TOP FIVE ISLAND DESTINATIONS

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Part of Denmark, this self-governing North Atlantic archipelago is home to a population one expert called "unified and resolutely Faroese, not Danish."

"Cultural integrity strong," agreed another expert judge, who added caution to the praise: "If the numbers of cruise ships continue to grow rapidly, there may be problems. ... "

Despite such concern, the Faroe Islands were voted the most "authentic, unspoiled, and likely to remain so" of 111 islands ranked by volunteer expert judges for the November/December 2007 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine.

A cool climate and remote location have kept many tourists away, leaving "lovely, unspoiled islands" that are "a delight to the traveler."

(Both National Geographic News and Traveler magazine are part of the National Geographic Society.)

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