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The most beautiful islands worldwide are perfect for holidays filled with relaxation, adventure, and exploration, offering stunning landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unique experiences. The most attractive islands worldwide are perfect for holidays filled with relaxation, adventure, and exploration. From pristine beaches to lush rainforests and rich marine life, these islands provide everything a traveller could dream of. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or an adventurous escape, these islands cater to every type of traveller with their diverse offerings.
12 Most Beautiful Islands
The most beautiful islands around the world promise unforgettable experiences and breathtaking sights.
1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Photo: Michelle Maria / Wikimedia Commons
Bora Bora is often called the “Pearl of the Pacific,” renowned for its turquoise lagoon and stunning coral reefs. This island is famous for its luxurious overwater bungalows and vibrant marine life, making it a top destination for honeymooners and couples seeking romance. Visitors can indulge in water sports such as snorkelling and diving or relax on the soft white sands. Bora Bora’s lush volcanic mountains provide a stunning backdrop for sunset views. An interesting fact about Bora Bora is that it was once a military base during World War II.
Location: South Pacific Ocean, part of French Polynesia
How To Reach: Fly to Tahiti International Airport (PPT) and take a short connecting flight to Bora Bora Airport (BOB)
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Nearby Attractions: Mount Otemanu, Coral Gardens, and Matira Beach
2. Maldives
Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels
The Maldives is an idyllic tropical paradise known for its crystal-clear waters and luxurious resorts. With over 1,000 coral islands, it offers some of the best diving spots in the world. The Maldives is famous for its vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers. A unique aspect of the Maldives is its bioluminescent beaches, where glowing plankton illuminate the shoreline at night.
Location: Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka
How To Reach: Fly into Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé; speedboats or seaplanes connect to various resorts
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Nearby Attractions: Banana Reef, Maafushi Island, and Malé City
3. Palawan, Philippines
Photo: Theglennpalacio / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Palawan’s stunning landscapes and biodiversity often earn its recognition as one of the world’s most beautiful islands. This island features dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park showcases an underground river that flows through a cave system. Palawan is perfect for adventure seekers who enjoy kayaking, snorkelling, and hiking.
Location: Western Philippines
How To Reach: Fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) or El Nido Airport (ENI)
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Nearby Attractions: El Nido Island Hopping, Coron Island, and Honda Bay
4. Santorini, Greece
Photo: Mariamichelle / Wikimedia Commons
Santorini is famous for its stunning sunsets and whitewashed buildings overlooking the Aegean Sea. This volcanic island offers unique black sand beaches and ancient ruins that tell stories of its rich history. Visitors can explore charming villages such as Oia and Fira while enjoying local wines and delectable Greek cuisine. Santorini’s dramatic cliffs provide breathtaking views. Santorini has its wine production; the island’s volcanic soil yields exceptional wines worth tasting.
Location: Aegean Sea, part of Cyclades Islands
How To Reach: Fly into Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR) or ferry from Athens
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Nearby Attractions: Akrotiri Archaeological Site, Red Beach, Ancient Thera
5. Fiji, Oceania
Photo: Keith Yahl / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Fiji is an archipelago with over 300 islands known for its friendly locals and stunning natural beauty. The islands boast lush rainforests, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine beaches perfect for relaxation or adventure. Visitors can partake in activities such as snorkelling in the Great Astrolabe Reef or hiking through tropical landscapes. Fiji’s rich culture adds depth to any visit with traditional ceremonies and local cuisine. Fiji has over 300 species of coral and more than 1,500 species of fish inhabiting it.
Location: South Pacific Ocean
How To Reach: Fly into Nadi International Airport (NAN)
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Nearby Attractions: Yasawa Islands, Mamanuca Islands, Sigatoka Sand Dunes
6. Maui, Hawaii
Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
People call Maui “The Valley Isle” which offers diverse landscapes ranging from volcanic craters to lush rainforests. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches such as Kaanapali Beach and Wailea Beach. Visitors can explore Haleakalā National Park’s stunning sunrise views or take the scenic Road to Hana drive. Maui’s vibrant culture includes traditional Hawaiian luaus that showcase local music and dance. Maui has been recognised as the best island in the world by various travel publications due to its natural beauty and hospitality.
