Choosing one island destination as the most beautiful island in the world can be the toughest job for a human. Not to forget, our blue plant is mysteriously beautiful with too many paradisiacal islands. It is however possible to select the 20 most beautiful islands in the world, such as Bora Bora, Santorini, and the islands that take us through Whitsunday and its coral reef via Bali, Hawaii, or the islands of southern Thailand to name a few.
Let’s have a little tour of the world to present the top 20 of the most beautiful islands in the world. So embark to enjoy the breathtaking beaches, green landscapes dissolving in crystal blue water with countless blue lagoons and luxurious hotels. Upon a vacation on any of this island, never forget to enjoy the incredible marine diversity of flora and fauna.
20. Andaman and Nicobar Island
The Andaman and Nicobar Island in the Indian Territory of Bay of Bengal. They top the list of the most isolated, unknown, and fearsome islands in the world. The first is given by its location which is in the middle of the Gulf of Bengal and 1,370 kilometers from continental India. This beautiful tranquil island belongs to India and it is made up of 300 islands and only 37 are inhabited and only a dozen can be visited. Secondly, her ignorance and travelers need permits to enter some of the islands. There is a shortage of flights and you can reach there by ship which wills the most adventurous journey ever.
The latter, Islands of Andaman and Nicobar are fearsome which dates back to the times of Marco Polo. Polo described the inhabitants of this serene place as “the abode of men with the head of a dog.” Since then things have not changed so much.
This island is the place of ethnic groups like Sentinels or Jarawas and they do not have any law or political influence on the islands and they remain among the most dangerous in the world. Most importantly, this is among the few places, you can see the pure ancient lifestyle. No currency, no technology and neither do they care about clothing. They are ready to kill with a clean arrow anyone who sets foot in their domain. There are certain travel agencies who arranging human safari to get close to them despite the complaint by NGOs who have asked the government to prohibit it.
Don’t get worried, there are plenty of islands inhabited by civilized people like us and Port Blair is one of the rising cities in this island territory. There are many other islands where you can visit with absolute safety but never try to reach any of those restricted islands. Rest assured, Andaman is one of the most isolated islands that is supremely beautiful with many of its untouched marine life. You will be dazzled by the lush green landmass, crystal blue water, and white sandy beaches with absolute silence which will take you to another level of tranquility.
19. Cozumel, Mexico
The Land of Swallows offers its Mayan and Caribbean charm and its fantastic beaches are located just 62 km from Cancun.
If you can plan your trip to Cozumel for your pleasure, we recommend that you do it during carnivals so that you can enjoy both the natural and archaeological attractions of the island, as well as its joyous, colorful carnival festivities.
There are several important carnivals take place throughout year in Cozumel, including Pagan and Christian. Another important party is the Cedral Fair, which takes place between the end of April and the beginning of May to celebrate Santa Cruz.
The Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park is a beautiful sector of the Great Mayan Reef and a paradise for practitioners of diving, snorkeling and swimming, due to the richness of its marine life.
The most important archaeological site in Cozumel is San Gervasio. Mexican mythology says, the Mayan deity of love and fertility, the goddess Ix Chel was venerated in Gervasio.
In correspondence with the loving mythology of Cozumel, Isla de la Pasión is a small island near Cozumel. This is the most romantic Mexican destination where Mexicans aspire to marry with the conviction that the goddess will bring them a passionate existence.
18. Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
The landscape of the small Thai archipelago of Ko Phi Phi is dominated by its sturdy limestone peaks. They rise from the edge of the warm waters that lick the beaches of perfect shades of blue, with the heat tempered by the palm trees.
In 2000, actor Leonardo DiCaprio and director Danny Boyle helped Ko Phi Phi get onto world screens with the movie The Beach. After four years from the movie was shot, this beautiful island was nearly ruined by the ruthless 2004 tsunami, thanks God it has already recovered.
Ko Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island of the island group and from there day trips depart to the beautiful surrounding islands. If you are visiting this island, you must not forget to visit Kho Pha Ngan know for its wild full moon and half-moon parties that never end.
Ko Phi Phi is frequented by diving enthusiasts, swimming and other water sports lovers, who go to its beaches to enjoy the clear waters.
Monkey Beach is a beautiful place where the main vacationers are the monkeys. They brighten up the day with their jumps and noises, waiting for the visitors to neglect to take their water bottles and sunglasses.
17. Turks & Caicos
Between the Bahamas and Cuba, this mini archipelago offers a chic and grand style vacation. These islands inhibit exceptional beaches and a sea unlike many others.
