Some travelers like to take a watercraft once and never have to do it again until it’s time to go home. Others are open to exploring the islands and cays near the mainland. Not all are inhabited or easily accessible. There are many archipelagos in the Americas, Europe and Africa. Asia is home to The Malay Archipelago, boasting 25,000 islands, making it one of the largest by area.
How are these chains of islands and cays formed? Volcanic activity. According to World Land Forms, “as volcanoes erupt under water, they start to form land above the water which is what we call an island. As the volcanoes shift or a group of volcanoes erupt over years, they start to form a group of islands that we can call an archipelago.”
Another way an archipelago can form is “through the evaporation or movement of water. The higher part of land that was under water is now above water.”
Here are six archipelagos within the same country to add to future travels.
1. The Bahamas
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The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation lists the islands and cays of the Bahamas here.
There are sixteen major ones. Which are the most popular? The list varies, but U.S. News mentions Harbour Island, The Exumas and Eleuthera as the best.
Part of what makes The Bahamas so amazing is its size. From renowned beaches to private coves, world class resorts and the adorable swimming pigs- what’s not to love?
2. The Balearic Islands
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Mainland Spain has plenty to keep you busy, from elegant Madrid to sexy Barcelona. Not to mention Andalucia- the southern region filled with history and miles of coastline.
For more adventure, check out the Balearic Islands. These sun-drenched slices of paradise are in the Mediterranean, and four are very popular.
Ibiza is the party island. It attracts top DJs spinning well into the early dawn. As such, many of its visitors are young adults, so families with young children might want to look elsewhere.
Menorca is the perfect island to chill on the beach, and it has some neat archaeological sites.
The largest island, Mallorca, offers beautiful coves, mountain ranges and more nature just waiting to be explored.
Formentera is the smallest. According to Travel + Leisure, it “attracts boho-chic types who prefer lazy lounging by gentle turquoise waters over glitzy soirees.”
3. The Greek Islands
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Since antiquity, Greece has enticed people the world over with its mystery and beauty. Be sure to set aside from time to explore beyond the mainland.
Mykonos and Santorini are big winners and they are part of the Cyclades archipelago. Beaches, nightlife, amazing seafood- check, check and check!
Crete is the largest island. As noted by Travel + Leisure, it’s “roughly halfway between Europe and Africa.” There’s so much to do you’ll need to visit more once. Sink your toes in the pink sands of Elafonissi Beach- one of Crete’s best.
The Dodecanese archipelago consists of “12 main islands and multiple smaller ones.” Here’s where you’ll find Rhodes and Kos; both with international airports.
Corfu is the star of the Ionian Islands. The Old Town is charming and UNESCO protected.
4. The Croatian Islands
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If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you might know that the show was filmed in Split and Dubrovnik on the Croatian mainland.
The islands each have their own personality. There’s dramatic Korčula with its medieval walls and famed white wine.
Vis has an unpolished look which is part of the charm. According to Time Out, it “was out of bounds to foreign visitors until 1989.”
Vis is the furthest from the mainland, so it still doesn’t attract a huge following. So if you’re hoping to avoid large crowds, this could be an ideal choice.
Brač can easily be accessed by ferry from Split while Hvar is the place for the yacht-owning elite.
5. The Italian Islands
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Italy is a jewel in Europe, from the majestic lakes in the north, to timeless Rome, Tuscany and Umbria.
If you’re only there for a short stay, the mainland is enough. But if you’ve got extra time, check out the three most famous Italian islands.
Sicily has about 700 miles of coastline. Palermo and Catania offer the action and there are theaters and temples from antiquity.
Not remote enough? There are some smaller islands which are all UNESCO protected: Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Alicudi.
Sardinia is home to La Pelosa Beach, with its cobalt waters and soft sands. The resort areas of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo offer nightlife, fine dining and beautiful villas.
What’s the most famous site in lovely Capri? The Blue Grotto, for sure. You’ll have to hire a rowboat with a licensed guide to access this sea cave. Well worth a trip if you aren’t claustrophobic.
6. Turks and Caicos
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The Turks and Caicos islands are synonymous with Caribbean luxury.
The nightly rates for villas alone is proof of that. You’ll be paying thousands of dollars no matter when you go.
According to the Turks and Caicos tourism site, “there are 40 islands and cays.”
The top ones are Providenciales, Grand Turk, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos and Salt Cay. There’s also Parrot Cay, Pine Cay and Ambergris Cay.
Whether you want to lounge on the beach or partake in world class diving, Turks and Caicos always exceeds expectations.
