Unexpected Paradise: 6 Macaronesian Islands That You May Not Have Heard Of

Off the coast of Europe and Africa, the Macronesian islands offer unspoiled landscapes, quaint towns, and stunning coastlines.

The island of La Gomera is located in the Canary Islands, one of the island chains that make up Macaronesia. Jörg Bergmann. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Macaronesia is a group of archipelagos in the North Atlantic Ocean. off the coast of Europe and Africa. It consists of the islands of the Azores and Madeira, (part of Portugal) the Canary Islands (part of Spain) and Cabo Verde  (an independent group of islands formerly controlled by Portugal). Some of these islands are only a short flight away from many major cities in Western Europe and becoming more popular, leading to more development on some of them, but unspoiled wilderness remains prevalent. 

1. São Miguel, Azores

The Lagoa das Sete Cidades features colorful lakes in the remnants of volcano calderas on São Miguel. energeticspell. CC BY-NC 2.0.

The largest island in the Azores, São Miguel features numerous beautiful natural sights for hikers and/or tourists. Due to minerals in the water, the lakes on the island come in various tints of green and blue. At a more temperate climate than many of the other Macaronesian islands, São Miguel receives more rain, resulting in many waterfalls on the island. Some companies lead rappelling excursions at the waterfalls. The seas around São Miguel are also prime for whale watching.

2. Flores, Azores

Lush, green cliffs characterize the island of Flores in the Azores archipelago. Paulo Corceiro. CC BY-ND 2.0.

One of the more remote islands in the Azores archipelago, Flores literally translates to “flowers” in English. Its stunning lush mountains are well-suited for hiking and canyoneering, with trails leading to some unique geological formations. Some places on the island to visit include the village of Fajã Grande, which is tucked in between cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, and the 7 lagoons, the remnants of ancient volcanoes. 

3. Madeira

The cliffs of Madeira. Kacper Gunia. CC BY-NC 2.0.

After a thrilling landing at one of the most challenging airports for pilots in the world, visitors step into a green oasis with dramatic mountains and steep drop-offs. In the past, Madeira was a maritime center with Christopher Columbus and James Cook making stops there on their voyages. Later, rich landowners built ornate summer estates on the island, such as the Monte Palace Madeira, which is a present-day vast botanical garden. Hiking trails criss-cross the island, with many built on the remnants of levandas, irrigation canals used to feed water to drier areas of the island. A strenuous hike to Pico Ruivo, the highest point on the island, rewards intrepid hikers with vast views.

4. La Palma, Canary Islands

The volcanic landscape of the island of La Palma. weberpal. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. 

The island of La Palma in the Canary Islands is fully operational again after the Cumbre Vieja volcano stopped erupting in December 2021. While it is still advisable to exercise caution around the eruption area, the rest of the island is free to be explored. Past volcanic eruptions have created unique rock formations underwater, making diving a popular activity off the coast of the island. Watersports such as kayaking and canoeing are also popular, especially along the sheltered coast of Fuencaliente. There is also an extensive network of hiking paths on the island, leading to a variety of unique landscapes.

5. Fuerteventura

Popular beaches and desert landscapes combine on the island of Fuerteventura. xavipat. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

The more southern islands of Macaronesia have a more arid climate, leading to more desert-like landscapes. Less than 100 kilometers from the coast of Africa, Fuerteventura consists of many popular beaches but also has quaint towns and rolling hills. As the first of the Canary Islands to be settled by Europeans, its first capital city of Betancuria was founded in 1404 and remains to this day and is a great place to learn about the island’s pre-Hispanic history. The island is also famous for its cuisine featuring majorero cheese and papas arugás with mojo (wrinkly potatoes with a local sauce).

6. Sal, Cabo Verde

The barren landscape of Sal is much more than what it seems. Phil Thirkell. CC BY-NC 2.0.

