Andaman Islands & Uncontacted Tribes: Welcome to Port Blair

Have you ever heard of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

This unique Indian territory covers a swath of around 200 islands in the East Indian and Andaman Seas. The islands are similar to the Seychelles; highly tropical, surrounded by colorful reefs, and largely unspoiled.

That unspoiled label is actually quite important for the Andaman region.

While most people (rightfully) imagine the Amazon rainforest as the world’s last vestige of uncontacted tribes, the Andaman Islands are home to two more: the Sentinelese and the Jarawa.

Unlike the other groups of Andanese peoples (including the Nicobarese, Shompen, Onga, and Great Andamanese), the Sentinelese have consistently driven foreigners from the shores of North Sentinel Island, where they live.

The Jarawa have had some contact with the outside world, but regularly fight to maintain autonomy over their native islands.

But the islands that both of these tribes call home aren’t far from civilization.

In fact, North Sentinel Island (home of the uncontacted Sentinelese) is only around 35 nautical miles separated from the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory, Port Blair.

Port Blair sits on the edge of South Andaman Island—and it’s one of India’s most up-and-coming tourist destinations.

Yeah, there’s a lot going on, and we haven’t even gotten to penal colonies yet. Let’s dive in.

Enter Port Blair

Port Blair was established by British colonists in the late 1700s. The idea was to use the islands as a place of exile for troublesome prisoners from the nearby Indian state of Bengal.

A penal colony was quickly set up, followed by a prison (which you can still visit today).

Today, Port Blair serves as the capital of the Andaman Islands, along with the first stop for tourists coming into the area.

This is the home base for most local administrations who work tirelessly to protect the area’s ecology, along with its isolated tribes. As tourism grows, these efforts receive more funding and attention.

But it’s a fine line to tread.

Uncontacted tribes in the Andaman Islands

It’s illegal to visit islands where uncontacted and protected tribes are located—but only the Sentinelese’s home island is regularly guarded against visitors.

This is for two reasons: to protect the tribe from unwanted contact and to protect those who wander onto their shores.

In 2018, an American missionary named John Chau lost his life attempting to make contact with the Sentinelese and convert them. He’s not the first to die after treading on North Sentinel Island, where the tribe lives.

Along with North Sentinel, tribes live on Little Andaman Island, Strait Island, Middle Andaman, Great Nicobar Island, and South Andaman Island, amongst others.

Similar to the Sentinelese, the Jarawa are highly resistant to external influence. Only those with specific permits (not available to tourists) have permission to visit their native islands and interact with them.

But you don’t need to tread on any toes to enjoy Andaman. Multiple islands are open to tourists, allowing you to enjoy unspoiled beaches, along with tribal arts and displays.

Here the best islands for tourists to visit in Andaman, listed with their Hindi names.

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Throughout the Andamans, you’ll find stunning white sand beaches surrounded by fertile woodlands. From what I’ve seen, the shores of Neil Island remind me of tropical coasts like the Riviera Maya and nearby Sri Lanka.

Here, you can enjoy all the finer trappings of a beach vacation, from snorkeling to sunbathing to coastal hikes. Locals are known for being quite laid back and welcoming—which is a notable plus in this region.

Ross Island (Netaji Subash Chandra Bose)

Ross Island is located just off South Andaman Island’s Port Blair. Though you can enjoy activities like swimming and diving, there’s another lure here for tourists: the ruins of the British penal colony.

Though Port Blair served as the administrative center, Ross Island actually held the empire’s prisoners. Along with the prison, you can explore colonial the remnants of British architecture and stroll through a small museum on the colonial era. You might also notice the traces of Japanese occupation, which took place during WWII.

Baratang Island

Baratang Island delivers on untouched natural wonders. It’s a bit denser in terms of its forests than other islands, which means you can explore mangrove-covered creeks, strange mud volcanoes, and tons of caves.

Like the rest of the islands on this list, the best way to get to Baratang is to organize a day trip from Port Blair. Most visitors use Port Blair as their home base so they can explore Baratang, Ross, and Neil Island at their leisure.

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

Havelock Island is the most well-known option for tourists heading to Port Blair.

It’s home to the world-famous Radhanagar Beach, one of the most untarnished natural wonders on our planet. You’ll also notice plenty of options in terms of dining, lodging, activities, and tours.

Havelock is also home to dozens of high-class resorts and spas. If you want to truly soak up the Andaman Islands in a luxurious fashion, you’re better off flying into Port Blair and then heading straight to Havelock Island.

