Page 3 - Off The Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 2 of 2)

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NATURAL WONDERS

MAIN IMAGE Monastery and secluded beach at Bol on Brac island
BELOW (left to right) Couple inside the Blue Grotto Cave near Vis
island; diners on the main square of Hvar

4 MORE ISLAND GROUPS TO
RIVAL THE GREEK ISLANDS

AEOLIAN ISLANDS, ITALY These seven volcanic outcrops
south of Sicily feature black-sand beaches, smoking craters, and
hot mud baths. Visit the smaller islands to avoid peak-season
crowds. And there’s the chance that Stromboli will blow its top.
STOCKHOLM ARCHIPELAGO, SWEDEN Just pick up an
Island Hopper card and enjoy this pristine environment and
extraordinary natural spectacle. The pace of life is slower on
the islands, and involves cycling, hiking, and kayaking.
AZORES, PORTUGAL Europe’s most western outpost has nine
islands with landscapes of rocky valleys studded with blue-
green lakes and cloaked in lush vegetation. Famous for their
wildlife, the islands are good for whale- and dolphin-watching.
FIJI, SOUTH PACIFIC Over 300 islands and islets form a
paradise of palm-fringed beaches, idyllic lagoons, and Robinson
Crusoe landscapes. You can go scuba diving, windsurfing, or
kayaking – or just lie in a hammock in the shade.

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