Dive into paradise
Fort Myers and its island world
Brian Tietz
Advertorial
In the southwest of Florida lies a place where the horizon seems endless, the sand is finer and everyday life fades into oblivion
In Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods unfolds a scenery that could hardly be more picturesque: Over 100 islands, many of which are untouched and uninhabited, stretch along the coast. Manatees leisurely make their way between them, while pelicans glide over the turquoise waters like weightless acrobats. If you’re lucky – and that’s not uncommon here – you might even spot dolphins dancing playfully through the water. The beaches? Endless. The sand? As white as powdered sugar. And what washes up there with the rhythm of the tides makes collectors’ hearts beat faster: 400 different types of shells, from delicate miniatures to magnificent specimens, tell of the richness of the sea – a treasure hunt that turns every walk into an adventure.
Natural wonders you can touch
Visitors to Fort Myers encounter a region that not only protects nature, but also celebrates it. The 7,600 hectare J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is one of the most important mangrove conservation areas in the USA. You can experience the quiet majesty of the wilderness via boardwalks and paddle trails. Manatees glide through the water, wading birds pause thoughtfully on the shallow banks – it is a living microcosm that invites you to be mindful.
No less impressive is the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. In the middle of the greenery, elevated paths lead through a wetland biotope that is home to alligators, turtles, herons and rare plants. The silence here is not empty, it is filled with chirping, rustling and splashing.
History meets joie de vivre
But Fort Myers is not just a natural idyll. The region’s urban heart beats in the charming old town of downtown Fort Myers. Cobblestone streets, artfully restored facades and lovingly run boutiques are reminiscent of times gone by – and yet are full of life. Small galleries, street art and museums add color to the tropical backdrop, while restaurants and cafés surprise with their culinary diversity. Here you will not only find seafood, but also refined fusion cuisine, international specialties and cocktails that taste even better after sunset.
A detour to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates is like traveling back in time to the golden era of American inventiveness. The winter residences of friends Thomas Edison and Henry Ford are not only architecturally impressive, but also a place of inspiration. Between the tropical garden, historic laboratory and museum rooms, you can sense why this place magically attracted creative minds.
Taste of the south
Another typical feature of Fort Myers are the Farmers Markets, which take place almost daily throughout the year. It’s not just about shopping – it’s about celebrating: regional specialties, freshly caught fish, tropical fruits and the best that local farmers and artisans have to offer.
And if you want to enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants right by the water or on the beach, you can enjoy a plate of freshly caught seafood and a breathtaking sunset.
“You lose track of time – and find yourself: between the tides, the glitter of the waves and the silent heartbeat of the mangroves.”
Adventures on the water
Fort Myers can also be discovered by water. The Great Calusa Bluewaya waterway almost 200 kilometers long, offers paddlers of all experience levels a unique perspective. In the midst of a labyrinth of water, mangroves and islands, the world seems to turn more slowly. Those who paddle here are not only immersed in nature, but also in history – following in the footsteps of the indigenous Calusa people.
An insider tip for romantics and adventurers is the island of Cabbage Key. Only accessible by boat, visitors can expect to find a restaurant here whose walls are papered with signed dollar bills – a quirky tradition that gives every visit a unique flair. And with a bit of luck, the sunset here is so beautiful that you almost forget to breathe.
Fort Myers is not a place you just visit. It’s a place that feels familiar.
Between sea and mangroves, past and present, nature and pleasure, a world is revealed here in which a vacation doesn’t just mean spending time somewhere else – but getting a little closer to yourself.