You’ll notice tourists from across Asia reveling in the sand.

North Bay Island

Like Havelock, most tourists schedule a visit to North Bay Island when they head to Port Blair. It’s well-known for its stunning coral reefs that offer shelter to unique marine life. Because of this, most visitors spend their time snorkeling or scuba diving along the shoreline.

There isn’t too much else to do in North Bay—not that you’ll get bored with all the water activities available to you. However, you can also schedule unique beachside experiences (like private couples dinners), which are definitely worth looking into.

Vancouver’s Pym Island: Inside the 6.2-acre Private Island

Pym Island isn’t cheap by any stretch of the imagination.

This private island, located off the coast of British Columbia, first hit the market last year with a listing price of $7 million.

It’s a surprisingly low number when you look at the surrounding area.

As of June 2024, the average price of a home in Vancouver was around is around $1.4 million. In nearby Victoria, home owners might pay around around $780,000 instead.

Though we’re talking millions right now, the jump from $1.4 million to $7 million isn’t that great—especially when you consider the incredibly luxurious amenities available at Pym Island.

In what world could someone from Vancouver or Victoria feasibly purchase their own fully private, 6.2-acre island only a short boat ride from the cities’ docks?

And the better question is, if the island has been on the market since April 2023, why hasn’t anyone bit yet?

Let’s take a closer look at Pym Island.

Conveniently hidden away

Pym Island offers a truly remote feel, even if it’s close to other small islands that border Vancouver Island.

The 6.2-acre spread is home to a stunning main house, along with five other cozier cabins. There’s also a small residence for the island’s caretaker, which makes sense.

Buyers will need one, let me tell you.

Not only are there 2,700 feet of coast to maintain, but the island’s top-tier amenities require regular upkeep and work.

The island is also home to an outdoor tennis court, a private dock, a boathouse, fire suppression stations, and an indoor pool. All the guest cabins have at least one bathroom; some have two.

No detail has been spared. To be frank, I’m almost more impressed with the sheer number of maintenance features. These include a backup water connection to Vancouver Island, a backup diesel generator in case the electricity cuts, and tanks designed to store extra fresh water.

It’s so remote I’m almost getting prepper vibes.

Beautiful on the inside, too

When I first read about Pym Island’s cottage, I prepared for a rustic site.

The island’s coastline is kept purposefully rugged, which means you can’t really see what’s hidden under its massive conifer trees. But my jaw dropped when I saw the interior of the main cottage.

Luxury isn’t a fitting word; it’s too easy to throw around. The atmosphere on the inside of the main house is better described as pure opulence—like a finely crafted Persian rug, like a marble relief created by a Greek master.

The main salon is covered in wood and brick accents, along with plenty of untreated stone. There’s a courtyard filled with bright red gardenias in one part of the home, along with an indoor pool surrounded by an arched colonnade in another.

Pym Island’s brush with stardom & crime

Luxury listings take longer to sell. The fact that Pym Island has been on the market for a year doesn’t hint at any major issues.

But given the sheer quality of the main house and the unbeatable privacy of this island, I wanted to dig deeper.

I didn’t find much—it seems like the agent representing Pym Island has kept the property away from larger publications in order to maintain the current owner’s desire for privacy. But there was a strange trail of crumbs that led back to a failed web series and a solved murder case.

Back in 2015, Gang Yuan a multi-millionaire from China and owner of Pym Island, was murdered in a disagreement with a family member. (Note: this crime did not take place on the island.)

Yuan’s murder made headlines, which shined a light on a web series that Yuan’s daughter had started with a group of friends, titled ‘Ultra Rich Asian Girls’. (Any guesses what the show was about?) In one episode, Yuan’s daughter took her friends to Pym Island to expound upon the virtues of a drama-free life.

Again, the crime didn’t involve Pym Island—but it’s not very often that I find multi-million-dollar private island listings with such a sordid and recent past. And it seems few people in the area have forgotten about the trial and aftermath.

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: A Closer Look

UNESCO does a lot more than designate World Heritage Sites.

As a branch of the UN that focuses on education, science, and culture, there’s obviously an emphasis on the humanities.

But did you know that there’s an entire sector of UNESCO that’s dedicated to uncovering and preserving our world’s ‘intangible’ cultural heritage?

That term is used to describe practices, expressions, and activities that demonstrate hyper-unique elements of culture. In other words, these forms of heritage are tied to specific places, languages, and people.

UNESCO regularly adds new traditions to its long list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Just about anything can receive this unique designation, from poetry to dance to clothing.

