Few places conjure up a relaxing vacation as much as lazing and/or exploring a gorgeous tropical island. From white sand turquoise water to lush mountains for hiking, intrepid sea kayaking, luxury spas, seeking fascinating culture, or indulging in delicious cuisine, here are some of the best islands to visit!

Disclaimer

Your favorite island didn’t make the list? There’s a reason for that!

1. I’m not a fan of cold weather, so very few of those islands make my list;
2. This list only includes islands I’ve visited, so Palawan, Easter Island, Fiji, etc. aren’t here. I do hope to visit those in the near future;
3. Why is Santorini so far down on this list? Because it’s a small island, when we visited it on a cruise, it was incredibly jammed with people from several cruise ships in port, especially beautiful Oia. Unfortunately, that really diminished the experience for me.

25 Nova Scotia

Canada

The Nova Scotia province of Canada is known for its 4,600 miles of rugged coastline, picturesque fishing villages and small coastal towns, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. Nova Scotia coastal towns offer visitors a glimpse into the province’s unique maritime culture along with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Click here to read These 5 Charming Nova Scotia Towns Really Exist!

24 Mauritius

Africa

Located about 1,200 off the southeast coast of the African continent, the landscape of this island in the Indian Ocean is incredibly diverse. From the sugar-sand beaches, tropical reefs, and impossibly blue lagoons ringing the island, to the majesty of the towering mountain ranges and basalt cliffs, Mauritius will not cease to enchant and impress.

Click here to read 10 Best Things to See in Mauritius

23 St. Lucia

Caribbean

St. Lucia is an Eastern Caribbean island nation known for its two rugged tapered mountains, the Pitons rising up on the west coast. Its coast is home to volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, lush rainforests, luxury resorts, and fishing villages. The capital, Castries, is a popular cruise port

Not to be missed is the “drive-through” volcano where visitors can indulge in the bubbling volcanic hot springs and mud baths.

Click here to read Dirty Tricks: Erase Years in St. Lucia Mud Bath

22 Antigua

Caribbean

Antigua filming of Destination Takeover

With almost 100 miles of pristine sandy white coastline lying mostly on the Caribbean Sea, it’s no wonder that Antigua boasts having 365 crystal-clear turquoise beaches – enough to visit one a different one of these palm-swaying paradises every day of the year.

Yet there is more to this quintessential Caribbean island; lush tropical rainforests blanket the interior, rich colonial historic sites, charming candy-colored villages, mud buggy adventures, and a plethora of outdoor pursuits.

Click here to read 10 Best Outdoor Things to Do in Antigua

21 Nosy Iranja

Madagascar

Nosy Iranja is comprised of two islands, Nosy Iranja Be (larger) and Nosy Iranja Kely (smaller), connected by a thin mile-long strip of sugar-white sand which is only accessible at low tide. Arriving only by boat, visitors are greeted by the iridescent water, white sand, and coconut palms. Words cannot capture the gorgeous sparkle of the calm lagoon. “Mesmerizing” sounds so cliché, but truly appropriate.

Click here to read Nosy Iranja: The Prettiest Beach You’ve Never Heard Of

20 Jeju

South Korea

Although virtually unknown to Americans, Jeju is a popular Korean honeymoon and vacation destination. The fairly large island offers a plethora of spectacular and interesting places to explore, spanning a diverse volcanic landscape, focusing on its spectacular sea and nature, and three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Click here to read 12 Things to Do in Jeju Island

19 Puerto Rico

United States

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and unincorporated U.S. territory with a diverse landscape of mountains, beaches, waterfalls, and Spanish colonial architecture. Add to that a history of plundering pirates and strategic forts, and you’ll find that Puerto Rico is the gem of the Caribbean.

Click here to read 20 Things to See in Old San Juan

18 Crete

Greece

Largest of the Greek Islands and birthplace of mythological Zeus, Crete’s stunning turquoise beaches, dramatic mountain gorges, charming harbor towns, and ancient archaeological sites make it the perfect destination for a diverse holiday.

Compared to other beautiful Greek islands like Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Koufonesia, Ios, and Naxos, Crete is huge and takes longer to explore because of so many things to do and see.