Another desert-like island, Sal is located in the northeast of the Cabo Verde archipelago and used to be the least populous island of the country until recent developments that have caused rapid growth. Like Fuerteventura, Sal has many beaches which are known as prime kiteboarding areas. Away from the beaches and resort areas lies what seems like a barren landscape, but tours on jeep and horseback can bring visitors to the remote interior to secluded areas. The island also has a legacy of salt mining, and it is possible to visit the Pedra de Lume area, which preserves the remnants of salt extraction operations.

Bryan Fok

Bryan is currently a History and Global Affairs major at the University of Notre Dame. He aims to apply the notion of Integral Human Development as a framework for analyzing global issues. He enjoys hiking and visiting national parks.

6 Secret Spots in Greece You Should Know About

Greece’s natural beauty and history extends far beyond the well-traveled islands of Santorini and Mykonos.

The isolated Vlacherna Monastery off the coast of Corfu.. Daniel Solabarrieta. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Though Greece has 6,000 islands and islets, only 227 of them are inhabited. Many are famous for picturesque beaches and nightclubs that welcome more than 34 million tourists every year. It is no surprise that the country is a favorite for travelers looking to explore the natural beauty of the Mediterranean, to learn more about the ancient civilization that once called the islands home or just to escape the monotony of everyday life. However, there is much more to the country than its white stucco buildings and tzatziki including cliffside monasteries, man-made lakes, and hidden fishing villages just waiting to be discovered.

1. Monastery Republic of Mount Athos, Chalcidice

The holy monastery at Mount Athos. Maite Elorza. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Located on the northern Greek peninsula of Chalcidice, Mount Athos is home to twenty ancient monasteries that date back to Byzantine times. Known to locals as the “Holy Mountain,” the recognized heritage site is off limits to women and children, but is home to approximately 1,400 monks. Its religious significance stems from legends that the rock face was once the location of a sanctuary of Zeus, but the mountain was also subjected to a number of attacks and attempted invasions over the years. The mountainous state officially became an autonomous region on October 3 ,1993and legally lies under the religious jurisdiction of the Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church from Constantinople.

2. Lake Doxa, Corinthia

Artificial Lake Doxa in western Corinthia. Ava Babili. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Surrounded by fir-tree covered mountains, the man-made Lake Doxa was built about fifteen years ago to help counter the high water levels. These tides also caused the Monastery of Agios to relocate at the center of the lake, and now appears as though it is floating on the water’s surface. The lake is in the village of Archaia Feneos which is located at the base of Mount Cyllene, the supposed birthplace of the god Hermes. According to popular Greek myth, there is also a subterranean canal underneath the lake that was dug by Hercules as one of his Twelve Labors. 

3. Klima Fishing Village, Milos

The colorful fishing village of Klima. Ioana. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Located on the volcanic island of Milos, the tiny fishing village of Klima has an extensive history that stretches all the way back to around 3,000 BC. The island was occupied by Athenians, Macedonians and Romans over the next few centuries, each leaving their own architectural mark. Visitors can still see remnants of aqueducts, catacombs, theaters and even ancient gymnasiums. After its eventual liberation in the Greek Revolution, the population of Milos began focusing on agriculture and fishing, leveraging the unique volcanic soil and rocks to build garages and houses (known as “syrmatas”) that would protect them from bad weather. Many of the fishermen painted their doors and balconies with bright colors, giving the village its picturesque facade.

4. Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos

The isolated Voutoumi beach on Antipaxos Island. Ari Bakker. CC BY 2.0.

As the smallest of the Ionian Islands, Antipaxos’ beaches are popular among locals from the neighboring islands of Paxi and Corfu but are relatively unknown to foreign tourists. Voutoumi beach is the largest of these and has some of the clearest waters in the Greek archipelago. It is also the preferred destination for private yachts because of its isolated location in a hidden cove on the north eastern side of the island. In fact, the pebble beach is so secluded that there aren’t any shops aside from a local tavern on a nearby hill that serves traditional Greek snacks. There are also a number of smaller coves that are easily reachable from Voutoumi by boat.

5. Melissani Cave, Kefalonia Island

An overhead view of the Melissani Cave. jordeangjelovik. CC BY 2.0.