While I’d love to list out a few American examples, the US hasn’t officially adopted UNESCO’s Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage—which means we aren’t allowed to submit our own traditions.

It’s also sometimes posited that this UNESCO list is aimed at countries that have less economic development and, at the same time, longstanding cultural histories. The goal is to boost tourism and interest in these locations, along with resources and infrastructure.

The US doesn’t meet the first economic requirement.

But I’m a bit baffled by the notion that the US might lack longstanding cultural traditions and histories. The US is home to 574 federally recognized tribes, along with hundreds of unrecognized tribes, after all. I imagine each has a few traditions worth preserving and promoting.

Semantics aside, I’ve been obsessed with this ever-growing list of intangible cultural heritage for a few years.

To take you on a quick tour of intangible cultural heritage, I’ve collected three of the most interesting categories (opera, New Year celebrations, and theatre) along with a few super cool examples from around the world.

Opera

Kun Qu (China): Kun Qu opera is incredibly colorful, complex, and storied. You’ve probably heard sound clips of this incredible art form from a few movies over the years. The practice was refined in the 1700s up until the 1900s, at which point in time it started to gain popularity around China and Asia.
Opera dei Pupi (Italy): Puppets? Singing opera? In Sicily? Say no more, I’m interested. Though described as puppets, the pieces used in this opera are complex and refined marionettes. They gained popularity as street shows for Sicily’s working class, telling fables and tales from across Europe. Now that I’ve taken a closer look, I’m not sure whether to be terrified or intrigued. I’ll let you decide for yourself.

New Year Celebrations

*Note: New Year celebrations don’t solely relate to the calendar year. They might be determined by the moon cycle or the passage of a year.

Sidama, Fichee-Chambalaalla (Ethiopia): To celebrate the first anniversary of a marriage, Sidama women return home to visit their parents. They bring a meal made from fruit, milk, and butter, which is shared between neighbors. It also involves storytelling, combining elements of culinary and oral tradition.
Momoeria (Macedonia, Greece): This 12-day festivity celebrates the Christian holidays of Christmas, New Year, and the Epiphany with an ornate party. The celebration includes dancing, theatre, storytelling, and even resource management. It’s not about celebrating the last year but planning for the next one.
Washoku (Japan): This form of cultural heritage refers specifically to the types of foods eaten during Japanese New Year. Specifically, it also applies to the way in which food is produced, processed, and packaged. The goal is to mindfully and sustainability create traditional foods to celebrate the New Year.
Nowrus (Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan): Persian New Year is celebrated in many places and in many different ways. It coincides with the spring equinox—and actually has its roots in the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism rather than Islam. Like Momoeria, celebrations involve unique festivities.

Theatre

Mek Malung (Malaysia): This unique form of dance theatre is found in only one tiny region of Malaysia. It combines elements of singing, dancing, and dialogue. Physicality is punctuated by swinging arm movements, while the actors perform with only the accompaniment of a small oboe.
Sbek Thom (Cambodia): This highly unique form of theatre is known as ‘shadow theatre’, which should give you a clue about its content. Puppets are crafted from fine leather, which are then lit to cast ornate shadows. This is a highly sacred art that’s often used to tell spiritual tales, like those from the Ramayana.
Koodiyattam (India): When you imagine an Indian play on a stage, you might see images of Koodiyattam in your mind. This tradition comes from the southern Indian state of Kerala and dates back to the Sangam period of 300 BCE to 300 CE. That means when you watch Koodiyattam, you’re experiencing an almost-lost form of ancient Sanskrit theatre.

Digital Nomad Visas in Europe: Which Countries Offer Them to US Citizens?

‘Remote worker’ and ‘digital nomad’ are two trending buzzwords in the business world.

Though it’s easy to clump them together, there are slight distinctions.

A digital nomad is a remote worker who’s constantly on the move. They might drift from country to country, from hostel to hostel. This trend took off a decade ago—and it raised a lot of questions for the countries hosting digital nomads.

Which tax authority should they report their earnings to? Do they need to become temporary residents to work? Which laws should they follow in regard to their professional work?

There’s no fast and easy answer, especially now that countries are starting to create visa programs specifically for these types of workers.

Europe is home to dozens of digital nomad visas—and they’re worth looking into. If you’re a digital nomad, then check out whether these visas work for you. The same for remote workers looking for a bit of a lifestyle change.

What is a digital nomad visa and who should use one?

A digital nomad visa is a way for governments to monitor and tax professionals who work for international companies (usually). They might be full-time employees or freelancers.