Click here to read Crete Road Trip: 10 Cool Outdoor Things to Do

17 Sao Miguel

Azores

Officially part of Portugal, São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores archipelago. Also known as “the green island,” it’s all about nature and enjoying the outdoors in São Miguel. The island is packed with volcano craters, lagoons, small rivers, natural hot springs, and waterfalls. The activities in the itinerary have a broad appeal, from scenic drives, walks, hiking, bathing in hot springs and thermal baths, whale watching, swimming, and paragliding.

Click here to read Sao Miguel Vacation Planner

16 Hvar

Croatia

Sun-drenched beaches, cobblestone lanes, ancient hilltop fortresses, and glamourous nightclubs have allegedly attracted celebrities such as Prince Harry, Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Tom Cruise. The idyllic Adriatic island has a 6,000-year-old history, a combination of relaxing and partying vibe, and impressive Venetian architecture. Sometimes called the “St. Tropez of the Adriatic,” and consistently listed in the top 10 islands by Conde Nast Traveler magazine, there are things to do in Hvar to please just about everyone!

Click here to read Hvar – Croatia’s Most Exciting Island

15 Santorini

Greece

Santorini (aka Thira) is one of the Cycladic islands located in the Aegean Sea, about halfway between Athens (one-hour flight) and Crete and about two hours from Mykonos.

Postcard-perfect, white-washed stucco structures adorn with blue domes and fuchsia bougainvillea overlook the Aegean Sea; brilliant blue surf laps onto red and black sand beaches; ancient ruins long-buried under volcanic ash.

Click here to read 6 Things to Do in Santorini

14 Fitzroy

Australia

Fitzroy Island is “where the rainforest meets the reef,” reachable by a 45-minute ferry from mainland Cairns in tropical North Queensland. The 833-acre private island is freely accessible to the public, making a Fitzroy Island day trip one of the best day trips when visiting tropical Queensland.

Located within the inner barrier of the Great Barrier Reef (one of the seven natural wonders of the world), Fitzroy Island National Park is a protected and pristine paradise of idyllic turquoise beaches, tropical rainforests, marine life, and spectacular hikes.

Click here to read Fitzroy Island Day Trip

13 Sicily

Italy

Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island, located just off the “toe” of Italy’s “boot.” magnificent beaches, charming villages, and rugged coastlines. Its rich and eclectic history includes ancient ruins and archeological sites like the Valley of the Temples, the Doric-style Greek temples, and the Byzantine mosaics at the Cappella Palatina, in Palermo. On Sicily’s eastern edge is M

Click here to read Best Things to Do in Taormina, Sicily

12 Bahamas

Caribbean

Officially known as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the sovereign country lies within the Lucayan Archipelago of the West Indies in the Atlantic. It takes up 97% of the Lucayan Archipelago’s land area and is home to 88% of the archipelago’s population. The Bahamas serve as a kind of connecting point between the Caribbean and southeast coast of Florida. The British drove pirates and buccaneers from the islands and made the Bahamas their colony.

Click here to read Bohamian Rhapsody: Bahama Cruise

11 Zanzibar

Tanzania

The epitome of exotic, Zanzibar has captured the imaginations of explorers for centuries. Known in local dialect as Unguja, Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago in the Indian Ocean, just 15 miles off the coast of East Africa known as the Swahili Coast. It’s generally visited by people who are already in Tanzania for a safari or to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. In addition to the idyllic Zanzibar beaches, the island has a rich history as a colony and trading outpost, and an eclectic mix of African, Indian, Islamic, and European culture and cuisine.

Click here to read Best Things to Do on Zanzibar

10 Isle of Skye

Scotland

The Isle of Skye is, in a word, magical. From misty mountainous landscapes and miles of craggy coastline to lush green glens, storybook Fairy Pools, lovely pastel-colored coastal villages, and ancient castles, Scotland’s most popular island is arguably the most photogenic place in the country. It’s difficult not to be enchanted by its iconic scenery, otherworldly nature, and mythical tales.

Spanning some 640 square miles, there is a diverse array of things to do on the Isle of Skye, with activities especially for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Click here to read Day Trip to the Isle of Skye

9 Cuba

Caribbean

Officially the Republic of Cuba, the island is located where the northern Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Although it’s a spectacular destination with so much to see, do, and eat, unfortunately, the country’s tumultuous past and link to communism have hurt its tourism appeal over the last several decades.

Hop in one of the colorful vintage cars that cruise past the once-decadent capital of Havana, Che Guevara signs and monuments, and along the seaside Malécon. Visiting Cuba is like stepping into a time warp.

