The Scilly Isles

Near the coast of Cornwall, off the south-western tip of England, lies an island archipelago warmed by the Gulf Stream. The Isles of Scilly are famous for their castles, their subtropical plants and stories of pirates and great ocean-going ships. Our photographer Franz Marc Frei shares his impressions with you here and in the February 2012 issue of Spotlight.

From my travels to other parts of the world, I know that there can be great differences in climate and vegetation on a single island. But on Bryher, a walk of only 10 minutes took me from the cool, windswept, rocky western coast to this leeward corner on the eastern side of the island that faces the archipelago. Torch lilies, giant fuchsia bushes and other subtropical and tropical plants grow here, and in the summer, sandy beaches invite sunbathers. The contrast is simply amazing.