In Europe, digital nomad visas are offered by most countries in the European Union. The visas are designed for non-EU workers.

In other words, EU citizens can’t apply for these visas; and they don’t need to, as they can live and work freely throughout the European Union.

Digital nomad visas allow travelers to work full-time (or part-time) while traveling around the country. Alternatively, they can also stay in one place for an extended period of time.

A nomad visa usually allows them to rent apartments and otherwise access a country’s infrastructure. But not all digital nomad visas are worth looking into.

Some of them are geared toward certain economic sectors and job markets, such as the programs offered by Latvia and France. Others, like those available in Germany and Czechia, are simply too complicated to make them worth applying for.

European countries with solid digital nomad visas

Below, you can find the most accessible digital nomad visas and similar offers in Europe. My metrics are based on affordability, the fine print, ease of applying, and speed of application processing.

Albania

Albania is a hot new destination for many travel sites—and it’s got a long-stay visa that’s perfect for digital nomads. The visa was created with self-employed people in mind, including remote workers. (It also covers professions like researchers, investors, and even retirees.)

Visa cost: Reciprocal (Albania charges you whatever your country would charge an Albanian—this feels like political jiu-jitsu?)

Income requirement: $9,800/year

Duration: 1 year

Croatia

Croatia is one of the flashiest countries in Europe thanks to its beautiful Mediterranean beaches and medieval villages. Also, the locals tend to be warm and welcoming. The country first launched its digital nomad visa back in 2021. If the terms don’t work for you, then look into Croatia’s temporary residence visa.

Visa cost: $73

Income requirement: $2,658/month

Duration: 6 months-1 year

Georgia

This tiny country is located in the Caucasus Mountains; if you’re into rugged and stunning mountain ranges, look no further. Given its small size and desire for economic growth, the government launched a ‘Remotely from Georgia’ visa back in 2020. A few years back, two of my friends moved to the capital of Tbilisi—I’ve been hearing rave reviews since.

Visa cost: Free

Income requirement: $2,000/month

Duration: 1 year

Greece

Greece was one of the first European countries to launch its digital nomad visa. Not only was it one of the first, but it’s also one of the easiest to obtain. It’s a popular destination for digital nomads because Greece has a great work-life balance, allowing remote workers to enjoy the islands when they’re off the clock. However, its income requirement is a bit heftier than others.

Visa cost: $79

Income requirement: $3,690

Duration: 1-2 years

Hungary

Hungary’s ‘white card’ is a digital nomad visa that’s primarily geared toward young and single professionals. (Couples can’t apply; enjoy your domestic bliss elsewhere.) Similar to Greece, the process is extremely straightforward and fast—and it also has the chance to extend for up to a year.

Visa cost: $116

Income requirement: $2,110

Duration: 1 year (can apply for extensions)

Italy

Surprisingly, Italy was a bit slower than its neighbors in launching its digital nomad visa program. In 2022, the country released its first applications to the public. So far, I’ve heard mixed reviews about the process of applying for an Italian digital nomad visa, along with the fine print tacked onto it. I recommend treading lightly with this program before making any final plans in Italy.

Visa cost: $126

Income requirement: $30,051/year

Duration: 1-year

Malta

Malta has some of the most diverse visa programs aimed at remote workers. Its digital nomad visa is the most direct way to live and work in the country. However, if you’re not sure whether you’ll be working full-time while there, you can also apply for a short-stay visa or a long-stay visa. Similar to Georgia, this small country is looking to build its economy by welcoming remote workers, so you’ll have plenty of resources at your fingertips.

Visa cost: $316

Income requirement: $2,850

Duration: 1 year (can apply for extensions)

Portugal

Portugal recently launched its digital nomad visa scheme, which is just a short-stay visa geared toward foreigners. In addition to this visa, Portugal offers a handful of lucrative visa programs aimed at wealthier expats. (Key word: wealthier.) However, Portugal’s temporary stay visa is unique in that it can be extended for up to four years.

Visa cost: $190

Income requirement: $2,950/month

Duration: 1 year (can apply for extension)

Romania

Similar to Albania, Romania is an up-and-coming destination for travelers in Europe. But it’s been on the radar for digital nomads since 2021. Romania’s visa program is open to freelancers and remote workers alike. However, it’s not open to EU citizens who want to work while keeping their residence in another country.

