Who doesn’t love a taste of island life? Where you can kick off your shoes, leave work
behind, and cocktails are provided at the snap of a finger. But island escapes aren’t just about lazy
beach days. They can also be full of adventure, water
sports, wildlife-watching, and age-old cultures you can trace back over thousands of years. So, whether you’re looking for that typical
tropical beach escape or a trip to an exotic ecosystem untouched by tourism, there’s
an island out there calling your name. Here’s a look at the most beautiful islands
in the world: Number 17. Martinique. Martinique is nothing if not culturally interesting. A French island in the Caribbean’s Lesser
Antilles, there is a fusion of French and West Indian cultures that you can experience. The island’s scenery has plenty to inspire
you, with gorgeous beaches, botanical gardens, volcanic peaks, and historical architecture. Discover the capital, Fort-de-France; its
museums tell the tale of the island’s pre-Columbian and colonial past. Visiting Saint-Pierre is a must, too. This modern city was built among the ruins
of the island’s former capital after it was destroyed when Mount Pelée erupted in
the 1900s. Number 16. Hvar The Croatian island of Hvar can be found on
the edge of the Adriatic. While it is certainly celebrated for its summer
beach parties and glitzy nightlife scene, Hvar has so much more to offer than raves
and hangovers. Take your time unpicking the history of the
island with a visit to the port town of Stari Grad – the oldest in Croatia – and the
Venetian-style fortress perched on a hilltop above Hvar Town. Or explore the island’s stunning natural
scenery, from secluded beaches and inland lilac lavender fields to undulating vineyards
famous for their fine Croatian wines. Number 15. Kauai Lovingly dubbed the Garden Isle, the Hawaiian
island of Kauai is an enchanting place full of cascading waterfalls, tropical jungles,
remote beaches, and rugged coastlines. A trip to Kauai is not your average fly and
flop holiday. Here, there are adventures around every corner,
and your experience is what you make it. Make memories zip-lining through the jungle,
trekking to waterfalls, kayaking along winding rivers, and dolphin and whale watching. When it comes to natural wonders, you’ll
have your fill: hike through the dramatic Waimea Canyon and explore the Insta-famous
Napali Coast – more than 60 movies and TV shows have been filmed here. Number 14. Faroe Islands You’ll need at least a week to explore all
the captivating attractions the 18 volcanic Faroe Islands have to offer. Just a short flight from mainland Europe,
the island country has been associated with the Kingdom of Denmark, but it is actually
self-governed. What makes the archipelago so special is that
it’s incredibly underrated and untouristy. Did you know that you can see the Northern
Lights here from November to February? Apart from its spectacular scenery of majestic
valleys, remote villages, and jaw-dropping waterfalls, it’s also a popular spot for
nature enthusiasts seeking a glimpse of thousands of coastal birds, including clifftop puffin
colonies. Number 13. Whitsundays Made up of a collection of 74 sun-soaked islands,
the Whitsundays nestled between the coast of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef is
something truly special. The ultimate destination for divers and wildlife
enthusiasts, the archipelago is largely uninhabited. A plethora of wildlife species call them home
– from dolphins, sea turtles, and saltwater crocodiles to kangaroos, whales, and wallabies. As with most islands of this caliber, the
majority of the activities are water-based and include sailing, snorkeling, and scuba
diving. That being said, hiking, exploring the sights
of the tourist hub of Hamilton Island, and sunbathing on pearly beaches like Whitehaven
Beach are just as popular. Number 12. Easter Island Tucked away in the southeastern Pacific, the
Polynesian Easter Island is both remote and historically significant. The enormous Moai statues are undeniably the
top attraction here, lending an air of history and mystery to this far-away island. Over 800 human statues with over-sized heads
dot the island. They were created by the Rapa Nui many centuries
ago, and each is believed to have taken at least a year to hand-craft. But there’s more to Easter Island than the
Moai statues. There are some excellent beaches, remote caves
and hiking and cycling routes too! Diving into the island culture with a traditional
Rapa Nui dancing show is truly memorable. Number 11. St Lucia A tropical retreat in the Eastern Caribbean,
the once-colonial island of Saint Lucia is about as scenic as it gets. Characterized by the iconic Pitons, lush rainforests,
clifftop waterfalls, banana and pineapple plantations, and some of the most beautiful
volcanic beaches, it is unapologetically photogenic. While many fly in to take advantage of the
island’s top-notch beach resorts and explore the quaint fishing villages, the melting-pot
capital of Castries is also a popular cruise port. From sulfur springs and secluded bays to bustling
markets and Caribbean dance parties, Saint Lucia has a bit of everything. Number 10. Mallorca One of the most popular of Spain’s Balearic
Islands, Mallorca is a celebrated beach escape that gets 300 days of sunshine every year. With quiet coves, limestone mountains, citrus
orchards, and sleepy stone villages overlooking the Mediterranean, it’s perfect for relaxing. But there’s a lot more to Mallorca than
meets the eye. The island is also home to several Roman and
Moorish ruins, as well as a pumping nightlife scene in the capital of Palma. For those interested in history and architecture,
don’t miss the royal palace with its glorious Moorish design and the Palma Cathedral with
its enchanting Gothic façade. Number 9. Galapagos The Galápagos Islands are a collection of