Turks & Caicos is amazing destination for scuba diving which includes 14-mile barrier reef. Few people locate this archipelago of around thirty islands as holiday destination. Specifically eight are islands among thirty are inhabited and rest of them are paradisiacal tranquily. The beauty of this island forced Bruce Willis, Keith Richards or Dona Karan for owning a villa there under the coconut trees. Robert de Niro, Shakira and so many other found good fortune and made them establishing a safe haven there.
Turks and Caicos are surrounded by crystal clear sea and Robinson ambience. These stars, as soon as land their jet on the small airport of Providenciales, the economic capital of Turks and Caicos, their life is dictated only by the list of their desires. Others with more moderate expenditure also find this as a haven of peace which befits the idleness, full sun and big blue ocean. Here, people beach, take nap and spend laziness. You can experience extremely rigorous diving and quiet sailing.
The proximity of the United States and the British sovereignty is exercised over this overseas territory. Because of impeccable beauty 75% of the visitors are Anglo-Saxons. In short, English required a salty additions in dollars and local way of life closer to that of Nassau than in the ways observed in Pointe-à-Pitre. Finally, know that the sophistication of a vacation in Turks and Caicos must be measured in terms of a reputation as a tax haven. But keep in mind that this island is benevolent enough to house piles of dollars not always angelic.
16. The British Virgin Islands
It is because of their number, their beauty and virginity that Christopher Columbus baptized during his second voyage, in 1493.By allusion to the mythical 11,000 virgins of the procession of Sainte-Ursule.
The jolts of history have since split them into three political entities: the Spanish Virgin Islands under the territory of Puerto Rico, the American Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands. The island is a combination of sixty islands and islets of which only a dozen are inhabited.
One can imagine the history of Virgin Islands conquered and subdued by man long ago. It was a fault! These islands are sparsely populated and, as soon as they leave Road Town, the capital Tortola shows a serene face of a laid back beauty where huge cruise ships are.
In the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is an active port where yachts and sailboats rest. It is the residence of the governor. Its undulating central mountains, dense and endearing north and west coasts are impeccable. The picturesque laid-back Virgin Gorda affirms the pre-eminence of white sand and the passage of time which is inhabited by 4000 locals. It is chisels each day more its colossal granite rocks, reminiscent of those of Seychelles. Boaters of all stripes meet around the small “inland sea” of North Sound. They will then set sail for Jost Van Dyke which is beautifully embodied tranquility.
Extremely laid-back part, Anegada floats all the way north. This is the only coral island in the whole flat like a dab. It has only 300 to 400 inhabitants for an infinite dream which is surrounded by beaches and diving spots on the reef.
15. Galapagos Islands
Officially it is called “Colón Archipelago”, but we prefer the one that remains in use: the Galapagos. Few names have such dreamlike power and it is probably for this reason that it is rare to feel such excitement on a plane or a bus transporting passengers to their final destination.
The Galapagos Islands is an archipelago of volcanic origin located approximately 1,170 km west of the Ecuadorian coast. It has 22 islands and around a hundred islets, which cover 8,010 km². Isabela, the largest of them, is made up of 6 volcanoes.
When you arrive here, you would understand that you are not on a simple archipelago but on an unknown planet, stranded in the aqueous universe. It is a world of wonderful volcanic desolation with mysterious colors.
The Galápagos Islands are an asylum with a unique and immortal population: giant iguanas, century-old turtles, red and blue-legged boobies.
14. Saint Barth, Caribbean
This French Caribbean island, also called Saint Barth, is so beautiful and discreet that it has become a haven for movie stars and tycoons from around the world.
On the coast of San Bartolomé, beautifully contoured beaches, shaded by palm trees and endowed with rustic palm-roofed palapas, are strung together with the nearby green hills offering a protective framework.
Saint Bartholomew was one of the few American territories ruled by Sweden, a kingdom that administered the island between the 18th and 19th centuries. The capital city is called Gustavia precisely in honor of King Gustav III of Sweden.
Gustavia is the best place on the island for tourists looking for their favorite international food and its exclusive boutiques are to pale for the reputation of the brands, but also for the prices.
San Barth’s cuisine is predominantly French, fresh and light, which you can pair with the best wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux and other wine regions of the mother country.
Creole culinary art also has its place in San Bartolomé, with tasty dishes such as stuffed crab, black pudding, chrsitophine, which is a legume of common consumption in the Antilles and fritters or accras.
If money isn’t your problem, the seductive and very private island of San Bartolomé is the most glamorous Caribbean destination you can imagine.