Visa cost: Unspecified

Income requirement: $3,900/month

Duration: 1 year

Spain

Spain is one of the latest countries to adopt a digital nomad work visa program. The country announced its plans last year and has since rolled out a functional application system. Uniquely, you can apply for this visa while you’re already abroad, allowing happy tourists to set up shop in cities like Madrid or Sevilla.

Visa cost: $265

Income requirement: $2,215/month

Duration: 1 year (can apply for extension)

Island Travel: A Look at the US’s Unincorporated Territories

The United States is notorious for having fifty states, represented by stars in our national flag.

In reality, the US has a much broader reach. You can find unincorporated US territories dotting the globe, from the Caribbean to the Pacific Ocean.

These territories aren’t quite like the other US states. They’re either incorporated or unincorporated, terms used to signify the degree of involvement from the federal government. But they’re never sovereign.

All 50 states and all tribal reservations are sovereign, by contrast. US states have their own constitutions and pass their own laws, which might be distinct from federal rulings. Reservations, on the other hand, are free from following state laws—but must abide by federal laws instead.

US unincorporated territories: how are the islands organized?

Beyond the bounds of the continental US, unincorporated territories aren’t treated quite the same. Places like Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands are either partly or fully ‘organized’ by the federal government.

In Puerto Rico, notably, citizens pay US taxes and receive US passports as a commonwealth state—even though they aren’t allowed to vote, just like those in Washington DC.

Meanwhile, in American Samoa, locals are US nationals—not citizens. They don’t pay income tax on any earnings (made on the island, at least).

Let’s zoom out a bit to refocus on the more fun part of this strange geopolitical setup: travel. These islands are great for first-time travelers who might be nervous about totally leaving the US behind.

Here’s how to explore American territories around the world.

Puerto Rico

Known for its beautiful sunrises, jungle-covered hills, and penchant for cock fighting, this Caribbean island is a top contender for many tourists.

In fact, it’s a heavily traveled area for Americans looking for an island adventure. Not only can you use the dollar, but many people also speak English.

I won’t go into detail here, as there are plenty of guides that allow you to take on Puerto Rico at your own pace and according to your own interests. Just know this: it’s a deceptively large island that you probably won’t be able to fit into a single trip.

American Samoa

With its tropical climate and highly remote location, a trip to American Samoa is one of a lifetime.

While most people dream of visiting an island like Oahu or Maui, American Samoa and neighboring islands like Vanuatu and Tonga are even more rugged, stunning, and untouched.

American Samoa is made up of seven islands, most of which are open to visitors. I’d recommend sticking to the lush national parks where you can hike through jungles and then lounge on the beach. You’ll find stunning coral to explore underwater, along with rainforests and waterfalls.

You can also explore Samoan culture while you’re around, including touring villages, watching traditional dances, and cooking classes.

Guam

Guam is a small island between Japan and the Northern Mariana Islands (which are also a notable American territory). The US has two large military bases on Guam, including Air Force and Naval bases, which is how most citizens end up visiting the island.

But Guam has slowly become a tourist destination.

The climate is tropical, which means there are plenty of picturesque beaches to lounge on. It’s also a unique cultural center. Guam is home to native Chamorro people, who have worked hard to preserve their traditions.

In fact, you can find tourists from all across Asia crisscrossing the island to enjoy its many offerings. Most are there for the beaches and natural splendor, but many also explore cultural museums that highlight Guam’s unique Chamorro identity.

But Guam has also been occupied in the last century by the Japanese, Spanish, and (most recently) the US. That means you can enjoy the cultural remnants of many cultures, including their cuisines, architecture, and more.

US Virgin Islands

Similiar to Puerto Rico, you’re likely familiar with the US Virgin Islands. Though this territory is made up of dozens of minor islands and reefs, the main destinations are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas.

Tourists of all stripes head to the islands during the spring and autumn seasons. Given its proximity to the US, it’s a top choice for vacationers of all stripes. You’ll find cheap resort deals along with more extravagant offers.

But the vast majority of visitors will find their way to the US Virgin Islands via cruises and private yacht tours.

In fact, if you’ve been dreaming about a luxury cruise or a private charter, St. Thomas is a great place to set sail from. Usually, tours leaving from St. Thomas head toward the British Virgin Islands, which are located nearby to the east.

Greek Islands & Ancient Mythology: Where to Find Gods & Goddesses

Greek mythology is one of the most intriguing subjects within the realm of history and culture.

Like other pantheons, the Greeks anthropomorphized their gods, goddesses, and deities. They’re memorable because they’re flawed, complex, powerful, and capricious—amongst many other traits.