volcanic islands and smaller islets in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. What makes this string of islands so special
is the spectacular ecosystem. It provides a home for a diverse array of
animals, plants, fish, and birds that you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Known for its extraordinary and unique geology,
the Galapagos is home to still-active volcanoes and more iguanas than people. Located close to the equator, yet cooled with
chilly sea breezes, the Galapagos has a unique climate. So unique, in fact, that it is home to the
only penguin colony in the Northern Hemisphere. Number 8. Ko Phi Phi Ko Phi Phi is possibly one of Thailand’s
most famous archipelagos. It is most notable for a stunning natural
bay that was filmed in the movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. But while many come here and have this renowned
bay at the top of their to-do list, there are many more reasons to tempt you to Phi
Phi beyond Maya Bay. The six islands of Phi Phi are jaw-droppingly
beautiful, with pearl-white sand beaches and emerald waters. Spend your days swimming and snorkeling among
extraordinary marine life or hire a longtail boat. The surrounding islets like Monkey Beach are
worth a visit, home to a plethora of cheeky tree-swinging monkeys. Number 7. Lofoten Lofoten is an island group that’s famous
for its dramatic natural attractions – from towering mountains to the deepest bays. Those in the know come here hoping to witness
the mysterious Northern Lights and to hike one of the most popular climbing peaks in
Norway. For those looking to get off the beaten track,
this archipelago is a real treat, with opportunities for fishing, bird watching, cycling, and sea
kayaking in the summer, and skiing and tracking down the Aurora Borealis in the winter. Visiting these islands is unforgettable as
village life seems charmingly stuck in time. Even the sun shines until midnight for part
of the year. Number 6. Palawan Palawan is an island province in the westernmost
part of the Philippines. This string of islands is a pure paradise,
made up of enigmatic limestone caves and bays, and bright turquoise inland lakes and lagoons. For those looking to explore offshore, Palawan
is home to some unforgettable diving sites, such as the shipwrecks of Coron Bay that have
transformed over the years into natural coral reefs. Every day in Palawan is magical – go swimming
in waterfalls, kayaking on secluded lagoons, and paddle boating to see luminous fireflies
when the sun goes down. Number 5. The Seychelles The Seychelles are one of those elite island
destinations. Popular among the rich and famous, these 115
granite islands in the Indian Ocean are idyllic, to say the least. Encompassing a triumph of nature reserves,
golden beaches, rainforests, and extraordinary coral reefs, it is a natural utopia. Each island has something special to offer:
Mahe for a culturally-rich experience, La Digue for getting back to nature, Praslin
for beach hopping, and Silhouette for sensational diving. In the Seychelles, you’ll share the beaches
with giant 100-year-old Aldabra tortoise and see protected bird species such as the rare
Seychelles black parrot. Number 4. Bali Possibly one of the most popular islands on
Earth, Bali is a yogi and surfer’s playground, with regular retreats on the social calendar. While Bali as a whole has become much more
commercialized in recent years, with everything from backpackers to top-rated villa hotels,
there’s still plenty of culture to be found here too. Bounded by forest-clad volcanoes, incredible
beaches, and undulating rice paddies, you’ll find Balinese temples, authentic villages,
and tourist towns in the Land of the Gods. The Uluwatu Temple is the main highlight in
Bali. Perched on the edge of a cliff, it is one
of the best places on the island to catch the sunset. Number 3. Santorini The volcanic island of Santorini is probably
one of the most recognized islands on Earth. Characterized by its whitewashed and blue-domed
Cycladic towns hugging the caldera cliffs above the edge of the Aegean, this Greek island
is world-famous for its enviable sunsets. Stroll through the alleyways of Oia town,
wine and dine at gourmet tavernas, relax on the volcanic beaches, or sail off into the
sunset on a glamorous catamaran cruise. As it’s one of Greece’s most expensive
islands, you’ll undoubtedly rub shoulders with the rich and famous. For its views and Mediterranean climate alone,
Santorini is something special. Number 2. Bora Bora Beach bliss is the order of the day on the
volcanic island of Bora Bora. While the enormous turquoise lagoon is the
main attraction here, many flock to the island for its dazzlingly white beaches and ultra-luxurious
resorts that include romantic over-water bungalows. If you’re up to exploring, though, there’s
more to Bora Bora beyond the beach. Hike the slopes of Mount Pahia for 360-degree
bird’s eye views, snorkel the coral gardens at the isle’s northern tip, and swim with
sea turtles as part of a local conservation initiative. For those with a PADI license, scuba diving
may provide electrifyingly close-up encounters with manta rays and blacktip, and reef sharks. Number 1. The Maldives Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean,
the idyllic Maldives archipelago is spellbindingly beautiful. Close to the equator, the Maldives has a warm
and tropical climate that’s perfect for lazy beach days all year round. This low-lying island group is celebrated
for its high level of luxury and emphasis on the slow life. Perfect for honeymooners, the Maldives’
designer accommodation is out of this world – take your pick of underwater villas, over-water
villas, and everything in between. There’s even an underwater restaurant for
those looking to dine surrounded by schools of tropical fish. As relaxation is key in the Maldives, you
can spend your days sipping on cocktails and sunbathing, interspersed with a diving excursion
to keep things interesting.
