From Classic to Exotic, SmarterTravel.com Lists Eight Can't-Miss Island Destinations October 27, 2006 Santorini, Greece. Honeymooners, history buffs, foodies, club hoppers and backpackers on a budget - Santorini offers something for everyone. The 45-square mile, crescent shaped island offers black and red sand beaches, ancient ruins and fresh cuisine. Some archaeologists even believe Santorini's prehistoric civilization is the mythical city of Atlantis. Islands include Santorini, Bermuda and Martha's Vineyard BOSTON, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- SmarterTravel.com, a comprehensive online travel resource, recently revealed eight can't-miss island destinations for travelers. From the romantic Bora Bora to the all-American Martha's Vineyard and the affordable Dominican Republic, SmarterTravel's island destinations offer something for every traveler. The full article, "Eight Island Picks You Can't Miss," is included in SmarterTravel's Islands Special Report. "These islands run the gamut from great family destinations to something special for those looking for a romantic getaway, and not all are highly- trafficked tourist spots - yet," said Anne Banas, executive editor at SmarterTravel.com. "We wanted to share some of our favorite islands across the globe, and drive attention to relatively unknown spots that we think travelers will love." SmarterTravel's eight island destinations are: -- Santorini, Greece. Honeymooners, history buffs, foodies, club hoppers and backpackers on a budget - Santorini offers something for everyone. The 45-square mile, crescent shaped island offers black and red sand beaches, ancient ruins and fresh cuisine. Some archaeologists even believe Santorini's prehistoric civilization is the mythical city of Atlantis. -- Saba, Netherlands Antilles. You may have never heard of it before, but the five-square-mile island offers unspoiled natural beauty with a focus on eco-friendly tourism. Located 28 miles from St. Maarten, Saba's rainforest-covered volcanic peak is a hiker's dream; and a protected marine park surrounds the island, creating some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean. -- Hvar, Croatia. On it's way to becoming the next San Tropez, Hvar is a relatively unknown, sun-kissed island that has become a favorite of celebrities like Bill Gates and Gwyneth Paltrow. The island's ancient towns, rugged hills and white stone beaches are driving tourism, so plan to travel soon while prices are still affordable. -- Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. A classic American retreat favored by former Presidents Kennedy and Clinton, Martha's Vineyard offers the ultimate summer vacation. The 25-mile-long island welcomes thousands of visitors from May to September, looking to explore the various towns, sample local cuisine like fresh seafood and organic produce, or sit and enjoy the beaches. -- Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. As the only remaining Gaidhealtachd community in North America, Cape Breton retains a true Scottish charm from the 19th century immigrants who immigrated to the island. Thousands of their descendants remain, preserving the Gaelic traditions of their ancestors with festivals, songs and music, and dancing. And, like Scotland, the island is known for its spectacular scenery and coastline. -- Bermuda. This Atlantic island staple offers travelers miles of white and pink sand beaches, luxurious hotels, spas, art galleries and high end shops. Bermuda's tourism infrastructure is designed to please honeymooners, celebrities, golfers and anyone looking for a classy, cultured getaway. With eight golf courses and seven signature cultural events and festivals, Bermuda welcomes travelers year round. -- Bora Bora, French Polynesia. With its crystal-clear water, tiny islets covered in palm trees and emerald green mountains rising from the sea, Bora Bora is the tropical paradise of myth. The 15-square- mile island offers luxurious private accommodations for honeymooners, and most properties also offer special romance packages and amenities, ranging from breakfast delivered to your bungalow by outrigger canoe to elaborate Polynesian wedding ceremonies. -- The Dominican Republic. An up-and-coming tourist destination, the Dominican Republic offers better value than other resort destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico. The island offers the full spectrum of accommodations options, including numerous upscale resorts on its two most popular beach areas, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana. Many of the big chain resorts still cost less than comparable properties on other islands. In addition to "Eight Island Picks You Can't Miss," SmarterTravel's Islands Special Report includes articles on the best bargain island vacation packages, five lesser known North American islands, mysterious islands where you can get LOST, Portugal's Azores and an online Aruba Travel Guide. For the full article, "Eight Island Picks You Can't Miss," visit http://www.smartertravel.com/link/eight-islands . The complete Island Special Report is available at http://www.smartertravel.com/special-reports/islands-october-2006/ . Author : Smarter Travel