Our world is blessed with so many picture-perfect islands. Each with unique features and everyone’s personal island paradise depends on their personal preference. From breathtaking views, soft white sand, crystal clear water, alluring sunrises and romantic sunsets, the most luxurious accommodations and thrilling activities, there’s an island for everyone. Based on aesthetics, activities, attractions and delicacies, here are the best world islands.
The Maldives
The Maldives is an archipelagic state in Asia that lies southwest of India and Sri Lanka found in the Indian Ocean. It’s a popular tourist and honeymoon destination known for its luxurious over-the-water villas, captivating blue water and angelic white sandy beaches. The Maldives has a variety of charming islands to choose from. For example, Finolhu is said to have the best beach club vibes, Niyama Private Islands are ideal for families, Reethi Faru good for activities and Kandolhu is the best for honeymoons.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is famous for its instagram-perfect over-the-water bungalows surrounded by dreamy turquoise water. From above this small South Pacific Island looks stunning as it’s cushioned by islets and a deep blue lagoon shielded by a coral reef. Popular activities here include snorkeling with sharks (they are harmless and the water is shallow), exploring the island on a bicycle, lounging at Matira Beach, hiking Mount Pahia and discovering Mount Otemanu.
Santorini
A quintessential luxury island and is part of the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea. Santorini is one of the most Instagrammed islands in the world but at the same time, it’s at the top of many tourist’s bucket list. At the mention of Santorini, everyone pictures a group of beautiful white buildings sitting on cliffsides overlooking the sea radiating the most breathtaking views. Top sights in Santorini are Akrotiri and Red Beach. Some of the must-have experiences are watching the sunset in Oia and Imerovigli, walking out to Skaros rock and visiting Agios Theodori church.
Bali
A picturesque island in Indonesia and there’s no disputing its uniqueness. Bali is famous for its beguiling culture, Hindu temples, eye-catching green rice paddles, volcanic mountains covered with evergreen forests, and outstanding beaches. In addition to enjoying some downtime in Bali’s loveliest beaches, other fun activities include, visiting Bali Zoo, exploring the beatiful Ubud, seeing Sanur and Seminyak, discovering the sights on the volcanic island of Lombok.
Palawan
Palawan is an archipelagic province found in the Mimaropa region of the Philippines. This beautiful island province boasts crystal clear blue water, divine white sandy beaches, incredible limestone peaks and unique marine life. Palawan’s islands are divided into 4 major destinations: Puerto Princesa, Coron, El Nido and San Vincente. Puerto Princesa, one of the longest underground rivers in the world, is enough reason to plan a trip to Palawan. Other activities you can enjoy in Palawan are scuba diving in El Nido, exploring Port Barton, island hopping in Honda Bay, swimming in Kayangan Lake and catching the sunset in Nacpan beach.
Seychelles
Seychelles is one of the best islands in the world, and for a good reason. As an archipelago of 115 islands, it’s graced with many spectacular and unblemished beaches, flourishing coral reefs, lush jungles and its famous huge boulders. When in Seychelles don’t forget to explore the Vallée de Mai, a forest filled with Coco de Mer, on the island of Praslin. Additionally, locals are convinced the actual Garden of Eden can be found at Vallée de Mai because of the park’s mystical and secluded nature. Exploring the small town of Victoria, visiting the La Digue’s coconut plantation and seeing giant tortoises are part of an endless list of things to do in Seychelles.
Crete
Crete, the largest and most populous Greek island is a regular on the list of the world’s best islands. Crete is famous for its distinct culture and history, delicious cuisine, wild natural beauty and awe-inspiring beaches. The most beautiful thing about Crete is its diversity. In addition to having wonderful beaches nestled in lush mountains, you can also enjoy Crete’s vibrant modern cities that have architecture that echos the styles of the Ottomans, the Minoans and the Venetians. Some fun things to do here are visiting the Knossos Palace, Spinalonga Island, Elafonissi Beach, Rethymnon Old Town, Heraklion Archeological museum and Balos Lagoon.
Hvar
Hvar is an island in the Adriatic Sea and is considered the sunniest location in Croatia. Hvar is renowned for its turquoise waters, stunning beaches and lively nightlife. Hvar is a preferred island destination because of its top-rated attractions and never-ending list of tourist activities. Unique adventures here include exploring Hvar town, enjoying wonderful views from Fortica, visiting the vineyards, going to the Pakleni islands, discovering an abandoned village and the Grapceva cave.
St Lucia
If your ideal island is a blend of adventure and romance, St Lucia is the perfect destination for you. Though it possesses some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, what draws people to St Lucia is its twin volcanic peaks and towering pitons. St Lucia boasts having the most luxurious resorts with the best Caribbean views for anyone after a relaxing vacation. Those who love adventure can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, climbing the pitons, sampling their delicious local cuisines, discovering waterfalls and healing hot springs.
Turks & Caicos
An archipelago nation of 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean blessed with pristine beaches, crystal clear water, stunning resorts, finger-licking cuisines and the friendliest people. This British Overseas Territory has 8 main islands, 6 of them are inhabited along with multiple small cays. The island of Providenciales or Provo is where most tourist stay as it’s home to Grace Bay Beach that has the most beautiful beaches and resorts. Grand Turk island has unique historical sights, the only cruise ship port and the country’s capital city of Cockburn Town. North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay are lesser-known islands and therefore receive few tourists.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a picture-perfect island nation in the Indian Ocean famous for its unspoiled beaches, reefs, lagoons and also a popular spot for honeymooners. In recent times, Mauritius has grown popular due to its underwater waterfall, an alluring runoff of sand and silt. The are a number of places to visit in Mauritius depending on personal preference For example, Belle Mare Plage is the best place to enjoy the sunrise amidst the greenery, Ile Aux Cerfs is good for a perfect weekend getaway and Ilot Gabriel Beach is ideal for a cruise.
St Barts
Saint Barthélemy or St Barts is one of the best places for an island escape, it checks almost every box. St Barts’ best features are its seclusion and privacy and is part of the reasons why it’s one of the most expensive carribean islands. Gustavia, the capital, surrounding a harbor filled with yachts is lined with luxurious restaurants, high end shops and interesting attractions. The best things to do in St Barts are chilling in Colombier Beach, enjoy views from Fort Gustav, shopping in Gustavia, doing watersports and sampling local cuisine.