Kefalonia is conversely the largest of the Ionian Islands and is home to an underground grotto located 20 meters (roughly 60 feet) below the surface of the Earth. The Melissani Cave is made up of two rooms, one of which is bright and sun-lit while the other is fully roofed with dark stone stalactites. The chambers are connected by a pool of water that runs about  30 meters (about 90 feet) deep. Legend has it that the cave is named after the nymph Melissanthi who perished in these waters after being rejected by the satyr god Pan. Excavations carried out in the 1950s and 1960s discovered small terracotta statues in the cave depicting the myth and commemorating her unrequited love. 

6. Ancient Greek Ruins, Delos

Ruins of the House of Cleopatra on the island of Delos. Bgag. CC BY-SA 2.0.

The island of Delos was once the religious epicenter of the Cyclades. It is now home to a large collection of archaeological ruins that commemorate Artemis and Apollo, the Olympian twins that are believed to have been born on the island. There are also beautifully preserved remnants of civilization from the archaic, classical and Hellenic periods in the form of ceramics, statues and mosaics. En route to the island’s highest point at the summit of Mount Cynthe is the ancient theater district and temples dedicated to the Egyptian deities Isis and Serapis. In fact, many foreign gods have dedicated shrines on Delos because it was a crucial trading port and hosted many sailors from overseas.

Tanaya Vohra

Tanaya is an undergraduate student pursuing a major in Public Health at the University of Chicago. She's lived in Asia, Europe and North America and wants to share her love of travel and exploring new cultures through her writing.

Beyond Bora Bora: 7 Lesser-Known Islands in French Polynesia

Although French Polynesia conjures up images of honeymooners and overwater bungalows, the region’s less-visited islands abound in natural beauty and warm hospitality.

Stunning views in French Polynesia. Dany13. CC2.0

French Polynesia is a South Pacific collectivity under French jurisdiction made up of five island groups: the Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Austral and Gambier islands. The region’s history goes back as early as 500 B.C., when Polynesians traveling east from Tonga and Samoa reached the islands. Once explorers arrived in the 16th century, European fascination with the South Pacific began to grow. As a result, the islands became a French colony in 1880. French Polynesia developed quickly in the 1960s and eventually gained more political autonomy, becoming an autonomous overseas country of France in 2004. 

Polynesian culture and traditions are an essential part of life on the islands. Locals appreciate their heritage and proudly showcase their vibrant culture to visitors. Examples of exemplary Polynesian craftsmanship include wood carving, weaving and tattooing, a practice deeply rooted in Polynesian mythology. Mesmerizing songs and dance embody the Polynesian spirit and allow islanders to pass down their culture and history from generation to generation. 

The islands of Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora are the most sought-after destinations in French Polynesia due to their world-renowned resorts with overwater bungalows. However, there is much more to the islands than simply a luxury vacation. Visiting these seven French Polynesian islands will allow travelers to gain an insight into Polynesian life and the islands’ rich culture.

Polynesian dancers in Raiatea. Caproni. CC2.0

Raiatea

Known as the “sacred island,” Raiatea is the birthplace of Polynesian culture. Polynesians first gathered at the marae of Taputapuatea, as the sacred site was the political and religious center of Polynesia in ancient times. From Taputapuatea, Polynesians set off in outrigger canoes traveling west to New Zealand and north to Hawaii. Taputapuatea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be visited with the accompaniment of a guide. Communities from Hawaii, New Zealand and the Cook Islands travel here as part of a pilgrimage to connect with their rich cultural heritage. 

Raiatea is also the only place in the world where the tiare apetahi grows. A beautiful white flower with five petals, it has become a symbol of the island itself. Faaroa River on Raiatea is French Polynesia’s only navigable river and was said to be the starting point for outrigger canoes heading across the ocean. Raiatea is also one of the top yachting destinations in French Polynesia with a vast lagoon and excellent sailing conditions. 

