Read this on CNN. Very interesting…
An advanced city submerged under sea; an ancient garden paradise bearing a tree of knowledge; an island of bird-women seductresses — the stuff of pure fiction. Or perhaps not?
Far-off, mysterious islands provide the setting for some of our favorite myths and folklore. But more often than not, they have their roots in real-life locations.
From the Caribbean cove of Treasure Island to the sunken city of Atlantis, here’s a travel guide for those who fancy a sailing holiday with an allegorical twist.
Treasure Island
The definitive swash-buckling tale of one-legged pirates, treasure maps and talking parrots centers around a tiny island somewhere in the Caribbean.
Starring the rum-swigging buccaneer Long John Silver, the story was penned by 19th century Scottish author Robert Lewis Stevenson — who never set foot in the Caribbean.
However, it’s said that the young Stevenson was enthralled by a mariner uncle’s tale of his voyage to Norman Island — a small reefy spot that forms part of the British Virgin Islands, located just by a rocky formation known fittingly as Dead Man’s Chest.
Now a prime snorkeling spot, the island is a popular destination for cruisers and tourists, who can be found knocking back rum cocktails at the aptly-named Pirates Bight Bar and Restaurant.
Atlantis
The legendary island in the middle of the Atlantic, first popularized by Plato, has become synonymous with the idea of a lost civilization.
The Greek philosopher’s account of a prosperous and cultured city disappearing into the ocean has captured the popular imagination and prompted many theories about its real-life location.
While many Atlantis-hunters have directed their attentions beneath the sea, one of the strongest contenders is only partially submerged.
According to some archaeologists, the volcanic Greek island of Santorini, in the Aegean sea, was half sunk following an eruption thousands of years ago.
The island is also thought to have been a home of the Minoans, a super-advanced race who predate the ancient Greeks and are argued to have provided the basis for Plato’s description.
Today, the arid but wonderfully scenic island retains the ancient Greek penchant for wine making and is a popular stop-off destination for sailors seeking a tipple on their way back to the mainland.
Read more here.
Pinay Traveller Snippet
The Mediterranean beaches are very popular, and on an Ayia Napa holiday you also have a vibrant party atmosphere and many day-time activities to take part in.