5 νησιά της γαλήνης vs 5 νησιά της δράσης

Chiloé, Chile
The Chiloé archipelago's pristine seascape is one reason the islands tied for third place in a new ranking of the world's best kept island destinations—and quite a few that are succumbing to tourism overkill. Southern Chile's Chiloé also scored high because it is enhanced by protected forests and dozens of historic towns and wooden churches.




Shetland Islands, Scotland, U.K.
The islands have "spectacular sea cliffs; pristine beaches; fascinating geology; over a million breeding seabirds; the highest density of otters in Europe; regular sightings of killer whales; and superb displays of rare sub-Arctic flora.
About 130 miles (210 kilometers) north of mainland Scotland, the islands were applauded for the preservation of both heritage and ecology, despite nearby oil developments.
A unique blend of Scotland and Nordic culture, somewhat remote, the Shetlands have protected the environment and continue to attract tourists and maintain other sectors (fishing and oil) in harmony.




Lofoten, Norway
The Lofoten island group—including the town of Reine (pictured)— have sustainable environmental and cultural practices.
The weather is often rotten, but the beauty of the sea, rocks, and houses is awe-inspiring.
Lofoten archipelago in the Norwegian Sea has avoided excessive tourism partly because its nippy climate doesn't draw the beach-party set. Lofoten won praise for its deep, placid fjords, and jagged, rocky peaks. Cruising tourism is a threat.




Azores, Portugal
These islands—including Flores (pictured)—lie about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) west of continental Portugal. The Azores are home to green volcanic mountains and picturesque towns.
Azore's strong culture and healthy ecosystems are likely to last, especially since the islands capricious climate probably impedes the flow of tourists. Early signs of inappropriate development, however, were a concern.




Faroe Islands, Denmark
Part of Denmark, this self-governing North Atlantic archipelago is home to a population one expert called unified and resolutely Faroese, not Danish.
Cultural integrity strong. If the numbers of cruise ships continue to grow rapidly, there may be problems. ... A cool climate and remote location have kept many tourists away, leaving lovely, unspoiled islands that are a delight to the traveler.




Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head protects its trees, prohibits billboards and sign clutter, has lots of bike trails, no high-rises. Golf courses—like the one pictured—and gated communities make the place pretty monotonous in a squeaky-clean way.
This island is the poster boy for tourism development gone wild. There is extreme pressure to continue development even though the population living there wants to stop development.




Jamaica
Tourists watch catamarans moored outside a restaurant in Jamaica's Montego Bay.
Many visitors never experience the rich heritage that the island has to offer, as the locking away of tourists behind all-inclusive [tour] gates has led to resentment and crime against visitors.
This discourages independent travelers who really want to experience the island's culture, food, and music. In addition, over-fishing has taken a serious toll, and the national parks are under siege.




Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Boats are shown docked in Turtle Cove, Providenciales (aka Provo).
Fifteen years ago there were only 1,000 people on Provo; today the unofficial number is more than 30,000.
Development is proceeding at light speed. Some native islanders fear that development is at the expense of the islands' identity and culture.




Ibiza, Spain
Booze, partying, and drugs are a big part of an increasingly sleazy scene.
Half the island is still 'natural. The other half has been lost completely to the party circuit.




St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
One expert who helped rank 111 islands called St. Thomas a "shopping mall for cruise ships."
The island tied for last place in a ranking published in the November/December 2007 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine.
"Once upon a time, St. Thomas was the most beautiful island in the Caribbean, with sculpted peaks and deep coves," another expert said. "It's all developed now, and the pressure of up to ten cruise ships in a day (almost 2 million arrivals a year) erases that natural beauty."

(πηγή: news.nationalgeographic.com)