The Island Diaries

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.