13. Sardinia, Italy
The Sardinians are totally proud of its white sandy beaches, its steep peaks that act as rocky sentinels, for the beautiful coves and its archaeological treasures.
Slender columns facing the Gulf of Oristano are preserved in the ancient Phoenician and Roman city of Tharros. The ruins of ancient baths and the foundations of a pagan temple are standing still.
The Sardinian capital, Cagliari, has beautiful buildings, ancient ruins such as the Roman Amphitheater, and an interesting Archaeological Museum.
In the old small town of Sácer, the Turritana University, the Ducal Palace, the Duomo of San Nicolás and the Rosello fountain stand out.
The Gorropu Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in Europe, with points at which it reaches a height of 500 meters.
Gorropu practitioners of extreme sports feel an overwhelming silence, only altered by the fall of some waterfalls and the sound of wildlife species.
In Alghero known as Barceloneta for having been repopulated during the middle Ages by Catalan settlers, the walls, towers and fortifications seem to pull the town towards the Middle Ages. However, Alghero is very lively for being a university city.
12. Whitsunday Islands, Australia
The Whitsunday is a group of 70 islands located on the Great Barrier Reef, are the Australian version of the most charming Caribbean archipelago.
Tourists from around the world come to enjoy, favorite pastimes on the islands particularly for sailing and diving on coral reefs that is blended with marine fauna.The fragility of the ecosystems has made this area to be protected through a system of 6 national parks.
Some of the islands have trekking circuits and dense tropical forests where exploration enthusiasts go deep. Whitehaven Beach offers radiant silica sands facing a beautiful turquoise sea. Accommodations on the Whitsunday Islands range from beachfront backpackers’ camps to spaces for eco-retreats and luxury accommodations.
Those who dream to get married in a peaceful, exotic and new place, the Whitsunday Islands are the right place. The islands are Australia’s top romantic destination, with the highest rates of marriage proposals and honeymoons per square meter in the entire huge ocean country.
11. Saint Lucia
Santa Lucía or Saint Lucia is one of those islands where you do not go only for its beaches, since, it has beautiful sandbanks. But it offers other charms, such as its imposing volcanic peaks with lush landscapes and spectacular views. Lucia has beautiful waterfalls, thermal waters and the picturesque Caribbean towns.
The geographical symbol of the island is the Pitons Mountains. Two mountains are elevated more than 700 meters above sea level. These two iconic mountains also appear on the national flag Saint Lucia and in all tourist brochures. Most interestingly, one of the Pitons represents the black race and the other the white.
Santa Lucia’s wide beaches are shaded by slender coconut trees and comfortable resorts are installed to attract tourists during the coldest season in the northern hemisphere, particularly between December and April.
The capital, Castries, is annually touched by dozens of cruises and the town of Soufriere. Apart from its beautiful beaches, it has a botanical garden with sulphurous baths that delighted the young Josefina, before becoming Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife.
The Amerindian, African, British and French heritage of Saint Lucia produced an interesting gastronomic syncretism, in which fish and shellfish, ground meats and tropical fruits and vegetables are fused.
10. Capri, Italy
This island is situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea which falls under the Gulf of Naples and it is full of charms. The Blue Grotto is an amazing cave where the sea is a deep blue color and where visitors rehearse their faculties as opera singers to test the acoustics of the place.
The old town of Capri is car free, so it is very pleasant to walk for pure relaxation or enter shops to buy an item from an exclusive Italian brand, or sit down to enjoy a coffee in front of the popular Piazzetta.
One of the most famous historical places in Capri is Villa Jovis. the emperor Tiberius ordered to set a house as a retirement home and in which he lived his last 11 years.
Likewise, the rest of the residences of Julius Caesar and Augustus testify to the importance of Capri for the great figures of the Roman Empire. From Monte Solaro de Anacapri, an elevation of 586 meters high, you have the most wonderful views of the island and the gulf.
In the Anacapri area, you should also take a tour of the Carthusian Monastery of San Giacomo, a 14th century building of overwhelming beauty, located high on the edge of the sea; the Casa Rossa, with an interesting exhibition of archaeological pieces; and the Barbarossa Castle, witness to the invasion of the island by the famous pirate.
9. Fiji
Fiji is an island group that meets all the requirements to be classified as the “fantasy island”.
Its smooth white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters and coral reefs are fantastic for diving, surfing, fishing or just resting.
