My Favourite Islands Part 1

   Grenada ©Solange Hando

 Sweeping white sands, it's paradise, lapped on one side by the blue Caribbean and on the other the silvery waves of the Atlantic. Relax in the resorts, Grand Anse the most popular, then look out for boat trips along the coast and mountain tours past traditional villages so rich in colour.

    Framed by lush volcanic hills, St Geoge's is the 'the prettiest capital in the Caribbean', they say, with three harbours, shops and markets full of local spices and tropical fruit and of course, the unrivalled island rum. 

                                                      Sri Lanka fishermen ©Solange Hando

Close to southern India, it's just a drop in the ocean but with so much variety, this is an amazing place. The Cultural Triangle takes you from ancient cities to lakeside Kandy, capital of the Hidden Kingdom until 1815. See spectacular temples and fortresses (don't miss Sigiriya) and discover nature reserves and tea plantations as you travel inland.

Best known beaches are in the south west where a few fishermen still perch on stilts. Swaying palms and turquoise sea, the scent of frangipani and a relaxing ayurvedic massage in your hotel, it's a dream come true. Even the leatherback turtles return year after year to build their nests in the sand. 

Vancouver Island ©Solange Hando

On the Pacific Ocean, off Vancouver City on the main land, this is the largest island along this stretch of coast and the provincial capital of British Columbia. Laced in mountains, rivers and beaches. you can discover the scenery on a boat trip or even a sea plane but beyond the vineyards, be sure to enjoy a leisurely walk in the wonderful Butchart Gardens.

Victoria is the attractive capital, fountains and flowers, horse-drawn carriages and grand Victorian façades mingling with pastel coloured walls. There are lots of antique and pastry shops and a glistening marina to watch the world go by.

Sicily ©Solange Hando

Sicily often calls me back with its own character draped in luminous light on the blue Mediterranean. I love it all around from Palermo (above) and Cefalu to Taormina and beyond, with so many beaches and spectacular scenery, including Mount Etna and its awesome lava fields.

Then of course there's the food -every meal an 'event' - and the best ice cream in the world. As for culture vultures,   you need plenty of time to see seven Unesco sites, Roman and Greek remains top of the list, such as Syracuse and Agrigento. 

Azores ©Solange Hando

This is an autonomous region of Portugal, nine islands altogether and I visited four so far. Sao Miguel, the longest and the capital, has amazing lakes and the only tea plantation in Europe while Terceira claims a Unesco capital, Angra, and a peninsula topped by an extinct volcano with panoramic views.

My favourite was the 'blue island' of Faial blooming with hydrangea, known far and wide for its scenic viewpoints, nature reserve and harbour covered in sailors' artwork.  There you can sail to Picolo (above), a wild quiet place with windmills, vineyards and lakes and dramatic volcanoes peeping through clouds and mist. 

Mauritius ©Solange Hando

Out in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius has romantic beaches with white sands and blue lagoons sheltered by coral reef. Sunsets are among the best I have seen, night after night, while Port-Louis, the capital, delighted me with its pretty colours and giant lilies in the nearby Botanical Gardens.

I gazed at tea plantations and sugar cane and wandered in the scenic uplands where pink pigeons and flying foxes make their home in the Black River Gorge. The Sacred Lake is an inspiring place but most unusual is the coloured earth of Chamarel, rolling pink, purple and gold as far as you can see.