When people hear the phrase “island getaway” it is natural to think of Caribbean resorts, Greece, Southeast Asia and, of course, the Maldives. However there are thousands of incredible islands begging to be explored. Some offer pristine beaches and “island life” while others offer outdoor pursuits, rocky terrain or adventure, yet each one invites travellers to discover their particular charms.
Instead of visiting the same old islands this summer, why not consider a new destination? Head further afield and uncover a new side to secluded isles, one that can lead to a more meaningful, fulfilling and unique journey.
Get away from the rat race in Japan
Witness a completely different side to Japan on its northernmost island Hokkaido. Far from the dense city living and buzzing commuter life that Tokyo is famous for, here outdoor pursuits thrive. With its towering, snow-capped mountains and Hokkaido is ideally suited to white water rafting, canoeing, mountain climbing and trekking. Meanwhile the rolling plains of verdant pastures are the perfect destination
for horseback riding, hot air balloon flights and fishing.
Thanks to the new Hokkaido Shinkansen (bullet train), which is due to open on 26th March, this area will soon become more accessible than ever. Passing through Seikan, the world’s longest undersea tunnel, the journey from Tokyo to Sapporo will be halved from 10 hours to five, making 2016 the perfect time to visit.
Discover natureon Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Considering its wild beauty and UNESCO status, this Atlantic archipelago has very few visitors, and is certainly not on the main tourist trail in Brazil. The waters surrounding the 26 islands are important breeding and feeding sites for tuna, sharks, turtles and marine mammals. The islands are also home to the largest concentration of tropical seabirds in the Western Atlantic. Luckily, 70% of this territory
enjoys protected marine parks status to ensure the wildlife is preserved, visitor numbers are limited and a daily tax imposed.
All of these factors give Fernando de Noronha a pristine, detached quality. There are direct flights to the mainland cities of Recife and Natal, as well as a handful of good hotels and restaurants. However, these islands remain off the beaten track, and this is exactly how the Brazilian government likes it. So don’t expect that to change anytime soon.
Worship the midnight sun in the Træna archipelago, Norway
This summer forget the usual wet Glastonbury and head to the Træna archipelago off the northwest coast of Norway. Here amongst the 1,000 tiny islands is possibly the most remote and secluded music festival in the world, the Trænafestival.
Over three days in July, groups play to a small audience who have made the trek to these isles. Nestled among spectacular jagged rocks they watch bands play with the sparkling Arctic Ocean as a backdrop. Best of all is the midnight sun. Sunset and sunrise are separated by little more than an hour, meaning the three-day party is bathed in a golden summer glow.
However if you prefer a little darkness to help you sleep, a vast network of caves provides the ideal camp ground to escape the all-day sunlight.
Contact us if you would like to begin exploring some lesser known and more obscure islands.