Fiji’s largest island is Viti Levu and the country’s capital Suva is located in this gorgeous landscape. In Suva, attractive buildings of colonial and modern architecture mix, and it is the ideal place in Fiji to spend a night in clubs and bars in a totally safe environment.
Taveuni is called the “garden island” of Fiji for its varied and beautiful flora. The 180 ° meridian passes through Taveuni, which is the imaginary international date change line.
In Fiji you cannot miss the Lovo, a dish of sweet meat, fish and vegetables, prepared with a system similar to that of the Mexican barbecue. They also prepare a delicious Ceviche salted with a coconut cream.
8. Kauai, USA
Kauai, the oldest of the volcanic Hawaiian Islands is also called the “Garden Island”. Currents flow from the mountains that occupy the central part of the island, cascading between the lava cliffs and the intoxicating fragrance of tropical flowers.
The beauty of the island is a combination of its exuberant flora due to the abundant rains. The velvety rocky ridges pushed up from the ocean floor by tectonic movements and the spectacular beaches of the coastal perimeter.
Mount Kawaikini is at 1,598 meters above sea level, and Mount Waiʻaleʻale, at 1,570 meters above sea level. They are the highest points on Kauai and are among the rainiest places in the world, with rainfall of up to 17,300 mm.
Beneath the cobalt blue sea surface, countless turtles and tropical fish swim among the coral reefs, delighting divers and swimmers from all over the world.
Kauai moves at a more relaxed pace than other Hawaiian islands and its Edenic coasts, such as Na Pali, are a gift for the 5 senses.
7. The Dalmatia Islands, Croatia
Dalmatian Islands are located in the Adriatic Sea which is standing off the mainland coast of Croatia. It a beautiful mixes of laid-back charms with relatively rich history.
The island towns are picturesque and dotted with cozy inns, small boutique hotels and typical restaurants with splendid views towards the sparkling sea.
The island of Brac has the famous Zlatni Rat beach and an excellent Croatian wine that was already praised by Pliny the Elder in the days of the Roman Empire and you will be mesmerized with its cheeses.
Another of the favorite islands of tourists is Hvar, the “Madeira of the Adriatic”, with its beautiful coves, Gothic temples. Its air is perfumed by the aromas of lavender and rosemary.
Korcula is a Dalmatian island with white red roofed houses and pristine beaches, where you can visit the rustic medieval house. According to the locals, the famous traveler Marco Polo was born in this famous island.
Mljet is a forested island of volcanic origin, with numerous ravines and gorges, and several salt lakes that form in the depressions below sea level.
6. Cook Islands
If you had to live a castaway experience in the South Pacific and if you had the possibility to select, you would definitely choose to make your next vacation destination in the Cook Islands.
Cook Island has 15 islands located between Samoa and French Polynesia, with volcanic peaks, beaches guarded by palm trees, smooth sandbanks and waters that dazzle with their turquoise blue color.
In the 18th century these were claimed for the British crown by the famous navigator James Cook, from whom they took the name. These islands currently have a free association political agreement with New Zealand, a country with which they have strong cultural ties.
The main tourist center of Cook Islands is Rarotonga, with wonderful beaches, magnificent hotels and overwater bungalows.
Mexicans will feel at home on the Cook Islands, as locals often cook in the nell’umukai, an oven dug in the ground where fish, meats, and vegetables are roasted on banana leaves.
Are you ready to imagine that you are a 21st century Robinson Crusoe in Cook Islands? The good thing is that you will not spend 28 years of isolation as the famous novel character, but a spectacular vacation of a few weeks.
5. Bali, Indonesia
The 5,700 kms of Bali brings together some of the most fascinating beaches on the planet, with a varied cultural heritage, mainly through its Hindu temples, music and other indigenous manifestations.
This exotic island, with its territory dotted by electric green rice paddies and dreamy sandbanks, is an excellent destination for sunbathing, surfing, swimming and enjoying its haunting cuisine.
In Balinese cuisine, Babi Guring is distinguished as a dish made from different parts of the pork accompanied by the inevitable rice. The Gado Gado is another famous choice that is made with vegetables sautéed with peanut sauce and shrimp biscuits. And the Satay, deliciously sauced chicken skewers is one of the iconic foods to taste.
The Besakih Mother Temple, located on the slopes of Mount Agunges, is the largest and most sacred in Bali. It is made up of 22 different temples, among which those dedicated to the Hindu trinity.
Another typical attraction of Bali is its folk music, performed by gamelan, a group in which instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, membranophones, bamboo flutes, gongs and string instruments participate.
