Irabu Ohashi Bridge, Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan
© 7maru/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Bridge to paradise
The long bridges that connect one green gem to the next in this string of islands have made getting around easier, but travel writers note there is no crush of crowds in the Miyako Islands. That's good news for residents and visitors on the six major isles located in Japan's far southern Okinawa prefecture. The coastal waters here are remarkably transparent, and when the sun is shining (which is most of the time) it's hard to say which is brighter—the sea, the bright white sand, or the super-blue sky. These islands boast uncommon culinary treasures along with their natural splendor. One delicacy is 'umibudō' (sea grapes), a type of seaweed so delicately shaped and vividly colored that it’s been nicknamed 'green caviar.'
Castle Stalker tidal islet, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Lighthouse at orange sunset over ocean, West Coast
Lindos Acropolis Sunset, Rhodes
Palm tree island beach, San Blas Islands, Panama
Seagull, wet beach, pink purple sunset sky, ocean waves
Three pelicans flying ocean waves golden hour
White sand beach, turquoise ocean, palm trees, hanging chair
Volcanic spire of Pinnacle Rock, Galápagos Islands