Location: Central Pacific Ocean
How To Reach: Fly into Kahului Airport (OGG)
Best Time To Visit: April to May and September to November
Nearby Attractions: Haleakalā National Park, Lahaina Town, Molokini Crater
7. Seychelles
Photo: rachel_theca / Wikimedia Commons
Seychelles comprises 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, celebrated for their unique granite formations and rich biodiversity. The islands are home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, such as Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue Island. Seychelles offers excellent snorkelling, diving, and hiking opportunities in lush national parks such as Morne Seychellois National Park. Seychelles is home to one of the rarest palms in the world the Coco de Mer which produces the largest seeds on Earth.
Location: Indian Ocean off East Africa
How To Reach: Fly into Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé Island
Best Time To Visit: April to May and October to November
Nearby Attractions: Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, Curieuse Island, Aldabra Atoll
8. Bali, Indonesia
Photo: Visions of Domino / Wikimedia Commons
Bali is renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and lush rice terraces. This Indonesian island attracts travellers seeking relaxation and adventure with activities such as surfing at Kuta Beach or exploring Ubud’s art scene. Bali’s temples, such as Uluwatu Temple, offer cultural insights alongside breathtaking ocean views. Bali has its traditional ceremonies held throughout the year that showcase Balinese culture.
Location: Southeast Asia
How To Reach: Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Nearby Attractions: Tanah Lot Temple, Ubud Monkey Forest, and Mount Batur
9. Crete, Greece
Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
Crete is the largest Greek island and is popular for its rich history, which dates back thousands of years. Visitors can explore ancient ruins such as the Palace of Knossos while enjoying stunning beaches such as Elafonissi Beach with its pink sands. Crete’s diverse landscapes include mountains ideal for hiking and charming villages showcasing local traditions. Crete was once home to the Minoan civilisation, the first advanced civilisation in Europe.
Location: Southern Aegean Sea
How To Reach: Fly into Heraklion International Airport (HER) or Chania International Airport (CHQ)
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Nearby Attractions: Samaria Gorge National Park, Rethymno Old Town, and Balos Lagoon
10. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Photo: Francesco Bandarin / Wikimedia Commons
The Galápagos Islands are famed for their unique wildlife and natural beauty, which inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Visitors can encounter giant tortoises and marine iguanas while exploring volcanic landscapes. The islands offer exceptional opportunities for snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear waters teeming with aquatic life. The Galápagos Islands are home to species found nowhere else on Earth due to their isolated evolution over millions of years.
Location: the Pacific Ocean off Ecuador’s coast
How To Reach: Fly into Baltra Island Airport (GPS) or San Cristóbal Airport (SCY)
Best Time To Visit: June to December
Nearby Attractions: Charles Darwin Research Station, Española Island, Tortuga Bay
11. St. Lucia
Photo: P. Hughes / Wikimedia Commons
St. Lucia is famous for its breathtaking landscapes dominated by the iconic Pitons—two volcanic spires rising from the sea. This Caribbean island offers lush rainforests ideal for hiking, and beautiful beaches such as Sugar Beach, where visitors can relax or engage in water sports, such as snorkelling and sailing. St. Lucia hosts one of only two drive-in volcanoes in the world at Soufrière offering visitors a chance to see bubbling mud pools up close.
Location: Eastern Caribbean Sea
How To Reach: Fly into Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) or George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU)
Best Time To Visit: December to April
Nearby Attractions: Sulphur Springs Park, Pigeon Island National Park, and Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens
12. Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Photo: Carolina Flora Diaz / Wikimedia Commons
The Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, known for their stunning beaches, such as Whitehaven Beach with its pure silica sand. The islands offer excellent sailing opportunities and snorkelling spots, showcasing vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Whitehaven Beach’s pristine beauty and eco-friendly practices earned it a place among Australia’s best beaches.
Location: Queensland coast of Australia
How To Reach: Fly into Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) or take a ferry from Airlie Beach
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Nearby Attractions: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Hill Inlet Lookout, and Airlie Beach Lagoon
The most beautiful islands worldwide offer diverse experiences that cater to every type of traveller. From serene beaches that are perfect for relaxation to thrilling adventures in nature’s playgrounds. One can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, and paddle boarding, or just relax on pristine beaches, experiencing local cuisine at restaurants or food markets. Plan a trip with TripXL and ensure a wonderful experience.
Cover Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels
