AMELIA ISLAND
Readers' Choice Rating: 83.8
Scenery: 85.7
Friendliness: 84.8
Atmosphere: 86
Restaurants: 79.4
Lodging: 83.7
Activities: 82.1
Beaches: 85
Whether it's the seemingly endless "green space," or the "unbelievably hospitable" locals, readers agree that this Florida island is a "beautiful, history-filled family location." Hike a trail through Fort Clinch State Park, or explore the downtown area for "year-round festivals, fun, and shopping."
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Readers' Choice Rating: 83.8
Scenery: 92.2
Friendliness: 93.7
Atmosphere: 89.9
Restaurants: 71.5
Lodging: 72.7
Activities: 77.9
Beaches: 77.9
Prince Edward Island offers "enjoyable atmosphere and great mussels" for seafood lovers. Our readers appreciated its "ruggedness and beauty of nature." "The beaches, the food and the people enforce that simple can be extraordinary," one reader said. "This might be my favorite place on Earth." "The scenery and beaches are outstanding and there is genuinely an unspoiled, pristine air about the island."
ELBA & TUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO
Readers' Choice Rating: 83.9
Scenery: 87.5
Friendliness: 89.6
Atmosphere: 85.4
Restaurants: 84.2
Lodging: 78.9
Activities: 68.8
Beaches: 86.4
With "world-class restaurants tucked into little villages that you would never expect," Elba takes good food seriously. Our readers went on culinary cruises, which were "a real treat somewhat off the normal tourist path." Visit the hill town of Marciana Alta for "food to die for" and Zero Gradi for its gelato.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Readers' Choice Rating: 84.2
Scenery: 93.6
Friendliness: 86.4
Atmosphere: 89.9
Restaurants: 71.6
Lodging: 84.9
Activities: 83.5
Beaches: 89
The "warm island breezes" and "clear waters" make these islands a "heaven" for sailing enthusiasts. Charter a captained vessel or go bareboating if you're feeling independent, and then "dip in and out of remote coves and snorkeling spots with ease." Make sure to check out the "lovely beaches" at Jost Van Dyke, the "volcanic islands" at Tortola, and the Baths at Virgin Gorda, a "must-see."
HILTON HEAD
Readers' Choice Rating: 84.4
Scenery: 85.2
Friendliness: 85.7
Atmosphere: 85.4
Restaurants: 83.3
Lodging: 82.2
Activities: 84.5
Beaches: 84.4
With "pristine beaches," "shopping to satisfy everyone," and "fabulous restaurants to suit every taste," it's no wonder that our readers found this South Carolina island so relaxing. "You breathe deeper—the sound of the ocean instantly makes you feel at ease," says one reader. When not lounging ocean-side, explore the "fantastic bike trails," or take advantage of the "terrific golf for all levels."
SEYCHELLES
Readers' Choice Rating: 84.5
Scenery: 97.9
Friendliness: 89.6
Atmosphere: 93.8
Restaurants: 82.5
Lodging: 100
Activities: 90.5
Beaches: 100
Look forward to "the most stunning beaches in the world." There is "so much culture, nature and beauty" to experience, making this "paradise on Earth." "The beauty of this place cannot be overstated" and "the water is so blue and so warm, you can literally swim forever." The friendly locals and few tourists make this spot "the best place for swimming on the beaches, diving or snorkeling."
NANTUCKET
Readers' Choice Rating: 84.9
Scenery: 96.7
Friendliness: 80.5
Atmosphere: 93
Restaurants: 89.9
Lodging: 88.4
Activities: 83
Beaches: 79
The "nice cobblestone village" coupled with the "rugosa roses" in the "salt air" define this comfy Massachusetts island, bringing you "back to the early settler days." "You feel like you are part of the old seafaring lives of whalers and fisherman," remarks one reader. Of course, the island still features "all modern comforts," including "the best beaches on the East coast," according to another reader.
LANAI
Readers' Choice Rating: 85.0
Scenery: 90.5
Friendliness: 88.4
Atmosphere: 90.1
Restaurants: 75.5
Lodging: 87.4
Activities: 79.8
Beaches: 82.1
This "beautiful hidden gem" is a perfect place for those seeking some "secluded luxury." Our readers marvel at how the island captures the "Hawaii of old," describing Lanai as "rugged and prime for exploration, yet made accessible by the refined resorts." Remember to go snorkeling at Manele Bay, where you may very well end up swimming with "a school of about a hundred spinner dolphins," undoubtedly "an amazing experience," according to one reader.
