries will offer some culture to your visit, and the cosy pubs and restaurants will provide you with new culinary experiences.
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 4Amorgos, Greece – This Greek island might not be famous for its nightlife or breathtaking sunsets, but it has a unique natural beauty. Located on the southern side of the Cyclades island group, Amorgos was picked among hundreds of other locations by director Luc Besson to shoot his film The Big Blue (1988), thanks to its deep blue waters and picturesque architecture. With delicious traditional Cycladic cuisine and stunning hidden beaches, this is an amazing place for total privacy, often described as a paradise by its lucky guests. [Photo: Panos/Flickr]
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 5Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – Closer to Africa than Europe, this quiet Spanish island is an appealing option if you’re looking for isolation and adventure. Golden drifts of sand and long-dead volcanoes are some of the main attractions in Fuerteventura, where – despite the volcanic terrain – some of the most astonishing beaches in the Canary Islands can be found. The island’s most famous hotel, Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahía Real, is located on a peaceful beach waiting to spoil you with its understated luxury and scenic views.
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 6Vieques, Puerto Rico – A small island off the ‘mainland’ of Puerto Rico, Vieques is a very well-preserved tropical hideaway. Swimming in the waters of Blue Beach offers a unique experience, where you’ll most likely spot every sea creature from giant sea turtles to lionfish. Foodies won’t be disappointed either: El Quenepo is one of the most innovative restaurants in all of Puerto Rico, cooking up tasty local dishes.
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 7Anegada, British Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands are known for their distinctive mountainous volcanic formation, but that’s not the case with Anegada, an aesthetically pleasing island comprised of coral and limestone. You’ll need at least a few days to explore the vibrant culture, enjoy the many beaches, and of course devour the island’s trademark lobsters. Make sure you rent a car or scooter to see some of the most remote and beautiful locations on the island. [Photo: Deanna Keahey/Flickr]
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 8Kefalonia, Greece – It may have been made famous by Louis de Bernière’s novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (and subsequent film starring Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz), but this gorgeous Greek island is home to some of the most alluring beaches you’ll ever see in your life. In case you visit this marvelous Ionian paradise, don’t pass up the opportunity to witness the dramatic scenery at milky-white Myrtos Beach, arguably the island’s pinup.
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 9Cat Island, Bahamas – The words ‘untouched’ and ‘pristine’ are possibly the only ones to accurately describe Cat Island. From the perfect weather to white sands and crystal waters, every inch of this island appears to be virgin and intact. With vast nature trails and the 8-mile Pink Sand Beach waiting for new footprints, visitors will have a hard time deciding whether to explore everything or do absolutely nothing other than rest both body and soul.
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 10Vis, Croatia – This little-known gem, located off the Dalmatian Coast, remained off limits to foreigners for many decades, serving as a Yugoslav naval military base from 1944 until the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1989. Thanks to the communist regime’s strict laws and the neighboring Greek isles that are a magnet for the masses, Vis remains magnificently unspoiled, with natural beauty that will leave you speechless. [Photo: Marco Klapper/Flickr]
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 11Koh Rong, Cambodia – This gorgeous Cambodian retreat has only recently generated a buzz for being home to some of the most delightful beaches in Southeast Asia. The fact that even the most curious and demanding of travellers have only recently discovered Koh Rong is the reason the island remains somewhat underdeveloped when it comes to luxury accommodation and ‘first world’ facilities. However, this shouldn’t discourage you from visiting and exploring one of the few remaining untouched islands on Earth. [Photo: branstonoriginal/Flickr]
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 12Similan Islands, Thailand – Remote and peaceful, the Similan Islands National Park consists of eleven isles and is located only a few miles northwest of Phuket. The islands are home to a wide variety of marine life, of which many are rare and endangered species. Koh Similan is an ideal choice for diving and snorkeling, thanks to the natural wonders that await beneath its clear blue waters.
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 13Cebu Island, The Philippines – If you’re in search of fun (like meeting new people) and also enjoy exotic natural scenery, then Cebu is the right spot for you. As the most densely populated island in the Philippines and an economic centre of the country, Cebu has more than just white-sand beaches and incredible diving experiences to offer. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the downtown area, which is full of spirited bars and street food that will satisfy the most demanding palates with mouth-watering local dishes.
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 14Marettimo, Italy – Surrounded by wild mountain peaks and ‘decorated’ with traditional whitewashed houses, Marettimo is probably the least developed and most untamed island in all of Italy. Other than tasting the delectable local fish, you definitely have to take a boat ride to see magnificent caves and dive into crystal waters with the guidance of local providers like Blu Tek Diving. [Photo: Wikimedia Commons]
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 15Tsarabanjina, Madagascar – A relatively large island nation off the southeast coast of Africa, Madagascar is known for its thousands of indigenous animal species and magnificent natural landscape. Some, however, might say that its smaller proprietary island of Tsarabanjina is even prettier; here, it’s all about exquisite beaches with ribbons of white sand, tropical flora with the world’s rarest species, and a crystal-clear lagoon largely unexploited. Constance Tsarabanjina Hotel offers ecological villas ‘seasoned’ with untouched, heavenly beaches. So what are you waiting for?
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
Slide Nr 16Menorca, Spain – Situated next door to the booming holiday meccas of Majorca and Ibiza, the attractive island of Menorca seems to be overlooked by major travel agents – a fact that leaves its magical sites, green-blue waters and deserted beaches (many only accessible by foot) nearly virgin. Declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1993, this incredibly gorgeous isle is protected against the plague of technological development, which explains why one can discover some of Europe’s rarest flowers there.
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Fun In The Sun: The Best Islands For Last-Minute Vacations.
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Posted at 21:28h, 13 JulyThanks for your comment. Please feel free to contact the editorial team directly at amexessentials@jiexp.com