Escape to the World's Most Spectacular Islands This guidebook leads you on an irresistible tour of some of the most magnificent islands around the globe-from tiny isles to island nations, and from the well-trod to the totally uninhabited. Whether it's the history and charm of islands like Mont-Saint-Michel (France) and Ocracoke (United States) or the unspoiled vistas of far-flung places like Antarctica and Polynesia's Tuvalu, you'll discover a host of islands you'd love to visit-or stay on forever. The book includes contact information and details on transportation and accommodations to make trip-planning easy. A geographical index helps you find destinations quickly. Choose Your Own Island Adventure Great escapes: unspoiled beaches, tropical retreats, exotic hideaways Leisure and pleasure: sun worshiping, land and water sports, nightlife Nature and wildlife: lush landscapes, nature preserves, rare species Cities and countries: vibrant metropolises, independent nations, city enclaves History and mystery: ancient marvels, cultural treasures, spiritual centers Find travel news & deals, expert advice, and connect with fellow travelers at Frommers.com

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Beachcomber Islands. Aquatic Playgrounds. Island Hopping the Turks & Caicos: Barefoot Luxury. Life's a Beach. Unvarnished & Unspoiled. Sailing Along. Island Hopping The Bahamas Out Islands: Out on the Water. Diving's the Thing. Storied Sand & Surf. Archipelagos & Atolls. Chapter 2 Garden Islands. Beautiful Bounty. Island Hopping the Florida Keys: Stringing the Pearls . Blooming Wonders. Wet & Wild. Island Hopping the Apostle Islands: Return to the Wild . Manicured Gardens. Lush Life. Chapter 3 Wildlife Islands. Unique Species. Island Hopping the Galapagos Islands: Intimate Encounters with Extraordinary Creatures . Birding Meccas. Sea Life. Run Wild, Run Free. Island Reserves. Island Hopping the Maldives: The Sunny Side . Chapter 4 Island Escapes. City Getaways. Island Hopping the Faroe Islands: Nordic Retreats. Wild Things. Great Outdoors. Untouched Retreats. Beautiful Beaches. Island Hopping the Seychelles: Indian Ocean Castaways. Islands to Get Stranded On. Places of Worship. Chapter 5 Treasure Islands. American Classics. Jewels of the South Seas. Priceless Places. Island Hopping the Lofoten Islands: Midnight Magic . Colonial Outposts. Civilization Unplugged. One of a Kind. Island Hopping the Shetland Islands: The Furthest Isles. Natural Wonders. Chapter 6 Pleasure Islands. Party Animals. Island Hopping St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Trim the Sails. The Aristocrats. Beach Bums with Culture. Laid-Back Rhythms. Island Hopping the Whitsunday Islands: Turquoise Bliss. Chapter 7 Leisure Islands. Take a Hike. The Sporting Life. Amphibious Attractions. Island Hopping Around the Champlain Islands: Vermont's West Coast. Out & About. The Caribbean Unplugged. Remote Adventures. Island Hopping the San Juan Islands: Orcas & Evergreens. Chapter 8 Islands of History. Myth & Legend. Island Hopping the Dalmatian Coast Islands: Nature & History on Display. War & Intrigue. Otherworldly Landscapes. Exploration. Pirates. Prisons. Island Hopping the Orkney Islands: 1,000 Years of History. Pilgrims. Famous Islanders. Chapter 9 Islands of Mystery. Ancient Marvels. Island Hopping on Lake Titicaca: Jewels in the Crown. Otherworldly Landscapes. Spiritual Centers. Historic Haunts. Island Hopping the Marquesas: Mystical Spires in the South Seas. Chapter 10 Island Cities. Capitals. Showcases. Island Hopping Around the Venetian Lagoon: Watery Escapes from La Serenissima. Chapter 11 City Islands. Magnets. Parks. Island Hopping the Aeolian Islands: La Vita Lava. Enclaves. Chapter 12 Island Nations. Archipelagos. Going It Alone. Island Hopping the Cape Verde Islands: Land of Mountains, Desert & Sea. Preserving the Old Ways. Hot Spots. Chapter 13 Ends of the Earth. Walk with the Animals. Island Hopping the Aleutian Islands: North to Alaska. Remarkable Ecosystems. Historic Frontiers. Island Hopping the Cook Islands: Truly Cast Away. Real Adventures. Geographical Index. Alphabetical Index.

Author Biography

Julie Duchaine has been a freelance writer for the past 25 years. Most recently, she contributed to Frommer's 500 Places to See Before They Disappear, Frommer's 500 Places for Food & Wine Lovers, and Frommer's 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up. She lives in Milwaukee. Holly Hughes has traveled the globe as an editor and writer. A former executive editor of Fodor's Travel Publications, she edits the annual Best Food Writing anthology and is the author of the bestselling 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up, 500 Places to See Before They Disappear, 500 Places for Food & Wine Lovers, and Frommer's New York City with Kids. She has also written fiction for middle graders. New York City makes a convenient jumping-off place for her travels with her three children and husband. Alexis Lipsitz Flippin is a writer and editor who lives in New York City. She is the author of Frommer's New York City with Kids, Frommer's New York Day by Day, Frommer's Portable Turks & Caicos, and Frommer's Portable St. Maarten/St. Martin, Anguilla & St. Barts. Sylvie Murphy has lived and worked in Rome as a travel writer and travel guide and currently resides in Kansas City. She is also the author of Frommer's Day by Day Rome and a contributor to Pauline Frommer's Italy.