NEVIS
Readers' Choice Rating: 85.0
Scenery: 91.7
Friendliness: 88.9
Atmosphere: 88.9
Restaurants: 82.9
Lodging: 86.7
Activities: 74.1
Beaches: 81.3
Our readers think of Nevis as a "secret hideaway," the "hidden gem of the Caribbean." Though it's a small island, they say "there's more to do than you would think, and the greatest attraction is the natural beauty." In addition to friendly people and great food, they also loved the "fantastic hotels" and the "many fantastic, affordable rental villas." Overall, Nevis is a "warm, friendly, safe island" and a "great family destination."
\VANCOUVER ISLAND
Readers' Choice Rating: 85.5
Scenery: 96.4
Friendliness: 90.9
Atmosphere: 94.2
Restaurants: 83.2
Lodging: 85.3
Activities: 87.3
Beaches: 68.7
Readers implore visitors of this "captivating" "gem in Canada" to stay as long as possible, since there is simply "so much to see and do." It's ideal "if you are an outdoor enthusiast or interested in artists like potters and glassblowing," but Vancouver Island also offers more laid-back pursuits such as "lovely scenery and lots of wineries to visit." Whether our readers traveled here for the salmon fishing, the sailing, the "beautiful beaches" or the "wonderful people," they seem to agree that, as one reader put it, it's "the epitome of being in the Pacific Northwest."
WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
Readers' Choice Rating: 85.7
Scenery: 93.9
Friendliness: 87.7
Atmosphere: 90.9
Restaurants: 73.1
Lodging: 87.8
Activities: 85.0
Beaches: 79.0
"What a beautiful island," said one reader. "The sand is beautiful, the water is warm," perfect for snorkeling and sailing, as many of our readers recommend. "Beautiful location and an excellent starting point to see the Great Barrier Reef."
ST. JOHN
Readers' Choice Rating: 85.8
Scenery: 94.1
Friendliness: 85.5
Atmosphere: 90.4
Restaurants: 73.3
Lodging: 82.0
Activities: 83.6
Beaches: 92.3
Readers find the "natural beauty" of St. John to be unparalleled. Most of the island is a preserved national park, allowing visitors to enjoy the "emerald green beaches" and exotic "native fauna and flora." Bounce around the numerous cays in a kayak, or snorkel at Trunk Bay, where you might end up swimming "with a hawksbill turtle."
TASMANIA
Readers' Choice Rating: 86.0
Scenery: 95.0
Friendliness: 95.0
Atmosphere: 95.0
Restaurants: 73.3
Lodging: 71.0
Activities: 85.1
Beaches: 78.4
This "fascinating place" has "a rich cultural history." Our readers found "wonderful beaches, great hiking trails and very friendly people." "Fantastic scenery and a look at what Australia was like before tourism."
SANTORINI
Readers' Choice Rating: 86.6
Scenery: 98.3
Friendliness: 89.8
Atmosphere: 94.4
Restaurants: 79.8
Lodging: 86.8
Activities: 78.4
Beaches: 68.9
"There is no place like Santorini, in the whole world" say our readers, who love the "whitewashed buildings, wonderful beaches and views to die for." Their best memories are of the caldera vistas, the black-sand beach and the "crystal clear water," but they also cast their votes for the island's great shopping" and "awesome food." One reader said to "stroll the streets, walk the stairs down to the sea level and just revel in the beauty and friendliness of the people on this charming island." Another added, "It's also a great place for first-time divers due to the calm seas."
BERMUDA
Readers' Choice Rating: 87.1
Scenery: 93.1
Friendliness: 89.4
Atmosphere: 90.4
Restaurants: 77.5
Lodging: 84.1
Activities: 81.0
Beaches: 89.5
For a "fun blend of British, American, and Caribbean Culture," Bermuda is the place to be. It offers "endless activities: historical sites, golf, scooters, superb shopping and dining, museums, gardens, perfumeries and aquariums, too!" Go for a snorkel or explore the many private coves to truly experience the island's "lovely scenery," which is highlighted by the "pink sand beaches and aqua blue waters."
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