10 most attractive islands in the world

Bali





Indonesian "island of gods" Bali holds the leading place in the rankings for the third year pordryad. The island is located at the eastern tip of Java. Direct flights Moscow - Denpasar (this is the "capital" of Bali) is not, and therefore will have to fly via Singapore. Total duration of the trip about 13 hours. But it's worth it. The white sandy beaches, coral shoals, tropical vegetation, rice terraces, gabled roof pagodas and temples (on the island of about 20,000!), The tops of dormant volcanoes - a picture you can observe, make a trip to the island of Bali. Hotels belonging to the leading group of the world, settled in the best southern coasts: Nusa Dua - the most prestigious elite area, Kuta - the busiest place of the island and Sanur, combining the charm of the previous two, and most enjoyable for a family holiday

Kauai



Even last year, the smallest of the islands of the Hawaiian archipelago only closed the top five. However, in 2004 the island has conceded only a little of Bali. And it is because of its exoticism. Yes, of course, there are white beaches, which served as backdrop for dozens of films, including "King Kong," "Indiana Jones," "Blue Lagoon & quot ;, however, the main value of Kauai in virtually untouched nature. Both on land and under water.

Maui



Another Hawaiian island, just a little more. In the last year in the ranking I was only sixth. Maui - the second largest and the popularity of Hawaiian island, called the "Kingdom of the Plains." Beautiful sunny beaches "golden" west coast is always filled with tourists, and covered with lush tropical forest mountains east coast are cool and fresh. In the center of the island is the dormant volcano Haleakala (3341m), which means "House of the Sun". According to legend the demigod Maui climbed on top of it to catch the sun, and took him prisoner, to make brighter the light to his people.

Galapagos



In last year's rankings were only a tenth. The sharp rise is explained again growing interest in exotic nature. In this regard, the Galapagos Islands are truly unique. Many of the animals living here - penguins, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and so on - are not found anywhere else.

Hawaii



The largest island of the archipelago. It is usually so called Big Island, that is, the Big Island. Also rose in the rankings - from 7 to fifth. Again, thanks to the exotic, namely its volcanoes. Its highest point - the top of Mauna Kea, 4205 m. It is the highest mountain in the world when measured from its base on the ocean floor, located approximately 5998 m. Below sea level.

Santorini



Greek Santorini - the island of mystery. Many even believe it is a prototype of the famous Atlantis. Like it or not is unknown, but the fact that about three thousand years ago polovinyo in Santorini was the most powerful volcanic eruption, after which the island remained pitiful remnants, doubts scientists causes. In fact, the whole nyneshnyi Santorini - a water-filled crater of a volcano that last woke up in 1950, causing quite a strong earthquake.

Sicily



Sicily - one of the most beautiful and interesting islands in the Mediterranean, have retained their original beauty. It's amazing sandy beaches, bizarre rocks in countless bays and coves, majestic mountains, immersed in the greenery of olive groves and citrus orchards of the valley, and the highest active volcano in Europe - mysterious Etna.

Prince Edward Island



Canada's smallest province, Prince Edward Island occupies a long narrow island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. From Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Northumberland Strait separated. Named in honor of Prince Edward, the father of Queen Victoria. The second, unofficial, province name - "Garden of the Gulf". The provincial capital - the city of Charlottetown - considered the birthplace of Canada, because the conference held here in 1864, three years later led to the creation of a new country.

Island Mount Desert Island



Pearl Prairie Acadian National Park in Maine. It is here that is located the Cadillac Mountain in nye just 467 meters, but it is the highest point on the entire east coast of America. The famous Cadillac is one of the main attractions of the park. Other - clattering cleft (Thunder Hole), where there are always roar, rumble, rumble. This surf faces of cliffs and broken with such force that a stream of water is ejected to a height of 90 feet.

Great Barrier Reef Islands



Coral reefs, the island stretches nearly 3000 kilometers. The width of the coral ridge ranges from 2 to 150 kilometers and a total area of ​​200 thousand square kilometers. Great Barrier Reef - the world's largest coral formation of the cosmos visible blue stripe on the white surface of the water. It is a popular place for divers around the world. On its islands are situated prestigious Australian resorts. Ply between the islands of pleasure boats, yachts, various small boats. Hamilton Island has an airport.