The Island Diaries

A Portuguese and African melting pot off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde has a wealth of breathtaking sceneries. Despite its limited resources, locals are known for their kindness and music.

Located at the easternmost point of North America, Newfoundland looks like it's at the edge of the world.

The cradle of Greek mythology, Crete is said to be the birthplace of Zeus. Today, hit by an economic slowdown, many Cretans strive for self-sufficiency by turning towards community initiatives.

At the heart of the Indian Ocean, traditions are strong on the island of Grande Comore.

Discover the Channel Islands in all their abundant natural glory, each with its own personality and living conditions and each inspired one way or another by British history and French culture.

A small Hindu enclave at the heart of Indonesia, Bali's landscapes and people make for an enchanting experience.

In 1996 the Soufriere Hills volcano erupted, burying two thirds of the island of Montserrat, known as the emerald isle of the Caribbean.

Off the coast of Southern Japan, Okinawa is said to hold the secret to long life. With a laid-back atmosphere and very rich cultural history, it is adapting to changing times.

Cuba is loved by tourists despite the rationing system that still prevails. Creativity is deeply embedded in Cubans, who practice eco-agriculture and are developing a prosperous private sector.

France's youngest region, Reunion Island, is also referred to as the "Intense Island" because of its splendid and sometimes harsh geography. However, life on this island is anything but intense.

Known as the Island of Fire and Ice because of its snow-capped peaks and volcanoes, Hawaii Island, or the Big Island, is the largest of them all, yet it is the least visited by tourists.

A stone's throw away from Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island is known as British Columbia's go-to place for hippies. It's inhabitants enjoy the self-sufficiency and tranquility of their community.

The Faroe Islands are a cluster of islands with impressive cliffs towering over the sea. Patriotic, welcoming and patient, the Faroese lead peaceful lives, despite harsh weather conditions.

On Baranof Island, just off the coast of Alaska, nature is both nurturing and unforgivingly harsh. Immersed in nature and far from urban centres, the locals wouldn't have it any other way.

Sardinia delights the senses with its local products and its enchanting setting,where traditional songs are still heard. The island also has the world's highest concentration of centenarians.

Although part of the province of Quebec, people from the Magdalen Islands have a unique and strong cultural identity where fishing is still the beating heart of the local economy and way of life.

Jeju is a little piece of paradise in South Korea. An hour away from Seoul by air, it is known as the island of wind, rocks and strong women and there is a deep sense of peace, pride and contentment.

Located 1, 500 km away from Portugal, the Azores are-one of its hidden gems. Sculpted by lava flows and landslides,the nine islands seem to shoot towards the sky in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Located some 500 km off the coast of Argentina, the Falkland Islands are like fragments of land that drifted away from Antarctica where people enjoy a remarkable quality of life despite the isolation.

Located in the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Assam, the isolated island of Majuli was named the world's largest river island and is the setting for a colourful, rich blend of cultures.

Located over 1500 km from Australia,the beautiful archipelago of New Caledonia seems cut off from the world but has a rich, multicultural history with traditions that have withstood the test of time.

Nature is a great provider in Chile's remote archipelago of Chiloe and their traditional sharing lifestyle means they want for nothing but,the rise of modernity is leaving the islands at a crossroads.

The Lofoten Islands stunning mountains, breathtaking fjords and spectacular northern lights have created a thriving tourism industry but the locals have stayed true to their authentic lifestyle.

The largest island of the Lesser Antilles,Guadeloupe is home to a very diverse community and despite the high cost of living, harmony reigns over the archipelago's rich array of cultures and faiths.

Bocas del Toro, a cluster of islands with white sandy beaches off the coast of Panama. In this haven of cultural diversity, tourism is a growing industry with locals aiming for sustainable development.

Less than 100 km from Auckland NZ, Great Barrier Island offers a spectacular setting for a simple life, far from the drama of today's consumer society and urban settings, and in harmony with nature.