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Miles of sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms and crystal blue waters make the sister islands of Sanibel and Captiva the perfect place to relax and unwind. These barrier islands are just a short distance from the mainland and easily accessible from Naples.

Development here is strictly controlled, there are no high-rise buildings and most of the islands are preserved in a natural state, making them ideal for exploring on foot or by bicycle. The two islands, connected by a bridge and joined occasionally at low tide, are home to a number of small communities with a selection of restaurants, galleries and shops and even a local theatre. While each island has its own personality, they are both known for their seashells, and residents and visitors alike can be seen in the ’Sanibel stoop’ or the ’Captiva crouch’ while searching for some 200 species on the islands' glorious beaches.

Captiva, the larger of the two islands, was once rumoured to be a pirate stronghold and home to conquistadors. These days excitement comes in the form of fishing, golf, getting out in a kayak and relaxing on the beach watching pelicans fish for their dinner. The smaller Sanibel island boasts the wonderful Ding Darling wildlife refuge and bird sanctuary which is home to 220 species of bird, more than 50 types of reptile and 32 different kinds of mammals; the refuge features wonderful birdwatching spots, bike and walking paths, winding canoe trails and a four-mile scenic drive.