Outside the city are the magnificent turquoise beaches of Varadero, the lush cigar farms of Viñales Valley, the candy-colored downtown of Trinidad, and the historic architecture of Cienfuegos.

Click here to read the Cuba Travel Guide

8 Oahu

Hawaii

Oahu is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands and the most popular Hawaiian Island to visit or to live in. The island is circled by stunning turquoise beaches, lush tropical forests, great snorkeling spots, hiking opportunities, and a bustling culture making it a paradise with something to offer everyone.

Click here to read Get High: Skydive Hawaii

7 Maldives

Asia

Widely considered one of the most beautiful island nations in the world, you’ve seen photos of Maldives’ highly photographed beaches. With decadent overwater bungalows cantilevered over shimmering aqua lagoons, stunning sugar-white sand beaches, and kaleidoscope sunsets dipping into the horizon, it’s no wonder the Maldives make it to the top of so many bucket lists.

Add to that the plethora of water activities, e.g. some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world with mysterious caves, dazzling coral reefs and walls, multi-colored tropical fish, captivating sea creatures like sharks, turtles, and manta rays, and the clear waters of Maldives are a magnet for outdoor adventurers.

Click here to read Which Maldives Island Is the Best?

6 Whitsundays

Australia

The Whitsundays are part of the Great Barrier Reef, with reefs that circle the islands providing superior snorkeling locations and unique habitats for marine life. Whitehaven Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with dazzling white sand made up of 98% pure silica beads that don’t retain heat from the sun, perfect for strolling.

5 Koh Phi Phi

Thailand

Navigating east across the Andaman Sea will take you to the Phi Phi islands. Don’t miss Maya Bay, the remote cove where the utopia seaside scenes in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach was filmed. The shimmering turquoise water juxtaposed against the surrounding sentinel cliffs makes it one of the most stunning beaches in the world. Close by is the sister island, Phi Phi Don with a restaurant with a very nice buffet lunch.

Click here to read Things to Do in Phuket for Couples

4 Isla Holbox

Mexico

Located at the top of the Yucatan peninsula, Isla Holbox, or Holbox Island (pronounced hole-bosh), is the best Mexican beach destination, hands-down! Think of a dreamy paradise without the crowds and chaos of Tulum or Playa del Carman, with sugar sand translucent turquoise beaches lined with swaying coconut palms. Add to that a colorful boho vibe, no paved roads, unique food choices, and the opportunity to swim with whale sharks, and you have the perfect tropical vacation spot.

Part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, you can swim with whale sharks, see bioluminescent plankton at night, kayak in the mangroves, snorkel, or just swing in a sea hammock while drinking a fresh coconut, the choice is yours.

Click here to read Holbox: Mexico’s Most Beautiful Island

3 Bali

Indonesia

An Indonesian island known for its lush terraced rice paddies, lively beaches, and cloud-capped volcanic mountains, Bali is also home to some of the world’s most magnificent temples. The island is just 8 degrees south of the equator, giving it a fairly consistent year-round climate with daytime temperatures between 68-93⁰ F in the lowlands and somewhat cooler in the mountains. Not to mention, Bali’s islands are gorgeous.

Click here to read Where to Go in Bali. #8 is a Hoot. #12 is Insane!

2 La Digue

Seychelles

The smallest of the three main inhabited islands, La Digue covers four square miles and has a population of about 3,000 people. Named after a ship of the French explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne, who visited in 1768, La Digue is close to the neighboring island Praslin and can be reached by ferry or from the main island of Mahé by ferry ($65) or also a fast catamaran – there are no airports on the island.

Arguably the most beautiful beach in the world and the most photographic beach according to National Geographic., Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue is magical. The shallow water here is surreal – variegated light turquoise and pale emerald-colored water that is crystal-clear as to be almost translucent. In fact, at low tide, it’s so clear that the rock formations below give the illusion of a coral reef.

Click here to read Seychelles Best Beaches & Activities

1 Bora Bora

French Polynesia

To most, a Bora Bora holiday conjures up images of an exotic palm-fringed, sugar-sand paradise with overwater bungalows somewhere out in the middle of the South Seas in French Polynesia, mostly visited by starry-eyed honeymooners who rarely adventure beyond their resort. Beaches in Bora Bora are considered by many to be the most beautiful in the world.

Click here to read Bora Bora Beaches, Bungalows, and Adventures

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About the Author

Patti Morrow is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and the southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.

She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the next few months.

Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.