Vanilla pods. Hcabral. CC2.0

Tahaa

Accessible by ferry from neighboring Raiatea, Tahaa is one of the most beautiful of French Polynesia’s islands. The island has a rugged and untouched feel, dotted with lush tropical greenery and tiny villages. Known as the “vanilla island,'' Tahaa produces more than 70% of French Polynesian vanilla. Travelers can check out La Vallee de la Vanille, which is the only organic vanilla production on the island. Tahaa’s lagoons have many small islets (known as motus) which provide numerous opportunities for snorkeling in vibrant coral gardens. Tahaa also provides stunning views of neighboring Bora Bora, especially at sunset. 

Views of Huahine’s lagoon. Tiarescott. CC2.0

Huahine

Huahine is one of French Polynesia’s least-visited islands, often referred to as “the secret island.” Containing Huahine Nui (Big Huahine), Huahine Iti (Little Huahine) and eight villages, Huahine provides a break from the stresses of the modern world. As the island receives few tourists, visitors can expect to be welcomed to Huahine with great hospitality. The island is known for its lush greenery and landscape dotted with fruit and vanilla plantations. Huahine abounds in cultural sites, containing the largest number of marae temples in all of Polynesia. Huahine is also home to blue-eyed eels, sacred fish ranging from 4 to 6 feet long that live in a stream near the village of Faie. 

Palm trees in Fakarava. Villenueve. Public domain

Fakarava

Located in the Tuamotu archipelago, the largest group of atolls in the world, Fakarava is known throughout French Polynesia for its stunning natural beauty. Meaning “beautiful” or “making things superb” in Tahitian, Fakarava is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its abundant marine life. There are many conservation efforts underway here, including educational outreach programs and monitoring of the island’s flora and fauna. The French artist Henri Mattise visited Fakarava in 1930 and was said to be blown away by the countless shades of blue in the lagoon, inspiring many of his later creations. 

Rangiroa atoll from the air. Keats. CC2.0

Rangiroa

Also located in the Tuamotu archipelago, Rangiroa is the second-largest atoll in the world. Containing over 240 islets surrounding an enormous lagoon, there is no shortage of places to visit. The Rangiroa atoll is also one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. The waters near the villages of Tiputa and Avatoru provide excellent opportunities to see sharks, dolphins, manta rays and more. Other noteworthy sights in Rangiroa include Le Sable Roses, a pink sand beach located on the atoll’s southern rim, and Blue Lagoon, a spot that’s often referred to as a natural aquarium for its abundance of fish. 

Manihi’s lagoon. Cyriljouin. CC4.0

Manihi

With less than 1,000 residents, the island of Manihi provides an opportunity for travelers to experience slow-paced island life. The first black pearl farm in French Polynesia began in Manihi in 1965, a practice that has since become widespread across the islands. Today, pearl farming remains a crucial part of Manihi’s economy and culture. Travelers can visit these farms to learn about this fascinating process while supporting local businesses.

Views of Rurutu. Burckel. CC2.0

Rurutu

Rurutu is in French Polynesia's Austral Islands about 370 miles south of Tahiti. The island has stunning mountains and fertile landscapes dotted with fruit and coffee plantations. Humpback whales are Rurutu’s main attraction and can be found from August to October. Moerai, the largest village and home to most of Rurutu’s 2,400 people, provides a great insight into the island’s unique culture. Skilled female artisans known as mamas are renowned for their exquisite handwoven goods, including hats, mats and patchwork blankets called “tifaifai.” Moerai was also home to the famous Tiki statue of Aa, although only a replica remains on the island. The original statue is in the British Museum in London. 

In this time of global uncertainty, small island nations that depend heavily on tourism feel the impacts of the pandemic the hardest. By appreciating the unique customs and cultures of small island communities such as those in French Polynesia, their way of life can be preserved for generations to come. 

Megan Gürer

Megan is a Turkish-American student at Wellesley College in Massachusetts studying Biological Sciences. Passionate about environmental issues and learning about other cultures, she dreams of exploring the globe. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, singing, and composing music.

Nordic and Celtic Traditions in Scotland’s Shetland Islands

Shetland ponies in a field on one of the Shetland Islands. Infinite Ache. CC BY-NC 2.0.

Located 110 miles northeast of the Scottish mainland are the Shetland Islands, a sub-Arctic archipelago in the north Atlantic Ocean. The islands, with a population of 22,920 centered around the town of Lerwick, are home to one of the most unique cultures in the British Isles, with the islands’ residents maintaining a blend of Nordic and Celtic influences.

While travel to the archipelago is largely limited due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, following the global crisis, any traveler looking to take the road less traveled will find joy in visiting the Shetland Islands. Given the region’s rich history, diverse local culture and beautiful wildlife, the farthest north region of Scotland should not be overlooked when planning future adventures abroad.

A History of Nordic and Celtic Tradition

A parade through Lerwick during Up Helly Aa, an annual Shetland fire festival which pays tribute to the archipelago’s Viking origins. Vicky Brock. CC BY-SA 2.0.

While humans have inhabited the Shetland Islands since at least 2700 B.C., with evidence to suggest that the Romans knew about the archipelago during the height of their empire, modern Shetland culture began at the end of the 9th century A.D. with the colonization of the archipelago and the nearby Orkney Islands by Vikings from Scandinavia.

The Shetland Islands would remain under Norse rule for around 600 years, during which the islands’ population Christianized and gained a grounding for the region’s culture that is still seen to this day. For instance, remnants of Norn, the predominant language of the time but one that is now extinct, has influenced the Shetland dialect spoken in the region. Likewise, festivals such as Up Helly Aa, an annual midwinter fire festival which honors pagan and Christian traditions, can trace their roots back directly to Viking colonialism.

Following several centuries of conflict and growing Scottish influence in the region, sovereignty over the archipelago was sold to Scotland in 1468. This transfer of power, which lasted until 1707 when Scotland and England joined together under the name Great Britain, saw the adoption of more Celtic customs, as well as increased trade with the rest of Europe. The introduction of folk music, the cuisine of the region, and the English language can trace their origins back to this time period.

Into the contemporary era, the Nordic and Celtic cultures and heritage have blended together. This is represented in the aforementioned festivals and language of the region, as well as in the archipelago’s civil parish names, which feature both Old Norse and Celtic origins.

Visiting the Shetland Islands

Lerwick, the Shetland Islands’ largest settlement and only town. Balou46. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Given how remote the Shetland Islands are in comparison to the rest of Scotland, visitors to the islands can either arrive via a 12-hour overnight boat ride from Aberdeen, or by plane from one of six cities in Scotland or from Bergen, Norway.

Once on the archipelago, visitors have a number of experiences to partake in. Lerwick is home to a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Shetland Folk Festival, the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival, and the largest celebration of Up Helly Aa. Likewise, the town is home to the Shetland Museum and Archives, which is dedicated to documenting the unique history and traditions of the region.

Venturing away from Lerwick, travelers can take in the untouched nature of the islands in one of three national nature reserves, the most popular being the Hermaness National Nature Reserve, a seabird colony on the island of Unst. For those more interested in the island’s oceanic location, Lonely Planet recommends kayaking, sailing and surfing for those who can brave the frigid waters of the north Atlantic.

For a taste of the local cuisine, the archipelago offers a number of highly recommended restaurants. Steamed lemon sole from The Dowry, reestit mutton soup from Peerie Shop Cafe, and saucermeat, a spiced breakfast sausage, from Fjara Cafe Bar, are all favorites among travelers and locals alike.

The Shetland Islands represent the best of what Scotland as a whole has to offer. The archipelago’s rich history, unique culture and variety of experiences offer something for everyone to enjoy. Following the pandemic, a visit to the Shetland Islands is a must for any world traveler.

Jacob Sutherland

Jacob is a recent graduate from the University of California, San Diego. Previously, he worked for The UCSD Guardian, serving both as News Editor and a columnist. In addition to his work at Catalyst, he writes the online column, PC Princess, and centers his writing around social justice issues.