Slowly over centuries (and even millennia, in certain cases), gods and goddesses came into prominence. Eventually, as the Greek Empire declined, its pantheon evolved and migrated westward.

Zeus became the Roman Jupiter, Athena became the Roman Minerva, and so on.

But not all Greek gods, goddesses, deities, and heroes disappeared from the Mediterranean entirely. Thousands of years after heir formal rule, they remain a hot topic for historians, tourists, archaeologists, hobbyists, and many more.

In fact, many islands, cities, and villages carry the legacy of these larger-than-life beings.

If you’re heading to Greece and you have even a passing interest in its ancient mythology, then I suggest you schedule a trip to one of these islands. Most are accessible from the mainland or a large island with a short ferry ride.

These adventures will take you off the beaten path in Greece—and closer to the gods, goddesses, and deities who once ruled these gorgeous waters, sky, and land.

Ikaria: Exile of Icarus

Ikaria is a beautiful and mountainous island in eastern Greece.

You’ve probably heard its name thanks to Icarus, a young man who flew too close to the sun. Here’s the short of a long story: Icarus and his father were hired to create a complex labyrinth in Crete that would imprison a king.

The king got loose, and everyone assumed he’d done so with the help of Icarus and his father. Icarus and his father were then imprisoned in Ikaria. After years of solitude, they escaped using homemade wings glued together wit candle wax.

But Greece is hot. The sun melted the wax when Icarus flew too high, causing him to fall to his death in the ocean. But don’t worry–you won’t try to escape Ikaria.

The island is known for its laid-back atmosphere and its golden-sand beaches. Ikaria is also home to plenty of wineries that are open to visitors. Hiking trails also crisscross the rugged landscape, letting you explore at your own pace.

Anafi: Home of the Argonauts

Anafi is yet another tiny island, this one located a stone’s throw from Santorini.

On this traditional and old-school island, you’ll notice plenty of remnants from the tale of Jason. Jason was the leader of the Argonauts who sailed around the islands to find—of all things—a special golden fleece.

Let me shorten yet another long tale: the Argonauts (Jason’s sailing crew) got a little lost in a massive storm, at which point Apollo (God of the Arts) pointed them to Anafi.

Despite the island’s fame, it goes under the radar for most visitors. On Anaji, you won’t find large groups of tourists. The island is home to a single village, called Chora.

Want to drop off the map? Let Apollo lead you to Anafi.

Kythira: Birthplace of Aphrodite

Depending on who you ask, the Goddess of Love was either born from seafoam on Kythira or Cyprus.

For the sake of this article, let’s go with Kythira, a large island between Crete and mainland Greece.

On Kythira, you’ll notice plenty of love and devotion for Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. But you’ll also notice influences from the Ottomans, Venetians, and much earlier Byzantine Empire. That makes this island a great choice for history nerds, too.

Kythira is an active island in terms of both locals and tourists, as it’s a prime maritime trading point. That means added amenities for visitors. While there, you’ll find plenty of hiking trails, ancient ruins, and absolutely stunning beaches.

Delos: Home of Apollo & Artemis

Right next to Mykonos, you’ll find the thimble-sized island of Delos.

At the moment, Delos is undergoing a vast archaeological dig, which is thanks to its important status for twins Apollo and Artemis. (There’s also been some new evidence that Athena was worshipped heavily at Delos, too.)

Though you can’t stay on the island (it’s pretty shrubby—you probably wouldn’t want to), you can easily take a ferry from neighboring hotspots.

The archaeological site is open to the public though it’s still active. It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is highly rated by tourists.

This is definitely a visit that’s best for history and culture nerds like me. So if you’re planning on soaking up some beach time or hiking trails while visiting, then stick to a place like Kythira or Anafi.

Lemnos: Sanctuary of Hephaestus

Sweet baby Hephaestus, lone workhorse of the gods. Depending on the myth, Hephaestus was tossed from Olympus because of his lameness or became disabled after being thrown from Olympus.

Regardless, he found sanctuary when he landed on Lemnos.

What I like about Lemnos is that you can see why it’s linked to Hephaestus based on its appearance. Hephaestus is the god of metalworking, fire, and volcanoes (amongst other things).

Lemnos isn’t home to an active volcano, but its landscape is dry, rocky, and scrubby—which you’d expect to see in a place inhabited by a god of volcanoes.

On Lemnos, you can enjoy a varied range of activities. Birdwatching is quite common, as the island is home to tons of flora and fauna. Many people also enjoy outdoor activities like wind and kitesurfing.