4. Santorini, Greece
Santorini is basically what remains of a monumental volcanic explosion that shook the Aegean Sea thousands of years ago, destroying the ancient territories and forming this radiant archipelago now enjoyed by tourists.
The white villas of Santorini are staggered on the steep slopes of the mountains, with some that seem like, at any moment they are going to rush to take a dip in the sea.
The settlements of Fira and Oia, built on top of the lava cliffs, are the most picturesque and exclusive in Santorini.
Bougainvilleas adorn the gardens everywhere, brightening the atmosphere with a symphony of pinks, magentas, reds, and purples.
Santorini is home to the Acrotiri archaeological site, with ceramics and murals from the Minoan civilization, beautifully preserved. Thanks to the preservative role of volcanic lava that covered them for centuries.
Mediterranean culinary art manifests itself in its entire splendor in Santorini and if you feel like snacking, we recommend the local Tararmasalata, the tasty Greek preparation made with fish roe, bread, olives, onion and lemon juice. Another delicious choice is Keféis, some spicy meat balls.
3. Seychelles
Seychelles is a beautiful archipelago of 115 tropical islands in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern mainland coast of Africa.
To a large extent it is practically virgin territory, and only 33 of the 115 islands are inhabited. Most of the islands are considered as beautiful coral atolls full of marine life. The main islands are granitic and coral and have humid jungle areas with rich biodiversity.
The beaches with transparent waters and shaded by palm trees are usually dotted with giant rocks. The Seychelles bodies of water are sanctuaries of marine life, so underwater sports practitioners will have a blast.
One of the endemic and symbolic species of Seychelles is the clown fish that comes with intense color and happy to live among anemones.
Seychelles is also a gastronomic paradise and there you have to taste a fish barbecue accompanied by a “millardaire” salad, whose main component is the fresh hearts of palm.
Another attraction of Seychelles is the abundance of fish in its sport fishing areas, which is why many anglers on the planet go to the African island republic to exercise their favorite entertainment.
2. Maldives
This archipelago of 26 atolls and some 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean is home to some of the most beautiful and enchanting island spaces in the world.
The waters of the sea in the Maldives are crystalline and bright turquoise blue, bathing in dazzling white sand. Maldives is also considered to have the most beautiful flights in the world.
The Republic of the Maldives is the lowest country on the planet with an average altitude of 1.5 meters above sea level and a maximum altitude of only 2.3 meters above sea level, which makes it particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and in high risk of getting submerged in the ocean.
Beneath the fascinating waters, coral reefs flourish, attracting divers and swimmers from around the world.
Surfers also gather in the Maldives to practice their favorite entertainment in a paradisiacal setting and away from the madding crowd. One of the most beautiful flights in the world is considered to be in the Maldives that provides the sight of impeccable beauty of the island.
Back on land, luxury hotels offer maximum comfort and the perfect starting points for adventures centered on the sea. This is the greatest asset of this beautiful archipelago seriously threatened by climate change which can be saved by our individual smart actions.
The Maldives are farsighted and are using the vast resources provided by tourism to buy continental land, to which they will eventually have to migrate if their country is covered by the waters. Therefore it time to enjoy this island as soon as possible or you have to regret for the rest of the life!
1.Bora Bora Island
Bora Bora is a beautiful island surrounded by archipelago where you would love to get lost. It is in the Pacific Ocean formed with a group of islands that belongs to the French Republic. As a part of the supremely beautiful French Polynesian reason, Bora Bora is located in the western part of the Society Islands. Historical data says, Bora Bora Island is the cause of an extinct volcanic eruption which was surrounded by crystal clear water. This leeward island belongs to the South Pacific of the French Polynesia Archipelago known as “May ti pora” in the Tahitian language, which simply translates “Creation of gods”, the name that succeeds because of its impeccable beauty.
The island is an atoll with a central mountainous sector and a beautiful lagoon with islets, surrounded by the ring of coral reefs.
The lagoon is a dazzling turquoise blue and is full of specimens of marine fauna, such as turtles, multi-colored fish, rays and other species that can almost be taken by hand, delighting divers, snorkelers and swimmers.
Due to its French cultural heritage, its beauty Bora Bora adds the fascinating French gastronomy seasoned with the local touch, such as fish fillets in coconut milk.
To drink, nothing better than a Maitai, a cocktail made from white rum, pineapple, grenadine, cointreaux, and lime and coconut juice. A tropical delight!
The most captivating accommodations in Bora Bora are its typical bungalows raised on stilts in the lagoon, where it is wonderful to fall asleep to the soft lullaby of the sea.
