A small island with a big history, Taboga is only 12 miles off the coast and less than an hour away by daily ferry service from the Amador Causeway. The round-trip fare is $12. Known as the Island of Flowers, Taboga boasts shady paths, nature trails, white sandy beaches and no cars. Founded in 1524, it has the second oldest church in the hemisphere and may have been the birthplace of Santa Rosa de Lima de Taboga, patron saint of the Americas. Francisco Pizarro sailed from the island to conquer the Incas. In the late 19th century. French post-impressionist painter Gaughin lived here after doing manual labor on the failed French canal project. Today, it is a favorite retreat for locals and ex-pats and has a variety of accommodations from hostel to boutique hotel.